Vintage Computer
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Vintage Computer
@vintage.computer
47 followers 14 following 150 posts
🖥 Vintage computing facts & nostalgia, served fresh daily. Punch cards optional.
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Milestone Monday: December 29, 1952.The Sonotone 1010 became the first commercial product to use a transistor, marking a quiet but historic shift away from vacuum tubes and toward modern electronics. Small device. Massive impact. #Transistors #VintageComputer
A dark, star-filled background with large yellow text reading “Milestone Monday” and “December 29th, 1952.” At left is a photo of a vintage Sonotone 1010 hearing aid mounted on a small stand. To the right, text reads: “The Sonotone 1010, a hearing aid and the first commercial product to use a transistor, was introduced on December 29th, 1952. This device used a single transistor in the audio output.” At the bottom is a stylized sunrise graphic and the text “vintage.computer.”
December 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Maintenance Mode 🌿

Even the most complex systems need downtime to reset, recalibrate, and refocus. As Theodore Roosevelt put it: believing you can is often the first step toward making progress, whether you’re debugging code or rebuilding momentum.
A square graphic with a lush green forest background, sunlight filtering through tall trees. Over the forest is a semi-transparent green overlay bordered with thin gold lines. At the top, inside a gold-outlined banner, the text reads: “Maintenance Mode”. Centered in large yellow text is a quote with decorative quotation marks: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Below the quote, in smaller yellow text, is the attribution: “Theodore Roosevelt”. At the bottom right corner of the image is a small green-and-gold label with the text “vintage.computer”.
December 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Before screens became universal, computing was physical, procedural, and loud. This mid-20th-century scene shows a computer operator using an IBM telereader, a machine that helped automate taking measurements, in this at a supersonic wind tunnel. #VintageComputer
A graphic titled “SNAPSHOT SATURDAY” across the top, styled like a film strip with rectangular sprocket holes along the upper and lower borders. Beneath the title, small text reads: “Computer Operator uses an IBM Telereader.” Centered in the image is a black-and-white historical photograph. A woman sits on a stool operating an IBM telereader console. She is holding a large flat control panel or reader surface angled toward her. To her left are tall stacks of punched cards arranged vertically in trays. To her right is a large IBM machine cabinet with switches and controls on its front panel. Additional stacks of punched cards are visible on top of the machine. Below the photograph is a caption line reading: “NASA Glenn Research Center, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons” followed by a URL referencing the image source. The background outside the photo is a warm brown and gold abstract texture. In the bottom right corner of the image is the text “vintage.computer.”
December 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Logisim Evolution is a free, open-source tool for designing and simulating digital logic circuits. Widely used in classrooms and by hobbyists, it’s perfect for exploring how CPUs, adders, and state machines actually work, without touching a soldering iron. #VintageComputer
A square graphic titled “FREE SOFTWARE FRIDAY” at the top in bold black text on a light gray background. The main design resembles a compact disc, with a large light gray circular disc centered on a darker gray background. Inside the disc, black text reads: “Logisim Evolution” “Author: Logisim Team” “Release Date: 2011” “Get it: https://github.com/logisim-evolution/logisim-evolution” Below that, a section labeled “About:” reads: “Free, open-source educational software for designing and simulating digital logic circuits.” In the bottom right corner of the image is the text “VINTAGE.COMPUTER.”
December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Introduced by IBM in 1987, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports became a defining feature of PC-compatible systems for more than a decade.
Mostly replaced by USB today, but still appreciated by sysadmins for their simplicity, reliability, and dedicated hardware paths. #VintageComputer
A graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” at the top, with the subtitle “PS/2 Ports:” beneath it. The background features a warm, sandy-toned abstract landscape. Centered in the image is a close-up photograph of two circular PS/2 ports on a computer case. The left port is purple and marked with a keyboard icon, and the right port is green and marked with a mouse icon. The ports are framed by a metallic edge. Below the photo is a credit line that reads: “Jud McCranie, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PS2_keyboard_and_mouse_jacks.jpg” Below that, a paragraph of text reads: “Created by IBM for their Personal System/2 series of computers in 1987, the PS/2 ports became ubiquitous on IBM-compatible machines for over a decade. While mostly phased out and replaced by USB, they are still sometimes favored by system admins as dedicated, peripheral-only connections.” In the bottom right corner of the image is the text “vintage.computer.”
