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Running a 80×25 DOS-Style Console Is Possible After All

2 days ago
https://changelog.complete.org/archives/10907-running-an-accurate-80x25-dos-style-console-on-modern-linux-is-possible-after-all
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  • #Linux
  • #RetroComputing
  • #VGA
  • The article discusses setting up an 80x25 Linux text console, similar to DOS VGA text mode, without using X or Wayland.
  • Explains the historical definition of a 'pixel' in VGA and CRT monitors as a time interval, leading to non-square pixels.
  • Details the challenges of rendering DOS fonts on modern systems, including aspect ratio issues and character spacing problems.
  • Covers character set issues, specifically the mapping between CP437 (DOS) and Unicode (modern systems).
  • Provides step-by-step instructions for selecting the proper video mode (720x400@70) and configuring GRUB.
  • Describes how to prepare and install a custom 9x16 font to correctly render the console, including downloading or building the font.
  • Explains how to activate the font and verify the console setup, ensuring it displays correctly at 80x25.
  • Includes methods for testing CP437 rendering using ANSI art and interactive programs like Minicom or Kermit via 'luit'.
  • Offers additional tips for enhancing compatibility with more UTF-8 codepoints or exploring other font challenges like DEC vt-series fonts.
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