8 Aug
2012
8 Aug
'12
3:33 p.m.
So how can the current generation learn about their
computer heritage?
Replicas? Reproductions?
Simulators are good.
To most museums these are even more of a poisioned
challice than using an original. At present the only really early machines
we have are reconstructions. When I started commercial programming every
business had one or two large mainframes. Can any one see reproductions of
1960's Mainframes being made...
I do not think there is any demand, so why should someone make one?
But there is a demand for the simulators, so people write them.
This is not a black and white issue. There are plenty of old machines
out there that someone can study to learn the heritage - or even
purchase to hack on. Getting a PDP-8 is not hard to do. Getting an
Altair is not either. Yes, getting a 7000 series IBM is out of reach,
but you just have to deal with the fact that they were never made in
big numbers, and most are long gone. The ones that remain need to be
pampered and properly cared for if you want them to last for the
grandkids. Or the great great great great great great great great
grandkids. Just realize that it is a good idea to set aside *some*
machines in a museum, and treat them as if they need to last for 1000
years.
Actually I'll bet some one on this list, possibly
Dave McGuire, but its an
IBM part so perhaps not, has at least one, probably in manufacturers
original protective waxed paper.....
Well, the 1401 team would sure like to know about it. Pretty soon the
1403s will be silent, as they are down to only a chain or two.
I thought I had some, but they are actually print trains (for the 1403N1).
--
Will