The text discusses the value of vintage computing and the importance of digital preservation. It highlights the story of Morgan Aldridge, who bought an Apple Newton in 2005 because it suited his needs better than contemporary digital organizers. The text emphasizes the benefits of open source communities in keeping old technologies alive and the efforts made to preserve software and online platforms. It also explores how emulators allow for running old software on newer platforms. The text further explores the joys and educational benefits of working with vintage technologies, as well as the lessons they offer about resource efficiency and simplicity.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage technologies are still actively supported | Preservation of old technologies | Continued support and development of vintage technologies | Nostalgia, learning, preservation of computing history |
| Emulators allow running old software on newer platforms | Preservation of old software | Increased accuracy and ease of running old software | Nostalgia, preservation of computing history |
| Efforts to restore and recreate early online services | Preservation of online services | Restoration and recreation of lost online content and experiences | Nostalgia, preservation of computing history |
| Interest in vintage computing for fun and learning | Increased interest in retro-computing | Increased understanding of computer science and limitations of computers | Fun, learning, understanding computing history |
| Growing interest in Gopher and other older internet platforms | Rediscovery of older internet platforms | Increased usage and creation of Gopher servers | Desire for alternatives to modern web, simplicity of Gopher |
| Value of vintage tech for specific needs and resource efficiency | Appreciation for older technologies | Recognition of value and efficiency in older devices and software | Better suited for specific needs, resource optimization, simplicity |