Us vs. Museums

From: jerryjh_at_imt.net <(jerryjh_at_imt.net)>
Date: Sun Mar 4 22:47:31 2001

On 2001-03-04 classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org <Jeffrey S. Sharp> said:

Hi, Jeffrey --

If you are new to the list, that makes two of us. ;-)

>I don't know everyone's perspective on this issue, and it would be
>good to hear some alternate viewpoints. Basically, I am against
>people giving classic computers in working condition to museums.
>Instead, I believe that they should donate or sell their machines
>to enthusiasts who will play with them and learn things.

Let me add my opinion to your comments.

Perhaps there's a proper place for museums and a place for learning.
Museums should ideally have the at least a few of the best preserved
specimens of chosen categories, especially the rarer categories, in
both working and nonworking condition: working order for preservation;
nonworking for learning. Of course, any of us should be allowed to
have private collections for learning or whatever else -- but not the
liberty to deliberately destroy history that could be beneficial to
mankind.

We should remember, too, that there's another category of classic
computer usage, and that's the use of many older systems for
charitable purposes, of which there is certainly an abundance.
Instead of mindlessly destroying "obsolete" machines, in many cases,
older machines still have plenty of serviceable life left in them
for those who may not be able to easily afford anything "modern",
even if only for the purpose of learning.

With respect to learning from classic machines, I believe that it's
vital for us to consider what has lasted and what is still useful
with "old technology". My own handful of classic computers consists
of my first computer, a Sharp PC 4502 portable, an IBM PC/XT, an
IBM PC/AT, an IBM PS/1, and a Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100,
most of which I consider to be keystone system designs leading to
the present day mass production of Personal Computers. In examining
the "lessons" of old computers, I think it's important to distinguish
between what's necessary and what's not, what's wasteful and what's not.

I consider -- even as you do -- that it's particularly important to
preserve many computers for learning purposes, and not just for
glass cases. The same is true for old software. My hope is that,
if old hardware and software is preserved with the proper respect
and care it deserves, more of the same could one day be duplicated
-- at least with the most important principles that they've taught us.
So far, I think the surface of this important process has only just
begun to be scratched.

Yes, my old machines are all in working condition, and, for the most
part, in original condition. I use them, learn from them, and cherish
them dearly.

Jerry... on his IBM PC/AT 5170 Model 339 | My laptop computer's a
***** 9600kbps/30MB HD/512k RAM/8 MHz | Tandy TRS-80 Model 100

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Received on Sun Mar 04 2001 - 22:47:31 GMT