Preserving a Multics System

From: Douglas Quebbeman <dhquebbeman_at_theestopinalgroup.com>
Date: Fri Oct 20 15:48:03 2000

Here's an interesting datapoint about the cost of running
a preserved/rescued Multics:

> "NO UCE" <nouce_at_multics.ruserved.com> wrote in message
> news:8s1ltb$sco$1_at_multics.ruserved.com...
> > So how much would it cost to 'mothball' the hardware and store it?
> >
> > I'd ask how much it would cost to run a minimal system, 1 CPU, RAM,
> > disk, etc, but I'm afraid of what the answer might be.
> >
>
> The 1 CPU DPS-8/70M with 4 MW, 1 IMU, 1 18x FNP, 2 FIPS tapes, 3 FIPS D
and
> 1 FIPS E disk that we ran at CGI/Perigon/ACTC consumed around 1.1 MWhr of
> electricity a day running mostly the idle program. Based on current
utility
> rates in Calgary, that translates to about $2,000 CDN per month. This
> included the AC load added to the room. The configuration cited is not the
> minimal.

This is why emulators are needed for the really old stuff, even if
it does still run.

regards,
-dq
Received on Fri Oct 20 2000 - 15:48:03 BST

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