Collecting historical computers and software

While the computers that we use every day get better and better, there is a case to be made for collecting and preserving computers and software of the past. They offer a valuable look into just how far we've come, and some have had important impacts on computing today. There really is no definition of what a "Vintage Computer" is. For one person, this might mean anything from 1960-2005, and for another, it might be 1970-1995. This article will show you how to get started in this exciting and increasingly important hobby.

Choosing a Category

This step is optional, but will help you focus your efforts in starting a collection. It will help you greatly if you decide beforehand what you want to collect. This will also be a determinant of how easy it will be to build your collection, as some categories may be harder to fill than others. Here are some sample categories to get you started:

• Computers and software from a specific set of dates (eg, computers and software from between 1980 and 1990)
• Software made for a specific purpose (eg, compilers, productivity software, or games)
• A specific type of computer (eg, just IBM clones or only Apple Computers)
• Specific types of hardware or peripherals (eg, joysticks or modems)
• Historically important computers and software (eg, IBM 5150, Apple II, Commodore 64, Visi-calc, MS-DOS 1.0)
• Computers made for a specific purpose (eg, DOS gaming computers)

The list of possible categories are endless.

Adding to your Collection

Once you know you want to start a collection, you should start to look for ways you can add to it. You will be surprised how many old computers there are out in the world. Here are a few place you can use to start looking.

eBay

This is probably the most surefire way to find something you want. If it exists, then you'll probably find it on eBay. However, the kind of person who sells old computers on eBay is the kind of person to know what their computer is worth. You likely won't be getting a good deal on whatever you buy here. Additionally, you should always be aware that most old computers and software on eBay are sold 'as is'. There is no guarantee that they will function, meaning that you could pay through the nose for a rare floppy disk only to find out that it has deteriorated.

Craigslist

Craigslist is a good way to find old computers and software, but it comes with the same warning as eBay. If someone is selling it on Craigslist, they probably know its true value. That said, you can get an excellent deal on things if the Craigslist deal is of the "I have a bunch of random stuff I'm selling, come on over and make an offer" type. These people are selling things merely to make space. In all likelihood, they don't know precisely what they have. The only downside is that finding old computers and software in an offering like this is rare, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check anyway.

Garage Sales

If you're ever driving around and you see a sign advertising for a "Garage Sale", then this could be your lucky day. These people are seeking to get rid of all their 'junk', so you can get it for a steal. If you don't see anything you want, don't despair. Oftentimes, if you ask the owner, they may have more items that aren't on display, or they may be able to refer you to a neighbor who might have what you want. The best places to find old computers and software is in a garage sale in an older neighborhood. The older the neighborhood, the more likely the owners are to have older items for sale. They may have even bought the computers and software themselves, so you'll be getting better quality items.

Swap Meets and Flea Markets

These can be pretty hit-or-miss. If it's a specifically computer-themed swap meet, you're less likely to get a good deal on whatever you buy. However, general electronics swap meets can be great. If there's a local electronics recycling organization in your area, check if they sell the items that get donated. These organizations simply want to make a few bucks. It's not unheard of to get a complete rare computer + software for less than $5 from one of these events.

Goodwill Stores

These are generally not a very good place to find old computers. They get picked over very quickly by seasoned veterans. However, there's always a chance that you'll find an exceedingly rare computer that somebody just gave away.

Caring for your Collection

Once you have some parts of your collection, you'll probably want to make sure they stay in good condition. It's generally good practice to keep everything in a cool, dry environment that's free of magnetic interference. You may also want to clean what your collection. High strength rubbing alcohol is a good, cheap way to clean off dirt and markings. Simply dip a q-tip in the alcohol and firmly rub against the place you want to clean. This is an especially good trick for cleaning the metal contacts of cartridges and cards, since the alcohol won't rust the connections. Be careful, though, that you don't spill the alcohol on any decals or paint on the item, since sometimes the alcohol will dissolve them. Some computers may also have gone from white plastic to a piss-yellow color as the device has aged. This is due to impurities in the plastic production. To clean this off, there's a cleaning solution you can mix called Retr0bright.