Building a Windows 98 Portfolio
Windows 98 Portfolio with Astro and React
How I combined Astro, React, and accessible web patterns to create a fast, search-friendly portfolio inspired by Windows 98.
Every developer eventually builds a portfolio. I wanted mine to stand out while paying homage to the era of computing that first made software feel exciting to me.
The challenge
Recreating Windows 98 is not only about gray backgrounds and beveled controls. The window manager, taskbar, mobile adaptation, keyboard behavior, and layering all need to feel coherent without making the website difficult to use.
The architecture
Astro generates the portfolio, project, and achievement pages as static HTML. React powers the interactive desktop, window manager, and games only where client-side state is useful. This keeps the playful interface while making the core content fast and available to search engines immediately.
What I learned
Nostalgia can create a memorable experience, but it works best when paired with semantic HTML, responsive design, accessible controls, and dependable routes.