Wunderbar98

Hi again RamonUn. Tested on separate cold boots, running the alternative executable first then launching MPlayer via Ringo's mplayer.exe works for all three alternative executables (mplayer-a1.exe, mplayer-a2.exe, mplayer-nosimd.exe). My limited Windows knowledge checking with Dependency Walker everything looks good except Link Checksum is flagged (red) for all four of these MPLayer executables and for PTHREADGC2.DLL.

Well thought i would be long gone, turns out Windows 98 is still my favourite hobby! Been using DOS' 'EDIT' daily. Discovered up to 9 documents can be opened at a time, toggled via View dropdown. Always thought opening a new document over an old one discarded the other, not the case. Just as good as a tabbed text editor. Before opening a tenth document just close one (File -> Close vs File -> Exit) that's no longer needed, you'll get cued if the document changed. Another reminder there's not much new under the sun, developers often just add overhead, eye candy and features that the majority don't want or need. Finished reading a ~100 page PDF entitled Using FreeDOS. Very good read, discusses the history of the project, basic installation and usage, some of the major software, etc. Amazing the project has been in active existence since 1994 and provided DOS support and enhancements many more years than Microsoft ever did. Every time i've accessed FreeDOS the project seems top notch - website, documentation, FreeDOS trial, extra software, etc. Thanks FreeDOS for keeping DOS alive and current. Finished Half-Life (Half-Life, Opposing Force, Blue Shift) months ago using Windows XP with Steam. Finally deleted my Steam account (took some messaging and emails) and threw the game away. It's not like me to throw stuff away but i do not intend to install Steam or play the game again. I also did not want to give the game away, encouraging yet another Steam account, if Steam even allows re-using a game on a different user account. Having grown up old school, Steam and DRM are not my idea of gaming and software ownership. As mentioned sometime before, bought the game in 2005 without realizing it was a Steam release. I know there are work-arounds to extract game data and bypass Steam but that's not what Steam wants so to the trash it went.

Took some cold boots to figure this out. Unzipping MPlayer.Ringo.2021-01-08.ffmpeg.N-100581-ga454a0c.7z and attempting to play video results in the error message i pasted into a post above long time ago. Copying your new mplayer-a1.exe executable into this directory and attempting to play a video with mplayer-a1.exe just returns the cursor, no error message or video, as reported in previous post. But now when i attempt to use Ringo's original mplayer.exe again the video plays back beautifully. Don't even need any arguments or config changes. Without arguments this system defaults to directx video. Using a 'vo sdl' argument works well too for SDL. Using either video output full-screen works well but SDL requires this CRT monitor to 'mode switch' while directx seems more seemless. Regardless all looks good with nice playback. Compared to the old version i've been using the OSD time counters are a welcome improvement. So mplayer-a1.exe appears to load something into a freshly booted system that is required by mplayer.exe to work properly (on this hardware). I didn't test with fresh boots for the other new executables. Let me know if you want any further testing or screen outputs to better figure this out. Thanks. Just saw your last post, didn't try your 2018 build since it looks like we may get this 2021 built working... C:\WINDOWS\temp\MPlayer.Ringo.2021-01-08.ffmpeg.N-100581-ga454a0c>mplayer.exe de er.mp4 MPlayer Ringo 2021-01-08 (ffmpeg N-100581-ga454a0c) (C) 2000-2021 MPlayer Team Playing deer.mp4. libavformat version 58.65.101 (internal) libavformat file format detected. [mov,mp4,m4a,3gp,3g2,mj2 @ 014036c0]Protocol name not provided, cannot determine if input is local or a network protocol, buffers and access patterns cannot be configured optimally without knowing the protocol [lavf] stream 0: video (h264), -vid 0 [lavf] stream 1: audio (aac), -aid 0, -alang und VIDEO: [H264] 640x360 24bpp 29.970 fps 651.8 kbps (79.6 kbyte/s) ========================================================================== Opening video decoder: [ffmpeg] FFmpeg's libavcodec codec family libavcodec version 58.115.102 (internal) Selected video codec: [ffh264] vfm: ffmpeg (FFmpeg H.264) ========================================================================== Clip info: major_brand: isom minor_version: 512 compatible_brands: isomiso2avc1mp41 encoder: Lavf58.45.100 Load subtitles in ./ ========================================================================== Opening audio decoder: [ffmpeg] FFmpeg/libavcodec audio decoders AUDIO: 48000 Hz, 2 ch, floatle, 96.0 kbit/3.13% (ratio: 12006->384000) Selected audio codec: [ffaac] afm: ffmpeg (FFmpeg AAC (MPEG-2/MPEG-4 Audio)) ========================================================================== AO: [dsound] 48000Hz 2ch s16le (2 bytes per sample) Starting playback... Movie-Aspect is 1.78:1 - prescaling to correct movie aspect. VO: [directx] 640x360 => 640x360 Planar YV12 Exiting... (Quit)

Hi again RamonUn. Just got your original 2021 Ringo build running but don't know yet exactly how/why. Will do some more testing and provide feedback. Thanks.

