What does retrocomputing mean?
Definitions for retrocomputing
retro·com·put·ing
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word retrocomputing.
Wiktionary
retrocomputingnoun
The hobby of using obsolete computer equipment.
Etymology: retro- + computing
Wikidata
Retrocomputing
Retrocomputing is the use of older computer hardware and software in modern times. Retrocomputing is usually classed as a hobby and recreation rather than a practical application of technology; enthusiasts often collect rare and valuable hardware and software for sentimental reasons. However, some do make use of it. Retrocomputing often starts when a computer user realizes that formerly expensive fantasy systems like IBM Mainframes, DEC Superminis, or SGI workstations have become affordable on the used computer market, usually in a relatively short time after the computers' era of use. Many hobbyists have personal computer museums, with collections of working vintage computers such as Apple IIs, IBM PCs, ZX Spectrums, Atari, Commodore, Amigas and BBC Micros. Early personal computers based on the S-100 bus are also very popular among collectors, as well as a wide variety of machines running the CP/M operating system, such as Kaypros and Osbornes. However, many users use emulation software on more modern computers rather than using real hardware, in order to enjoy the experience, while preserving the aging electronics of the original. This is not considered to be retrocomputing by some, as it is rather an application of modern computer hardware. A third option is the use of home computer remakes, dedicated appliances, which do the emulation using dedicated hardware.
The New Hacker's Dictionary
retrocomputing
Refers to emulations of way-behind-the-state-of-the-art hardware or software, or implementations of never-was-state-of-the-art; esp. if such implementations are elaborate practical jokes and/or parodies, written mostly for hack value, of more ‘serious’ designs. Perhaps the most widely distributed retrocomputing utility was the pnch(6) or bcd(6) program on V7 and other early Unix versions, which would accept up to 80 characters of text argument and display the corresponding pattern in punched card code. Other well-known retrocomputing hacks have included the programming language INTERCAL, a JCL-emulating shell for Unix, the card-punch-emulating editor named 029, and various elaborate PDP-11 hardware emulators and RT-11 OS emulators written just to keep an old, sourceless Zork binary running.A tasty selection of retrocomputing programs are made available at the Retrocomputing Museum, http://www.catb.org/retro/.
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of retrocomputing in Chaldean Numerology is: 7
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of retrocomputing in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5
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"retrocomputing." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/retrocomputing>.
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