Gourt > Computers > Hardware > Historical > Retrocomputing
Retrocomputing is a term used to describe the use of old computer hardware and software today. Retrocomputing is classed as a hobby and recreation, enthusiasts often collect valuable hardware and software and also make use of it. Many people have personal computer museums, with collections of working vintage computers such as Apple IIs, IBM PCs and Commodores. However, retrocomputing is often accomplished through emulation on more modern computers rather than using real hardware.
Historical retrocomputing
A more serious line of retrocomputing is part of the history of computing. It can be seen as the analogue of experimental archaeology in computing. Some notable examples include the reconstruction of Babbage's Difference engine (more than a century after its design) and the implementation of Plankalkül in 2000 (more than half a century since its inception).
Examples
An example of retrocomputing is the IBM 1130 computing system from 1966 which still has a following of interested users, albeit mostly via a simulator rather than the real thing. More on [ Retrocomputing ]
Abandonware :: Software
Computers :: Collecting
Apple agrees to repair MacBook Pros with bad NVIDIA GPUs
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:17:28 -0700
Months after Dell and other notebook manufacturers came clean, Apple has admitted some culpability for failing Nvidia GPUs. The GeForce 8600M GT has been failing recently in MacBook Pros and Apple has agrred t0 will pay for the repairs.Read more about it at setteb.it english translation. by...
Print this: Actually, please don't, but DO think about why printers should get more airtime in green tech discussions
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700
I was talking to someone within the past couple of months (I honestly can't remember who right now, sorry) who made a pretty profound statement that seems pertinent in the context of this post. I had just admitted, somewhat shamefacedly, to my ongoing addiction to printing out my notes, presentations...
Microsoft's 'conceptual touch designs'
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:38:42 -0700
I've written from time to time about Apple and their rumoured tablet devices, applications for tablet PC's, multi-touch and Surface, and all those touchy-feely concepts we've been hearing about, but when do we get to actually see them? Microsoft has recently kicked forward their Software+Services, which for...
Making the giant health database work for you
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:27:08 -0700
It's these medical records experts whose function has been lost in the translation from paper to magnetic ink, Damianakis concluded, and unless that is recovered digital systems will never work as well as paper. by Dana Blankenhorn
Defective NVIDIA GPUs present in MacBook Pro
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:18:02 -0700
Apple has now joined the ranks of Dell and HP and admitted that some if its MacBook Pro notebooks have been shipped with defective NVIDIA GPUs. by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
'A device that will blow the roof off all previous Blackberrys'
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:53:39 -0700
At least that's what BoyGeniusReport is saying today. Apparently, Blackberry addicts should reconsider waiting and salivating over the Pearl Flip 8220, Curve 8900, Bold or Storm because BGR has "confirmed from two independent sources that RIM is working on a device that will blow the roof off...
Apollo Domain OS - Offers an archive of information including patches and jumpers for users of this operating system.
Blue-Print Retro Collection - Personal collection.
404
ECCOLine - Web BBS for the ECCO dinosaur computer support club, which provides support to users of orphaned home computers.
500
Eric Smith's Retrocomputing page - This is a veritable home museum covering the personal computer from the PDP-11 and the IBM 5100 onwards...
Erik S. Klein's Vintage Computer Collection - A virtual computer museum representing Erik Klein's personal collection of historical computers. The site features computer history, pictures and a message board.
Meta Description: [ Erik S. Klein's Vintage Computer Collection includes such classic systems as Kenbak-1, Apple ][, Apple III, Atari 800, Atari 400, Mits Altair 8800, MITS Altair 8800BT, IMSAI 8080, Processor Technology Sol-20, Osborne 1, Telcon Zorba, Kaypro, Hewlet Packard, IBM PC, Compaq Portable, Commodore Vic-... ]
404
FLEX User Group - Historical, technical and archival information on the FLEX.
Meta Description: [ FLEX User Group - Welcome ]
Garbage Dump Computing - By Justin Hayward.
Lee's Peek n Poke UK - Classic Video and Computer games. Come on in and Insert coin.
Mattel Aquarius Homecomputer - All about the Mattel Electronics / Radofin computer with technical information and links.
MrBads Retro Games - A web site containing my collection of classic video and computer games.
Obsolyte - Obsolete and Elyte! - A website about the old workstations, focusing on unix systems. The only known archive of material.
Meta Description: [ A website about the old workstations, focusing on unix systems. The only known archive of material. ]
OldVersion.com - Non-profit organization serving the online community by providing old versions of various programs.
Meta Description: [ OldVersion.com is an archive of old versions of various programs. ]
Pelikonepeijoonit.net - A Finnish collection of around 200 classic computers and game consoles, with info articles, links and even some fun.
Meta Description: [ The Arctic Computer and Console Museum - Pelikonepeijoonit ]
PERQ Workstations - All about PERQ workstations.
Preserving our IT History - Computer Conservation Society's project designed to re-incarnate the genie in the software of yesteryear.
Retro Review - Retro computing magazine.
Meta Description: [ RetroReview.com - the homepage for Retro Review, a magazine by and for users and fans of old computer technology from 1980 to 1995 ]
Retrocomputing Archive - Software for classic computer systems.
T Unix PC - ATT 3B1/7300 Unix PC information archives.
The Official IMSAI Website - Vendor of the original 8080-based microcomputer. They still sell parts and are releasing a more modern release, the IMSAI Series 2, compatible with CP/M and ZS-DOS.
The Old Computer - Dedicated to all aspects of retro computing, old computers, games consoles, handhelds, games and watches.
500
The Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island - Users' group with an interest in vintage computer hardware systems and software.
Thomson MO5, MO6 and Olivetti PC128 - Downloadable games and programs with screenshots, cover art, and documentation.
Meta Description: [ Thomson MO5, Thomson MO6 and Olivetti Prodest PC128 programs ]
Vector Graphics Terminals - Information about storage tube vector graphics terminals, with examples from a private collection.
500
Vintage Computer - This site is the place to buy retro computer equipment. They trade and sell equipment.
Meta Description: [ Vintage computers, retro consoles, software, games at very low prices ]
404
World of Spectrum Documentation - Documentation, specifications, and links about the Spectrum computer.
Yahoo! Groups: mattelaquarius - A place to discover, chat about and just get general information on the Mattel Aquarius home computer.
Meta Description: [ mattelaquarius: Mattel Aquarius - Discovering the Mattel Aquarius home computer ]
| At the 2007 Vintage Computer Festival, East, Chuck Peddle gives a fantastic talk, via Skype from Sri Lanka. For those ... | |
| Next Video | |