Hi RamonUn. No success trialing all three new executables inside your unzipped build 'MPlayer.Ringo.2021-01-08.ffmpeg.N-100581-ga454a0c.7z'. Tried every combination of video out, no sound, even video null and still nothing. Also trialed swapping out SDL.dll with the other download link you provided earlier and using a known working msvcr71.dll from my K-Meleon install. Interestingly there is now no error message or output in the COMMAND.COM window when attempting to launch a video, no matter which combinaton used. The cursor prompt just returns, nothing happens, no video. Let me know if there's anything else to trial. As mentioned earlier, the old MPlayer release used here is working well, so if you don't have time for further tests that's okay.

The first post is still a work in progress and was updated to reflect potential TLS 1.3 functionality, loading SmartDrive for better performance and modifying CuteMouse configuraton for mouse scrolling. Some additional explanations and the limtations section was also updated. Will post updated configs later, custom cURL install for TLS 1.3 and probably couple screenshots.

Still having fun but no documentation update yet. Wanted to spend time with this browser since many years ago, when i first learned you can browse through DOS. As mentioned, there are better current DOS browsers but this one's the backside of a mullet (business up front and party in the back). The disk thrashing and performance issues were fixed by loading SMARTDRV.EXE prior to launching Arachne - night and day difference. Note DWSDPMI.EXE is still also needed for Wget and cURL. Some kind soul over at FreeDOS recently compiled cURL with TLS v1.3 support, so that's what my Arachne can do now too :) The HTTPS interface is still clunky and not well integrated into the browser, that would require source code hacking which i don't want to get into. Nonetheless seems all websites are now accessible and rudimentary downloads from HTTPS are now possible too, such as direct link PDF or ZIP files. One thing about this browser, it's intention was to become everything including the kitchen sink, which violates the 'do one thing and do it well' rule of thumb. Maybe that's what makes it so fun though, lots to explore. Haven't looked at it's mail handling features, imagine this is long out of date. Probably also won't spend any time trying to get it to post data via HTTPS, such as forum logins.

Thanks for the links RainyShadow. DOS Extenders are a new concept to me, bookmarked some sites and will take a look.

Hi MERCURY127. TLS v1.3 would be nice indeed. The Wget used above was compiled for DOS in 2015 and is dated and weak. If someone finds a newer release that would be great, might even work with cURL. Regardless the interface is clunky, the auto-switch between Arachne and command prompt to run Wget, lots of mode switching for the monitor. So regardless this enhanced Arachne would be best for primarily HTTP sites and just occasional HTTPS browsing. So for most not very useful. Aside from the Google search link above, couple other good HTTP only sites. http://lite.cnn.com/en http://www.msn.com/

Nobody requested Arachne upgrade notes but a member project page was created anyway :) https://msfn.org/board/topic/182432-arachne-web-browser-community-edition-for-dos-with-tls-12-hack/

