Computers & Business Machines

Apple II Personal Computer

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

Date: 1990s

Advertising Button, Lotus

This circular button has white text on a light blue background that reads: Javascript Junkie. At the top is a white outline of a gear. The white text along the bottom border reads: LotusUserGroup.org.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a light blue background that reads: Javascript Junkie. At the top is a white outline of a gear. The white text along the bottom border reads: LotusUserGroup.org.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.140
catalog number
2009.3071.140
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, PC Computing

This rectangular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Finalist. Paradox 4.5 for DOS. Borland International, Inc. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1993 and a cartoon of a black and grey 'Oscar' statue.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Finalist. Paradox 4.5 for DOS. Borland International, Inc. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1993 and a cartoon of a black and grey 'Oscar' statue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993
ID Number
2009.3071.068
catalog number
2009.3071.068
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Invisible Network

This circular button has white text on a teal background that reads: Invisible Network. It has a holographic image of computers transferring information that alternates with the word "invisible". A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '91.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a teal background that reads: Invisible Network. It has a holographic image of computers transferring information that alternates with the word "invisible". A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.302
catalog number
2009.3071.302
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Get Twained! on CD/ROM. Bureau Development, Inc.

This circular button has purple text on a grey background that reads: Get Twained! on CD/ROM. Bureau Development, Inc. In the center is a black and white image of Mark Twain. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 5/93.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has purple text on a grey background that reads: Get Twained! on CD/ROM. Bureau Development, Inc. In the center is a black and white image of Mark Twain. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 5/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.391
catalog number
2009.3071.391
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Microsoft Button, Visual Basic

This square button has multi-colored text on a gradient pink background that reads: Visual Basic.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has multi-colored text on a gradient pink background that reads: Visual Basic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.269
catalog number
2009.3071.269
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Rockin' Boston with E-Machines. Sweet Little T16

This circular button has pink text on a black background that reads: Rockin' Boston with E Machines. Sweet Little T16. The background is designed to look like a vinyl record. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has pink text on a black background that reads: Rockin' Boston with E Machines. Sweet Little T16. The background is designed to look like a vinyl record. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.473
catalog number
2009.3071.473
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, NewGen Systems Corp.

This circular button has a purple and turquoise spotted background with white text that reads: "newgen.” A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Spring Comdex '91."Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a purple and turquoise spotted background with white text that reads: "newgen.” A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Spring Comdex '91."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.550
catalog number
2009.3071.550
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple

This square button has green text on a white background that reads: Feeling Lucky? Visit the Apple Suite Sunday 6-8pm. (Enter to win a Mac). It has an image of a green shamrock covered by a fabric multi-color Apple logo.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has green text on a white background that reads: Feeling Lucky? Visit the Apple Suite Sunday 6-8pm. (Enter to win a Mac). It has an image of a green shamrock covered by a fabric multi-color Apple logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.167
catalog number
2009.3071.167
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Toptek Lapel Pin

This oval lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp.
Description
This oval lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. On the yellow background with gold border is gold text that reads "GOLDEN SOUND CARD," dark blue text that reads "Comdex/Fall 93,'" and red text that reads: "TOPTEK." The image is of two flags crossed behind a small gold flower, an American flag on the right and the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the left. The reverse is gold-colored metal marked "CDX 11/93" in black permanent ink. The clasp is gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.713
catalog number
2009.3071.713
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Computer Button, I Like ECCO

This oval button has blue and white text on a black background that reads: I like ECCO.Currently not on view
Description
This oval button has blue and white text on a black background that reads: I like ECCO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.362
catalog number
2009.3071.362
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, PC Computing

This square but has salmon pink text on a pink background that reads: PC Computing MVP Most Valuable Product 1991. It has a salmon pink PC Computing logo. A mark on the reverse reads: CDX '91.Currently not on view
Description
This square but has salmon pink text on a pink background that reads: PC Computing MVP Most Valuable Product 1991. It has a salmon pink PC Computing logo. A mark on the reverse reads: CDX '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1991
ID Number
2009.3071.067
catalog number
2009.3071.067
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple, HyperCard 2.0

This square button has purple text on a white background that reads: Brighter HyperCard 2.0. It has a solid purple Apple logo at the bottom.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has purple text on a white background that reads: Brighter HyperCard 2.0. It has a solid purple Apple logo at the bottom.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.155
catalog number
2009.3071.155
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, IBM, Graphics Interface Kit/2

This circular button has a white background with red text in varying shades. This reads: Graphics Interface Kit/2. The button shows two red rectangles with arrows connecting them in a circular shape. It also has the IBM logo in maroon.
Description
This circular button has a white background with red text in varying shades. This reads: Graphics Interface Kit/2. The button shows two red rectangles with arrows connecting them in a circular shape. It also has the IBM logo in maroon. Text written in black ink on the reverse side of the button reads: PC Expo NY 6/28/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.020
catalog number
2009.3071.020
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, IBM

This circular button has white text on a black background. It reads: IBM SERVERS THE ENGINES OF E-BUSINESS. The IBM logo appears in blue. The reverse has circuitry for lighting up a small light on the front.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background. It reads: IBM SERVERS THE ENGINES OF E-BUSINESS. The IBM logo appears in blue. The reverse has circuitry for lighting up a small light on the front.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.021
catalog number
2009.3071.021
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Microsoft Button, Microsoft Making It Easier

