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 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 is an example of IBM’s Personal System/1, a microcomputer designed primarily for home use. It sold from 1990 until it was succeeded by the IBM Aptiva in 1994.
Description
This is an example of IBM’s Personal System/1, a microcomputer designed primarily for home use. It sold from 1990 until it was succeeded by the IBM Aptiva in 1994. This cream-colored PS/1 includes not only the central processing unit (powered by an Intel 8026 microprocessor) but a monitor, two disk drives (one for 5 ¼” disks, one for 3 1/2” disks), a keyboard, and a mouse. A tag on the back of the cpu reads: Type 2011-C34 (/) S/N 23-5006568.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1990 - 1994
maker
IBM
ID Number
2006.0132.13
catalog number
2006.0132.13
accession number
2006.0132
A first person adventure game for the Windows 95 and Macintosh. The game allows players to explore a 3D simulation of Springfield, the town the television show "The Simpsons" takes place in.
Description
A first person adventure game for the Windows 95 and Macintosh. The game allows players to explore a 3D simulation of Springfield, the town the television show "The Simpsons" takes place in. Players must collect an entire set of character cards by unlocking hidden areas with secret items. Mini games can be played as well. The game was developed by Digital Evolution and published by Fox Interactive. Reception of the game was mixed.
The box is encased in a clear plastic that allows the viewer to see a panoramic view of Springfield. The panoramic is printed on a cardboard cover that covers the content. The content includes a rebate form, product catalog from Fox Interactive, instruction manual, a compact disc case with a compact disc.
System requirements are as follow: Windows, Pentium processor (75 mhz or better recommended), WIndows 95, 8 MB RAM (16 MB or greater recommended), 6 mb free hard drive space, 4x CD-ROM drive or better, DirectX compatible sound card, DirectX compatible video card, MIcrosoft compatiable mouse.
Macintosh - Power Macintosh (66 mhz or better recommended), System 7.0 or greater recommended, 16 MB RAM or greater recommended, 4x CD-Rom drive or better.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1997
ID Number
2014.3098.03
catalog number
2014.3098.03
nonaccession number
2014.3098
A software suite for Windows 95/98 designed as a software for academic writing and research. The software was designed by Nota Bene Associates, Inc and it is version 5.0. The suite has three software: Nota Bene, NB Ibidem, and NB Orbis.
Description
A software suite for Windows 95/98 designed as a software for academic writing and research. The software was designed by Nota Bene Associates, Inc and it is version 5.0. The suite has three software: Nota Bene, NB Ibidem, and NB Orbis. Nota Bene is "a word processor designed for scholarly writing, featuring predefined academic styles, up to three independent sets of footnotes, bi-directional cross referencing and more." NB Ibidem is "a database system to manage your bibliographic notes and automatically format citations and bibliographies according to hundreds of academic/professional styles." NB Orbis is "a text-retrieval system for instantly and simultaneously searching papers, research notes, lectures, field notes, lists, and any other NB documents on your computer."
The object has a compact disc with a plastic jewel case and instructions are stored on the inside of the case.
System requirements are: a pentium level PC or compatible computer is recommended, but a 486DX2/50 or higher is adequate, a CD-ROM drive, 20 megabytes of available hard disk space, 16 megabytes of RAM, but 32 would significantly improve performance, and Windows 95/98
Version 5.0 was the first Windows version of Nota Bene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998-1999
ID Number
2014.3098.01
catalog number
2014.3098.01
nonaccession number
2014.3098
This circular button has green text on a purple background that reads: FOREVER MAC. Running along the border of the circle is the phrase: WORDPERFECT. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo NY 6/92 Gift.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has green text on a purple background that reads: FOREVER MAC. Running along the border of the circle is the phrase: WORDPERFECT. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo NY 6/92 Gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.043
catalog number
2009.3071.043
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has white text in a red design on a black background that reads: SUM II. Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh. The Norton Utilities for the Macintosh. Symantec.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has white text in a red design on a black background that reads: SUM II. Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh. The Norton Utilities for the Macintosh. Symantec.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.172
catalog number
2009.3071.172
nonaccession number
2009.3071
Deep Blue, a specialized IBM RS/6000 computer, was the first machine to defeat a world chess champion in regulation play. Operators used this mouse to manage its operation. For more on the computer, see 2002.0251.01.Currently not on view
Description
Deep Blue, a specialized IBM RS/6000 computer, was the first machine to defeat a world chess champion in regulation play. Operators used this mouse to manage its operation. For more on the computer, see 2002.0251.01.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1996
Associated Name
Lasewicz, Paul C.
maker
Logitech
ID Number
2002.0251.05
catalog number
2002.0251.05
accession number
2002.0251
This beige plastic box has a single button. A cord links it to a socket for attaching to the computer. This is a model M0100 mouse. The dimensions depend on the arrangement of the cord. The donor used the mouse with an Apple IIe microcomputer.Currently not on view
Description
This beige plastic box has a single button. A cord links it to a socket for attaching to the computer. This is a model M0100 mouse. The dimensions depend on the arrangement of the cord. The donor used the mouse with an Apple IIe microcomputer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1990
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0120.01
catalog number
2012.0120.01
accession number
2012.0120
This square-shaped button is designed to be worn as a diamond-shape.
