TL;DR
A web site offers a live, browser-accessible terminal running Unix v4 from 1973, emulated on a PDP-11/45. The service uses SIMH and ttyd, provides a few visual terminal themes, and warns sessions may be logged while collecting only IP addresses.
What happened
A site titled "Unix v4" exposes an in-browser terminal session meant to recreate the computing experience of Unix version 4 from 1973. Visitors can start a terminal session that the site presents as running on a PDP-11/45 and choose from multiple visual themes (Phosphor Green, Amber, Paper (Dark), Paper White). The underlying emulation is provided by SIMH and the web terminal interface is powered by ttyd. The site frames the offering as educational and historical, includes a Help & Info section and a Guestbook, and carries a standard no-warranty notice. It also states that terminal sessions may be logged for educational and debugging purposes and that no personal data beyond the user's IP address is collected by the service. A prominent start control invites users to begin a terminal session.
Why it matters
- Provides hands-on access to an early Unix environment for education and historical study.
- Web-based emulation lowers the barrier to trying legacy systems without dedicated hardware.
- Users should be aware of logging and minimal data collection (IP address) before using the service.
- Combines open-source emulation tools (SIMH, ttyd) to deliver legacy software over modern browsers.
Key facts
- Site offers a live terminal session labeled "Unix v4 (1973)".
- Emulation target listed as PDP-11/45.
- Several terminal themes are available: Phosphor Green, Amber, Paper (Dark), Paper White.
- Emulation runs using SIMH; web terminal powered by ttyd.
- Service presented for educational and historical purposes with a no-warranty notice.
- Site indicates terminal sessions may be logged for educational and debugging purposes.
- No personal data is collected beyond the user's IP address, per the site notice.
- Interface includes Help & Info and a Guestbook; a Start Terminal Session control begins use.
What to watch next
- Privacy details beyond the stated IP address collection and session logging are not specified; not confirmed in the source
- Whether command input or terminal output are retained or publicly visible after sessions is not confirmed in the source
- Who operates or maintains the service and its moderation/preservation policies is not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- PDP-11/45: A model in the PDP-11 family of minicomputers from Digital Equipment Corporation; commonly used historically to run early Unix versions.
- SIMH: A portable, open-source emulator for historical computer systems used to reproduce legacy hardware behavior in software.
- ttyd: A tool that exposes a command-line interface over the web by connecting a pseudo-terminal to a web socket, enabling browser-based terminal access.
- Terminal theme: A visual style applied to a terminal display that changes colors and appearance to mimic various historical or aesthetic looks.
Reader FAQ
Is this an authentic Unix v4 environment?
The site presents the session as an "Authentic Computing Experience from 1973" running Unix v4, but independent verification is not provided on the site.
Will my activity be recorded?
The site states terminal sessions may be logged for educational and debugging purposes.
What personal data does the service collect?
The site says no personal data is collected beyond your IP address.
Is there any warranty or support?
The site includes a no-warranty notice and advises use at your own risk.
Who runs or maintains this web terminal?
not confirmed in the source
UNIX v4 Authentic Computing Experience from 1973 Unix v4 (1973) Choose Your Terminal Theme: $ _ Phosphor Green Classic CRT $ _ Amber Vintage Terminal $ _ Paper (Dark) Inverted…
Sources
- Unix v4 (1973) – Live Terminal
- Recovered Unix v4 tape quickly yields a usable operating …
- Unix v4 – Restoring the First C Kernel on a SimH Emulator
- Simulating Unix v7 on PDP-11 with In-Depth Explanations
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