Computer Museums

From: PG Manney <manney_at_nwohio.com>
Date: Tue Jul 15 18:50:59 1997

> What should be on display considering:
> 1) space limitation
> 2) Mainframes, minis, micros
> 3) What would most attract visitors
> 4) What would most attract funding :)

Three things which have changed radically over the years.are
- 01 Power (including speed)
- 10 Cost
- 11 Display capabilities (on affordable systems, that is)

You might want to consider comparing the above parameters system-by-system.

Software has become less klunky over the years. Try having an ancient word
processor running so people can see, say, the number of steps required to
open a file.

Don't forget output technology...compare an old daisy wheel to a laser, a
superannuated 9 pin to a modern 24 pin, get a thermal printer, and a
thinkjet (really raunchy output, but FAST).
I'm collecting historically significant micros (such as the C64 -- they're
cheap, so everyone got one.) If you can get the dirt on why, for example,
CBM shot themselves in the foot, that would be interesting. Why aren't
Apples more common, for example?
Received on Tue Jul 15 1997 - 18:50:59 BST