Description
This square-shaped button is designed to be worn as a diamond-shape. It has a fluorescent orange background with purple text that reads: "WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE.” Below, in a purple rectangle with white text, it reads: "prograph.” A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Mac World Boston 8/90."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.598
catalog number
2009.3071.598
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This sloping biege plastic box has a screen about 10.5 cm. x 10.5 cm. for drawing images. It is a filled with a grid of lines. There are two control buttons at the back top. A cord protruding from the back links to the microcomputer.
Description
This sloping biege plastic box has a screen about 10.5 cm. x 10.5 cm. for drawing images. It is a filled with a grid of lines. There are two control buttons at the back top. A cord protruding from the back links to the microcomputer. According to a sticker on the bottom of the instrument, this is a Koala Model 005. It has FCC ID CN475EPAD001 and was made by Koala Technologies Corp. The overall dimensions depend on positon of cord. The donor used the KoalaPad+ with an Apple IIe microcomputer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1990
ID Number
2012.0120.02
catalog number
2012.0120.02
accession number
2012.0120
This square plastic box holds a clear plastic sheet marked with a grid of lines that fits in an indentation in the box. There is a black plastic stylus that attaches to the tablet via a cord and another cord to link the tablet to a microcomputer.
Description
This square plastic box holds a clear plastic sheet marked with a grid of lines that fits in an indentation in the box. There is a black plastic stylus that attaches to the tablet via a cord and another cord to link the tablet to a microcomputer. The donor used the device with an Apple IIe microcomputer. The dimensions depend on placement of cord.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ca 1990
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0120.03
catalog number
2012.0120.03
accession number
2012.0120
This black microcomputer includes a tower with attached base, a monitor with swivel and stand, a media console that fits under the monitor and holds a diskette and a cd, and a keyboard with mouse.
Description
This black microcomputer includes a tower with attached base, a monitor with swivel and stand, a media console that fits under the monitor and holds a diskette and a cd, and a keyboard with mouse. Various cords join the parts.
The dimensions given are for compact storage, not display.
This particular IBM Aptiva was acquired second-hand by the donor, Leslie Ann Jenson, in 2000, when she began a fulltime teaching position at a Catholic high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She used this, her first personally owned computer, primarily for email and grading student work, as well as in her first online job application. The latter proved successful, she went overseas, and the Aptiva gave way to other devices.
Reference:
NMAH accession file 2013.0258.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0258.01
accession number
2013.0258
catalog number
2013.0258.01
This includes:1. Aptiva unpacking getting started setting up - pamphlet - 19962. Aptiva S series model S7H - leaflet - 19963. HelpWare Service and Support for your new Aptiva- pamphlet - 19964. Aptiva Multimedia Monitor User's Guide - pamphlet - 19965.
Description
This includes:
1. Aptiva unpacking getting started setting up - pamphlet - 1996
2. Aptiva S series model S7H - leaflet - 1996
3. HelpWare Service and Support for your new Aptiva- pamphlet - 1996
4. Aptiva Multimedia Monitor User's Guide - pamphlet - 1996
5. IBM Aptiva Cordless Mouse User's Guide - pamphlet - 1996
6. Western Digital, Western Digital Retall Install Guide - pamphlet - 1999 - for hard drive
7. IBM 16-Bit Sound Card User Guide -pamphlet with receipt 1996
On the microcomputer and its use, see 2013.0258.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996-1999
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0258.02
accession number
2013.0258
catalog number
2013.0258.02
This square button has red text on a white background that reads: I'm Bar Code Ready! It has blue text that reads: ScanPAC For ACCPAC Plus. It has images of barcodes at the top and bottom and the logos for Symbol and Computer Associates.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has red text on a white background that reads: I'm Bar Code Ready! It has blue text that reads: ScanPAC For ACCPAC Plus. It has images of barcodes at the top and bottom and the logos for Symbol and Computer Associates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.256
catalog number
2009.3071.256
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has black text on an orange background that reads: SGML AT WORK. It has a black ArborText logo. A mark on the reverse reads: NetWorld 2/92.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has black text on an orange background that reads: SGML AT WORK. It has a black ArborText logo. A mark on the reverse reads: NetWorld 2/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.189
catalog number
2009.3071.189
nonaccession number
2009.3071
These two devices have black plastic cases. Each has a rotating knob at the top, a button on the side, and a cord that protrudes from the back. The two cords come together in a 16-pin connector for the computer.
