Classic Computer Reference DVD
After much debate and soul searching, and responding to a number of requests, I have decided to offer a DVD of Classic Computer manuals, documentation and some software.
Before I go any further, I will tell you right up front that most of what’s on this DVD is available on the internet for free downloading. In fact, if you send me an E-Mail, I will even tell you where you can find the majority of files on this DVD.
But this DVD has THOUSANDS of files on it, some as large as
70 megabytes. So I’m offering it as a
convenience, and also because I now find that much of the thousands and
thousands of pages of material that I myself personally scanned and placed on
the net for free downloading, is being sold on CDs by others here on
E-Bay. So, you can buy their collection
(separate CDs at $10 each plus $5 each shipping), or you can buy my collection,
which I think is of better quality, on one single DVD-R, for $35 which includes
Now, what exactly is this DVD? It’s a collection of manuals, documentation and some PUBLIC DOMAIN software for “classic computers”, meaning mostly (but not entirely) “S-100” computers and their peripherals made from about 1975 to 1983 by companies that no longer exist. The documents are mostly in PDF format, I scanned thousands and thousands of pages of them myself (and put them on the ‘net for free downloading), but others have come from various sources including a number of other web sites. Also on the disk are data sheets for hundreds of IC chips from this era, including everything from CPUs, math co-processors and floppy disk controllers to garden variety SSI 7400-series parts (much of this is appendices to product manuals of that era, which often reproduced the data sheets for the chips which they used).
We are talking about manuals for products made by IMSAI, Altair, Processor Technology, CompuPro, Vector Graphics, Seattle Computer Products, Tarbell, North Star, Shugart, Persci ..... etc. Also on this disk is quite a bit of PUBLIC DOMAIN software, including the majority of what was the “CP/M user’s group” collection. This DVD has thousands and thousands of files on it, and I don’t think that you will be disappointed.
Because of the quantity of files on this DVD, I can’t even begin to list them. I will answer questions about specific boards if you have a question. Also, as I noted, I will supply a list of links to sites from which you can download almost the entire contents of this DVD ... free ... if you ask. Finally, I will offer a money-back guarantee: If you are not happy with the DVD, return it, in “new” condition within 10 days of receipt, and I’ll refund your money, less $5 for shipping.
Could you ask for more?
[Note, buyers outside the
Now, one more point: I’m doing this, in part, to help preserve the past. So, if you have a document of this type that is not on this disc, and you are willing to LOAN it to me, I MAY be interested in scanning it and adding it to future editions of the DVD, as well as having it posted online for free download. You MUST contact me first BEFORE sending me a document. Any unsolicited documents which I receive will not be returned. I reserve the right to accept or reject any document offered for this purpose. You pay shipping to me, I will pay the return shipping. Unless it’s something that I don’t have and DESPARATELY want, only documents consisting of loose pages will be considered, or you must be willing to let me destroy the binding, since scanning is done with a sheet-fed automatic document feeder. If I accept your offer, your reward will be a free copy of the DVD and the knowledge that you have made a contribution to preserving a piece of the past of computer history.
Payment by Pay-Pal, money order or check. Thank you for your interest in my item.