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{{Short description|Hobbyist use of older computer equipment}}
{{Short description|Hobbyist use of older computer hardware and software}}
[[Image:Apple-II.jpg|thumb|The 1977 Apple II]]
[[File:Apple-II.jpg|thumb|The 1977 [[Apple II]], a popular subject of retrocomputing interest]]
'''Retrocomputing''' is the use and study of obsolete or near-obsolete computer hardware and software in modern times. It is most commonly practiced as a hobby and a form of [[digital preservation]], but is also used for education, software recovery, system compatibility testing, or artistic exploration. Retrocomputing enthusiasts often collect, restore, emulate, or replicate vintage computer systems from the 1950s through the 1990s, including their operating systems, peripherals, and software.


'''Retrocomputing''' is the current use of [[Vintage computer|older computer hardware]] and [[software]]. Retrocomputing is usually classed as a [[hobby]] and recreation rather than a practical application of technology; enthusiasts often collect rare and valuable [[Electronic hardware|hardware]] and [[software]] for sentimental reasons.<ref name="catb">{{cite web|url=http://www.catb.org/retro/ |title=The Retrocomputing Museum |publisher=Catb.org |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref>
== Overview ==
Retrocomputing involves both the preservation of historical computing systems and the experience of using them. It spans a wide range of activities—from running classic games and productivity software to rebuilding mainframes or home microcomputers using modern components. The field is closely associated with [[retro gaming]], [[digital archaeology]], and [[computer history]].


Occasionally, however, an obsolete computer system has to be "resurrected" to run software specific to that system, to access data stored on obsolete media, or to use a [[peripheral]] that requires that system.
In a professional context, retrocomputing can support legacy data access or maintain compatibility with critical systems still running on outdated hardware. In hobbyist communities, however, retrocomputing often celebrates the design, limitations, and aesthetic of early computing eras.
[[File:Retrocomputing 2010 Athens Greece.jpg|thumb|Retrosystem 2010, a retrocomputing event in [[Athens]]]]


Retrocomputing and [[retro gaming]] has been described as [[Digital preservation|preservation]] activity and as aspects of the [[remix culture]].<ref>{{cite conference |title=Retrocomputing as Preservation and Remix  |last1=Takhteyev |first1=Yuri |last2=DuPont |first2=Quinn |date=2013 |publisher=iSchools |book-title=iConference 2013 Proceedings |pages= 422–432 |location=Fort Worth, Texas |doi=10.9776/13230|doi-broken-date=1 July 2025|hdl=2142/38392}}</ref>
== Motivations ==
Enthusiasts are drawn to retrocomputing for several reasons:
* **Nostalgia** – Users reconnect with the systems they used in childhood or early careers.
* **Education** – Vintage computers provide an approachable platform for learning hardware and software fundamentals.
* **Preservation** – Historical hardware and software are curated to prevent digital obsolescence.
* **Artistic expression** – Some artists and developers create “demakes,” chiptunes, and low-fi digital art with retro tools.
* **Hacking/making** – Many hobbyists build or modify systems to understand computing at a low level.


==Hardware retrocomputing==
== Hardware retrocomputing ==
===Historic systems===
Retrocomputing often begins with restoring original vintage machines or building modern replicas that mimic them. Key areas include:
 
=== Historic systems ===
{{Main|Vintage computer}}
{{Main|Vintage computer}}
Retrocomputing is part of the [[history of computer hardware]]. It can be seen as the analogue of [[experimental archaeology]] in computing.<ref>{{Cite journal | doi=10.2424/ASTSN.M.2012.17|year = 2012|issue = 119|last1 = Cignoni|first1 = Giovanni A.|last2 = Gaducci|first2 = Fabio|title = Experimental Archaeology of Computer Science|journal = Atti della Società Toscana di Scienze Naturali Residente in Pisa Memorie Serie B|pages=111–116}}</ref> Some notable examples include the reconstruction of [[Babbage]]'s [[Difference engine]] (more than a century after its design) and the implementation of [[Plankalkül]] in 2000 (more than half a century since its inception).
Vintage systems of interest include:
* 8-bit and 16-bit home computers (e.g. [[Commodore 64]], [[Atari 800]], [[Apple II]], [[ZX Spectrum]])
* Early personal computers (e.g. [[IBM PC]], [[TRS-80]])
* Classic workstations (e.g. [[Sun Microsystems]], [[NeXT]])
* Mainframes and minicomputers (e.g. [[PDP-11]], [[VAX]])
 
