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xterm vs cool-retro-term: catalog facts
xterm	cool-retro-term
Free Free to download as source or from distribution packages.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Very thorough DEC VT and Tektronix emulation Maintained continuously for decades	Convincing CRT effects with several retro profiles Full terminal emulator, not just a screensaver
Configured through X resources, which is dated and awkward No tabs or split panes	Visual effects make text harder to read than a plain terminal Heavier on graphics resources than ordinary terminals
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.