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
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Kaypro 2000 Documentation
- Description
- This documentation relates to the Kaypro 2000 microcomputer - accession 2017.0161.
- The documents include:
- --Software Package Licensing Information. Ten pages which contain the license agreements for Microsoft, Inc., Oasis Systems, Chang Labs, MicroPro International Corp., and Digital Research Inc. The donor filled out some of the forms but did not remove them to mail. Labels for the MicroPro software with the serial and version numbers are pasted into the document.
- --Addendum to the Kaypro 2000 User's Guide Utility Files, dated September 5, 1985.
- --How to Use WORDSTAR, MAILMERGE, and CALCSTAR on your MS-DOS Kaypro. Five pages, dated February 26, 1985.
- --Transferring Files From the Kaypro 16 to the Kaypro 2000. One page listing with 11 instructions and a diagram of a null modem cable configuration for 9 pin to 25 pin.
- --Computer Dynamics Work Order. Two pages listing the problem (system fails to boot), the parts required, and the cost of the repair.
- --Tech Notes. One page, with handwritten note from the sender who also marked the section on Serial Port Initialization.
- --Tech Notes. One page, first article is Technical Training.
- --Dealer Record. Small card with the purchaser information filled out. Date of sale is August 2, 1985.
- --Kaypro Invoice. Describes a computer repair completed on December 10, 1987. The $70 repair was covered under warranty.
- --Production Traveler. Builder sheet describing the components used in assembling the base unit, dated December 30, 1987.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1985-1987
- ID Number
- 2017.3105.01
- nonaccession number
- 2017.3105
- catalog number
- 2017.3105.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 10
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 10 November 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “OS-65D Notes” and “Power Basic.” The document consists of ten double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.10
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.10
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Symbolics Button
- Description
- This circular button has in the background an image of a fish in pink, purple, blue, green and orange. White text across the top reads: SYMBOLICS. The reverse reads "Siggraph '87? Anaheim" in black permanent ink. The pin on the button has no catch but rather extends beyond the edge of the button creating a sharp edge.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1987
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.662
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.662
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Set of Sheets, dBase II 2.3B Technical Support Note # 25
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1983
- maker
- Ashton-Tate
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.22
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.22
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 12
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 12 December 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “Power Basic” and “OS-65D Notes.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing. The mailing label is addressed to Eric W. Johnson of Arlington, VA.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.12
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.12
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 9
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 9 October 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group [duplicate issue number]. Articles on the front page include “OS-65D Notes” and “Add Named Addresses To GOTO and GOSUB.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.09
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.09
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Video Game, Superman: The Game
- Description (Brief)
- This 1985 Superman themed video game was intended for use on Commodore 64 and 128 home computers. Made by Fernando Herrera and Jim Nangana for First Star Software, the game comes on floppy disk, and is packaged along with an accompanying instruction guide. In the game, players can compete either as Superman or the villain Darkseid.
- First Star Software began operations in 1982. Fernando Herrera, one of the company's founders, was born in Bogota, Columbia, moving to the United States in 1970. He helped finance First Star Software using prize money awarded for winning the first annual Atari Star Award in 1981. Herrera received the award for “My First Alphabet,” a game the programmer originally developed to help teach his son, who had been declared legally blind.
- At First Star, Herrera created influential games such as “Astro Chase” and “Bristles.” On “Superman: The Game” he worked with Jim Nangana, who is known for developing the game “Flip & Flop.”
- The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche’s concept of the “uber mensch,” and the era’s popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
- With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the “Man of Tomorrow’s” virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
- Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world’s yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a “mild-mannered” journalist.
- Fighting for “Truth and Justice,” Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
- Date made
- 1985
- publisher
- First Star Software, Inc.
- maker
- First Star Software, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1987.0213.142
- accession number
- 1987.0213
- catalog number
- 1987.0213.142
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 1
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 1 January 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “The Good of the Order” and “Prettylisting.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980-1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.02
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.02
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Slides Showing Fractals
- Description
- These twenty slides, prepared by the American mathematician John Hubbard of Cornell University, show computer-generated graphics of fractals. They were collected-for-the-museum from Hubbard on a February 28, 1985, visit to Cornell.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1985
- ID Number
- 1985.3088.03
- nonaccession number
- 1985.3088
- catalog number
- 1985.3088.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Software and Documentation, SETUP (Setup Epson Printer)
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1984
- maker
- Borland Software Corporation
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.24
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.24
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume II, Number 12
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume II, Number 12 December 1980 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “High Res Graphics” and “8 Bit Itch.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.01
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.01
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 8
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 8 August 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “On Error GOTO 4000” and “Variable Base Renumberer For OS-65D Assembler.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.07
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.07
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, Starlet NEC Portable Computer PC-8401A
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1984-1985
- ID Number
- 2014.0260.04
- accession number
- 2014.0260
- catalog number
- 2014.0260.04
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 4
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 4. April 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “The RND(X) and RND(-X)” and “That Compiled Basic.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.04
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.04
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, Peripheral Interfacting Equipment Price Sheet
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980-10-28
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.09
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.09
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 10
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 10 November 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group [duplicate issue number]. Articles on the front page include “Power Basic” and “Variable Base Renumberer Revisited & Revised.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.11
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.11
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 6
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 6 June 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “Unravl: A Strategy” and “Disk Copy: Single Drive.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.05
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.05
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 3
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 3 March 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “Some Pokes for C4P's and C8P's” and “OS-65D Notes.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.03
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.03
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Badge, 1985 Federal Office Automation Conference
- Description
- This is a badge for Tom Chase, head conservator of the Freer Gallery of Art, admitting him to the Federal Office Automation Conference on October 30, 1985. The plastic badge is attached to a paper card giving further details.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 2000
- 2001
- 1985
- maker
- Christian Register
- ID Number
- 2011.3014.04
- nonaccession number
- 2011.3014
- catalog number
- 2011.3014.04
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 7
- Description
- Ohio Scientific Inc. (also known as Ohio Scientific Instruments) was an American computer company located in Hiram, Ohio. It built and sold microcomputers from 1975 to 1981 when the company was sold to M/A-Com Inc. in Massachusetts.
- In 1976, OSI sold for $99, a computer “trainer” kit consisting of the microprocessor, the MOS 6502, and enough circuitry to communicate with the processor. The buyer had to build it and add a terminal display. Later models made by the company were the OSI Model 500, Challenger III, Superboard II, Challenger 1P, Challenger 2P, Challenger 4P, and the Challenger 8P.
- In the 1970s and 1980s numerous computer societies and users groups were established to share information. Some took a general approach, while others focused on a computer brand, operating system, or programming language. This newsletter is from an OSI user group based in Ellicott City, MD.
- OSIO Newsletter Volume III, Number 7 July 1981 for the VA/DC/MD OSIO group. Articles on the front page include “An Australian Goodie” and “& I Don't Care.” The document consists of four double-sided pages folded in half for mailing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.11.06
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.11.06
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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