Legacy PC Forum? "Old computer hacks?"

[StealthyV]

Hello everyone!

It's been a WHILE since I last logged into TechIMO (March 8!) but when I got the "Happy Birthday" email, I realized what I had been missing: a great community of experts, those wanting to learn, and those people who take time to troubleshoot problems.

I'm typing this on a Dell Inspiron 3700 - a laptop from 1999 onto which I installed WinXP (I tried K/Ubuntu, didn't detect my D-Link wifi) and upgraded the ram to max 512mb. The cpu is a 430mhz- not exactly fast, but YouTube works well, and other than a dead backlight (I'm ordering a replacement for $59 soon) everything's just dandy.

I was wondering if there was sufficient interest in the TechIMO community to dedicate a forum specifically for Legacy computers, including early Apple, Commodore, and IBM machines? Posts regarding "updating" these old machines to again be usable, breathing new life into "outdated" hardware... encouraging the re-use or donation of otherwise obsolete hardware to people in need, with "modern" software.

This laptop has a brand new battery, wifi, and when I replace the backlight (if?) I'll be able to disconnect it from my monitor and bring it out and about! I'm not too worried about someone stealing my dinosaur; it's heft alone would discourage someone from carrying it far!

When I have enough money saved up, I'll get a laptop that is more portable (and donate this to a local charity) but in the meantime, I need some help with replacing the backlight (tips, hints, etc) and a forum dedicated to old machines might be of great use to the TechIMO community!

Thanks all for reading, and I'm looking forward to reading your responses!

~Branson

[Steve R Jones]

A Legacy computer forum would a bit of a waste. Any issues or trouble would still fall under Technical - Storage - CPU etc type of catagory...

Now on the other hand - a forum about Not spending money on fixing up a 430mhz lappy when you can get newer one for less would make for good reading

[MegalosSkylaki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve R Jones

A Legacy computer forum would a bit of a waste. Any issues or trouble would still fall under Technical - Storage - CPU etc type of catagory...

Now on the other hand - a forum about Not spending money on fixing up a 430mhz lappy when you can get newer one for less would make for good reading

You'd be amazed how people get emotionally attched to their TVs , VCRs, computers, cars etc. and keep fixing them when an objective outside observer may note the cost differential between fixing something and starting anew.

Also people have a kind of "sweat equity" in something they worked for years to tweak etc. and are reluctant to part with that "equity".

DOOOOG

But you're right the questions would fall under some existing catagory anyway.

[Thomas Wontora]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StealthyV

Hello everyone!

It's been a WHILE since I last logged into TechIMO (March 8!) but when I got the "Happy Birthday" email, I realized what I had been missing: a great community of experts, those wanting to learn, and those people who take time to troubleshoot problems.

I'm typing this on a Dell Inspiron 3700 - a laptop from 1999 onto which I installed WinXP (I tried K/Ubuntu, didn't detect my D-Link wifi) and upgraded the ram to max 512mb. The cpu is a 430mhz- not exactly fast, but YouTube works well, and other than a dead backlight (I'm ordering a replacement for $59 soon) everything's just dandy.

I was wondering if there was sufficient interest in the TechIMO community to dedicate a forum specifically for Legacy computers, including early Apple, Commodore, and IBM machines? Posts regarding "updating" these old machines to again be usable, breathing new life into "outdated" hardware... encouraging the re-use or donation of otherwise obsolete hardware to people in need, with "modern" software.

This laptop has a brand new battery, wifi, and when I replace the backlight (if?) I'll be able to disconnect it from my monitor and bring it out and about! I'm not too worried about someone stealing my dinosaur; it's heft alone would discourage someone from carrying it far!

When I have enough money saved up, I'll get a laptop that is more portable (and donate this to a local charity) but in the meantime, I need some help with replacing the backlight (tips, hints, etc) and a forum dedicated to old machines might be of great use to the TechIMO community!

Thanks all for reading, and I'm looking forward to reading your responses!

~Branson