December 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
vintage.computer
Wishing everyone a warm holiday filled with blinking LEDs, whirring disk drives, and the joy of computing. Whether you’re restoring hardware, preserving software, or just appreciating the machines that built our digital world: Merry Christmas, and happy hacking.
December 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
The first computer “virus” wasn’t about theft or destruction: it was a prank. In 1982, Elk Cloner spread via floppy disks on Apple II systems and revealed itself with a spooky poem after 50 boots. Malware history started with poetry. #VintageComputer
A square graphic with a dark blue background and rounded light gray border. At the top, large white text reads: “Wow That’s Fascinating.” Below it, separated by a thin decorative line, larger underlined white text reads: “The First ‘Computer Virus’ Was Just a Creepy Poem.” Below the headline is a paragraph of white text that reads: “In 1986, the ‘Brain’ virus started infecting IBM PCs via floppy disks. But earlier, in 1982, a less harmful piece of code called ‘Elk Cloner’ spread through Apple II computers. It didn’t damage anything—it just popped up a spooky poem after 50 boots. It was the first prank with code that could travel.” At the bottom of the image is a thin decorative line, followed by small icons of a microchip and a globe, and the text “vintage.computer” in white.
December 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Tech Spec Tuesday 📐💾

The Kaypro II packed an entire CP/M workstation into a luggable case. With a Z80 CPU, dual floppy drives, and a built-in green-screen CRT, it made serious computing portable in the early 1980s.

Heavy by today’s standards, but revolutionary for its time.
A graphic titled “Tech Spec Tuesday” at the top, set against a background of technical schematics. Below the header is a large blue panel titled “Kaypro II.” On the left side is a photo of a Kaypro II portable computer with its front open, showing a built-in green CRT screen, two vertically stacked 5.25-inch floppy disk drives, and a detachable keyboard resting in front. Small credit text beneath the photo reads: “By Rama & Musée Bolo – File: IBM_PC-IMG_7271.jpg, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94784371” . Below the image is a specification table listing: CPU: Zilog Z80 @ 2.5 MHz Memory: 64 KB Storage: Dual 5.25" floppy drives Graphics: 9" green CRT, 80 x 24 text Networking: Serial ports, modem support Notes: CP/M-based, rugged portable On the right side, a section titled “About this machine:” reads: “Launched in 1982, the Kaypro II was a luggable computer running CP/M with bundled word processors and utilities. It was praised for its durability, integrated green screen, and accessible price point for business users.” At the bottom right of the image is a rounded label with the text “vintage.computer”.
December 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
On December 22, 1882, Edward Hibberd Johnson, a friend and business partner of Thomas Edison, decorated his Christmas tree with 80 hand-wired electric lights in red, white, and blue. The tree even rotated, giving passersby a dazzling preview of a fully electric holiday. 🎄💡
A graphic titled “Milestone Monday” with the date “December 22nd, 1882” in large yellow text against a dark, star-filled background. On the left is a black-and-white historical photograph showing several people gathered around an early electrically lit Christmas tree indoors. Small caption text beneath the photo reads: “What is a Home Without Love? Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/2005689091/” . On the right, a block of yellow text reads: “On this day in 1882, Edward Hibberd Johnson, a friend and business partner of Thomas Edison, hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue lightbulbs around his own Christmas Tree. The tree even rotated, giving people on the street a dazzling view of the decorated tree.” At the bottom of the image is a stylized sunrise graphic over a curved black horizon, with the text “vintage.computer” centered beneath it.
December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Maintenance Mode 🔧 Even systems with long histories can be repaired, improved, and redirected. Progress doesn’t require a perfect start, just a decision to keep going and make the next change count. #MaintenanceMode #VintageComputer #Reflection #Progress
A graphic with a desert landscape background in warm orange and tan tones. At the top, a banner reads “Maintenance Mode.” Centered text in a blue panel displays a quote: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Beneath the quote is the attribution “C.S. Lewis.” A small decorative underline appears below the quote. In the bottom right corner of the image is the text “vintage.computer.”
