In a remarkable display of the adaptability of modern porting tools, several notable Windows applications are finding new life on Linux. This trend is underscored by the recent efforts of a skilled programmer and a Register reader, who have successfully brought iconic enterprise tools to the Linux platform. While the arrival of Microsoft 3D Movie Maker may not have been the catalyst for many to transition to Linux, its availability is certainly a nostalgic nod to the past.
Among the classics making a comeback is the beloved Space Cadet Pinball, originally part of the Microsoft Plus Pack for Windows 95, which debuted 31 years ago. The Reg FOSS desk recently highlighted a heartfelt blog post by Lily Siwik, who reminisced about her early experiences with computers. Her opening lines resonate with many, as she expresses her lifelong love for technology:
I love computers. I have all my life.
However, her subsequent revelation about being born in 2003 serves as a gentle reminder of the passage of time, evoking a sense of nostalgia for those who remember the early days of computing.
Siwik recalls her first computer, a Windows XP desktop that belonged to her grandmother, which she used around 2008. While some may view Windows XP as a challenging introduction to the world of computing, it has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on many users. In fact, a few years ago, a piece titled “Want to live dangerously? Try running Windows XP in 2023” garnered attention for its exploration of running this vintage operating system on modern hardware.
For those adventurous enough to install 64-bit Windows XP on a contemporary dual-core laptop, the experience can be surprisingly swift, though it comes with the risk of encountering outdated malware. In contrast, Windows 95 presents a more significant challenge, as its limitations prevent it from starting on machines with more than 480 MB of RAM, a fact explained by Raymond Chen back in 2003.
Space Cadet Pinball
In a previous report, The Register discussed the unfortunate discontinuation of 3D Pinball for Windows, following up on Chen’s earlier inquiries about its removal from Windows Vista. Fortunately, enthusiasts can rejoice as Space Cadet Pinball has made its return. Recently, Oracle Linux developer Stephen Brennan shared insights on how to run Space Cadet Pinball on Linux.
The Space Cadet table, a fan favorite, has been decompiled and rebuilt, now available across 14 different platforms, including Linux. Thanks to Muzychenko Andrey, this version can be found on GitHub, specifically under the repository SpaceCadetPinball. While it may not be officially listed, its compatibility with Linux is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving gaming history.
3D Movie Maker
While Full Tilt! Pinball may not have been open-sourced, Microsoft 3D Movie Maker presents a different case. As reported by The Reg in 2022, Microsoft released the source code for this nostalgic application, allowing developers to explore its potential. Mark Cave-Ayland, a Reg reader, recently shared exciting news about a new fork that enables 3D Movie Maker to run on Linux.
Four years after the original 3D Movie Maker code was open-sourced, we finally now have a fork over at https://github.com/benstone/3DMMEx that can run on Linux.
Cave-Ayland and his collaborator Ben Stone have dedicated the past 15 months to this project, which not only supports Linux but also includes bug fixes, 64-bit compatibility, and even builds for ARM64 Windows. Their efforts are documented in a detailed two-part blog series, outlining the challenges and triumphs of porting 3D Movie Maker to Linux.
As they continue to refine their work, the duo is also exploring the possibility of creating a version for Raspberry Pi, further expanding the reach of this cherished software. The revival of these classic applications on Linux showcases the enduring appeal of nostalgia and the innovative spirit of the developer community.