== Arachne Web Browser Community Edition for DOS with TLS 1.3 Hack == = Overview = Arachne v1.97 (2013) is a DOS graphic internet client (web browser, FTP, email) that can technically be modified for TLS 1.3 web browsing support [1]. Although it does not handle encrypted web pages natively, a Wget APM (Arachne Package Manager) provides limited TLS support. Additional work is then needed to manually install and configure a newer Wget to achieve TLS 1.2 functionality (grab HTTPS web page) then install a newer cURL for TLS 1.3 (browse HTTPS web page) functionality. Note TLS functionality is clunky and this is mostly just a fun computing project and proof of concept. The steps below were tested in vanilla Windows 98 SE using it's DOS v7.10. Below is a compilation of the most relevant information needed to download, install and run the browser. Project homepage and screenshot. http://www.glennmcc.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arachne_VESA_Mode.png = Prerequisites = - Working DOS system - Basic DOS knowledge - Functional DOS network [2] - Software downloads below = Download = Download Arachne (a197gpl.zip, 1.21 MB). http://www.glennmcc.org/arachne/ Download Wget package for Arachne (wgetssl2.apm, direct link, 839 Kb). http://www.glennmcc.org/apm/wgetssl2.apm Download newer Wget (wget117b.7z, 1,83 MB). http://www.glennmcc.org/download/mik/ Additional helper software used (not linked) was 7-Zip v9.20 (Windows), Enhanced DOSKEY (DOS) and XCOPY (DOS). Built-in helper software used was EDIT (DOS editor) and Notepad (Windows). = Setup Arachne = This example uses a C:\DOS\ directory with additional subdirectories for relevant software, modify as desired. In a temporary directory extract 'a197gpl.zip' then 'A197GPL.EXE'. Rename the extracted 'A197GPL' directory to 'ARACHNE' and copy it to C:\DOS\. No AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS entries were used aside from DOSKEY /INSERT in C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT. SmartDrive may be added, initiated manually after boot or used in a custom Arachne BAT file, as outlined below. Boot into DOS, this system needs a cold boot between Windows 98 and DOS to initialize the packet driver. Manually load SmartDrive, CuteMouse, the packet driver and CWSDPMI.EXE, example below. As seen from the command pathways, Arachne includes CuteMouse and CWSDPMI.EXE. On this test system SmartDrive was already installed for usage and no additional arguments are needed. For software like CuteMouse, check out usage options and modify based on the hardware used (eg. CTMOUSE.EXE /?). The example below allows SmartMouse scrolling if mouse compatible (note /O is the letter 'O'). C:\WINDOWS\SMARTDRV.EXE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\SYSTEM\DEVDRVRS\CTMOUSE.EXE /R2 /O C:\DOS\LNE100\LNE100TX.COM 0x60 C:\DOS\ARACHNE\CWSDPMI.EXE -P Nagivate to C:\DOS\ARACHNE\ and run SETUP.BAT. Use the wizard to adjust browser resolution, modify preferences and confirm packet driver function. Only continue below once happy with the configuration. At this point only HTTP (not HTTPS) site connections are possible, which excludes most of the modern internet. Note Google still works with HTTP only (http://www.google.com). Note if exiting and restarting Arachne during the same session causes a memory error just Ctrl-Alt-Delete to restart DOS. Manually reload the items listed above (SmartDrive, mouse, packet driver, CWSDPMI.EXE) and resume Arachne with ARACHNE -R (resume), unless you need to run SETUP.BAT again. Useful tips: press 'r' (reload) if HTTP pages don't load, F8 key clears cache, F10 key for Arachne's desktop, right-mouse click goes back, Backspace key displays browsing history. = Install Wget via Arachne Package Manager = There are two methods to install the Wget package for Arachne, via web page (method 1) or from the downloaded APM file (method 2, wgetssl2.apm). 1) Method 1 (install wgetssl2.apm via webpage) Open Arachne (ARACHNE -R) to the Arachne Package Manager packages page. Note numerous packages are available, untested and some outdated. http://www.glennmcc.org/apm Select (to install) 'wgetssl2.apm' (858345 bytes). Important, scroll 2/3 down the Wget installation summary page and click 'Link here ad2file.dgi to modify saveas.ah to include the wgetssl interface', otherwise the desired Wget functionality for SSL will not be available. 2) Method 2 (install wgetssl2.apm from local drive) Open Arachne (ARACHNE -R) to the Arachne 'desktop' (F10 key). Click Utilities -> Install Arachne Package. Navigate to downloaded 'wgetssl2.apm' file and select it to install. Important, scroll 2/3 down the Wget installation summary page and click 'Link here ad2file.dgi to modify saveas.ah to include the wgetssl interface', otherwise the desired Wget functionality for SSL will not be available. Whichever method was used above, exit (Alt-x) then restart Arachne (ARACHNE -R). Attempt to load an HTTPS page via URL bar, example https://www.google.com. An error message will indicate 'Unknown protocol in URL' and 'The requested protocol is not yet supported'. Press F2 (save or send document shortcut), which provides some prompts. Click 'Get SSL page or post data via SSL using Wget'. The Arachne browser will exit and Wget will attempt to fetch the page. This (old) Wget may fail with 'Unable to establish an SSL connection'. Hopefully it will, however, succeed and then when prompted 'Press any key to continue'. Arachne will restart, rational for using CWSDPMI.EXE with the permanent switch, and the web page will display. As this Wget will only fetch some HTTPS pages, the section below will update and configure a newer release of Wget for DOS. = Install Updated Wget = Exit Arachne and work from DOS or Windows. Following the Wget APM install above, rename C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGET.EXE to WGETB.EXE. The 'B' stands for Broken. MOVE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGET.EXE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGETB.EXE