Some projects also recreate much older theoretical or unfinished machines. For example:
* The working reconstruction of [[Charles Babbage]]’s [[Difference engine]]
* A software implementation of [[Konrad Zuse]]’s [[Plankalkül]] language
 
=== Homebrew retrocomputers ===
[[File:Mini C88 (31505391518).png|thumb|Homebrew 8-bit computer based on the Intel 8080]]
Many enthusiasts build homebrew retrocomputers using discrete logic chips or modern microcontrollers to emulate 8-bit or 16-bit systems. These machines may replicate original designs or create new ones inspired by vintage architecture.
 
Notable examples include:
* [[Replica 1]] – a functional clone of the original [[Apple I]]
* [[N8VEM]] – a Z80-based homebrew system with CP/M compatibility
* [[GR8BIT]] – a modular, educational MSX-compatible computer
* [[C256 Foenix]] – a modern system using the WDC 65C816, blending retro and modern features
* [[MEGA65]] – a full FPGA-based computer inspired by the unfinished [[Commodore 65]] prototype<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mega65.org/|title=MEGA65 – (MOST PROBABLY) THE BEST COMPUTER|access-date=2024-06-30}}</ref>
* [[Commander X16]] – a new 8-bit platform developed by [[The 8-Bit Guy]] using modern components and a simple design philosophy<ref>{{Cite web |title=Building My Dream Computer – Part 1 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayh0qebfD2g |access-date=2024-06-30}}</ref>
* [[Grant Searle]]’s collection of Z80 and 6502-based homebrew computers<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://searle.wales/|title=Grant's Homebuilt Electronics|access-date=2024-06-30}}</ref>
* Modern recreations of the [[IMSAI 8080]] using backward-compatible kits


==="Homebrew" computers===
Many of these systems use [[Field-programmable gate arrays|FPGAs]] to emulate vintage chipsets, blending legacy design with modern flexibility.
[[File:Mini C88 (31505391518).png|thumb|A Mini C88 eight byte homebrew computer.]]
Some retrocomputing enthusiasts also consider the "[[Homebrew (video games)|homebrewing]]" (designing and [[Homebuilt_computer|building]] of retro- and retro-styled computers or kits), to be an important aspect of the hobby, giving new enthusiasts an opportunity to experience more fully what the early years of hobby computing were like.<ref name="catb" />  There are several different approaches to this end. Some are exact replicas of older systems, and some are newer designs based on the principles of retrocomputing, while others combine the two, with old and new features in the same package. Examples include:
* Device offered by [[IMSAI]], a modern, updated, yet backward-compatible version and replica of the original [[IMSAI 8080]], one of the most popular early personal systems;
* Several [[Apple I|Apple 1]] replicas and kits have been sold in limited quantities in recent years, by different builders, such as the "[[Replica 1]]", from Briel Computers;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.brielcomputers.com/|title=Briel Computers|website=www.brielcomputers.com}}</ref>
* A project that used old technology in a new design is the [[Z80]]-based [[N8VEM]];
* The [[Arduino]] Retro Computer kit is an open source, open hardware kit you can build and has a BASIC interpreter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amigojapan.github.io/Arduino-Retro-Computer-with-SD-card-and-LCD-display-and-Keyboard-input-with-BASIC-interpreter/ |title=Arduino Retro Computer with SD card and LCD display and Keyboard input with BASIC interpreter |publisher=amigojapan.github.io |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref> There is also a version of the Arduino Retro Computer that can be hooked up to a TV;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amigojapan.github.io/Arduino-Retro-Computer-TV/ |title=Arduino Retro Computer TV |publisher=amigojapan.github.io |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref>
* There is at least one remake of the Commodore 64 using an [[Field-programmable gate array|FPGA]] configured to [[Emulator|emulate]] the 6502;<ref name="c1">{{cite web
|url =http://c64upgra.de/c-one/
|title=C-one Reconfigurable computer
|access-date=6 September 2012
}}</ref>
* MSX 2/2+ compatible [[do-it-yourself]] kit [[GR8BIT]], designed for the hands-on education in electronics, deliberately employing old and new concepts and devices (high-capacity [[Static random-access memory|SRAMs]], micro-controllers and [[Field-programmable gate array|FPGA]]);
* The MEGA65 is a [[Commodore 65]] compatible computer;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mega65.org/|title=MEGA65 - (MOST PROBABLY) THE BEST COMPUTER|website=mega65.org}}</ref>
* The Commander X16 is an ongoing project by [[The 8-Bit Guy|David Murray]] that hopes to build a new 8-bit platform inspired by the [[Commodore 64]], using off the shelf modern parts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.retrosummit.com/2019/09/24/project-commander-x16/|title=Project Commander X16 {{!}} Retro Summit|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-02|archive-date=2022-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001210526/https://www.retrosummit.com/2019/09/24/project-commander-x16/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=David |date=February 19, 2019 |title=Building my dream computer - Part 1 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayh0qebfD2g |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003145449/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayh0qebfD2g |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=[[YouTube]] |language=en |publication-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=David |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Building my Dream Computer - Part 2 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg-6Cjzzg8s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003145459/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg-6Cjzzg8s |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=[[YouTube]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=David |date=October 12, 2022 |title=The Commander X16 has finally arrived! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcWqMGju7fk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028140720/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcWqMGju7fk |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |access-date=October 28, 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
*The C256 Foenix and its different versions is a new retro computer family based on the WDC65C816. FPGAs are used to simulate CBM custom chips and has the power of an Amiga with its graphic and sound capabilities.
*Grant Searle collection of homebrew 8-bit projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://searle.wales/|title=Grant's HOMEBUILT ELECTRONICS|website=searle.wales}}</ref>


