Tuesday, July 07, 2009

For the REALLY old Computers: FreeDOS

My friend Jon pointed this out. I've used FreeDOS before (especially on the Zenith SuperSports and the PS/2 Model 25) and it's quite friendly... for a DOS clone, at least.

From the website:
FreeDOS is a free DOS-compatible operating system for IBM-PC compatible systems. FreeDOS is made of up many different, separate programs that act as "packages" to the overall FreeDOS Project.

We welcome new users to FreeDOS. You can contribute to the FreeDOS Project by downloading our latest release and telling us what you think. We have a bug tracking system that helps you report problems and submit requests, and otherwise tell us how to improve FreeDOS. By participating in the development and debugging process, you help everyone.

What's amazing is that the developers are still hammering on it, adding features (like USB support) and improving it. So while it will likely work quite well on those truly retro relics in your parents' basement, it likely works even better on that Pentium 3 in your own closet.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Tonight at CCCKC: Retro-Computing Live!

Tonight, Frogman and I will be giving a talk about Retro Computing as part of Cowtown Computer Congress' Grand Opening events.

The main focus will be tips for getting the most out of old tech, and of course how to determine if your old tech is worth hanging onto. Of course, we'll spend some time talking about the kinds of things that old computers are still relatively good at.

We'll be demonstrating some old hardware that we've amassed that still works just fine. The Jornada 720, The Blackintosh SE/30 (shown left) and others will be present.

I'm still not sure what time our talk will be. Likely after 7pm.

Cowtown Computer Congress Underground Lab
3101 Mercier Suite #404
Kansas City, MO 64111