Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

This computer game, Galaxy Invasion, was released in 1980 by Big Five Software for the TRS-80 Model I and III microcomputers. The software package included an instruction manual, a special instruction sheet, and a 5.25” disk.
Description
This computer game, Galaxy Invasion, was released in 1980 by Big Five Software for the TRS-80 Model I and III microcomputers. The software package included an instruction manual, a special instruction sheet, and a 5.25” disk. It is enclosed in a plastic bag with a price sticker of $19.95 ($61.00 in 2019 dollars).
This game was based on the arcade game “Galaxian” released in 1979 by Namco. Galaxy Invasion was Big Five Software’s first game to feature sound and music. The object of the game was to shoot down space aliens, with extra points awarded if you shot a space alien while it was attacking, and to destroy a Flagship within a set amount of time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980
ID Number
2012.3098.016
catalog number
2012.3098.016
nonaccession number
2012.3098
WatchWord Version 2.1was software for the Zenith Z100 (or Heath H100) microcomputers and was developed by S&K Technology, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, in 1984. The package includes a 5.25" disk, two product brochures, and a questionnaire.
Description
WatchWord Version 2.1was software for the Zenith Z100 (or Heath H100) microcomputers and was developed by S&K Technology, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, in 1984. The package includes a 5.25" disk, two product brochures, and a questionnaire. WatchWord was a word processing and editing tool developed to run on microcomputers running either ZDOS or MSDOS operating systems. It was created for use by beginner, intermediate, and advanced level users. Basic key functions were available for all users and it provided the ability to assign 20 different keystroke sequences to other keys. Advanced users could create their own command files for repeatable sequences of keystrokes (called macros). A status line at the bottom of the screen kept track of the cursor position, line number, file size, file name, operation mode, and the current time. WatchWord provided built-in support for many common printers. In 1984 the software sold for $100 (approximately $246 in 2019 dollars).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1984
ID Number
2012.3098.052
catalog number
2012.3098.052
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This software program, ProKey, was sold by CE Software, Inc., for DOS users. The package includes one 3.25" disk, a user manual, product guide, letter to the user, registration card, and a support pamphlet.
Description
This software program, ProKey, was sold by CE Software, Inc., for DOS users. The package includes one 3.25" disk, a user manual, product guide, letter to the user, registration card, and a support pamphlet. This software allowed the user to automate routine tasks by recording keyboard and mouse actions (up to 1,009 keystrokes or characters) in a file called a macro. The software came with a wide-range of predefined macros which the user could edit. ProKey was first released in 1982 by RoseSoft, Inc. for $75 ($196 in 2019 dollars). In 1992 the company was purchased by CE Software Inc. of Bellevue, Washington. They released this version for $99 ($186 in 2019 dollars).
Reference:
“Network World,” September 28, 1992.
“InfoWorld,” November 4, 1991.
“PC Magazine,” November 1982.
Kelly, Brian W. and Grimes, Dennis J., 1985, “DEC Microcomputer Directory,” Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1992
maker
Bishops Antiques
ID Number
2012.3098.018
catalog number
2012.3098.018
nonaccession number
2012.3098
serial number
100436
This AC adapter, made for Omega Engineering, Inc., of Stamford, Connecticut, in Taiwan, was for the LCD laptop computer (a Commodore prototype). For an example of the computer, see 1992.0439.01.1.Currently not on view
Description
This AC adapter, made for Omega Engineering, Inc., of Stamford, Connecticut, in Taiwan, was for the LCD laptop computer (a Commodore prototype). For an example of the computer, see 1992.0439.01.1.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1985
maker
Omega Engineering, Inc.
ID Number
1992.0439.01.2
catalog number
1992.0439.01.2
accession number
1992.0439
Pronto Systems, Inc. introduced its Pronto Series 16 microcomputer in 1983. It represented the high end of business computing of its era.
Description
Pronto Systems, Inc. introduced its Pronto Series 16 microcomputer in 1983. It represented the high end of business computing of its era. The Pronto pioneered innovative design features, including a tilting and swiveling monitor, a small foot print, a streamlined and adjustable keyboard, and an expandable cord that allowed the processor to be stored as much as six feet away from the monitor. These features won a 1983 design award from Industrial Design Magazine. The computer offered the first tower system—a design that later became common in the industry. This index number covers the tower.
