Preservation into Eternity (was: IMSAI 8080)

From: Jeff Kaneko <jeff.kaneko_at_ifrsys.com>
Date: Tue Jun 23 17:14:47 1998

> >So, what to use ? Writable CDs ? They have only a guaranteed
> I suggest real CD-ROMs

The 'real' ones can be expensive to master . . .
 
> >lifetime of less than 15 years. Tapes ? Maybe - I have some
> >PBS Tapes from 1976 and they are still readable, but they are
> >900 and 1600 BpI tapes. Any modern optical and magnetical
> >medium is less reliable. So printing the hex dump and then
> >try to scan it back (ocr) when a replacement is needed ?
> >This sould be reliable, since it is human readable (Like
> >old magnetic tapes).
>
> I think paper is the best option. It shouldn't be a big deal to print a
> hex dump for a 20-K program with a line printer.

Just make sure it's Teflon, or Tyvek based paper (if such things
exist), using some very high-tech ink/toner most modern papers (that
I know of) have a finite shelf-life. Now papryrus-- that's rugged!
S.L. = Several millenia

> >Or just put it again on EPROMS - with propper handling
                                         ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^
> >EPROMS could survive at least 50+ years - and PROMS
> >(real one not EPROMS without window) should live even
> >longer. So just copy them. And beside the information -
>
> What is the problem with EPROMs? Why not just put them in styrofoam?
                                                            ^^^^^^^^^
Eeeek! Is this guy crazy? It would have to be stuck in
carbon-loaded foam, and kept in a Faraday-cage container (metallized
stat bags, or similar).

> That should keep IR out...

IR would be the LEAST or your worries. Now if you're a follower of
Erich von Dainken, :-) you could inscribe your source in Gold
leaves, as certain pre-pre-columbian 'civilizations' supposedly
have done. Your assembly code will then be forever immortalized for
future generations to puzzle over.

Who knows? It may even become an object of worship . . . .
<Tongue now removed from cheek>

Jeff

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Received on Tue Jun 23 1998 - 17:14:47 BST

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