This rectangular button has white text on a purple background that reads: Microsoft. MAKING IT EASIER. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Atlanta Comdex Spring 5/93.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has white text on a purple background that reads: Microsoft. MAKING IT EASIER. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Atlanta Comdex Spring 5/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.266
catalog number
2009.3071.266
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Computer Storage, Imation SuperDisk

The SuperDisk, also marketed as LS-120, was a high-speed, high-capacity alternative to the 3.5 inch, 1.44 MB floppy disk. Introduced in the mid-1990s by Imation, 3M's storage products group, it was not as successful in North America as it was in Asia and Australia.
Description
The SuperDisk, also marketed as LS-120, was a high-speed, high-capacity alternative to the 3.5 inch, 1.44 MB floppy disk. Introduced in the mid-1990s by Imation, 3M's storage products group, it was not as successful in North America as it was in Asia and Australia. Several original electronic manufacturers (OEMs) supported it--Compaq, Dell, and Gateway were a few that did. Even though the SuperDisk drive was backwards compatible with 1.44 MB and 720KB floppy formats, the popularity of Iomega’s Zip drive kept it from dominating the floppy storage market. By the 2000s the price of CD-R, CD-RW, and solid-state USB flash drives dropped to a point that made magnetic disks no longer competitive.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1997
ID Number
2015.3167.03
catalog number
2015.3167.03
nonaccession number
2015.3167

Button, Gain RAM Now! Ask Me How!

This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Gain RAM Now! Ask Me How!. In the center, black text that reads: OUT OF MEMORY is encircled in red with a slash through it. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW 2/92.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Gain RAM Now! Ask Me How!. In the center, black text that reads: OUT OF MEMORY is encircled in red 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
2009.3071.238
catalog number
2009.3071.238
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Berkeley Macintosh Users Group (B M U G)

This square button, designed to look like a 3 ½” floppy diskette, has a blue background. At the top, in a yellow rectangle, is a blue image of a clock tower and blue text that reads: "BMUG Disk / BMUG / 1442A Walnut St.
Description
This square button, designed to look like a 3 ½” floppy diskette, has a blue background. At the top, in a yellow rectangle, is a blue image of a clock tower and blue text that reads: "BMUG Disk / BMUG / 1442A Walnut St. #62 / Berkeley, CA 94709 / (415) 849 9114.” On the reverse is a black card with a metal pin.
Berkeley Macintosh Users Group (B M U G).
Reference: [last accessed 2019-08-14]
InfoWorld, June 29, 1987.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.552
catalog number
2009.3071.552
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Action Technologies Button, Are You Coordinated?

This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: Are You Coordinated? In red text on a grey background it reads: Action Technologies Inc.
Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: Are You Coordinated? In red text on a grey background it reads: Action Technologies Inc.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.432
catalog number
2009.3071.432
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Micrografx Inc., Charisma

This triangular-shaped button has a white background with a green horizontal stripe.
Description
This triangular-shaped button has a white background with a green horizontal stripe. In green text above the stripe it reads: "I Have, " in white text on the stripe reads: "CHARISMA,” and in green text below the stripe it reads: "In Windows 3.0." A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: "Spring CDX '91.”
Micrografx Inc. of Arapaho, TX, were the developers of Charisma 2.0, a charting and presentation software package.
Reference: [last accessed 2019-08-14]
InfoWorld Oct. 1, 1990, p. 8788. (review of Charisma 2.0, $495.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.595
catalog number
2009.3071.595
nonaccession number
2009.3071

ICOM Button, The Game's Afoot

This circular button has a silhouette of detective Sherlock Holmes with a pipe on a white background. White text on the silhouette reads: The game's afoot. It has a black ICOM logo under the silhouette.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a silhouette of detective Sherlock Holmes with a pipe on a white background. White text on the silhouette reads: The game's afoot. It has a black ICOM logo under the silhouette.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.217
catalog number
2009.3071.217
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple, Macintosh QuickTime

This square button has teal and black text on a white background that reads: Starter Kit QuickTime. Get Started....... It has a solid black Apple logo at the top and at the bottom, a black text box with white text that reads: Apple Utilities for Macintosh.
Description
This square button has teal and black text on a white background that reads: Starter Kit QuickTime. Get Started....... It has a solid black Apple logo at the top and at the bottom, a black text box with white text that reads: Apple Utilities for Macintosh. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Mac World 8/6/92. Gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.159
nonaccession number
2009.3071
catalog number
2009.3071.159

Advertising Button, MacWEEK

This square button has red text on a black background that reads: MacWEEK. It has an image of a white arrow hitting a red and white bullseye target.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has red text on a black background that reads: MacWEEK. It has an image of a white arrow hitting a red and white bullseye target.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.173
catalog number
2009.3071.173
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple, Laser Writer

This square button has black text on a white background that reads: Laser Writers Get Personal. It has the multi-color Apple Logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:MacWorld Boston 8/90".Currently not on view
Description
This square button has black text on a white background that reads: Laser Writers Get Personal. It has the multi-color Apple Logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:MacWorld Boston 8/90".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.152
catalog number
2009.3071.152
nonaccession number
2009.3071

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