Inside, the Pronto 16 was a powerful machine designed for the full range of business applications. It had a 16-bit Intel 80186 microprocessor. It was shipped with MS-DOS 2.0. It had 128 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 1 MB. The standard hard drive was 5.6 MB, and it was removable. The computer had dual 800 KB floppy drives (5 ¼"), dual serial ports, one parallel port, and a high-resolution monochrome monitor. Users could buy a color monitor as an option. The base price was $3,000.
Over 1,000 systems were sold from 1983 to 1987. The company had to file for bankruptcy when the stock market crashed while the company was in the process of going public through an Initial Public Offering.
The donors of this example of the Pronto 16 were both associated with the firm that made it. Henry Gasbarro was founder, executive vice president, and chief technology officer of Pronto. He created the company in 1982. Skip Hansen, vice president of engineering, was responsible for the hardware design, software,and the high-resolution graphics capability that the system had.
See the other parts of acquisition 2001.0255 as well as 2001.3082.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1983-1987
maker
PRONTO Computers, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0255.01
catalog number
2001.0255.01
accession number
2001.0255
This black coil of oiled punched paper tape has the code for the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. It was received with a plastic bag and the paper envelope in which it was delivered.
Description
This black coil of oiled punched paper tape has the code for the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. It was received with a plastic bag and the paper envelope in which it was delivered. The dimensions listed do not include the bag and envelope.
The software was used at the Naval Research Laboratory. It is an an early product of the firm now known as Microsoft.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems
ID Number
2013.3016.01
catalog number
2013.3016.01
nonaccession number
2013.3016
This reference material and software relate to a GRiD Case 1530 Portable Computer. The bulky black three-ring binder fits in a black case. It is marked with horizontal gray lines and "GRiD" logo inscripted on top-right of the front cover.
Description
This reference material and software relate to a GRiD Case 1530 Portable Computer. The bulky black three-ring binder fits in a black case. It is marked with horizontal gray lines and "GRiD" logo inscripted on top-right of the front cover. The binder is titled "MS-DOS References". Inside the binder holds all reference materials and each section is divided by green tab dividers. The binder's inside back of front cover holds two 3.5 floppy disks contained MS-DOS 5.0 System Root Directory Files in Disk 1 & 2. The last section of the binder contains the Owner's Guide and Server User's Guide.
For the computer to which this relates, see 1997.0124.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
August 1986
maker
GRiD Systems
ID Number
2015.3168.01
nonaccession number
2015.3168
catalog number
2015.3168.01
Data General was primarily a mini-computer company. But in 1984, it introduced the Data General/One (DG-1), a breakthrough personal computer laptop.
Description
Data General was primarily a mini-computer company. But in 1984, it introduced the Data General/One (DG-1), a breakthrough personal computer laptop. The Data General/One weighed nine pounds, ran MS-DOS, had dual 3 ½" diskettes, a 79-key full stroke keyboard, 128 KB to 512 KB of RAM, and a monochrome LCD screen. It ran on a CMOS 80C88 processor. Unlike other "luggable" computers of the era, the DG-1 was light enough to carry on travel, but also powerful enough to emulate a desktop.
The DG-1 enjoyed only mediocre success. Its 3 ½" diskettes were slightly ahead of their time, and much popular software was not available in 3 ½" format. Adding to the problem, software copyright protection made copying into the 3 ½" format difficult. In addition, the DG-1 base price was relatively high at $2,895, and the real cost tended to be even higher, because users generally needed both more RAM and an external 5 ¼" drive to run disks from their desktop machines.
This example is a Model No. 2203 with serial number Q0026418.
The carrying case for the Data General/One (1995.0069.02) is divided into two sections. One contains the laptop-sized computer and a part for the floppy drive. the other contains:
1. two power cords
2. a modem cable
3. three 3 1/2" diskettes in a plastic fox. The diskettes all have a paper label that reads: Data General. One has no further marks. A second is marked: DATA GENERAL/ONE PERSONAL SYSTEM (/) MS-DOS REV 2.11 (/) DATA GENERAL CORPORATION (/) 1984 (/) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (/) MICROSOFT CORPORATION (/) 1981 1982 1983 (/) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A third is marked: DATA GENERAL / ONE PERSONAL SYSTEM (/) HOW TO USE YOUR DATA GENERAL/ONE. It is copyrighted 1984
4. a spiral-bound Data General One Owner's Manual, Dated September, 1984. The manual contains a loose sheet and a sheet and an owner's manual for the carrying case.
