Getting Into Retro Computing
There are actually a number of different individuals for whom retro-computing - the modern usage of vintage technology - is attractive.
· Hobbyists - Anybody older than 40 probably has fond memories of their first steps with an early model, be it for games or work. Especially there is a booming market in "classic" gaming.
· Programmers - The thing about earlier hardware is, it's easier to boss around. Computers of the era from 1970 to 1995 were designed with open architectures and uses in mind - before the great proprietary lockdown that made modern machines seem to belong more to the media and government than the user. Programmers will be good at getting the most out of these earlier devices.
· Archivers - Anybody with old documents and files in an outdated file format will still want a machine around that understands how to handle them.
· Technicians - Those who are supporting legacy applications and systems. COBOL is dead, but they're still hiring COBOL programmers; similarly, some businesses will still be hiring DOS and Unix wizards for generations to come.
First Rule
The first rule of retro computing is, know where to shop. It is possible that you can get a used unit from online auction sites, but the original manufacturer sometimes can still be found. If not, whichever company bought the original company that made a system inherits that business. However, these cases are the exception rather than the rule. For most vintage computers, you'll still have to settle for whatever you can get second-hand. Don't just stop at eBay and CraigsList; check your local charity and thrift store, flea markets, and rummage sales. That kind of lends the thrill of the hunt to the whole thing, doesn't it?
Second Rule
The second rule of retro computing is, be self-sufficient. Your chances of getting support for a system that they quit making 20 years ago is slim to none, especially in this day and age when you're lucky to open last year's document in this year's word processor. That means whatever breaks, you'll usually have to fix it yourself. And be prepared to scour the Internet for software for the system, because finding commercial software for a vintage system is almost out of the question. Open source and hobbyists are your friends.
Third Rule
The third rule can be stated as "No matter how niche the interest, there's a group of enthusiasts for it." Plan Nine from Bell Labs? Yes, there's a group of freaks just like you who love that system! OS/2 Warp? Yup, there's a fan club still going. BeOS? Yes, there's Haiku, the open source development of BeOS. Amiga? That's AROS, the Amiga Research Operating System, also a modern open source effort. DOS and CP/M? You'll be hard put not to stub your toe on an archive of legacy DOS and CP/M software. And of course, UNIX is still going strong in the form of Linux and BSD, and even if you're aiming for something even more antiquated like a PDP-11 or a VAX, there are modern hobby clubs still devoted to your beloved big iron pet!
Fourth Rule
Be gentle! Take extra special care of your hardware; vintage systems are tough to shop for. In many cases, known issues with stress points, such as with the plastic case on a unit, have already been long discovered, diagnosed, and posted on several message boards, so know what problem will come up when and you'll know how to solve it.
Other than that, enjoy! Retro hardware is both fun and rewarding; you will have a far deeper understanding of computing overall by seeing it from the retro point of view. You will be able to relive those "good old days" with your favorite game, or using that one program that there's never been a replacement for. You'll have a vintage system that serves as a great conversation piece and will earn you some street cred amongst at least IT professionals, and being handy with a retro system just might even land you a job or two. Since goodness knows, there are businesses out there with digital equipment that's outlived the CEO who bought it!
Filed Under: The Retro Stylez, Toyz
