jb1905 / macintosh.js

A virtual Apple Macintosh with System 8, running in Electron. I'm sorry.

macintosh.js

This is Mac OS 8, running in an Electron app pretending to be a 1991 Macintosh Quadra. Yes, it's the full thing. I'm sorry.

Downloads

	Windows	macOS	Linux
Standalone Download	📦Standalone, 32-bit 📦Standalone, 64-bit	📦Standalone
Installer	💽Setup, 64-bit 💽Setup, 32-bit		💽deb, 64-bit 💽rpm, 64-bit

Does it work?

Yes! Quite well, actually - on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Bear in mind that this is written entirely in JavaScript, so please adjust your expectations. The virtual machine is emulating a 1991 Macintosh Quadra 900 with a Motorola CPU, which Apple used before switching to the PowerPC architecture (Apple/IBM/Motorola) in the mid 1990s.

Should this have been a native app?

Absolutely.

Does it run my favorite game or app?

The short answer is "Yes". In fact, you'll find various games and demos preinstalled, thanks to an old MacWorld Demo CD from 1997. Namely, Oregon Trail, Duke Nukem 3D, Civilization II, Alley 19 Bowling, Damage Incorporated, and Dungeons & Dragons.

There are also various apps and trials preinstalled, including Photoshop 3, Premiere 4, Illustrator 5.5, StuffIt Expander, the Apple Web Page Construction Kit, and more.

Can I transfer files from and to the machine?

Yes, you can. Click on the "Help" button at the bottom of the running app to see instructions. You can transfer files directly - or mount disk images.

Can I connect to the Internet?

No. For what it's worth, the web was quite different 30 years ago - and you wouldn't be able to open even Google. However, Internet Explorer and Netscape are installed, as is the "Web Sharing Server", if you want to play around a bit.

Should I use this for [serious application]?

Probably not. This is a toy - it's not the best nor the most performant way to emulate an old Macintosh. It is, however, a quick and easy way to experience a bit of nostalgia if you're not trying to do anything serious with it.

Credits

Please check out the CREDITS! This app wouldn't be possible with the hard work of Christian Bauer and James Friend, who did everything that seems like computing magic here.

License

This project is provided for educational purposes only. It is not affiliated with and has not been approved by Apple.