5. six miscellaneous documents on the computer in an envelope marked: Limited Warranty and Service Booklet
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984
maker
Data General Corporation
ID Number
1995.0069.01
accession number
1995.0069
catalog number
1995.0069.01
These materials relate to the program VIC Mail List (also spelled Maillist) by Microspec. They consist of a 5" floppy disk and a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder. They were received with a VIC-20 microcomputer included in the accession.Currently not on view
Description
These materials relate to the program VIC Mail List (also spelled Maillist) by Microspec. They consist of a 5" floppy disk and a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder. They were received with a VIC-20 microcomputer included in the accession.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Microspec
ID Number
1987.0249.19
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.19
The monitor for the Alto computer is designed to sit on a table. The keyboard can be pushed underneath the monitor when not in use. The mouse is square with two buttons. For other parts of the device, see 1989.0432.01.1 and 1989.0432.01.3.Currently not on view
Description
The monitor for the Alto computer is designed to sit on a table. The keyboard can be pushed underneath the monitor when not in use. The mouse is square with two buttons. For other parts of the device, see 1989.0432.01.1 and 1989.0432.01.3.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
Xerox Corporation
ID Number
1989.0432.01.2
catalog number
1989.0432.01.2
accession number
1989.0432
Software received with a Tandy 1400 portable computer, stored on nine 3 1/2" diskettes in a plastic box. These are labeled as:1. backup discs for DOS Version 3.302. WordPerfect 4.2 (System and Learning)3. WordPerfect 4.2 (Speller and Thesaurus)4.
Description
Software received with a Tandy 1400 portable computer, stored on nine 3 1/2" diskettes in a plastic box. These are labeled as:
1. backup discs for DOS Version 3.30
2. WordPerfect 4.2 (System and Learning)
3. WordPerfect 4.2 (Speller and Thesaurus)
4. WordPerfect 4.2 (Printer 1 and Printer 2)
5. WordPerfect documents by Merz (the donor)
6. MS-DOS 3.20 (dated 10/30/89)
7. Craig 3, DOS 3.3 and Lotus 2.01
8. LOTUS 1-2-3 release 2.01, Disk 1
One disk is unlabelled.
For the computer, see 2014,0090.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1989
ID Number
2014.0090.02
accession number
2014.0090
catalog number
2014.0090.02
After the success of the IBM's business PC, IBM attempted to capture the home market with the IBM PCjr.
Description
After the success of the IBM's business PC, IBM attempted to capture the home market with the IBM PCjr. The PCjr system was compact, low cost, and designed for applications related to learning, entertainment, and personal productivity.
The computer had an Intel 8088 microprocessor that ran at 4.77 MHz–faster than most systems on the market at the time. It had 64 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 256 KB and later to 720 KB with third party add-ons. It featured an internal 5 1/4" floppy drive and a wireless keyboard. King's Quest, a popular Adventure game of the 1980s, debuted on the PCjr.
Despite a flashy debut and a strong technology core, the PCjr flopped in the market. Consumers were not as attracted by the IBM name as business had been. Price was a major factor. The PCjr cost about the same as the Coleco Adam, but for the price, the Adam included two tape drives, a printer, and software. The PCJr was twice as expensive as the Commodore 64. With the exception of the Apple II, it was possible to purchase a complete system (computer, disk drive, and printer) from almost any of IBM's competitors for less money. However, criticism of the system focused on the "chiclet" keyboard. Similar to that of a pocket calculator, the small keys were cheap and difficult to use for touch typing. IBM later replaced this with a wireless conventional-sized keyboard. But it could only be used two or three feet away from the machine and drained batteries quickly.