==Software retrocomputing==
== Software retrocomputing ==
As old computer hardware becomes harder to maintain, there has been increasing interest in computer simulation. This is especially the case with old [[mainframe computer]]s, which have largely been scrapped, and have space, power, and environmental requirements unaffordable by the average user. The memory size and speed of current systems enable simulation of many old systems to run faster than that system on original hardware.<ref name="Trimble">{{cite book |last1=Trimble jr |first1=George R. |title=Conference record of the 7th annual workshop on Microprogramming - MICRO 7 |chapter=Emulation of the IBM system/360 on a microprogrammable computer |date=September 1974 |pages=141–150 |doi=10.1145/800118.803854 |s2cid=5984264 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Burnet">{{cite journal |last1=Burnet |first1=Maxwell M. |last2=Supnik |first2=Robert M. |title=Preserving Computing's Past: Restoration and Simulation |journal=Digital Technical Journal |date=1996 |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=23–38 |url=http://simh.trailing-edge.com/docs/dtjn02pf.pdf}}</ref>
As original hardware becomes scarce, retrocomputing increasingly involves the use of [[emulator]]s and software preservation. Simulators replicate the functionality of historical systems on modern computers, often with enhancements for speed, storage, or debugging.


One popular simulator, the history simulator [[SIMH]], offers simulations for over 50 historic systems, from the 1950s through the present. The [[Hercules (emulator)|Hercules]] emulator simulates the IBM System/360 family from [[System/360]] to 64-bit [[IBM Z|System/z]]. A simulator is available for the [[Honeywell]] [[Multics]] system. An online simulator is available for the [[Altair_8800]] and it runs the actual [[Altair_BASIC]]
Prominent emulator projects include:
* [[SIMH]] – simulates over 50 classic systems, including the [[PDP-11]], [[VAX]], and [[UNIVAC]]
* [[Hercules (emulator)|Hercules]] – emulates IBM mainframes from System/360 to modern z/Architecture
* [[VICE (emulator)|VICE]] – emulates multiple Commodore platforms including the VIC-20, C64, C128, and C65
* [[MAME]] – best known for arcade emulation, but also includes early computer systems
* [[Altair 8800|Altair]] emulators – several simulate the MITS Altair running [[Altair BASIC]]


