Reviving the Past: Enthusiasts Preserve Vintage Computers

Josh Dersch, a software engineer from Seattle, is passionate about old computers. He dedicates significant time to repairing these vintage machines in his garage. He estimates that his collection exceeds 200 computers and devices. For Dersch, understanding and repairing these systems offers a unique challenge. He enjoys uncovering the origins and the complete workings of each system.

Dersch is part of a burgeoning community dedicated to preserving classic computers. These machines were pivotal in the digital revolution. While technology pushes forward, enthusiasts focus on maintaining devices like Atari, Commodore, and IBM. These collectors view these items as historical artifacts, not junk. They cherish reliving their childhood experience with sounds and games from the past.

Erik Klein, president of the Vintage Computer Federation, notes the growing interest in computer history. This organization hosts an annual event at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Silicon Valley. The festival gathers collectors who share their restored vintage devices. In early August, over 3,500 people attended the festival, marking Apple’s 50th anniversary. A panel with co-founders Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne recounted Apple’s early days with the late Steve Jobs.

This enthusiasm for vintage technology is spreading globally. Vintage computer festivals have popped up across North America, South America, and Europe. Online marketplaces reflect the demand as iconic computers like the Apple-1 reach high prices.

At these events, collectors exhibit systems they’ve restored, providing a chance to experience pre-internet and AI technology. Dersch showcased one of his prized possessions, a Xerox Alto. This machine is considered a precursor to modern computers. Developed in the 1970s at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, the Alto was groundbreaking, introducing the mouse and graphical interface. This technology inspired early innovations by Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.

“It’s fun to share what I’ve done with people. It’s fun to share in what other people have done,” said Dersch. “Also, there’s a consignment area where I can buy more junk to take home, so that’s always fun.”

Erik Klein once had a vast collection of vintage computers that filled his home. Owning 150 systems became difficult to manage. To lighten the load, he sold and gifted many machines, retaining only his favorites. Now, Klein channels his passion into organizing festivals and workshops. As president of the Vintage Computer Federation, he promotes the appreciation and maintenance of vintage technology.

Similar events have expanded around the world with Sellam Ismail playing a key role. Ismail organized the first festival in 1997, attracting 150 enthusiasts. He co-founded the Vintage Computer Federation, which now manages festivals in the US and Canada. The community has matured and spread, with events in Argentina, Germany, and Switzerland.

Ismail anticipates continued growth, noting, “The community grew up. More and more people started getting old computers, started collecting them. Next year is the 30th anniversary. And I expect this to continue and grow even bigger.”