A 1980s PDP-11 is still running Unix – and now you can watch
Yeah, you'd like that, wouldn't you?
In the 1980s, former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer brought a PDP-11 minicomputer back to life and made it accessible online. This vintage hardware, still powered by a Unix-derived operating system, displays its running processes continuously, much like a modern Task Manager. Plummer, who grew up tinkering with such systems, was drawn to the PDP-11's multiuser capabilities and developed a fascination with the 'ps' and 'top' commands that provide insights into system activity.
He even attempted to have an AI generate a modern 'top' implementation for his machine, but it was completed successfully just a few years later. The site updates the process list every five seconds, offering a glimpse into the hardware's workings through a nostalgic, amber-colored interface. Among the running processes, visitors might observe 'inetd', responsible for launching internet servers like 'ftpd' and 'httpd', and 'sendmail', handling email correspondence.
This project bridges the past and present, showcasing the enduring allure of early Unix systems and the dedication of enthusiasts who preserve their legacy.
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