Original WWW proposal is a Word for Macintosh 4 file from 1990, can we open it? (blog.jgc.org)

Article summary

The original proposal for the World Wide Web is a Word for Macintosh 4.0 file from 1990. The author attempts to open the file using various methods, including LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice, and Microsoft Word. LibreOffice is able to open the file, but with some formatting issues. The author also explores using emulators, such as BasiliskII, to run the original Word 4.0 software.

Main themes

• digital preservation
• file format obsolescence
• emulation
• LibreOffice
• Microsoft Word
• open formats
• document accessibility

What commenters say

• LibreOffice can open the file with some formatting issues, but it is a useful tool for reading old document formats.
• The use of emulators, such as BasiliskII, can be an effective way to run old software and access old file formats.
• Some commenters have successfully opened the file using Microsoft Word 2019, but with missing images.
• The discussion highlights the importance of digital preservation and the potential for file formats to become obsolete.
• The use of open formats, such as markdown and plaintext, can help ensure long-term accessibility of documents.
• The ability to read old file formats is not just a matter of nostalgia, but also of practical importance for accessing historical documents and data.
• The limitations of LibreOffice in handling old file formats are acknowledged, but its ability to open the file at all is seen as a significant advantage.