Arachne (web browser)

Arachne is a free and open-source graphical web browser and offline HTML viewer, primarily designed for DOS-based operating systems. Developed by Michal Polák, Arachne stands out for its ability to run on older hardware, requiring minimal system resources. This makes it suitable for computers with limited processing power and memory, a niche it effectively fills by providing a functional browsing experience on legacy systems.

Arachne supports various features commonly found in modern web browsers, albeit with limitations imposed by the DOS environment. These include support for HTML, including tables and frames, as well as graphics formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF. It also supports basic CSS for styling web pages. However, its support for advanced web technologies like JavaScript and complex CSS is limited or non-existent, meaning many modern websites will not render correctly or function fully.

The browser uses a text-based user interface (TUI) framework supplemented by graphical elements where possible. This allows for navigation using both a mouse and keyboard. Arachne also includes features such as bookmarks, a history function, and the ability to save web pages for offline viewing.

While modern operating systems and browsers offer significantly more advanced capabilities, Arachne remains a relevant tool for users who need to access the web or view HTML files on older DOS-based computers, or who simply appreciate its lightweight design and resource efficiency. It represents a significant achievement in providing graphical web browsing capabilities within the constraints of a legacy operating system.

The browser is no longer actively developed, but it maintains a small user base due to its specific strengths and unique position within the historical context of web browsing software.