Lotus 1-2-3 for Linux
Summary
Tavis Ormandy reconstructs the proprietary Unix version of Lotus 1-2-3 and ports it to modern Linux. Lotus 1-2-3 was a formative spreadsheet in PC history. The port aims at native execution on Linux.
Ideas
- A historical Unix binary package provides the starting point and reference behaviour.
- Ghidra helps to analyse unknown object files, symbols and system assumptions.
- Old terminal and printer interfaces need adapting to today's environments.
- Source code finds allow a real port rather than mere emulation.
- Reproducible build scripts turn digital archaeology into maintainable software.
Insights
- Software preservation needs executable environments as much as archived files.
- Ports document implicit platform knowledge better than static binary archives.
- Historical applications can test modern toolchains against unusual compatibility cases.
Facts
- The project published source changes and build instructions.
Recommendations
- Keep original files unchanged and document their checksums.
- Run historical binaries in isolated environments first.
References
Links to the original source and the Web Archive open in a new tab.