Software for older systems was not [[copyright]]ed, and was [[open source]], so there is a wide variety of available software to run on these simulators.
=== Software availability ===
Many retrocomputing communities maintain archives of software, documentation, and firmware dumps. These include:
* [[Bitsavers]] – a digital archive of vintage computing documents and software
* [https://www.vcfed.org/ Vintage Computer Federation] software library
* Community-run repositories for Commodore, Apple, Tandy, Amiga, and DOS systems


Some emulations are used by businesses, as running production software in a simulator is usually faster, cheaper, and more reliable than running it on original hardware.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
Some early software, especially from the 1970s and early 1980s, is in the public domain or released as freeware, allowing unrestricted emulation. Others require licensing or are subject to copyright disputes.


==In popular culture==
== Preservation and restoration ==
In an interview with [[Conan O'Brien]] in May 2014, [[George R. R. Martin]] revealed that he writes his books using [[WordStar|WordStar 4.0]], an [[MS-DOS]] application dating back to 1987.<ref name="got">{{cite journal|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/05/14/george_r_r_martin_writes_on_dos_based_wordstar_4_0_software_from_the_1980s.html|title=George R.R. Martin Writes on a DOS-Based Word Processor From the 1980s|author=Lily Hay Newman|journal=Slate |date=14 May 2014|access-date=20 September 2015}}</ref>
Retrocomputing plays a major role in digital heritage and the preservation of computing history. Restoration involves not only keeping machines functional but also maintaining operating systems, file formats, and input/output standards.


US-based streaming video provider [[Netflix]] released a multiple-choice movie branded to be part of their [[Black Mirror]] series, called ''[[Black Mirror: Bandersnatch|Bandersnatch]]''. The protagonist is a teenage programmer working on a contract to deliver a video-game adaptation of a fantasy novel for an 8-bit computer in 1984. The multiple storylines revolve around the emotions and mental health issues resulting from a reality-perception mismatch between a new generation of computer-savvy teenagers and twenty-somethings, and their care givers.
Specialist efforts include:
* [[Computer History Museum]] (Mountain View, California)
* [[Living Computers: Museum + Labs]] (Seattle, Washington)
* [[Centre for Computing History]] (Cambridge, UK)
* [[Retro Computer Museum]] (Leicestershire, UK)
* [[Vintage Computer Festival]] events around the world


==Education==
Many of these institutions host repair events, code sprints, and community contributions to long-term digital archives.
Due to their low complexity together with other technical advantages, 8-bit computers are frequently re-discovered for education, especially for introductory programming classes in [[Primary school|elementary schools]].{{cn|date=May 2023}} [[8-bit|8-bit computers]] turn on and directly present a programming environment; there are no distractions, and no need for other features or additional connectivity. The [[BASIC]] language is a simple-to-learn programming language that has access to the entire system without having to load libraries for sound, graphics, math, etc. The focus of the programming language is on efficiency; in particular, one command does one thing immediately (e.g. {{code|COLOR 0,6|basic}} turns the screen green).


==See also==
== Education ==
8-bit computers are widely used in education due to their simplicity, immediacy, and transparency. They offer a minimal environment ideal for teaching:
* Introduction to programming (especially in [[BASIC]])
* Computer architecture
* Low-level logic and microprocessor design
 
Because systems like the [[BBC Micro]], [[Commodore 64]], and [[ZX Spectrum]] boot directly to a BASIC prompt, students can start coding immediately without complex setups.
 
== In popular culture ==
Retrocomputing is often referenced in media reflecting on technology's past:
* [[George R. R. Martin]] uses [[WordStar]] 4.0 on MS-DOS to write novels, stating it helps him focus without modern distractions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/05/14/george_r_r_martin_writes_on_dos_based_wordstar_4_0_software_from_the_1980s.html|title=George R.R. Martin Writes on a DOS-Based Word Processor From the 1980s|author=Lily Hay Newman|date=14 May 2014|access-date=2024-06-30|work=Slate}}</ref>
* The film ''[[Black Mirror: Bandersnatch]]'' centres on a young programmer developing a game for an 8-bit computer in 1984, exploring themes of programming, free will, and interactive fiction.
 