Description
These two devices have black plastic cases. Each has a rotating knob at the top, a button on the side, and a cord that protrudes from the back. The two cords come together in a 16-pin connector for the computer. The donor reported that he used the paddles with an Apple IIe computer. There is no maker's mark or logo on the cases. Dimensions depend on position of cord.
On Apple game controllers, see the web site with address: http://www.filfre.net/2011/10/20/.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1990
ID Number
2012.0120.04
catalog number
2012.0120.04
accession number
2012.0120
A point and click computer game for the Macintosh based on the British television series, "Monty Python and the Flying Circus." The player has the option of trying to solve different puzzles or to play different mini games that are based on the television show.
Description
A point and click computer game for the Macintosh based on the British television series, "Monty Python and the Flying Circus." The player has the option of trying to solve different puzzles or to play different mini games that are based on the television show. It also came with screen savers, desktop wallpaper and icons. The game was designed by 7th Level, Inc. Tom Simkin purchased it from the Microcenter store for $24.99. The game won several awards including one for Best Strategy Program from the Software Publishers Association.
The box has a picture of a giant foot crushing the title. The box contains a cardboard sleve that protects the contents. The contents include a jewel case with a CD and instruction manual, warranty card, business card, product catalog for 7th Level Inc. software, a American Online advertisment, a customer service report card for Microcenter,
System requirements are as follow: Macintosh with 33 Mhz 68LC040 or greater processor, including Power Macintosh. Apple System Software 7.1 or greater, 8 MB or more of RAM with 4 MB or more of application RAM. 256-color monitor. CD-Drive.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994-1995
ID Number
2014.3098.02
catalog number
2014.3098.02
nonaccession number
2014.3098
This circular button has a white background with black text reading "INC.'S" and red text reading "HOT" next to an image of a chili pepper colored in red and green.
Description
This circular button has a white background with black text reading "INC.'S" and red text reading "HOT" next to an image of a chili pepper colored in red and green. The back reads "Comdex 11/94" in black permanent ink.
Compare 2009.3071.828, 2009.3071.829, and 2009.3071.830.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1994
ID Number
2009.3071.830
catalog number
2009.3071.830
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black text on a white backgorund that reads: 3+ for Macintosh Exploding the Barriers. It has a color image of two computers with a red stick of dynamite between them.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white backgorund that reads: 3+ for Macintosh Exploding the Barriers. It has a color image of two computers with a red stick of dynamite between them.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.146
catalog number
2009.3071.146
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has a yellow background. It has an image of a man wearing glasses and an orange cape. In yellow text it reads: Instant Winner. DacEasy. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX 4/92.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has a yellow background. It has an image of a man wearing glasses and an orange cape. In yellow text it reads: Instant Winner. DacEasy. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX 4/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.403
catalog number
2009.3071.403
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has a white background with black text along the border that reads: SiteLock Prevents LAN Viruses. Brightwork Development, Inc. It also has a black and white image of a virus coming out of a computer.
Description
This circular button has a white background with black text along the border that reads: SiteLock Prevents LAN Viruses. Brightwork Development, Inc. It also has a black and white image of a virus coming out of a computer. The image is surrounded by red circle with a slash through it. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW 2/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.055
catalog number
2009.3071.055
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black and blue text on a white background that reads: THLINK! (The H and L are connected). A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: Spring Comdex '91.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black and blue text on a white background that reads: THLINK! (The H and L are connected). A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: Spring Comdex '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.214
catalog number
2009.3071.214
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Register to win a Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, or 170 March 18 6 - 9 pm Presidential Suite, Westin Hotel, Seattle. It has a black outline of a PowerBook and a solid black Apple logo.
Description
This circular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Register to win a Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, or 170 March 18 6 - 9 pm Presidential Suite, Westin Hotel, Seattle. It has a black outline of a PowerBook and a solid black Apple logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: SPA Seattle 3/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.145
catalog number
2009.3071.145
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has white text on a blue compass background that reads: I Found It. It has a red Datapro Software Finder logo. A markk in back ink on the reverse reads: CDX '90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a blue compass background that reads: I Found It. It has a red Datapro Software Finder logo. A markk in back ink on the reverse reads: CDX '90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.503
catalog number
2009.3071.503
nonaccession number
2009.3071

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