Retrocomputing

What Does Retrocomputing Mean?

The practice of retrocomputing involves buying or working
with old and obsolete technologies. People describe it as the use of old
computer hardware and software in a time when much newer and more advanced
hardware and software is available. Retrocomputing is often a hobby, but is
sometimes also done for preservation and curation purposes.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Retrocomputing

One example of retrocomputing is the collection and use of obsolete or outdated personal computer systems. Computer systems such as the Apple IIe, which has not been commonly used for several decades, command big prices on the open market, as do other types of older computers. Some types of retrocomputing are done partly to impress the average user – for example, the keeping of older personal computer or mainframe systems using extremely large hardware pieces for small-time memory operations.

Many retrocomputing projects involve maintaining resources about older computer systems for posterity. The Retrocomputing Museum is one example where IT experts maintain resources on older technologies and software systems.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Home Networks Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…