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Long-Term PC Preservation Project?
failcomm writes "I've been talking with my son's (middle-school) computer lab teacher about a 'time capsule' project. The school has a number of 'retirement age' PCs (5-6 years old — Dells, HPs, a couple of Compaqs), and we've been kicking around the idea of trying to preserve a working system and some media (CDs and/or DVDs), and locking them away to be preserved for some period of time (say 50 years); to be opened by students of the future. The goal would be to have instructions on how to unpack the system, plug it into the wall (we'll assume everyone is still using 110v US outlets), and get the system to boot. Also provide instructions on how to load the media and see it in action; whether it is photos or video or games or even student programs — whatever. So first, is this idea crazy? Second, how would we go about packing/preserving various components? Lastly, any suggestions on how to store it long term? (Remember, this is a school project, so we can't exactly just 'freeze it in carbonite'; practical advice would be appreciated.)"
I always find it odd to find that some Americans think their way of life will stay around for ever (Power, Units of measurment, etc)
However, To make this comment useful, Take a look at the graphics here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_power_systems As you can see, most of the world uses 230V.. (Here in Aus, Its refered to as 240V, but has been 230V for a long time.. but the +- 10% rule tends to make it higher anyway)
110V will most likely not last forever in the states, but it'll probably be still there in 10-20 years..
Of course.. Things will change when wireless power comes into being ;)