hey! alpha server kid again... i got the rs232 to usb adapter in the mail and got PuTTY set up with the cable. however, when i boot up the alpha server it beeps the code: 1-1-2 which according to the service guide means this: "ROM data path error detected while loading ARC/SRM console code". It says how to remedy this, but i can't do so when it won't connect to my PuTTY window... any ideas?

I think storage device causing problem. Is there some settings I should check?

I want to buy a vintage homecomputer. What do you recommend? I'm thinking about the Apple IIe (because it was iconic when I was a kid) or Apple IIc (because of positive comments about it in a podcast). Maybe a C64 because a lot are available. Or a Z80, like a Sinclair. They say they are very elegant.

I grew up in the 80's with the Commodore 64, Philips P2000T, and Atari 1024ST, but I'm curious about the computer that I've never worked with. I also like to program some assembly and maybe try to replace some old capacitors myself ;-). I'm a developer now, but never did the real lowlevel stuff. I also like to learn about the 8-bit operating systems back then, because they are not too complex yet.

What do you recommend 😉?

I got it, but I don't have any boot disks for it nor 3" floppys. Anyone have any ideas? Cos honestly I wish I could turn it into a terminal or something or retrofit the Computer?

I recently came into possession of a PDP11, and as such my coworker gifted me his box of DEC software disks, unfortunately they were in a somewhat nasty part of his cellar and are all dirty. I'm not a fan of the idea of putting these disks into my drives and in turn destroying my drive heads, not to mention the rings of saturn that would ensue. Is there any way to safely clean these disks without destroying the data on them?

can the Compaq Portable II be upgraded to use 3.5 floppy disks instead and what are some other upgrades are available for the computer

https://preview.redd.it/5wzsiqdhg0yd1.png?width=1862&format=png&auto=webp&s=f7bc33e02f7fc9a475184b6e29563c82ad2b101e

Hey everyone, I've been making some silly videos about my experience setting up / upgrading / troubleshooting Windows 98 on a Socket 370 board. I'm not monetized or anything, I just think it's fun and I like to make people laugh. I just posted part 3 today! But if you want the full lore you'll need to go back and watch the first two videos as well.

Here's a link to the latest video https://youtu.be/MJ6wS0tXyrk

If this isn't allowed here, apologies in advance!

i plan on getting a osborne 1 and want to know if there are some programs that i could use that might make it a bit more modern to use in a classroom

Found this Visual 1050 in the basement of my uncle when he passed away. Unfortunately I can't test it because it needs a 110V power source and I live in Austria with 230V but I suspect that it works well because my uncle used to store everything in sealed and brand new conditions. Any idea if there is a market for this and if so, how would I go about selling this? Just auctioning it on Ebay, without having turned it on? Appreciate any help 🧡

I picked up a 1541 from fleabay the other day and I was giving it a good clean when I noticed what looks like some modification to the back of the main board. Ive nothing to compare it to so is this a user mod or factory bodge? Also any idea what it does?

When switching on my master I get a white cursor blinking and nothing else it's running from the uhf socket and not the rgb, I'm waiting on an rgb cable

I'm new to the old computing space and I read online that it shouldn't damage my computer if I put them the other way around, but would still like to be sure.

I know it's an AlphaServer, obviously, but i can't find much information about this specific model online. It won't put out any video and i would like to figure that out.

Thought of something like this while taking a shower

Most vulnerabilities that come from using an old operating system like Windows XP come from viruses you can get from the internet, and the things you can download from the internet (afaik).

So, it is internet causing this issue. What if there was a way that the old OS could use internet through a newer computer, maybe a windows 11 server or something. When old OS wants to go on a website, the windows 11 server loads it first, green-lights the traffic and then its sent to the old OS. Same with downloads.

This would slow things down but hey, it would be more realistic in simulating the old days.

Thanks for your answers

Hello, I come across post several Tim from sub Reddit in my feed, and I wanted to ask a dumb but serious question : why are you interested in vintage computing ? I can understand for music equipment or creative tool, they add texture or you use the old workflow of doing (Wich impact your music so you do different stuff ect)

But old computer ? Your probably not gonna use everyday for your task, so I'm kinda confused, tell me why are you interested into this stuff (pure nostalgia maybe) Tks

Github: https://github.com/ms0g/rt86