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csziggy

(34,189 posts)
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 09:00 AM Jun 2017

Is anyone here into vintage computer stuff?

I'm helping my sister clean up my Mom's house. Among the clutter are LOTS of books and manuals for older computer operating systems and programs. I don't have a list, but the subjects covered start with Windows 3.1 and go through Windows 2000, maybe even Windows 8. There is at least one book on Red Hat Linux.

Programs covered are Word, WordPerfect, Corel Draw, and more.

We brought home two computers - not sure if they work, not sure what vintage they are. I will have to remove the harddrives before I can pass them along to any one to protect any information left on them.

If I don't find a home for this stuff it will all go into recycling. If any one is interested, let me know. We hauled some stuff home this trip and will be unloading it today. Another carload is still at my Mom's house and I will have to bring it home next trip - or maybe I can get my sister to ship stuff out from down state.

Any takers?

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csziggy

(34,189 posts)
4. Well, I do have the manual for the Wang computer my Dad leased in the 1960s
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 10:14 AM
Jun 2017

But I want to hang on to that.

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
6. I just found a punch card for my Dad's 1951 taxes!
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 10:19 AM
Jun 2017

I didn't know they ever did that, but it was a shock to see a standard IBM format punch card folded up with his tax form. That's pretty cool and it will stay with the family records.

PJMcK

(22,969 posts)
2. Thanks, but no thanks
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 09:58 AM
Jun 2017

Like you, I have far too much older computer hardware, software, manuals and various additional equipment and cables. Over the years, I've discovered that none of it has any value because I don't use it and no one else wants it.

This detritus accumulates so every few years, I have to go through the drawers and cabinets and dispose of the junk. After all, once you migrate to a newer and faster machine, why go back? Since I'm mostly self-employed, I try to keep two systems running, one for work and one for home. Further, I like to overlap them by a few years so they stay functional and up-to-date. This way I always have a backup system if any problems develop.

One particular beef I have with computer equipment is when the hardware manufacturers change a standard such as a particular cable or plug. Instantly, my older equipment is obsolete. For example, when Apple changed their printer connectors from the Apple Data Bus to USB. Obviously, USB is better but that meant that my laser printer would no longer be compatible with a new computer. When I upgraded, I needed new peripherals. I still have a ZIP drive somewhere and I found an older but beautiful flat-screen monitor (which is no longer compatible). Time for a trip to the recycling center.

Good luck with your stuff!

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
5. Yeah - I need to clean out my old books, too
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 10:18 AM
Jun 2017

I kept them for a while since for several years I was rebuilding old computers. But I haven't done that for over ten years and I need the shelf space now.

I suspect it will all go into recycling. I have posted on another forum which used to have some vintage (Win3.1, Win XP) fans so maybe some of them might want some of it.

Anymore I don't buy books for reference (other than building web sites) - I just Google the problems.

Binkie The Clown

(7,911 posts)
8. Check for any computer recycling outfits in your area.
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 11:12 AM
Jun 2017

We have several places in my city where you can bring old computers and electronic equipment. Even the Goodwill Store has a computer recycling department. They sell good, working used computers for $25 to $100, and they will wipe your hard drives for you.

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
10. I didn't think about Goodwill - they have at least one store here
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 12:02 PM
Jun 2017

That specializes in computer stuff. I'll call them Monday. While I know it would be a nuisance to them, I will likely just take the hard drives out. Dad kept a lot of sensitive financial records on his computers, including social security for family members numbers and FEI numbers for family businesses. I will not take a chance on someone else's - or even my - ability to wipe a drive thoroughly.

Most of the material is books, several hundred pounds of them, but I guess they can go into recycling. My sister works with the Friends of the Library and set up for a dumpster to recycle books they couldn't sell (or stuff they don't want to sell like Bill O'Reilly books ). The company that does that pays them for the material so they still make something on them.

unc70

(6,329 posts)
9. I have a large storage unit full of real vintage computers and such
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 11:15 AM
Jun 2017

My oldest stuff is from the 1950s. I learned to program in 1963, worked at interesting places in the 1960s, and started my first software company in 1972. I have nearly fifty working (I think) systems, plus all the software and documentation. Millions of lines of code by myself and my companies, much of it in widely use products through the decades. Also, massive documentation of work we did on national and international standards bodies.

I have items to duplicate a major university lab from around 1969-1970. I have preserved the software starting in 1966 until today.

You think you have problems!

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
12. Wow! That is amazing!
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 05:50 PM
Jun 2017

I know there used to be a Vintage Computer Museum - let's see what I can find:

http://oldcomputers.net/

http://www.obsoletecomputermuseum.org/

http://www.old-computers.com/museum/default.asp

http://www.digibarn.com/

http://vcfed.org/wp/vcf-museum/

https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Computer-Museum-242132649202076/

http://www.computerhistory.org/

And lots more! Many are just online virtual museums, some like the last are actual physical museums. I bet some of them later might be interested in your collection. The stuff I have, not so much.

lpbk2713

(43,201 posts)
11. If you have a setup disk for WordPerfect 7 or later ...
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 01:32 PM
Jun 2017



you can install it on a Win 7 machine. Only a few of the minor features won't function. And you can probably find a workaround. I always liked WordPerfect over any MS crap. I'm using ver X6 now.

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
13. I've got WP X6 here also
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 05:52 PM
Jun 2017

I used to buy OEM versions from BuyCheapSoftware.com but they've gone out of business. Now I buy download versions from Amazon.

I've been using WordPerfect since 5.2 on my 486. MS Word sucks.

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
14. OMG - found eighteen boxes of UNOPENED 3.5" floppies!
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 05:59 PM
Jun 2017

Ten floppies per box- 180 floppies! WTH do I do with those? There are also about that many used ones.

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
16. LOL! They are selling on Amazon for over $17 a box of ten!
Sat Jun 24, 2017, 07:04 PM
Jun 2017

I've got 18 sealed boxes of ten - that is over $300 worth of stuff.

On eBay they are cheaper, but still - I can get some money out of these things!

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