Technology

Enthusiasts bond twelve 56K modems together to set dial-up broadband records — a dozen screeching boxes achieve record 668 kbps download speeds

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Sep 27, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Tech enthusiasts successfully bond twelve 56K modems using Multilink PPP technology to achieve record download speeds of 668.8 kbps, allowing them to stream YouTube on dial-up internet. The setup includes an era-appropriate Windows XP PC, a Cisco VoIP unit, and serial port PCI cards. Multilink PPP technology, which combines multiple modems' bandwidth, was explored as a solution for faster internet before ISDN and ADSL. Despite challenges with driver clashes and scaling, the team managed to connect 12 modems to the Windows XP machine, demonstrating the potential of MPPP technology. This achievement hints at the possibility of setting a new world record for modem bonding.

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You can now run Linux on your ancient Windows 95 desktop with a new tool — very old Windows PCs, back to Intel 486, can cooperatively run very modern Linux kernels with WSL9x

A new tool called WSL9x allows ancient Windows 95 desktops, even those with Intel 486 CPUs, to run modern Linux kernels cooperatively with Windows. The tool, shared by a computer tinkerer on Codeberg, enables users to run Windows and Linux apps side-by-side with a modern Linux kernel within early Windows versions. WSL9x consists of a patched Linux kernel, a VxD driver, and wsl.com, and does not require hardware virtualization. Users can enjoy the capabilities of both operating systems simultaneously without the need for reboots. In contrast, Linux is phasing out support for the 37-year-old Intel 486 CPU, with a patch expected to be merged into Linux 7.1, signaling the end of i486 kernel image builds.

Tom's Hardware•

1 week ago

Enthusiast ‘lands’ on the moon using hardware from the 1980s — ZX Spectrum home computer with 3.5 MHz CPU and 48KB of memory power Kerbal space flight

Space enthusiast and YouTuber Scott Manley used a ZX Spectrum, a home computer from the 1980s, to successfully "land" on the moon in the Kerbal Space Program simulator. The ZX Spectrum, with a 3.5 MHz CPU and 48KB of memory, controlled the virtual spacecraft in the simulation. Despite its limitations compared to modern computers, the ZX Spectrum's capabilities were highlighted in this feat. Manley had to creatively program the device to operate the virtual spacecraft and connect it to the simulator using a proprietary storage system with an RS232 Serial port. This achievement showcases the ingenuity of past engineers who landed on the moon with less powerful computers than what we have today.

Tom's Hardware•

2 months ago

Build Your Own Commodore 64 Cartridge

In a recent article by Stephen Cass, special projects editor at IEEE Spectrum, he details how to create your own Commodore 64 cartridge using free software and inexpensive parts. The article discusses the process of manufacturing cartridges to bring a Commodore 64 to life for an exhibit. The DIY project involves assembly programming and is a nod to vintage computers. The article was published on October 28, 2025, and provides a step-by-step guide for enthusiasts interested in retro tech projects.

IEEE Spectrum•

8 months ago

Hacker News

The Obsessively Complete Infocom Catalog

This article discusses the creation of a comprehensive Infocom game catalog that includes source code and compiled game files. The catalog features various Infocom games like Zork, Deadline, and Enchanter, along with details on different versions and modifications. The catalog is a result of efforts by Jason Scott and others to preserve and make available these classic text adventure games. The article also touches on the historical significance of these games and the challenges in compiling and organizing the vast amount of data.

Hacker News•