8 Aug
2012
8 Aug
'12
11:52 a.m.
-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org
[mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Tony Duell
Sent: 08 August 2012 19:07
To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
Subject: Re: To all with interest in IBM 7090
They ae, but as I said elsewhere, if you don't have them you have little
more than a film set prop.
Computers are about noise, heat vibration and
smell.
Noise, heat vibration and smell are all about artifact degradation. It depedns.
If you're one of these people who thinks a computer is like a
piece of
fine art, then I guess you want to keep it in the state you
got it, never
replacing anything, Most museums seem to take this view, even
theough the
machines, when thek get them, are rarely jsut as they left
the factory.
Alternatively you can run them. YEs, parts fail, but if you've been
sensible, you will know how to handle this, you'll have
backups of the
firmware, etc. You replace said parts with the closest
alternatives _and
docuemtn the fact_. And enjoy the machine some more.
Generally you will be left with the carcass of the machine, which is all you
have if you don't use the machine. In many cases the use of the machine
means that it will be better preserved as the mechanical parts will be oiled
and lubricated...
Artifact degradation is all about pissed off
people in the future,
because you used the things to death.
You do relaise that computers (in particular ICs) will
die
just sitting
on the shelf? Plastic parts will degrade and fall apart. You might as
well run them while you still have a chance.
-tony