27 Apr
1997
27 Apr
'97
9:51 p.m.
On Thu, 24 Apr 1997, Starling wrote:
I've found that one of the best sources for old
computer books and
magazines is often overlooked... the LIBRARY. Most public libraries have
a nice collection of books on old personal computers from the 1st wave of
PC popularity (early 80s).
Actually, I've become fairly well acquainted with the old computer book
collection of the university library here. They do have some great books,
including a couple on the KIM-1. It was from library books that I learned
how to use CP/M. But the only PET books this library has are things like
collections of type-in programs for the PET, and books on using the PET in
an educational environment. Nothing good and technical.
Possibly the coolest thing apart from the book on KIM-1 interfacing
projects, though, is the book the library has on the Memotech MTX512's
BASIC. I borrowed that one and ended up typing up a small manual into an
AmigaGuide document in case I ever should run across such a beast.
I know that my hometown (Austin, TX) has a
huge collection of books with titles like "6502 Assembly Projects" and
"1001 things to do with your PET". Plus, most libraries archive
magazines. My university has a full set of many computer magazines that
have been around since the 70s such as Byte.
My university's library had a whole floor dedicated to periodicals, but
that library was closed and I haven't seen a sign of that material since
the new library opened. I suppose I should ask someone if they kept the
stuff.
However, if you're looking to own the books or
magazines, this doesn't
help. But if you're just looking for info or wanting to get some kicks
by reading old stuff, your local public or university library is a great
place to start.
I find that most of the computer-related books in this library are too
theoretical. There really isn't that much that is linked to one piece of
hardware.
I did find a few good books in a Salvation Army store on Thursday, though.
I was hoping for some hardware (they had NONE), but I'm quite pleased with
some of the books I found. Nothing involving the PET, though. :)
Doug Spence
ds_spenc(a)alcor.concordia.ca