Extract the downloaded 'wget117b.7z' file to a temporary directory. Copy the newly extracted WGET.EXE to C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\. COPY C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\WGET117B\BIN\WGET.EXE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGET.EXE Backup the new WGET.EXE in case it's overwritten by Arachne or user error. The 'G' stands for Good. COPY C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGET.EXE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGETG.EXE Warning the custom Wget install may revert to the old WGET.EXE and configuration. It may be related to re-running SETUP.BAT or some setting components. This is why the Arachne Setup section above recommends finishing with SETUP.BAT preferences before continuing. Recommend backing up the entire ARACHNE directory once all the tweaks below are completed (< 7 MB). XCOPY /E C:\DOS\ARACHNE C:\DOS\ARACHNE1 Note running DIR in C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\ clearly shows the differing file sizes of the older and newer WGET.EXE files. If SSL web page fetches break review these file sizes, it may be that Arachne reset the WGET.EXE file and custom configurations outlined below. If so restore Arachne from the back up directory recommended above. = Configure Updated Wget = Unfortunately the newer WGET.EXE does not recognize the original C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGETRC file. This test system uses a simple DHCP connection and the following configuration files have been significantly simplified to provide new Wget functionality. Modify as needed based on the system's network connection type and any desired Wget arguments. Run WGET.EXE --HELP | MORE for usage information or direct usage help to a file for review. WGET.EXE --HELP > WGETHELP.TXT Note the modified WGETSSL.BAT file below has commented out (REM) the 'Press any key to continue' PAUSE command for streamlined functionality. Recommend keeping PAUSE enabled until Wget SSL page fetches work well then disable PAUSE for faster performance. C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGETGRAB.BAT file: CD C:\DOS\ARACHNE\DOWNLOAD C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGET.EXE --user-agent="Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:86.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/86.0" --random-file=C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\WGET.EXE --no-check-certificate -nd -c -p %1 CD .. PAUSE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGETSSL.BAT file: CD C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B WGET.EXE %1 --user-agent="Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:86.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/86.0" --random-file=WGET.EXE --no-check-certificate --load-cookies=COOKIES.TXT --save-cookies=COOKIES.TXT -c -k -O %2 CD .. REM PAUSE = Confirm TLS v1.2 Support = Restart Arachne and load the URL below to confirm TLS 1.2 support, using the Wget SSL fetch mechanism outlined above. https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/viewMyClient.html = Tweak DHCP Connecton = If the first browser launch resulted in a 'Configuring through BOOTP' delay and then connected via DHCP anyway, replace the WATTCP.CFG configuration file in C:\DOS\ARACHNE\ containing the line below [3]. Also copy this modified WATTCP.CFG file to C:\DOS\ARACHNE\WGET111B\ for WGET.EXE. Note 'my_ip' is literally 'my_ip', do not substitute this for your system's IP (Internet Protocol) address. Note a blank (empty) line is expected below the 'my_ip=dhcp' entry. WATTCP.CFG file: my_ip=dhcp = Custom Arachne Batch File = After configuration and testing create a custom batch file to launch Arachne. As the Arachne directory already has an ARACHNE.BAT file, personal preference is to name a custom launcher 0ARACHNE.BAT (zero), which sorts to the top when running 'DIR /W /ON /P'. C:\DOS\ARACHNE\0ARACHNE.BAT file example: C:\WINDOWS\SMARTDRV.EXE C:\DOS\ARACHNE\SYSTEM\DEVDRVRS\CTMOUSE.EXE /R2 /O C:\DOS\LNE100\LNE100TX.COM 0x60 C:\DOS\ARACHNE\CWSDPMI.EXE -P C:\DOS\ARACHNE\ARACHNE -R = Usage and Help = In Arachne click the toolbar's question mark button (F1 key). = Limitations = Although fun Arachne has limitations and is not considered a go to DOS web browser. Performance and usage is clunky and it does not run as well as more recently updated TLS 1.2 capable DOS browsers. Additional Wget configuration would be needed to post data to HTTPS sites, such as a forum login. The Wget SSL fetch routine is tedious and inefficient. HTTPS URL strings are limited to 80 characters or they fail. Filename saves will also fail if not modified for DOS 8.3 format. Arachne sometimes hangs, recommend disabling 'Try to use HTTP instead of HTTPS' and 'Auto-download inline images'. To download and view select images right-click the image placeholder. The 'Would you like some coffee?' prompt in the status bar when performing tasks, such as clearing cache, is indicative of the browser's sub-optimal performance. END [1] Other web browsers for DOS with TLS 1.2 support. https://msfn.org/board/topic/181853-links-web-browser-community-edition-for-dos-with-tls-12/ https://msfn.org/board/topic/182400-lynx-web-browser-community-edition-for-dos-with-tls-12/ [2] Review this DOS Networking guide if the system does not yet have a working DOS packet driver. Note mTCP is not required to run Arachne as it handles connectivity internally. https://msfn.org/board/topic/177106-running-vanilla-windows-98-in-2020-and-beyond/page/32/?tab=comments#comment-1187090 For network adapters that do not have a working packet driver, review forum member @Deomsh's NDIS 2 driver guide below. https://msfn.org/board/topic/181853-links-web-browser-for-dos-with-tls-12-community-edition/?tab=comments#comment-1187234 [3] More WATTCP configuration information. http://wiki.freedos.org/wiki/index.php/Networking_FreeDOS_-_WATTCP

