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

Michael Dell’s PC’s Limited Turbo PC came with an eighty-four-key AT-style keyboard.
Description
Michael Dell’s PC’s Limited Turbo PC came with an eighty-four-key AT-style keyboard. The AT-style keyboard was compatible with the IBM PC/AT computer and featured the function keys to the left, ten numerical keys at the top, and light-up buttons indicating Caps Lock, Number Lock, and Scroll Lock. The keyboard connected to the Turbo PC via a five-pin DIN connector.
date made
1985
maker
Dell Inc.
ID Number
2007.0042.03
catalog number
2007.0042.03
accession number
2007.0042
This software, VIC Payroll by Microspec, is on a 5 in. floppy disk. There also is a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder. The materials were designed for use with the VIC-20 microcomputer.Currently not on view
Description
This software, VIC Payroll by Microspec, is on a 5 in. floppy disk. There also is a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder. The materials were designed for use with the VIC-20 microcomputer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Microspec
ID Number
1987.0249.17
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.17
In the mid-1960s, Dartmouth College professors John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz developed a computer language intended to be easy to learn and use. They called it BASIC -- Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
Description
In the mid-1960s, Dartmouth College professors John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz developed a computer language intended to be easy to learn and use. They called it BASIC -- Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. Students learned BASIC on a teletype terminal that communicated with a central computer. Several terminals were linked to one computer as part of a system called timesharing. Students on remote terminals could use the computer without seeing it--or even knowing what kind of computer it was. This particular BASIC tape was used with a MITS Altair 8800, a later microcomputer.
date made
ca 1975
ID Number
1986.0463.24
catalog number
1986.0463.24
accession number
1986.0463
This computer game on cartridge for the VIC-20 microcomputer was made by Microdigital and consists of a cassetteand instruction sheet in a plastic case.Currently not on view
Description
This computer game on cartridge for the VIC-20 microcomputer was made by Microdigital and consists of a cassette
and instruction sheet in a plastic case.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1981
maker
Microdigital
ID Number
1987.0249.21
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.21
This software for the VIC-20 microcomputer is entitled VIC General Ledger and was made by Microspec. It consists of a 5" floppy disk and a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder.Currently not on view
Description
This software for the VIC-20 microcomputer is entitled VIC General Ledger and was made by Microspec. It consists of a 5" floppy disk and a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Microspec
ID Number
1987.0249.16
catalog number
1987.0249.16
accession number
1987.0249
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
These materials for the program VIC Checkbook Manager by Microspec. include a 5" floppy disk and a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder, They came with the VIC-20 microcomputer included in the accession.Currently not on view
Description
These materials for the program VIC Checkbook Manager by Microspec. include a 5" floppy disk and a user's guide in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder, They came with the VIC-20 microcomputer included in the accession.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Microspec
ID Number
1987.0249.18
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.18
"Robert Carrier's Menu Planner," made for the VIC-20 microcomputer by Commodore and Ivan Berg Software, Ltd., consists of two cassettes and an instruction booklet in their original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Robert Carrier's Menu Planner," made for the VIC-20 microcomputer by Commodore and Ivan Berg Software, Ltd., consists of two cassettes and an instruction booklet in their original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Ivan Berg Software
ID Number
1987.0249.25
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.25
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
"Home Babysitter," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Home Babysitter," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.34
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.34
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 microcomputer, manufactured by Commodore, has serial number V045518.
Description
This microcomputer, manufactured by Commodore, has serial number V045518. It consists of a CPU / keyboard, power supply box, RF
modulator, video cable, another small metal box with cable
(function unknown, but may be the switchbox), another cable
(function unknown) and the operating manual. All are contained in
the original box.
The CPU / keyboard is in a rectangular, plastic housing, cream
colored with brown and tan keys.
The donor dated the object to 1979, Williams's article would suggest a later date.
References:
Bruce Makoto Arnold, “Twenty-Two Columns of Lowbrow Revolution: The Commodore VIC-20 and the Beginning of the Home Computer Era,” Journal in Humanities, 2017, vol. 6 #1, pp. 11-20.
Gregg Williams, "The Commodore VIC 20 Microcomputer: A Low-Cost, High-Performance Consumer Computer," Byte, May, 1981, vol. 6 #5, pp. 46-64.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979-1981
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.02
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.02
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
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986-1987
maker
Xerox Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.068
catalog number
2012.3098.068
nonaccession number
2012.3098
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
In 1977, Commodore introduced the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) home/personal computer. Appearing before either the Apple II or the Radio Shack TRS-80, it was among the first personal computers.