Announced in November 1983 and available in March 1984, IBM sold the PCJr for $669 with 64 KB RAM, and $1,269 for 128 KB RAM. The more expensive system also included a floppy-disk drive. The device was manufactured in Lewisburg, Tennesee, by Teledyne, IBM discontinued the PCjr in March of 1985 after selling only approximately 270,000 units.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984-1985
maker
IBM
ID Number
2002.0090.01
catalog number
2002.0090.01
accession number
2002.0090
This is a cathode ray tube monitor for the Altair 8800 microcomputer.Not long after Intel introduced its 8080 microprocessor, a small firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, named MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) announced a computer kit called the Altair, which met th
Description
This is a cathode ray tube monitor for the Altair 8800 microcomputer.
Not long after Intel introduced its 8080 microprocessor, a small firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, named MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) announced a computer kit called the Altair, which met the social as well as technical requirements for a small personal computer. MITS succeeded where other, more established firms had failed, and it was their machine that inaugurated the personal computer age. MITS got its start in computing in 1971, when it introduced an electronic calculator kit. Several thousand sold before 1974, when the sharp reduction in calculator prices drove the company out of that market.
H. Edward Roberts, the Florida-born former U.S. Air Force officer who headed MITS, decided to design a small, affordable computer around the Intel 8080. His daughter named the new machine after the star Altair. It was the first microcomputer to sell in large numbers. In January 1975, a photograph of the Altair appeared on the cover of the magazine Popular Electronics. The caption read “World's First Minicomputer Kit to Rival Commercial Models.” According to the magazine, the machine sold as a kit for $395, and assembled for $498. Roberts had hoped to break even by selling 200 Altairs. Within three months he had a backlog of 4,000 orders.
Enthusiasm for the Altair and other personal computers spawned computer hobbyist clubs, computer stores, newsletters, magazines, and conventions. By 1977, a host of companies, large and small, were producing microcomputers for a mass market. This phenomenon was abetted by a design decision to make the Altair an "open" machine. In other words, it passed data along a channel called a bus, whose specifications were not kept a secret. That way both MITS and other companies could add memory cards, cards to control a printer or other devices as long as they adhered to the published standards.
This particular Altair was collected by the Smithsonian because it documents how hobbyists would outfit the machine with additional parts and components. The user added his own keyboard, monitor, disk drive, and 17 plug-in boards to expand the computer’s capability. Unfortunately, the original owner of the kit is unknown. The computer was donated to the Smithsonian by a second owner, Mark Sienkiewicz, who purchased it as a collectable item and never used it.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1975
maker
Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems
ID Number
2007.0032.03
catalog number
2007.0032.03
accession number
2007.0032
In 1974 Stanford University doctoral graduates Harry Garland and Roger Melen established a partnership named for their former dormitory Crothers Memorial Hall. Cromemco was formally incorporated in 1976.
Description
In 1974 Stanford University doctoral graduates Harry Garland and Roger Melen established a partnership named for their former dormitory Crothers Memorial Hall. Cromemco was formally incorporated in 1976. For the life of the company Garland and Melen remained the sole shareholders and avoided outside investment. At the insistence of their accountant, the company held a bank credit line but never had to tap the full amount. Their business philosophy was to grow only within the parameters of available cash. Revenues in 1975 were $50,000 and grew to an estimated $55 million by 1987 when the owners sold the company to Dynatech.
The company’s first products were a microcomputer system digital camera, the Cyclops, and a color graphics card called the Dazzler. From these products the company moved on to making reliable, high-quality business and scientific computers and in 1982, they introduced the C-10 Personal Computer. Cromemco systems were the first commercially marketed microcomputers certified by the U.S. Navy for use aboard ships and Ohio class submarines for data logging during tests. The United States Air Force became a major customer for their Theater Air Control System (TACS) and the Mission Support System (MSS) for F-16, F-15 and other aircraft. By 1986 more than 80 percent of the major-market television stations in the U.S. used Cromemco systems to produce news and weather graphics.
According to the user manual, “The C-10’s high-quality construction, continual self-testing, and proven design assure that it will perform faithfully year after year.”
This Cromemco C-10 microcomputer was used at Monroe High School in Monroe, MI from 1982-2008. In 1980 physics teacher Darol Straub started an after school computer class which led to the development of the school’s first formal computer curriculum. To be accepted into the course, students were required to take an aptitude entrance test. Classes were two periods per day for three years. Hardware and software topics included basic circuits to microcomputer design and building, and programming in binary code and assembly language as well as higher level languages such as BASIC, FORTRAN, PASCAL, COBOL, and “C.” The third year focused on developing advanced projects using speech recognition, numeric control, fiber optic communication, graphic design, and robotics.