More Arachne hacking with an updated Wget (2015-12-13, GNU Wget 1.17.1). The browser can now handle TLS v1.2, confirmed via www.ssllabs.com. So this forum and sites like Wikipedia load. Once everything was working well the 'Press any key to continue' pause was disabled to streamline Wget SSL site fetches. Arachne configuration was tweaked for Wget, search page, faster DHCP connection and leaner browsing (text only, no tables). IMHO Arachne performance and bugs still prevent this from being a go to DOS browser. Obvious limitations include slow page loads, excess drive thrashing, occasional need to refresh HTTP sites that don't load, unable to handle long URL strings, unable to post data via SSL (eg. log into this forum). Some may be PEBCAK but suspect not solely. If someone wants details for the extra steps let me know and i can edit the Arachne post above, otherwise not, peace out.

Just tested a DOS virus scanner that appears to be good and efficient. Still amazes me how much DOS stuff there is out there. Recently updated too. https://msfn.org/board/topic/122965-dos-programs/page/5/?tab=comments#comment-1195762

Hi Jarsin. ROSE SWE's heuristic based virus scanner (rhbvs_v5-20.zip, ~4MB) works in DOS and was last updated in 2021. You may want to give that a go, from DOS of course. It can also be run from a DOS prompt (COMMAND.COM window) during a Windows 98 graphic session. Not sure about FreeDOS compatability. http://rose-swe.bplaced.net/dl/ The program provides English output although most documentation is German. Running 'rHBVS.EXE' provides English usage information. Example output below. C:\WINDOWS\temp\rhbvs_v5-20>rHBVS.EXE c:\windows\temp ----=[ ROSE SWE's heuristic based virus scanner - Version 5.20-3.935 ]=------- (c) 1989-2021 by ROSE SWE, Dipl.-Ing. Ralph Roth - http://rose.rult.at ----=[ Quick scan of the system and memory for viruses ]=--------------------- MBR - HDD 0 (512) ....................... -- OK! -- Interrupt 13h (DOS) ..................... -- OK! -- Interrupt 13h (Orig) .................... -- OK! -- Interrupt 21h (DOS) ..................... -- OK! -- Interrupt 40h (DOS) ..................... -- OK! -- Memory (Low-System) ..................... -- OK! -- Memory (640 KB) ......................... -- OK! -- Memory (HMA) ............................ -- OK! -- HDD-IRQ 76h ............................. -- OK! -- Path Companion Test ..................... -- OK! -- Live Bait Test .......................... -- OK! -- Windows Trojans ......................... -- OK! -- Stealth Live Bait Test .................. -- OK! -- Win32 Bait Test ......................... -- OK! -- ----=[ ROSE SWE's heuristic based virus scanner - Version 5.20-3.935 ]=------- (c) 1989-2021 by ROSE SWE, Dipl.-Ing. Ralph Roth - http://rose.rult.at <> File & hybrid viruses = 35.906 <> Signatures from = 14.01.2021 <> Trojans/Malware/Jokes = 5.282 <> Scan engines used = 377 <> mIRC/pIRC worms, BAT = 2.942 <> Free memory = 115.304 <> VBS/HTML/JS/WSH/CSC = 8.576 <> Command line: c:\windows\temp -TROJ ----=[ C:\WINDOWS\TEMP (HDD drive) ]=-------------------------------------- <> Scan started at 17.02.2021 - 18:10:46 for (Executable, scripts, web-related) ----=[ Statistics ]=---------------------------------------------------------- <> Files found .............................. 123 40 MB <> Files scanned ............................ 29 <> Suspicious files ......................... 0 (0.0%) <> Files cleaned/killed ..................... 0 (0.0%) <> Total file access/chdir errors ........... 0 <> Total scanning time ...................... 2 seconds ----=[ Scanning finished! Have a virus free time! ]=--------------------------

