https://web.archive.org/web/20260226093719/https://www.dvd30...
First time I heard MIDI was Windows 98 already. Graphics of Windows was still slow compared to DOS, but Windows 98 offered more experience. Other developers were raising questions why do they write slow programs for Windows when they could write fast programs for DOS. From times of sound card arrival I recall that there was a bridge between CD-ROM and soundcard, and DOS Navigator could control playback of CD tracks, and that was they way we had music for ordinary activity.
Most memories about MIDI are related to custom Duke Nukem 3D maps. Custom maps sometimes included custom graphics in ART files and custom music in MIDI format. Duke Nukem 3D is the most recognized MIDI player. In Windows I could download Macromedia Flash file, observe the slide show, think "guys, when will you learn to program?" Exit Windows, run Duke Nukem 3D, wonder why can some programmers deliver real time 3D graphics, and other programmers cannot even draw 2D. Oh, and MIDI plays in the background because Duke Nukem 3D music is MIDI.
As an aside, that keyboard in particular had the best click I've ever experienced.
I've been scratching my head for years and my searches have never found it, but there has to be some white beards here that can recall it.
I remember there were some really cool options available, I believe in a square format for better tiling. If anyone can remember and post a link or archive I would very much appreciate it.
https://github.com/BenjaminHCCarr/PropagandaTiles
Seems to match what's in the desktop-backgrounds RPM on this ISO (CD 1)
If I'm just browsing/chatting, I'll often just have one floating window centered.
It just depends on what I'm doing, how focused I am on task and how much space I really have.
Its a lot like papers on a desk, and I know tons of folks here don't care for that model but I quite like it, especially in conjunction with stage manager.
one is “Mastering Windows 3.1”
it’s fun to run in the background while working
for your enjoyment, here’s a similar 3.1 tutorial video from that era uploaded to YouTube
Whatever. The end result is that patterns are forgotten and omitted from retro background collections.
"Why did Windows 7, for a few months, log on slower if you have a solid color background?"
https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20250428-00/?p=11...
On CRT displays, did these not cause visual problems in the same way? I remember having no trouble looking at these years ago.
That’s long enough in tech to be considered retro in and of itself… let alone the age of these tiled backgrounds!
And the kid could be born when this upload was done, and now be downloading!
Edit: I guess the package still exists, even though many desktop refuse to tile jpg. :/
Also, with an IRC client and the public servers from https:/bitlbee.org you can connect most modern protocols such as Jabber/Mastodon/Discord and the like and still be communicated.
Usenet it's usenet, still works with http://www.eternal-september.org, there are still good newsgroups out there, from computers to misc.news.internet.discuss .
Tried it as my background for a bit as it looks good tiled, but mainly used the two tartans or just a solid blue.
Thanks for sharing. :-)