December 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
A snapshot from when entire rooms were dedicated to computing power and output arrived on massive plotters. This is what “hands-on computing” looked like before desktops and laptops. #SnapshotSaturday #VintageComputing #ComputerHistory #Mainframe #RetroTech #VintageComputer
A graphic titled “SNAPSHOT SATURDAY” at the top, styled like a film strip. Below the title is the caption: “Employees at Hughes Aircraft Company in the computer room.” The central image is a vintage photograph showing several employees working in a large computer room at Hughes Aircraft Company. In the foreground, a man operates a large plotter or output device. In the background are rows of tall mainframe computer cabinets lining the room. The setting appears to be an engineering facility with bright lighting and raised flooring. A credit line beneath the photo reads: “Hughes Aircraft Company, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Employees_in_computer_room_plotter_in_use_Hughes_Aircraft_Company.jpg” . In the bottom right corner of the image is the text “vintage.computer.”
December 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
The Dark Mod is a free, open-source first-person stealth game inspired by Thief. It delivers deep atmosphere, careful pacing, and community-driven missions, and proof that great games don’t need a price tag. #FreeSoftwareFriday #OpenSource #RetroGaming #PCGaming #VintageComputer
A graphic titled “FREE SOFTWARE FRIDAY” at the top. The main image resembles a compact disc on a gray background. Text on the disc reads: “The Dark Mod”. Below that: “Author: The Dark Mod Team”. “Release Date: October 17th, 2009”. “Get it: https://thedarkmod.com” . Further down, text reads: “About: A free, open-source first-person stealth video game set in a gothic steam-punk world, inspired by ‘Thief’.” In the bottom right corner of the image is the text “VINTAGE.COMPUTER”.
December 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Before Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were everywhere, infrared data ports made wireless file transfers possible. Line-of-sight, short range, and a bit finicky; but for a while, IR was cutting-edge tech in laptops, phones, and PDAs. #ThrowbackThursday #RetroTech #Infrared #VintageComputer
A graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” with the subtitle “Infrared Data Ports,” set against a tan, desert-like background. Centered is a close-up photo of an infrared data port on a circuit board, showing two small dark IR transceivers mounted near the edge of the device. Beneath the image is a credit line reading: “amagill, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IrdaPort.jpg” . Below the image, text reads: “Before wifi and bluetooth, if you wanted to transfer data wirelessly, you might have used an Infrared Data Port. It only worked over a short range and with a direct line-of-sight between the devices’ transceivers. It was totally wireless and had speeds comparable to serial cable connections.” At the bottom right of the image is the text “vintage.computer.”
December 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Ever wonder why Windows paths use backslashes instead of forward slashes? It traces back to early DOS design decisions and command-line conventions that diverged from Unix. #WowThatsFascinating #VintageComputing #ComputerHistory #DOS #Windows #VintageComputer
A black, terminal-style graphic with green text and rounded gray borders. At the top, large text reads: “Wow That’s Fascinating”. Below it, underlined text reads: “Why Windows Uses Backslashes in Paths”. The main body text reads: “DOS adopted the backslash (\) to avoid conflicts with the forward slash’s use for command-line options. Unix had already claimed /. The result? Path confusion that persists to this day.” At the bottom left is a globe icon followed by the text “vintage.computer.” Decorative horizontal lines and small diamond shapes appear near the top and bottom, evoking a retro computer terminal aesthetic.
December 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum packed a computing revolution into a low-cost, rubber-keyed machine. It helped ignite the UK home computing boom and introduced a generation to programming and games. #TechSpecTuesday #VintageComputing #Sinclair #ZXSpectrum #RetroTech #VintageComputer
A graphic titled “TECH SPEC TUESDAY” at the top, set against a background of electronic schematics. Below the title is the heading “Sinclair ZX Spectrum.” On the left is a photo of a Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer with a black case, rubber keyboard, and a rainbow stripe along the bottom edge. Beneath the photo is a credit line reading: “Bill Bertram, CC BY-SA 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ZXSpectrum48k.jpg” . On the right, a section titled “About this machine:” contains the text: “Released in 1982, the ZX Spectrum was a low-cost home computer that helped usher in the UK’s computing boom. Its rubber-keyed design, colorful graphics, and huge library of games made it a beloved classic.” Below, a specification table lists: CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 3.5 MHz Memory: 16 or 48 KB RAM Storage: Cassette Tape Graphics: 256 x 192 resolution, 15 colors Networking: None built-in Notes: Iconic UK microcomputer of the 1980s At the bottom of the image is the text “vintage.computer.”