= Arachne for (some) Encrypted Websites = Spent too much time on this so sharing notes. If you want to browse the internet using DOS highly recommend Links or Lynx browsers. These browsers are solid, load HTTPS pages without issue and have their own Windows 9x Member Project page on this forum. By comparison, Arachne hasn't been updated since 2013, remains buggy and by default can not load HTTPS sites, which today is most of the internet. The easiest way to access encrypted webpages in Arachne is by bookmarking a 3rd party proxy site. It's a man-in-the-middle and not secure but you're probably just using Arachne for hobby or educational purposes anyway. Alternatively, the steps below allow using Arachne to access (some) encrypted websites. For example, this forum loads fine but Wikipedia fails. So really this is just a learning experience, use the alternative browsers mentioned above for serious DOS browsing :) 1. Install and setup Arachne v1.97 (2013), available at the FreeDOS site or http://www.glennmcc.org. Arachne can be setup by running 'arachne.bat', aferwards just launch with 'arachne -r' (resume). The remainder of the steps below assume the system has a working DOS packet driver and a functional Arachne browser. If you need a DOS mouse driver CuteMouse is good, also available at FreeDOS. 2. Install CWSDPMI, required to Wget HTTPS pages. http://sandmann.dotster.com/cwsdpmi/ 3. Subsequent Arachne startups should consist of loading a DOS mouse driver, loading the packet driver, loading CWSDPMI with the permanent switch (CWSDPMI.EXE -p), then launching Arachne (arachne -r). A batch file makes this easy, example below. C:\DOS\CTMOUSE.EXE /R2 C:\DOS\LNE100\LNE100TX.COM 0x60 C:\DOS\CWSDPMI\CWSDPMI.EXE -P C:\DOS\ARACHNE\ARACHNE -R 4. Open Arachne to the Arachne Package Manager packages page. As mentioned, Arachne is buggy. If the browser is setup properly and an HTTP only page fails to load press 'r' to reload (you may be using this a lot). http://www.glennmcc.org/apm 5. Select (to install) 'wgetssl2.apm' (858345 bytes), exit then restart Arachne. 6. Attempt to load an HTTPS page, such as https://msfn.org/board/forum/8-windows-9xme. An error message will indicate 'Unknown protocol in URL' and 'The requested protocol is not yet supported'. 7. Press F2 (save or send document shortcut), which provides some popup prompts. Click 'Get SSL page or post data via SSL using Wget'. The Arachne browser will exit and Wget will attempt to fetch the page. This (old) Wget may fail with 'Unable to establish an SSL connection'. Hopefully it will, however, succeed and then when prompted 'Press any key to continue...'. Arachne will restart, rational for using CWSDPMI.EXE with the permanent switch, and the web page will display. Attempts to find a more recent Wget for DOS with SSL support were not successful. The above process is tedious. An Arachne update to seamlessly and reliably load encrypted sites is welcome. Bonus tip upon initial browsing with Arachne, Google search still works with HTTP only (http://www.google.com).

Well a lot of fun was had by all (me, myself and i - socially isolating) setting up and running Lynx web browser ported to DOS. A new project page was started if anyone's interested. Feel free to add tips and feedback. Take care everyone. https://msfn.org/board/topic/182400-lynx-web-browser-community-edition-for-dos-with-tls-12/?tab=comments#comment-1195579

