Tech resources + tools

Retro sites with no SSL (View them on your retro tech!)

General resources

Macintosh Garden: Abandonware software for Apple devices
Internet Archive: Software, books, manuals, and more can be found here for older devices
webOS Archive: Abandonware software and large community for Palm/HP webOS devices
PalmDB: Abandonware software for Palm OS devices
The Retro Web: Documentation of retro hardware

Software I use

Legacy Update: Update old versions of Windows (Windows 2000 and up) that are unable to reach Microsoft update servers

Windows Update Restored: For updating Windows 9x versions and NT 4

WebOne HTTP Proxy Server: WebOne is a proxy server for devices that don't support modern SSL or the modern web in general. Built using Microsoft .NET 6.0, it will run on Windows or Linux systems. I run this using a Raspberry Pi Model 3B with Raspberry Pi OS Lite connected to a network via ethernet

WaybackProxy: This is a slightly different proxy and tunnels requests through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine
Disk Jockey: Simple-to-use disk image creator and analyser for your retro computers (or emulators!)
balenaEtcher: Flash OS images to SD cards & USB drives, safely and easily

Hardware I use

LILIWELL industrial CompactFlash card: I have found these work well in CF-to-IDE adapters as they are in fixed disk by default
TP-Link TL-SG105, 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
TP-Link AV1000, Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit: I don't get close to 1Gbps with these, but they are reliable
BrosTrend WiFi to Ethernet Adapter

Tools I use

PINECIL Mini Soldering Iron (Version 2): I was worried this would be underpowered but it's worked great for me thus far. I power it with a MacBook Pro power adapter and Apple USB-C power cable
Hakko CHP 3-SA Stainless Steel Non-Magnetic Precision Tweezers, 4-3/4" Length
CD/DVD holder with 168 slots
Amazon Basics 4-Shelf Adjustable, Heavy Duty Storage Shelving Unit: Strong, solid, easy to put together storage shelves
CRST Heavy Duty Surge Protector Power Strip, 5A/1875W Circuit Breaker, 1960 Joules, ETL Listed: Hasn't caught fire at my workbench so that's good
Hapfish LED Light Bar for Desk: This clamp-on-desk light bar lamp is amazing. Very bright, dimmable, adjustable, perfect for a workbench
Aven 13016 9 Piece Anti-Static Alignment Tool Kit: For CRT alignment and such
Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter: Great for soldering work, trimming leads, et cetera.
iFixit Anti-Static Wrist Strap
Silicone Heat Resistant Work Mat for Soldering
XPOWER A-2 Airrow Pro Electric Air Duster
iFixit Cut-Resistant ESD Gloves
Antidious Fume Extractor for Soldering
Hosa D5S6 DeoxIT Contact Cleaner

Favorite YouTubers