Retrocomputing

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The 1977 Apple II, popular amongst hobbyists in retrocomputing.
The 1977 Apple II, popular amongst hobbyists in 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[1]. Retrocomputing often gets its start when a computer user realizes that expensive fantasy systems like IBM Mainframes, DEC Superminis and Cray Supercomputers become affordable on the used computer market, usually in a relatively short time after the computers' greatest popularity.

Many people have personal computer museums, with collections of working vintage computers such as Apple IIs, IBM PCs, ZX Spectrums, Atari and Commodores. However, many users use emulation software on more modern computers rather than using real hardware. This is not considered to be retrocomputing by many, as it is merely an application of modern computer hardware.

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[edit] Historical retrocomputing

A more serious line of retrocomputing is part of the history of computer hardware. 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).

[edit] Vintage computers

Some Retrocomputers from Commodore
Some Retrocomputers from Commodore

The personal computer has been around since approximately 1976. But in that time, numerous technological revolutions have left generations of obsolete computing equipment on the junk heap. Nevertheless, in that time, these otherwise useless computers have spawned a sub-culture of vintage computer collectors, who often spend large sums to acquire the rarest of these items, not only to display but restore to their fully functioning glory, including active software development and adaptation to modern uses. This often includes so-called hackers who add-on, update and create hybrid composites from new and old computers for uses for which they were otherwise never intended. Most of this hobby centers on those computers manufactured after 1960, though there are collectors who specialize in pre-1960 computers as well.

[edit] Apple Inc.

The earliest of the Apple Inc. personal computers are among some of the most collectible. They are relatively easy to maintain in an operational state thanks to Apple's use of readily available over-the-counter parts.

  • Apple II Including the Apple I and Apple III, the Apple II series of computers are some of the easiest to adapt, thanks to the original expansion architecture designed into them. New peripheral cards are still being designed by an avid community that still thrives, thanks to the longevity of this platform, manufactured from 1976 through 1993. Numerous websites exist to support not-only the legacy users, but new adoptees who weren't even born when the Apple II was discontinued by Apple.
  • Macintosh Perhaps because of its friendly design and first commercially successful graphical user interface as well as its enduring Finder application that persists on the most current Macs, the Macintosh is one of the most collected and used of the vintage computers. With dozens of websites around the world, old Macintosh hardware and software is put into daily use. Many maintain vast collections of functional and non-functional systems, which are lovingly maintained and discussed on worldwide user forums.

[edit] IBM

  • IBM 1130 computing system from 1966 which still has a following of interested users, albeit mostly via an emulator rather than the actual machine.

[edit] Mailing lists

cctech, also known as the "Classic Computers Discussion List", is an electronic mailing list about old computer technology, and is run by the Classic Computing organization.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

"Preserving Computing's Past: Restoration and Simulation" Max Burnet and Bob Supnik, Digital Technical Journal, Volume 8, Number 3, 1996.

[edit] External links

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ The Retrocomputing Museum