December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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Sir Winston Churchill’s words feel especially relevant to computing. The systems we design, terminals, networks, interfaces, don’t just serve us. Over time, they influence how we think, work, and communicate. #VintageComputing #MaintenanceMode #DesignThinking #VintageComputer
A “Maintenance Mode” graphic set against a scenic landscape with green hills, a blue sky, and soft sunlight. At the top is a blue banner with gold trim reading “Maintenance Mode.” Centered below is a larger blue panel containing the quote: “We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.” — Sir Winston Churchill A small decorative white flourish appears beneath the quote. In the bottom right corner of the image is a rounded label reading “vintage.computer.”
December 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Before businesses had PCs, they had terminals like the VT100: it became a standard thanks to its reliability, clean ANSI-compatible display, and wide adoption across universities, labs, and businesses. #VintageComputing #DEC #VT100 #RetroTech #SnapshotSaturday #VintageComputer
A “Snapshot Saturday” graphic with a sepia-toned filmstrip design. At the top, large white text reads “SNAPSHOT SATURDAY.” Below a row of film frames, small text reads: “Terminal workstations like this DEC VT100 were commonplace before PCs.” Centered in the graphic is a photograph of a DEC VT100 terminal. The terminal has a beige casing, a CRT screen displaying white-on-black text, and a built-in keyboard with numerous black keys. The monitor shows a list of commands or system information. On the right side of the bezel is the label “DEC VT100.” Beneath the image is a credit line: “Jason Scott, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DEC_VT100_terminal.jpg” At the bottom right corner of the graphic is the label: vintage.computer.
December 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Free Software Friday: openMSX: a free, cross-platform emulator that brings the classic MSX computer architecture back to life. Perfect for retro gaming and development nostalgia! Download it here: https://openmsx.org
#VintageComputer #FreeSoftwareFriday #MSX #Emulator
Text on image: “FREE SOFTWARE FRIDAY OPENMSX Author: OPENMSX TEAM Release Date: BEFORE 2015 Notes: FREE SOFTWARE EMULATOR FOR THE MSX ARCHITECTURE Get it: HTTPS://OPENMSX.ORG VINTAGE.COMPUTER” Image description: The design resembles a gray floppy disk with a white label featuring a green header. The header reads “FREE SOFTWARE FRIDAY” in white text. Below, black text lists details about openMSX, including author, release date, notes, and download link.
December 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Before silicon chips, machines relied on magnetic-core memory: tiny ferrite rings woven into grids that stored bits magnetically. It was durable, reliable, and used in everything from early mainframes to the Apollo Guidance Computer. #CoreMemory #RetroTech #VintageComputer
A desert-themed “Throwback Thursday” graphic with the headline “Magnetic-Core Memory” in large brown text. Below the title is a photo of several examples of magnetic core memory modules displayed in a museum case. The modules vary in size and shape, showing grids of tiny ferrite cores woven with wires, including large rectangular panels and smaller cube-like assemblies. Informational placards are visible in front of each component. Below the photo is an attribution line: “Robert Freiberger from Union City, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Various_Core_memory,_Computer_History_Museum,_Mountain_View,_California.jpg” Under the attribution is this paragraph of text: “Magnetic core memory provided Random Access Memory storage for some of the earliest computers. Using thousands and thousands of ferrimagnetic ceramic cores arranged in a grid, they could store binary information magnetically. This solid-state technology was reliable, and was even used by the Apollo Guidance Computer.” In the bottom right corner is the label: vintage.computer.