Many of Straub’s students went on to college to study computer science and earned jobs with companies such as Microsoft and Intel. Two brothers who completed the curriculum opened a computer company when they graduated from high school. According to Mr. Straub, the company was still in business in 2018. The brother of the donor, also a student of Straub’s, graduated from Monroe High School in 2009 and MIT in 2013. He now works for Space X.
In 1988 the Computer Engineering Program students produced a 20 minute video “Monroe High School – Current Generation” which the school used to promote and recruit new students for the course.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1982
user
Straub, Darol
Gagnon, Blair
maker
Cromemco Inc.
ID Number
2018.0113.01
accession number
2018.0113
catalog number
2018.0113.01
This microcomputer with monitor and disk drive comprise one unit which is joined by a cord to the keyboard. A power cord with plug extends from the back.
Description
This microcomputer with monitor and disk drive comprise one unit which is joined by a cord to the keyboard. A power cord with plug extends from the back. The machine was used by Rayna Green when she taught at Dartmouth College, before she came to NMAH as a curator.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980s
maker
Sanyo Electric Company
ID Number
2012.0092.01
accession number
2012.0092
catalog number
2012.0092.01
The punched paper tape contains the program SPACEWAR. In addition there is documentation on this program, a sheet of code, and documentation on the program D+7A/IO REV E.Currently not on view
Description
The punched paper tape contains the program SPACEWAR. In addition there is documentation on this program, a sheet of code, and documentation on the program D+7A/IO REV E.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Cromemco Inc.
ID Number
2012.3060.12
catalog number
2012.3060.12
nonaccession number
2012.3060
This box contains a three-ring binder with a manual for Conetic Systems, Inc., Higgins Group Productivity Software, System Administrator Local Area Network Version 2.2. Also in the box are:1. a spiral-bound manual entitled Tutorial Guide Local Area Network2.
Description
This box contains a three-ring binder with a manual for Conetic Systems, Inc., Higgins Group Productivity Software, System Administrator Local Area Network Version 2.2. Also in the box are:
1. a spiral-bound manual entitled Tutorial Guide Local Area Network
2. a spiral-bound manual entitled Reference Manual Local Area Network
3. a March 1,1989 Product List of Enable Software
There is no actual software with this documentation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1989
ID Number
2012.3060.08
catalog number
2012.3060.08
nonaccession number
2012.3060
This yellow plastic and metal clip was designed to connect leads of an electrical component to test equipment. It was made by Continental Specialties Company of New Haven, Connecticut. The mark also refers to U.S. Patent 3914007.Reference:U.S. Patent 3914007.Currently not on view
Description
This yellow plastic and metal clip was designed to connect leads of an electrical component to test equipment. It was made by Continental Specialties Company of New Haven, Connecticut. The mark also refers to U.S. Patent 3914007.
Reference:
U.S. Patent 3914007.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2012.3060.03
catalog number
2012.3060.03
nonaccession number
2012.3060
This blue spring binder contains an eight-inch disk with a copy of version 1.0 of DEBBI (Disk Extended Basic By ICOM) for the IMSAI 8080 microcomputer. There also is a set of sheets documenting the program. These appear to be a photocopy.
Description
This blue spring binder contains an eight-inch disk with a copy of version 1.0 of DEBBI (Disk Extended Basic By ICOM) for the IMSAI 8080 microcomputer. There also is a set of sheets documenting the program. These appear to be a photocopy. Donor and user Barry Berg commented about this program that IMSAI "came out with their own disk BASIC. It was kind of a lame BASIC. It was very flexible and it was
kind of buggy. But it was one first disk-based BASICs and back then there wasn't too many disk systems around. So you ran with it."
For Berg's IMSAI microcomputer, see 2010.0239.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
ID Number
2012.3060.21
nonaccession number
2012.3060
catalog number
2012.3060.21
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and thirty-five rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and thirty-five rectangular plastic keys. The four lower rows of keys are similar to those found on many calculators, with ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, and a total key. The next row up on the scientific calculator contains keys for various forms of exponents and logarithms, as well as a pi key. The next row up (just below the top row of keys) contains a key for converting from degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees, as well as keys for trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions. The top row of keys includes keys for powers, reciprocals, square roots, clear entry, and clear. A mark above the keyboard reads: SHARP.
