How to Give Your PuTTY Terminal a Retro Makeover

Introduction:

The glow of green text on a black screen, the gentle hum of a CRT monitor, and the unmistakable design of vintage computer terminals evoke a sense of nostalgia for many tech enthusiasts. Before the age of sleek flat screens and high-definition displays, Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors were the gold standard for computer displays. These bulky, heavy monitors, often paired with terminals featuring unique fonts and color schemes, were iconic symbols of early computing. As technology evolved, these old-school displays gave way to modern screens, but the charm of the vintage look remains timeless. For those who yearn for a trip down memory lane or simply appreciate the aesthetics of yesteryears, this guide will help you transform your PuTTY terminal to mirror the classic CRT monitor vibe. Dive in and let’s bring a touch of retro to your modern setup!

Nostalgia has its unique charm, especially in the realm of technology. If you’ve been yearning to give your PuTTY terminal a retro look reminiscent of old CRT monitors and vintage computer terminals, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve that classic aesthetic.

While the color scheme in the picture above is a great reference for a retro look, the values provided below are my personal favorites that I believe enhance the nostalgic feel.

Example:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Launch PuTTY: Begin by opening your PuTTY application.
2. Load a Saved Session (Optional): If you have a saved session you’d like to modify, select it from the list and click on the Load button.
3. Navigate to Colors: In the left pane, expand the Window category and select Colours.
4. Modify Colors: Update the color settings based on my favorite retro-inspired values:
   • Default Foreground: RGB values 65, 255, 0.
   • Default Background: RGB values 40, 40, 40.
   • Default Bold Foreground: RGB values 255, 255, 255.
   • Default Bold Background: RGB values 85, 85, 85.
5. Set the Retro Font:
   • Navigate to Appearance under the Window category.
   • Click on the Change button under Font settings.
   • In the font selection dialog, find and select “Terminal.” Adjust the size to your preference for the best retro feel.
6. Save and Open:
   • To save these settings for future use, return to the Session category. For a specific session name, enter it in the Saved Sessions field and click Save.
   • To set it as the default for new sessions: Save the settings with the name Default Settings in the Saved Sessions field.
   • Finally, click on the Open button to initiate your session with the new retro settings.

Conclusion:

With a few simple adjustments, you can transport your PuTTY terminal back in time, offering a nostalgic experience. Whether you’re a fan of the vintage aesthetic or just seeking a refreshing change, this retro makeover is bound to enhance your coding sessions.