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Long-Term PC Preservation Project?

Posted by timothy on from the solid-state-drives-perhaps dept.

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.)"

4 of 465 comments (clear)

  1. Don't Bother by dmomo · · Score: 4, Funny

    It got damaged in a flood. Even if it hadn't it wouldn't matter. We just use this 20 year old time machine invented in 2039 to come back for our retro-gaming fix. It's a clunker compared to the new time machines, but it was cheap. Actually, probably cheaper than your P4 uses... AND it uses less power.

    We actually save power by going back in time and using the past's power anyway. The future is AWESOME. Come join us soon!

  2. Re:Way too many unknowns by mustafap · · Score: 5, Funny

    >Basic mathematical patterns inherent in Euclidean geometry aren't going to be easily forgotten or abandoned.

    You overestimate the power of the US education system.

    --
    Open Source Drum Kit, LPLC deve board - mjhdesigns.com
  3. Re:Way too many unknowns by drinkypoo · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can hear it now: "It's been three seconds and still no "desktop", whatever that is, the damn thing is broken!"

    Given what we know about human nature and trends in technology it's more likely to be "It's been three seconds and still no blowjob, are you sure this thing is a computer?"

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  4. Re:I've thought about this by KeithJM · · Score: 5, Funny

    Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

    So you're worried that if we don't do this someone 50 years from now will install Windows ME?