Once again, I've compiled a list of some free software I've recently come across that I'd like to share with you all.
Some of it is just for plain fun, others, you may just find a little useful:
Nerdy Computer Stuff (isn't it all?)
Commodore Vice Emulator
If you're into the whole retro computer thing, VICE is just the thing for you.
VICE allows you to run an emulation of the old Commodore computers (such as the VIC-20 and the Commodore 64) on your modern Windows, Mac or Linux computer without having to go to the trouble of acquiring 40 year old hardware.
There's a ton of cartridge and tape game ROM files available on the internet for your retro gaming entertainment.
Neverware Cloudready
Cloudready is a version of the Google Chrome OS that is available for download and installation on your own hardware.
Those of you that are familiar with the Chrome OS are probably aware that it only runs on devices that are sold with it pre-installed.
Cloudready, has a 64 bit version will run on virtually anything, and a 32 bit version that will run on around 200 different computer models, such as low powered netbooks.
The magic of Cloudready is that it's great for turning old hardware into a usable computer again. Most Chrome OS systems have pretty lean resource requirements. so if you've got an old laptop with a dual core Intel processor and 2GB of RAM or more, Cloudready will run like a bat out of hell.
Once you've installed it (which was as easy as falling over), log in with your Google account and your ready to go.
AGS Adventure Game Studio
Remember the old Sierra adventure games from the 80s, like Space Quest and Police Quest? Well, if you're the creative type and want to make your own vintage game in that style, AGS is the platform that will let you do it very easily.
The hardest part is creating your own art to supply it with, but there's a lot of stock material for the taking if you're feeling lazy.
There's also a ton of games people have already created, so if you're feeling like playing something vintage, but new, here you go.
When I have more time, this is something I'd like to waste it on.
Quest
Before there were graphic text adventure games, there were... you guessed it, text only adventure games. I played a number of very challenging titles back on the Commodore VIC-20 (Pirate's Cove and The Count were a couple of very good ones). You can play them again on the previously mentioned VICE emulator, by the way.
Quest is software that will let you write you own text adventures, or create "Choose your own adventure" stories.
So, if you're not artsy, but have the writing bug, this is a pretty cool package to try out. There's also a ton of community created games ready to play.
Inkscape
In a previous list I mentioned Gimp, a free open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Inkscape is a free open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
It would likely pair well with the Adventure Game Studio.
Why pay hundreds of dollars when you don't have to?
ImgBurn
While Windows has come a long way in providing disc burning capabilities in their operating systems, it can be at times, a bit limited still. ImgBurn, provides a wider range of options that suits all my purposes when I need it.
Of course, who needs to burn discs regularly anymore?
Calibre
A comprehensive e-book management tool and reader.
Begin
One of the very first Star Trek themed games I remember encountering. It has been lovingly upgraded so you can enjoy all the dos-themed primitiveness in a modern Windows environment.
It's still incredibly challenging, and it's great for killing a few minutes here or there... or an hour or two once you've been sucked in.
Ur Quon Masters
Another great old game from the 90s (it used to be called Star Control II) that's been modernized to run on a Windows platform. Hours of fun, and the two player mode is a great time waster.
The Wayback Machine
On the internet, virtually nothing is truly forgotten thanks in part to the Internet Archive: Wayback Machine.
This non-profit group has put a lot of time and effort into preserving the world wide web of the past, taking frequent snap shots of the worlds websites over time. You can happily lose hours visiting the very first primitive websites of various companies before anyone really knew what they were supposed to be doing with this new fangled technology.
They've also preserved thousands of old games, which are playable in your browser.
And of course, if you come across any cool software on your own, let me know about it so I can review and share.
Some of it is just for plain fun, others, you may just find a little useful:
Nerdy Computer Stuff (isn't it all?)
Commodore Vice Emulator
If you're into the whole retro computer thing, VICE is just the thing for you.
VICE allows you to run an emulation of the old Commodore computers (such as the VIC-20 and the Commodore 64) on your modern Windows, Mac or Linux computer without having to go to the trouble of acquiring 40 year old hardware.
There's a ton of cartridge and tape game ROM files available on the internet for your retro gaming entertainment.
Neverware Cloudready
Cloudready is a version of the Google Chrome OS that is available for download and installation on your own hardware.
Those of you that are familiar with the Chrome OS are probably aware that it only runs on devices that are sold with it pre-installed.
Cloudready, has a 64 bit version will run on virtually anything, and a 32 bit version that will run on around 200 different computer models, such as low powered netbooks.
The magic of Cloudready is that it's great for turning old hardware into a usable computer again. Most Chrome OS systems have pretty lean resource requirements. so if you've got an old laptop with a dual core Intel processor and 2GB of RAM or more, Cloudready will run like a bat out of hell.
Once you've installed it (which was as easy as falling over), log in with your Google account and your ready to go.
AGS Adventure Game Studio
Remember the old Sierra adventure games from the 80s, like Space Quest and Police Quest? Well, if you're the creative type and want to make your own vintage game in that style, AGS is the platform that will let you do it very easily.
The hardest part is creating your own art to supply it with, but there's a lot of stock material for the taking if you're feeling lazy.
There's also a ton of games people have already created, so if you're feeling like playing something vintage, but new, here you go.
When I have more time, this is something I'd like to waste it on.
Quest
Before there were graphic text adventure games, there were... you guessed it, text only adventure games. I played a number of very challenging titles back on the Commodore VIC-20 (Pirate's Cove and The Count were a couple of very good ones). You can play them again on the previously mentioned VICE emulator, by the way.
Quest is software that will let you write you own text adventures, or create "Choose your own adventure" stories.
So, if you're not artsy, but have the writing bug, this is a pretty cool package to try out. There's also a ton of community created games ready to play.
Inkscape
In a previous list I mentioned Gimp, a free open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Inkscape is a free open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
It would likely pair well with the Adventure Game Studio.
Why pay hundreds of dollars when you don't have to?
ImgBurn
While Windows has come a long way in providing disc burning capabilities in their operating systems, it can be at times, a bit limited still. ImgBurn, provides a wider range of options that suits all my purposes when I need it.
Of course, who needs to burn discs regularly anymore?
Calibre
A comprehensive e-book management tool and reader.
Begin
One of the very first Star Trek themed games I remember encountering. It has been lovingly upgraded so you can enjoy all the dos-themed primitiveness in a modern Windows environment.
It's still incredibly challenging, and it's great for killing a few minutes here or there... or an hour or two once you've been sucked in.
Ur Quon Masters
Another great old game from the 90s (it used to be called Star Control II) that's been modernized to run on a Windows platform. Hours of fun, and the two player mode is a great time waster.
The Wayback Machine
On the internet, virtually nothing is truly forgotten thanks in part to the Internet Archive: Wayback Machine.
This non-profit group has put a lot of time and effort into preserving the world wide web of the past, taking frequent snap shots of the worlds websites over time. You can happily lose hours visiting the very first primitive websites of various companies before anyone really knew what they were supposed to be doing with this new fangled technology.
They've also preserved thousands of old games, which are playable in your browser.
And of course, if you come across any cool software on your own, let me know about it so I can review and share.
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