== See also ==
* [[History of computing hardware]]
* [[History of computing hardware]]
* [[Retro gaming]]
* [[Fantasy console]]
* [[Homebrew Computer Club]]
* [[Living Computers: Museum + Labs]]
* [[Vintage Computer Festival]]
* [[Vintage Computer Festival]]
* [[Computer History Museum]]
* [[Emulation]]
* [[Computer Conservation Society]]
* [[Digital archaeology]]
* [[Living Computers: Museum + Labs]]
* [[Retro gaming]]


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/ Retro Computer Museum], a computer museum in Leicestershire, UK with regular "come and play" open days
* [http://www.catb.org/retro/ Retrocomputing Museum]
*[http://www.catb.org/retro/ Retrocomputing Museum] for re-implementations of old [[programming language]]s
* [https://mega65.org/ MEGA65 official site]
*[http://www.retromagazine.eu RETRO]{{snd}} German paper mag about digital culture
* [https://searle.wales Grant Searle's homebrew computers]
*[http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/ The Centre for Computing History] The Centre for Computing History{{snd}} UK Computer Museum
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/ Bitsavers archive]
*[http://www.livingcomputermuseum.org/Online-Systems/Request-a-Login.aspx/ Living Computer Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024124336/http://www.livingcomputermuseum.org/Online-Systems/Request-a-Login.aspx/ |date=2016-10-24 }} Request a Login from the LCM to interact with vintage computers over the internet.
* [https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/ The Centre for Computing History – UK museum]
*[http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/ bitsavers] Software and PDF Document archive about older computers
* [https://www.vcfed.org/ Vintage Computer Federation]
*[https://wiki.preterhuman.net/Vintage_Computing_Resources Vintage Computing Resources] Active resources for retrocomputing hobbyists
* [http://www.retrosummit.com/ Retro Summit community]
*[https://medium.com/young-coder/learning-to-code-in-a-retro-programming-environment-fb5c5982ca54 Learning to code in a “retro” programming environment]
* [https://github.com/simh/simh SIMH GitHub repository]
*[https://www.apress.com/gp/book/9781484241455 Beginning Programming Using Retro Computing]
* [https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/ VICE emulator project]
*[https://www.loadzx.com LOAD ZX Spectrum] Museum, a retro computing museum in Portugal mostly focused on the Sinclair line of computers
* [https://s2js.com/altair/?basic Altair 8800 emulator running Altair BASIC]
*[https://s2js.com/altair/?basic Online MITS Altair] simulated hardware running authentic Altair BASIC


[[Category:Computing culture| ]]
[[Category:Computing culture]]
[[Category:Computer hardware]]
[[Category:History of computing]]
[[Category:History of computing]]
[[Category:Emulation]]
[[Category:Nostalgia]]
[[Category:Nostalgia]]

Latest revision as of 18:04, 14 August 2025

The 1977 Apple II, a popular subject of retrocomputing interest

Retrocomputing is the use and study of obsolete or near-obsolete computer hardware and software in modern times. It is most commonly practiced as a hobby and a form of digital preservation, but is also used for education, software recovery, system compatibility testing, or artistic exploration. Retrocomputing enthusiasts often collect, restore, emulate, or replicate vintage computer systems from the 1950s through the 1990s, including their operating systems, peripherals, and software.

Overview

Retrocomputing involves both the preservation of historical computing systems and the experience of using them. It spans a wide range of activities—from running classic games and productivity software to rebuilding mainframes or home microcomputers using modern components. The field is closely associated with retro gaming, digital archaeology, and computer history.

In a professional context, retrocomputing can support legacy data access or maintain compatibility with critical systems still running on outdated hardware. In hobbyist communities, however, retrocomputing often celebrates the design, limitations, and aesthetic of early computing eras.

Motivations

Enthusiasts are drawn to retrocomputing for several reasons:

  • **Nostalgia** – Users reconnect with the systems they used in childhood or early careers.
  • **Education** – Vintage computers provide an approachable platform for learning hardware and software fundamentals.
  • **Preservation** – Historical hardware and software are curated to prevent digital obsolescence.
  • **Artistic expression** – Some artists and developers create “demakes,” chiptunes, and low-fi digital art with retro tools.
  • **Hacking/making** – Many hobbyists build or modify systems to understand computing at a low level.

