Launch Recite Me assistive technology
A digital collage of a purple computer desktop cluttered with open windows and icons. A large image of a person in a sun hat is surrounded by multiple pop-up alerts that read “Cut off a head, two more will take its place.”

An incredibly enjoyable Halloween-themed Windows 93 simulator

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Date
31 October 2014

I’ve never wanted to applaud anyone more than the guys behind this project. Tech-wizards Jankenpopp & Zombectro have created a very special website that transports you back to your childhood and the days when you were just about getting to grips with a computer. Entitled Windows 93 the simulator is actually inspired by Windows 95 with its trademark grey, moveable boxes and somewhat threatening pixelated icons. The duo have thought of everything and have left no stone unturned when it comes to recreating how computers used to look and feel, which subsequently makes it totally hilarious.

Everything you stickily double-click on opens a window that allows you to play a simple game, type in text to hear it read aloud in a robot voice (classic) or just have a “virtual girl” stand seductively on your desktop for company. A reminder as to how far we’ve come, and a wonderful way to kill 25 minutes, this is one of the best things the internet’s churned out in ages – a wonderful, endearing pastiche of its former self. Just don’t click on the Hydra. I said don’t click on the Hydra!

A digital collage of various software icons and files arranged on a solid purple background. The icons feature surreal, glitchy, and retro imagery with labels such as “Cat Explorer”, “LSDJ”, “Star Wars.avi” and “MANIFESTO”.
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

A 3D render of a retro computer desktop with a bright purple background. A window displays the “Lenna” image, while several pop-up alerts read “HYDRA” and “Cut off a head, two more will take its place.”
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

A screenshot of the Windows 93 operating system showing a pixel art editor. A large, black-and-white smiley face is being drawn on a grey grid.
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

A digital collage of a computer desktop with a purple gradient background. A central window displays a pixelated figure and the text “IT’S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS.” above a photo of a person holding a large fish with its mouth open.
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

A web browser window displays a purple screen with the title “Windows 93”. A cluster of colourful, glitchy icons and folders are scattered across the bottom left corner.
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

A digital collage of a computer desktop with a purple gradient background. A central window displays a pixelated figure and the text “IT’S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS.” above a photo of a person holding a large fish with its mouth open.
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

A screenshot of a web browser displaying a nostalgic Windows 93 interface with a bright purple background. A pop-up window contains a folder of files and the text “IT’S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS.” Pixelated pumpkins are scattered across the screen.
Above

Jankenpopp & Zombectro: Windows 93 Halloween Special

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About the Author

Liv Siddall

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Liv joined It’s Nice That as an intern in 2011 and worked across online, print and events, and was latterly Features Editor before leaving in May 2015.

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