PDP-11/44 boot prompt

From: Eric Smith <eric_at_brouhaha.com>
Date: Sun Nov 1 18:42:30 1998

> In the early to mid 70's, I was an operator of 360 and 370 computers, and
> believe me, it is perfectly possible for a single operator to keep such
> machines in operation.

I've been an operator too, and it is certainly possible for one person
to be an operator of such a machine. But where are you going to get spare
parts for a 370 when it breaks? It's not like a PDP-11 where you can
simply replace a 74S181 chip with one from your local surplus store.

I submit that you have not even begun to consider the issues involved in
operating big iron as a personal computer. I've put some effort into it,
and I'm sure I haven't come anywhere close to encountering all of the
pitfalls yet.

If you can cite a single example of an individual having a piece of
>20 year old big iron (i.e., a complete computer system that required a
"computer room" environment) in working order and operational within the
last year, I will concede your point.

Several collector *own* big iron, but I have yet to hear of any *operating*
it. AFAIK, even the Computer Museum Historical Collection is not attempting
to operate any big iron; the closest I've heard of is an attempt to
restore an IBM 1620 (which is only medium iron).

Eric
Received on Sun Nov 01 1998 - 18:42:30 GMT