Hardware retrocomputing

Retrocomputing often begins with restoring original vintage machines or building modern replicas that mimic them. Key areas include:

Historic systems

Main article: Vintage computer

Vintage systems of interest include:

Some projects also recreate much older theoretical or unfinished machines. For example:

Homebrew retrocomputers

Homebrew 8-bit computer based on the Intel 8080

Many enthusiasts build homebrew retrocomputers using discrete logic chips or modern microcontrollers to emulate 8-bit or 16-bit systems. These machines may replicate original designs or create new ones inspired by vintage architecture.

Notable examples include:

  • Replica 1 – a functional clone of the original Apple I
  • N8VEM – a Z80-based homebrew system with CP/M compatibility
  • GR8BIT – a modular, educational MSX-compatible computer
  • C256 Foenix – a modern system using the WDC 65C816, blending retro and modern features
  • MEGA65 – a full FPGA-based computer inspired by the unfinished Commodore 65 prototype[1]
  • Commander X16 – a new 8-bit platform developed by The 8-Bit Guy using modern components and a simple design philosophy[2]
  • Grant Searle’s collection of Z80 and 6502-based homebrew computers[3]
  • Modern recreations of the IMSAI 8080 using backward-compatible kits

Many of these systems use FPGAs to emulate vintage chipsets, blending legacy design with modern flexibility.

Software retrocomputing

As original hardware becomes scarce, retrocomputing increasingly involves the use of emulators and software preservation. Simulators replicate the functionality of historical systems on modern computers, often with enhancements for speed, storage, or debugging.

Prominent emulator projects include:

  • SIMH – simulates over 50 classic systems, including the PDP-11, VAX, and UNIVAC
  • Hercules – emulates IBM mainframes from System/360 to modern z/Architecture
  • VICE – emulates multiple Commodore platforms including the VIC-20, C64, C128, and C65
  • MAME – best known for arcade emulation, but also includes early computer systems
  • Altair emulators – several simulate the MITS Altair running Altair BASIC

Software availability

Many retrocomputing communities maintain archives of software, documentation, and firmware dumps. These include:

  • Bitsavers – a digital archive of vintage computing documents and software
  • Vintage Computer Federation software library
  • Community-run repositories for Commodore, Apple, Tandy, Amiga, and DOS systems

Some early software, especially from the 1970s and early 1980s, is in the public domain or released as freeware, allowing unrestricted emulation. Others require licensing or are subject to copyright disputes.

Preservation and restoration

Retrocomputing plays a major role in digital heritage and the preservation of computing history. Restoration involves not only keeping machines functional but also maintaining operating systems, file formats, and input/output standards.

Specialist efforts include:

Many of these institutions host repair events, code sprints, and community contributions to long-term digital archives.

Education

8-bit computers are widely used in education due to their simplicity, immediacy, and transparency. They offer a minimal environment ideal for teaching:

  • Introduction to programming (especially in BASIC)
  • Computer architecture
  • Low-level logic and microprocessor design

Because systems like the BBC Micro, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum boot directly to a BASIC prompt, students can start coding immediately without complex setups.

In popular culture

Retrocomputing is often referenced in media reflecting on technology's past:

  • George R. R. Martin uses WordStar 4.0 on MS-DOS to write novels, stating it helps him focus without modern distractions.[4]
  • The film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch centres on a young programmer developing a game for an 8-bit computer in 1984, exploring themes of programming, free will, and interactive fiction.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "MEGA65 – (MOST PROBABLY) THE BEST COMPUTER". Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  2. ↑ "Building My Dream Computer – Part 1". Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  3. ↑ "Grant's Homebuilt Electronics". Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  4. ↑ Lily Hay Newman (14 May 2014). "George R.R. Martin Writes on a DOS-Based Word Processor From the 1980s". Slate. Retrieved 2024-06-30.

External links

Retrieved from "https://retrowikipedia.com/index.php?title=Retrocomputing&oldid=15448"