20 Jan
2012
20 Jan
'12
6:45 p.m.
I know that both the LCM and the CHM run their
systems, but I think
you'll agree that running them 24/7 is a bit different than running
them a couple hours every two weeks.
Running a paper tape based computer that requires operator training makes
no sense to run 24/7. The point plot CRT has problems with deflection amplifier
failures and the team that maintains the PDP-1 has never suggested that we run it
unattended.
24/7 operation makes sense for timesharing environments, which has been what
LCM has been offering access to for a while now.
Besides, LCM and CHM have different missions as I see
it. CHM has a
primary mission of preservation and while it's cool to be able to run
things, that seems less important to CHM. Please correct me if I'm
wrong about that.
the actual mission statement is:
http://www.computerhistory.org/about/
"The mission of the Computer History Museum is to preserve and present for posterity
the artifacts and stories of the information age."
So, how do you balance "present for posterity", keeping an artifact in no worse
condition that you received it
for future generations, with the desire of enthusiasts to have "hands on" access
to them.
My personal interpretation is that we make available all of the documentation and software
that can be located, which is of the
most use to people not in the San Fransisco Bay area, and not use CHM's space and
other resources for restorations. This view is
shared by the other curators at the museum.
In general, groups that tend to be tied in with the
museum and
academic communities tend to favor a "static display of relics"
approach while those from the various enthusiast communities tend to
favor the "keep your objects operational" approach.
We had around 65,000 visitors last year. With that many members of the general public
in an exhibit, theft and vandalism becomes a real concern. Along with that, many people
feeling the need to touch artifacts, climb on platforms, and try to do things like open
equipment drawers.
Hopefully, that explains the current thinking of the curatorial staff of the museum.