== Lynx Web Browser Community Edition for DOS with TLS 1.2 == = Overview = Lynx v2.9.0dev.5 is another open source web browser ported to DOS with TLS v1.2 support [1]. It runs well in vanilla Windows 98 using it's DOS v7.10. Lynx development started in 1994 at the University of Kansas. It is a lightweight, configurable, text only browser (no images). Below is a compilation of the most relevant information needed to download, install and run the browser. Project homepage with screenshot. https://lynx.browser.org/ Online manual, not all applies to running in DOS. https://lynx.invisible-island.net/release/lynx_help/lynx_help_main.html = Prerequisites = - Working DOS system - Basic DOS knowledge - Functional DOS network [2] - Software downloads below = Download = Download CWSDPMI.EXE (21 KB) [3]. http://links.twibright.com/download/binaries/dos/ Download Lynx web browser for DOS (lx290d5b.zip, direct link, 2.5 MB). http://djgpp.mirror.garr.it/current/v2tk/lx290d5b.zip = Setup = This example creates a C:\DOS\ directory with additional subdirectories for relevant software, modify as desired. Create and place 'CWSDPMI.EXE' in C:\DOS\CWSDPMI\. Extract the downloaded lx290d5b.zip file into a temporary directory. Create another subdirectory named C:\DOS\LYNX\ and copy the following files into this directory, renaming 'ca-bundle.pem' to DOS friendly 'CA-BUN.PEM': CA-BUN.PEM LYNX.CFG LYNX.EXE LYNX.LSS LYNX.RC = Configure DOS Environment = Lynx utilizes CWSDPMI [3] and runs well on this test system without any special DOS configuration. Most configuration is handled through a custom LYNX.BAT file, see LYNX.BAT section below. No specific C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT or C:\CONFIG.SYS file entries are needed although 'DOSKEY /INSERT' is optionally useful in AUTOEXEC.BAT to assist with DOS navigation. If DOSKEY is not installed in C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\ it is available from your Windows CD or better yet install 'Enhanced DOSKEY.com'. http://www.paulhoule.com/doskey/ = Create LYNX.BAT = Create a C:\DOS\LYNX\LYNX.BAT file to load SMARTDRV.EXE, the DOS packet driver, CWSDPMI.EXE and launch Lynx. Modify the DOS packet driver entry below based on your hardware. Note Lynx needs to run from a true DOS environment. Do not launch it from Windows or drop to DOS from a Windows session. Instead reboot system into DOS before launching browser. Note this test hardware requires a full poweroff, rather than simply rebooting Windows 98 back to DOS, otherwise the ethernet adapter and DOS packet driver do not initialize. C:\DOS\LYNX\LYNX.BAT file: @ECHO OFF C:\WINDOWS\SMARTDRV.EXE C:\DOS\LNE100\LNE100TX.COM 0x60 C:\DOS\CWSDPMI\CWSDPMI.EXE C:\DOS\LYNX\LYNX.EXE Note the location of this LYNX.BAT file becomes the working directory for Lynx when saving bookmarks to a bookmark file (LYNX_BOO.HTM file, autogenerated when first bookmark added). Personal preference is to keep LYNX.BAT in C:\DOS\LYNX\. = Configure Lynx = By default Lynx prompts the user for browsing cookie and HTTPS connection requests. This is too tedious for most users and the following configuration changes appear to allow Lynx to function well without prompting to access web pages. Note default cookies configuration is session only. To negate prompting manually modify the following C:\DOS\LYNX\LYNX.CFG entries before running the browser. C:\DOS\LYNX\LYNX.CFG file: ACCEPT_ALL_COOKIES:TRUE FORCE_SSL_PROMPT:NO FORCE_COOKIE_PROMPT:NO SSL_CERT_FILE:c:\dos\lynx\ca-bun.pem SSL_CLIENT_CERT_FILE:c:\dos\lynx\ca-bun.pem SSL_CLIENT_KEY_FILE:c:\dos\lynx\ca-bun.pem In addition to the LYNX.CFG file for basic options select O)ptions when running the browser. Any changes through O)ptions modifies C:\DOS\LYNX\LYNX.RC. Note ensure 'Save options to disk' is selected (use Enter key) before selecting 'Accept Changes'. Note CuteMouse for DOS mouse support did not work in Lynx despite numerous configuration attempts. This system runs CuteMouse fine for other DOS applications and it, therefore, appears as though mouse support is not available for this DOS port of Lynx. See the Links Web Browser for DOS with TLS 1.2 Community Edition thread for a web browser alternative that provides graphic and mouse support [1]. = First Run = Boot to DOS, navigate to C:\DOS\LYNX\ and run LYNX.BAT to launch Lynx. If your system utilizes a DHCP connection there may be an initial delay getting connected. Once a DHCP connection is established a W32DHCP.TMP file gets created in C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\. Leave this file in place to make the next Lynx launch faster. Users who do not want this sensitive plain text information on their system, however, should delete the file after a Lynx session. = Quicker DHCP Launch = If the first browser launch resulted in a 'Configuring through BOOTP' delay and then connected via DHCP anyway, create a configuration file named WATTCP.CFG in C:\DOS\LYNX\ containing the line below [4]. Note 'my_ip' is literally 'my_ip', do not substitute this for your system's IP (Internet Protocol) address. Note a blank (empty) line is expected below the 'my_ip=dhcp' entry. my_ip=dhcp = Confirm TLS v1.2 Support = Load the link below to confirm TLS v1.2 support. https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/viewMyClient.html = Help and Usage = When running Lynx enter H)elp to review online help, including keyboard shortcuts. Basic usage is simple: left arrow key to go back, forward or Enter keys to select a link, page up/down to scroll, arrow up/down to highlight links, 'a' key to add a bookmark, 'v' key to view and select bookmarks. Use Ctrl-x to view session cache (browsing history) and Ctrl-k to access the cookie jar (browser cookies set during session). END [1] See the Links Web Browser for DOS with TLS 1.2 Community Edition thread for a web browser alternative that provides graphic and mouse support. https://msfn.org/board/topic/181853-links-web-browser-community-edition-for-dos-with-tls-12/#comments [2] Review this DOS Networking guide if the system does not yet have a working DOS packet driver. Note mTCP is not required to run Lynx as it handles connectivity internally. https://msfn.org/board/topic/177106-running-vanilla-windows-98-in-2020-and-beyond/page/32/?tab=comments#comment-1187090 For network adapters that do not have a working packet driver, review forum member @Deomsh's NDIS 2 driver guide below. https://msfn.org/board/topic/181853-links-web-browser-for-dos-with-tls-12-community-edition/?tab=comments#comment-1187234 [3] Alternatively download the same 'r7 binary distribution' (csdpmi7b-1.zip, 70 KB) of CWSDPMI (Charles W. Sandmann's DOS Protected Mode Interface) from below if documentation is desired. http://sandmann.dotster.com/cwsdpmi/ [4] More WATTCP configuration information. http://wiki.freedos.org/wiki/index.php/Networking_FreeDOS_-_WATTCP

