“Web Server Like It’s 1998 with This Restored Internet Appliance”

In the late ’90s, the internet was a much different place than it is today. Websites were static pages filled with text, buttons, and basic HTML. But for those who remember the early days of the internet, there’s a sense of nostalgia that comes with revisiting the past. That’s where the restored internet appliance comes in. This updated version of an old web server allows users to experience the internet as it was in 1998 – complete with slow loading times and limited functionality. But for those who long for a simpler time, it’s a way to reconnect with the internet of yesteryear. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the restored internet appliance and the experience it offers.


The articleBody is a discussion about a retro internet experience that will appeal to both those who experienced the early days of the Internet and those who didn’t. The experience is provided by a server that was part of it and is available through The Serial Port, a virtual museum dedicated to 90s technology. The article explains that the Cobalt RaQ 3 servers were the first true “Internet appliance” and highlights their simplicity in setting up and operating. The servers were designed to be plug-and-play and were a popular choice for small businesses wanting to get online. The article describes how curators [Mark] and [Ben] found a pair of the servers from the late 1990s and managed to restore one to working order despite leaky caps that needed replacing. The restored server was used to host a gloriously retro home page that captures the essence of the 90s internet, complete with a visitor counter, mixed fonts, an “Under Construction” animated GIF and guestbook. The article praises [Mark] and [Ben] for keeping this slice of computing history alive.


In conclusion, this restored internet appliance takes us back to the early days of the world wide web, when things were less complicated, and servers were run from one’s own home. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember the early days of the internet, and a fascinating look back for those who were too young to experience it the first time around. While modern web servers offer more features and functionality, there’s something to be said for the simplicity and charm of this restored internet appliance. Maybe it’s time to slow down and experience the web like it’s 1998 again.