Windows 95 Nostalgia Personal Website

Overview

Welcome to my Windows 95-inspired personal website! This project is a nostalgic tribute to the iconic Windows 95 operating system that defined an era of computing. Despite being released before my time, the simplicity, charm, and cultural significance of Windows 95 has always fascinated me as a software engineer.

🖥️ Features

Core Windows 95 Experience

• Authentic Windows 95 UI with pixel-perfect details
• Classic gray/blue color scheme
• Beveled buttons and window frames
• Start-inspired navigation
• Retro sound effects (toggle-able)

Easter Eggs

• Clippy Assistant: Appears for iOS users with snarky Apple-related comments
• Encrypted Contact Info: Decryption animation simulating classic encryption
• [More secrets for you to discover...]

Modern Touches

• Responsive design that works on all devices
• Accessibility features
• Fast loading despite the retro aesthetics

🔧 Technical Details

Technologies Used

• HTML5
• CSS3 (no frameworks, hand-crafted styling)
• Vanilla JavaScript
• No modern frameworks - just like Windows 95 would have wanted it!

Performance Optimizations

• Minimal dependencies
• Optimized assets
• Efficient event handling

✨ Why Windows 95?

Windows 95 represents a pivotal moment in computing history. It was the first Windows version that truly brought personal computing to the masses. The iconic Start menu, taskbar, and window controls set a standard that influences UI design to this day.

As a problem solver working in modern tech, I find inspiration in Windows 95's balance of functionality and simplicity. The OS managed to be approachable to complete novices while still being powerful enough for serious work - a design principle I strive to follow in my own projects.

📁 Project Structure

/
├── github/                         # GitHub integration
│   ├── scripts/                    # JavaScript utilities
│   │   └── fetch-strava-data.js    # Fetches Strava activity data
│   └── workflows/                  # GitHub Actions workflows
│       └── update-strava-data.yml  # Automated Strava data updates
├── css/                            # Stylesheets
│   ├── clippy.css                  # Clippy assistant styling
│   └── styles.css                  # Core site styling
├── data/                           # Data files
│   └── strava-pbs.json             # Strava personal bests data
├── icons/                          # Icon assets
│   ├── computer.ico                # Computer icon
│   ├── database.ico                # Database icon
│   ├── floppy-disk.ico             # Floppy disk icon
│   ├── github-mark-white.png       # GitHub icon
│   ├── mspaint.ico                 # MS Paint icon
│   ├── msrating-100.ico            # MS Raring icon
│   ├── recycle-full.ico            # Full recycle bin icon
│   ├── regedit-100.ico             # Registry editor icon
│   ├── server-icon.ico             # Server icon
│   └── spotify-white.png           # Spotify icon
├── images/                         # Image assets
│   ├── clippy.png                  # Our helpful assistant
│   ├── favicon.png                 # Site favicon
│   ├── microsoft-windows-1.png     # Windows Cyan
│   ├── microsoft-windows-2.png     # Windows Green
│   ├── microsoft-windows-3.png     # Windows Pink
│   ├── microsoft-windows-4.png     # Windows Red
│   ├── microsoft-windows-5.png     # Windows White
│   └── win95-error.png             # Error icon for notifications
├── js/                             # JavaScript files 
│   ├── clippy.js                   # iOS Clippy easter egg
│   ├── decrypt.js                  # Contact info decryption
│   ├── floppy-disk.js              # Floppy disk interaction logic
│   ├── mobile-detection.js         # Mobile device detection
│   ├── program-icons.js            # Program icons handling
│   ├── screensaver.js              # Flying Windows screensaver
│   ├── strava-pbs.js               # Strava records logic
│   ├── tech-counter.js             # Technology counter logic
│   ├── watermark.js                # Watermark logic
│   └── win95-components.js         # Windows 95 UI components
├── sounds/                         # Audio assets
│   ├── win95-access.mp3            # Windows startup sound
│   └── win95-complete.mp3          # Windows completion sound
├── 404.html                        # Not found page
├── CNAME                           # Custom domain configuration
├── index.html                      # Main entry page
├── LICENSE.txt                     # Project license
├── README.md                       # Project documentation
└── strava-pbs.html                 # Strava personal records page

🔍 Easter Egg Guide

This website contains several hidden features that pay homage to Windows 95 quirks:

1. Clippy Assistant: Visit the site on an iOS device (or use developer tools to simulate one) to meet our old "friend" Clippy who offers to help you switch from Apple to Windows 95.

2. Secret Decryption: Try decrypting the contact information and watch a classic decryption animation reminiscent of old-school hacker movies (but with Windows 95 styling).

3. [Additional secrets not listed... explore to find them!]

🚀 Future Enhancements

• Blue Screen of Death on browser crash
• Functional Start menu with folders and programs
• CD-ROM installation animation on first visit
• Desktop shortcuts that can be dragged around
• File Explorer interface for viewing projects

📝 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE.txt file for details.

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Microsoft for creating Windows 95, a true masterpiece of its time
• The countless developers who created documentation of Windows 95's UI elements
• The Web development community for keeping the spirit of computing history alive

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Made with ♥ and a healthy dose of nostalgia

"Where do you want to go today?"