Last weekend, I interacted with some "old" computer technology:
- used a DMV kiosk to renew my car registration
- tried to load German language tutorial software on an old laptop (8088 machine)
The kiosk was like a bank ATM, albeit slightly more sophisticated... I wonder how much more recent it might be than the latter (probably not by much).
The old laptop would more likely be labeled as a "portable". I figure it weighs about 10 lbs., which makes it a little heavy to place on your lap. (I'll have to weigh it with my fish scale and report back.)
What's challenging about the old computer was trying to remember a few rudimentary DOS commands and testing different F keys to operate the machine.
Why would I want to fire up this ancient device? Well, I'd rediscovered the German disks and wanted to use the tutorial.
BTW, not only were the disks of an earlier vintage (not high density), but there were also 5-1/4 floppies in the pack! The software was copyrighted '92 and '93. (Not sure when they were given to me, but probably 10 years ago or so.)
That reminds me... I think my dad still has his Apple II. I wonder if he still uses it? Very likely...
Posted by raacluse at September 15, 2005 11:13 PM