December 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Long before social media, Byte Magazine was where computer enthusiasts learned how the digital world worked. From schematics and soldering guides to deep dives into software theory, it shaped an entire generation of tinkerers and hobbyists. #ByteMagazine #VintageComputer
A retro-styled graphic with a beige border and rounded corners on a black background. At the top, large orange text reads: “Wow That’s Fascinating” Below it, a headline in underlined orange text reads: “Byte Magazine Was a Bible for Geeks” The body text says: “Starting in 1975, Byte Magazine covered everything from circuit boards to software theory. Packed with schematics and commentary, it was essential reading for tinkerers.” Decorative orange divider lines and small circuit-style iconography appear above and below the text. In the bottom right corner is the label: “vintage.computer”
December 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
Released in 1981, the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A had a 16-bit CPU, strong graphics, and a huge library of software. Closed architecture held it back, but its influence and fanbase lives on. 💾✨ #VintageComputing #TISystems #RetroTech #TechSpecTuesday #VintageComputer
A “Tech Spec Tuesday” graphic featuring the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A home computer. The header reads “TECH SPEC TUESDAY” in bold white text on a blue background. Below, a photo shows the TI-99/4A: a silver and black home computer with a built-in keyboard and cartridge slot. Under the photo is the attribution: “Vacatno, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yandex_Museum_Belgrade_-_TI-99_4A.jpg” Next to the image is a section titled “About this machine:” with the following text: “Launched in 1981, the TI-99/4A was ahead of its time with a 16-bit CPU and solid graphics and sound capabilities. Despite a closed architecture, it gained popularity in education and gaming before being discontinued in 1983.” Below is a blue specifications table with white text: CPU: TMS 9900 @ 3 MHz Memory: 16 KB RAM Storage: Cartridges, cassette, optional floppy Graphics: VDP, 256 × 192, 16 colors Networking: Peripheral expansion modem Notes: First 16-bit CPU in a home computer At the bottom right is a rounded label reading vintage.computer.
December 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
On December 8th, 1864, George Boole, the mathematician whose work, Boolean logic and algebra, laid the foundation for every digital computer, died. A profound legacy from a brilliant mind. #VintageComputing #MilestoneMonday #HistoryOfComputing
A graphic titled “Milestone Monday” in large yellow text against a starry night sky. Beneath it is the date “December 8th, 1864.” On the left is a black-and-white portrait of George Boole, wearing a suit with a bow tie and facing slightly to the right. Below the portrait is a credit line: “Credit Line: AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portrait_of_Boole.jpg” To the right of the portrait, text reads: “One this day George Boole, the mathematician who pioneered the creation of boolean algebra, the foundation for the binary logic used to make all digital computers, died in Cork, Ireland at the age of 49.” At the bottom is a stylized sunrise shape with the label “vintage.computer.”
December 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
vintage.computer
A little weekend inspiration from Theodore von Kármán: a reminder that the world we live in was built by people who imagined something better and made it real. 💾✨ #VintageComputing #Engineering #MaintenanceMode
A graphic titled “Maintenance Mode” set against a warm, sunset-lit ocean shoreline. At the top is a dark blue banner with orange-trimmed edges containing the text: “Maintenance Mode.” Below it is a larger blue box with the same orange trim. Inside is the quote: “Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been.” — Theodore von Kármán A small decorative white flourish appears beneath the quote. At the bottom right corner of the graphic is a rounded label reading “vintage.computer.”
December 8, 2025 at 1:33 AM
vintage.computer
Today’s Tech Spec Tuesday features the VAX-11/780: the minicomputer that helped define enterprise and academic computing in the late 70s and 80s. DEC's 32-bit architecture made the VAX system into a true industry staple. #VAX #DEC #VintageComputing #VintageComputer
Image titled “Tech Spec Tuesday — DEC VAX-11/780.” Background shows faint schematic and circuit-diagram imagery. A large blue info card displays: Title: “DEC VAX-11/780.” On the left is a photo of a VAX-11/780 system rack with panels, switches, and hardware modules visible. About this machine: “Introduced in 1977, the VAX-11/780 was a powerful minicomputer known for its 32-bit ‘Virtual Address eXtension’ architecture. It became a staple in enterprise, academic, and government computing through the 1980s.” A specifications table lists: CPU: 32-bit CISC @ ~5 MHz Memory: Up to 8 MB Storage: Disk packs, magnetic tape drives Graphics: Serial & graphical terminals Networking: DECnet support Notes: Popular minicomputer for business Bottom label: vintage.computer
December 8, 2025 at 1:33 AM
vintage.computer
The Apollo Guidance Computer ran at just 0.043 MHz with 2 KB of memory... and it took humans to the Moon. 🚀 Your digital watch has more power. A reminder that efficient code, and brilliant engineering, can move worlds. #vintagecomputing #retrotech #agc #apollo #vintagecomputer
The image is a square graphic with a blue background and rounded corners. It reads: “Wow That’s Fascinating Your Calculator Is More Powerful Than Apollo 11’s Computer The Apollo Guidance Computer that got astronauts to the Moon ran at 0.043 MHz and had just 2KB of memory. Your pocket calculator—or even your digital watch—has more processing power today. Yet somehow, it was enough to land humans on another world. Talk about efficient code!
December 8, 2025 at 1:33 AM