Hi i430VX. Yeah i noticed cool hey! Tried to delete duplicate posts with RetroZilla, couldn't see an option. So with Lynx web browser for DOS, just select P)ost once and when repeatedly prompted select G)et the second time. Hopefully posts will work better then. The Lynx config file is dated February 27, 2020 and the release appears to be Lynx v2.9.0dev.5. Believe this was the direct download link used. http://djgpp.mirror.garr.it/current/v2tk/lx290d5b.zip To me Lynx has always been more involved to configure than Links, everyone has a preference. Setup is similar to Links for DOS, it requires a DOS packet driver and also needs cwsdpmi.exe loaded before launching the browser. AFAIK text mode only, no images.

Just testing Lynx web browser, ported to DOS. This release is apparently from 2018. Will check it out for a bit and maybe post more later. Appears to connect to HTTPS sites okay - posting from the browser now :)

Just testing Lynx web browser, ported to DOS. This release is apparently from 2018. Will check it out for a bit and maybe post more later. Appears to connect to HTTPS sites okay - posting from the browser now :)

Just testing Lynx web browser, ported to DOS. This release is apparently from 2018. Will check it out for a bit and maybe post more later. Appears to connect to HTTPS sites okay - posting from the browser now :)

Just testing Lynx web browser, ported to DOS. This release is apparently from 2018. Will check it out for a bit and maybe post more later. Appears to connect to HTTPS sites okay - posting from the browser now :)

Just testing Lynx web browser, ported to DOS. This release is apparently from 2018. Will check it out for a bit and maybe post more later. Appears to connect to HTTPS sites okay - posting from the browser now :)

Still more that bugs me. WiFi is rarely used here and is usually kept disabled on the router. The router is turned off when not in use and computing is often performed without an internet connection, especially when working with sensitive data or even just gaming. Was contacted by my ISP once, wondering if everything was okay (due to frequent reboots). Whatever, they must be used to it now and don't bother me anymore. Encrypted USB sticks for all sensitive data are triplicate. Highly recommended, nothing important ever on a hard drive. Two sticks are kept at home (one on person when leaving home) and the third stick in an off-site safety deposit box. Synchronize data on the two at home sticks regularly. Try to update the safety deposit box stick annually. Wrote a 'diff' script to verify byte count and filenames to help keep them synchronized. System tray programs (Windows) and detailed Conky (GNU/Linux) are kept visible to real-time monitor CPU/RAM and ethernet activity. To me not having this is like driving a car without an instrument cluster. There was a time when networking all Windows and non-Windows systems was important, now it's the opposite. The only networking now is some shared storage on the router for non-sensitive files, otherwise the computers don't communicate. USB stick data is moved via sneakernet. Almost all drive partitions boot unmounted and are only manually mounted when needed. Windows 98 and XP systems are unable to access GNU/Linux, where most sensitive computing is performed. During tax season only locally installed tax software is used, no web-based tax preparation software, and the system utilized for this task is kept offline until the taxes are completed, tax files have been moved to encrypted USB sticks and all traces of the tax software have been removed. Still using Windows 98 almost daily for news, forums, YouTube and nostalgia. Lately daily DOS gaming sessions. Finished USNF (US Navy Fighters circa 1994/95), took 20 years to finish. The game was enjoyable and challenging. Too simulation for me, not a flight sim expert, so some built-in 'cheats' were enabled (fuel, ammo, damage) to reduce frustration and improve enjoyment. Finished 50 individual, 50 campaign and 12 bonus missions. Lots of content for the money, part of a 10-game multi-pack purchased in 2000 for a whopping $20 CDN. Imagine this would have been a wicked game back in the day, to me still cool today. An expert player uploaded all missions to YouTube, cinematic, changing views to see all the action, very enjoyable.

Hi RamonUn. Tested this compile too, unfortunately no success: MPlayer Ringo 1.4 ffmpeg 4.1 gcc-8.1.0 (C) 2000-2019 MPlayer Team Using Windows 98 SE, AMD Athlon 800 MHz, NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 100/200. The MPLAYER.EXE usually used here in Windows 98 is pasted below, which elaborates CPU and a compile option if it helps. MPlayer Sherpya-SVN-r28311-4.2.5 (C) 2000-2009 MPlayer Team CPU: AMD Athlon(tm) Processor (Family: 6, Model: 4, Stepping: 2) CPUflags: MMX: 1 MMX2: 1 3DNow: 1 3DNow2: 1 SSE: 0 SSE2: 0 Compiled with runtime CPU detection. Edit: No success with exact same error message pasted in earlier post.