Behind the keyboard is a green fluorescent display that shows the result, up to a six-digit mantissa and a two-digit exponent (as a power of ten). Text above the display reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-500. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. The on/off switch is on the left side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two slim batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 72406257.Text below this reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-500. It also reads in part: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1977, p. X1. On sale for $14.95
[Advertisement], Washington Post, January 20, 1978, p. A23. Calculator selling for $14.77.
A copy for the manual for this calculator, without the cover, is online at wass.net/manuals, accessed October 27, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977-1978
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.138
catalog number
1986.0988.138
accession number
1986.0988
This black box with an orange design contains two manuals for the communications and terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk. 4 (there is no software). They were publications of Crosstalk Communications, a division of Digital Communications Associates.Currently not on view
Description
This black box with an orange design contains two manuals for the communications and terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk. 4 (there is no software). They were publications of Crosstalk Communications, a division of Digital Communications Associates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1988
ID Number
2012.3060.10
catalog number
2012.3060.10
nonaccession number
2012.3060
This blue box contains fifteen 5 1/4" floppy discs, namely:1. four associated with Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing by Easy Business Systems2. one with software from the Easy Business Systems Plus Series for the IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT3.
Description
This blue box contains fifteen 5 1/4" floppy discs, namely:
1. four associated with Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing by Easy Business Systems
2. one with software from the Easy Business Systems Plus Series for the IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT
3. ten backup discs. Six are associated in some way with payroll. Four are backups for the G/L Program (i.e. the General Ledger associated with the Retail Invoicing system).
The box also contains a metal springback notebook of documentation on the related Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing system. This is copyrighted 1986. Finally there is a laminated sheet entitled "Retail Invoicing Quick Guide."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
maker
Computer Associates
ID Number
2012.3060.09
catalog number
2012.3060.09
nonaccession number
2012.3060
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer.
Description
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer. The goal was to provide a machine that would compete successfully against other 16 bit machines, just as the Commodore 64 had outsold many competitive 8 bit computers. The A500 did sell well against the Atari 520ST and was the low end successor of the Amiga 1000. This is the power supply sold with the computer. For more information, see 2001.0186.03.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0186.06
catalog number
2001.0186.06
accession number
2001.0186
This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously.
Description
This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously. Inside the lid, the 80 x 16 liquid crystal display (LCD) plugs in via a RJ11 cable to a connector just above the keyboard. The keyboard has 83 keys with a numeric pad to the right and a 10 function key pad to the left. Behind the keyboard, built into the case are two 360K 5¼” floppy disk drives. Above the keyboard on the left is the Commuter logo. A handwritten sticker on the outside rear of the computer notes that the memory was upgraded to 512K, the maximum amount allowed. The LCD display could be removed entirely and replaced by a larger external monitor for office or home use.
The IBM compatible unit uses the MS-DOS 2.1 operating system and an Intel 8088 processor. Although it has no internal expansion slots, it has 6 ports on the rear for cables that would connect to other devises. These ports include: 63 pin expansion, 24 pin asynchronous, 25 pin asynchronous/synchronous, parallel printer, RGB monochrome video (for an external monitor), and a composite video (for a color monitor).
Visual Computer Incorporated introduced the “Commuter” model in November 1983. Advertised as “Portable, IBM Compatible, Powerful, Affordable,” it weighed 16 pounds and sold for $1995. Visual ran ads in PC Magazine, Computerworld, and the American Bar Association Journal appealing to business executives who needed a computer when they traveled--the Commuter was a briefcase-sized portable computer with a handle.
The objects in accession 2017.0321, non-accessions 2017.3153 and 2018.3076 are related.
References:
PC Magazine, April 17, 1984. Advertisement pages 110-111.
Computerworld, June 11, 1984. Advertisement pages 68-69.
American Bar Association Journal, September 1984, Volume 70. Advertisement pages 22-23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
ID Number
2017.0321.01
accession number
2017.0321
catalog number
2017.0321.01

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