NEWT.chat
Classic terminal messaging — rebuilt for 2026.
NEWT started life in 1984 as a fast, command-driven messaging system for mainframe users. This rebuilt version keeps the green screen and 80-column feel for an authentic experience — with modern security and future extensibility.
Already have an account? Choose Login. New here? Choose Create account and NEWT will open the right option for you.
Tip: the console is intentionally 80 columns wide for authentic formatting. On smaller screens you can scroll horizontally when needed.
NEWT ran on Harris H800 and H1000 24-bit super-minicomputers and attracted over 1000 users. It was originally called POST, designed so users could “post” messages to one another: messages delivered instantly if the recipient was online, or queued until their next login. The name changed to NEWT to avoid a potential clash with another internal system.
The original NEWT was written in Fortran 77 and assembler. This new version is written in TypeScript and Python. New features will be added over time — but the green screen and 80-character width will remain.
Log on to experience how people used computers 40 years ago. If you were an original NEWT user, you are especially welcome — and if you can remember it, why not create an account using your original username?
Click Create account above and NEWT will open the account-creation path for you.
Choose a username (3 letters + 3 numbers), enter your email address, then you will be emailed a 6-digit code. Enter the code in the terminal to confirm.
Once logged on, you’ll be at a mainframe-style prompt. Type NEWT to run the app, then type HE for help on what to do next.
Harris H800 and H1000 24-bit super-minicomputers.
The idea was simple: users could “post” messages to each other. Recipients saw them immediately if logged in, otherwise they appeared next time they logged on. The name changed from POST to NEWT to avoid a potential clash with another internal system.
The original was Fortran 77 and assembler. The rebuilt version is TypeScript and Python.
Yes. New features will arrive over time, but the green screen aesthetic and 80-character width will remain for authenticity.
SSH support is planned, but it is not live yet. For now, use the web console at newt.chat.