Description
In 1977, Commodore introduced the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) home/personal computer. Appearing before either the Apple II or the Radio Shack TRS-80, it was among the first personal computers. The PET 2001, Commodore's first model, included four kilobytes of memory, cost $495, and was fully functional out the box. The computer sold well, but initially Commodore could produce only a meager thirty units a day.
The PET had a main board with a 1 MHz MOS 6502 processor and room for additional RAM. The machine included a built-in cassette on the front of the case for data storage. Users could write their own programs in BASIC, but many complained about the small keyboard, which made touch typing difficult. The screen of the PET computer was small (9"), and had a black or blue display. Users could design simple graphics, do animations, or work out math problems. A notable feature of the PET 2001 was that the top of the computer opened for maintenance like the hood of a car.
PET 2001 was designed by computer pioneer Chuck Peddle. He came to Commodore during the company's acquisition of MOS Technology in 1976. AT MOS, he had designed the KIM (Keyboard Input Monitor) computer. At Commodore, he convinced managers that computers were "in" and won approval to design the PET. It paved the way for later Commodore machines, such as the Commodore-64.
This particular PET 2001 was donated by Louis Mittleman, who noted not only that the keyboard was a serious "drawback," but also that the manual did not have much information.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1977
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0591.01
catalog number
1985.0591.01
accession number
1985.0591
serial number
0011716
This is a homemade keyboard 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 socia
Description
This is a homemade keyboard 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
ID Number
2007.0032.02
catalog number
2007.0032.02
accession number
2007.0032
In the early 1980s, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) was the second largest computer company in the United States, following IBM, and was the leading producer of minicomputers.
Description
In the early 1980s, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) was the second largest computer company in the United States, following IBM, and was the leading producer of minicomputers. DEC had missed the initial development of personal computers, but decided to enter the market with a 16 bit machine. In 1982, it introduced the DEC Rainbow 100, for a price of $2,500.
The Rainbow 100 had both a Z-80 and an Intel 8088 microprocessor that ran at 4 MHz. It had 64 KB or RAM and 24 KB of ROM and had two built in floppy drives that could accommodate 400 KB single-sided quad density disks. It had three operating systems: MS-DOS, CP/M-86, and CP/M. Users made a selection by a menu at boot time. This portion - CPU - sat on a floor stand. For the monitor, see 1994.0078.01.2. For the keyboard, see 1994.0078.01.3. For related documentation, see 1994.3022.
The Rainbow could be used for word processing, spreadsheets, and games, although it had a monochrome screen. In addition to operating as a stand-alone computer, the Rainbow worked effectively as a VT-100 or VT-220 terminal emulator on larger machines, such as DEC's minicomputers. Although the Rainbow was a powerful and effective personal computer, it was not fully compatible with IBM systems, and eventually was overshadowed and undersold by IBM clones.
According to the donor, Steve Lubar, writing at the time he gave the machine to the museum, "purchased the Rainbow 100 in 1984, through my wife, Lisa Thoerle,who was then an employee of Digital Equipment Corporation.There was a large employee discount, perhaps almost 50%,(if I remember right!) which made the machine affordable,and close in price to more common PCs.
At the time,I was employed as a historian in the Department of
History of Science and Technology,working on the Engines of Change exhibition and a variety of scholarly papers. I used the Rainbow for word processing mostly, using WordStar software,and as a VT-100 terminal, using the built-in emulation, to call bulletin boards. I always used the machine in its CP/M mode, mostly because I found
that the only software I had for the MS-DOS mode(an early version of WordPerfect) was dreadful. Lisa used the machine a bit; she had a
C compiler,but found the machine too slow to use to do any serious
work. (She was used to VAXs and PDP-11s).
I used the Rainbow until 1988 or 1989,when I purchased a
Macintosh SE.The Rainbow,it was clear by that point, was a
technological deadend,too expensive to upgrade,and too
idiosyncratic to take advantage of the ever-cheaper prices on
hardware upgrades then available for IBM-standard PCs."
Reference:
Accession File 1994.0078.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982
maker
Digital Equipment Corporation
ID Number
1994.0078.01.1
accession number
1994.0078
catalog number
1994.0078.01.1

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