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


-
Programmable Calculator CASIO FX-700P Instruction Manual
- Description
- This well-worn paper manual gives detailed instructions for use of the Casio FX-700P programmable electronic calculator. The paper manual is stapled together and has a warranty taped to the front. It is signed by Richard C. Roberts, who owned the calculator and taught mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
- For related object, see 2012.0136.01.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1982
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 2012.3068.01
- catalog number
- 2012.3068.01
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3068
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation on Higgins Local Area Network Version 2.2 Software
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1989
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.08
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.08
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
HP-65 Pocket Instruction Card
- Description
- Professional computer programmer Barry S. Berg was much interested in the using programming in many aspects of his life. During the 1970s he acquired an HP-65 electronic calculator and this notebook of programming strips for it. They programs relate to aerial navigation and he used them when flying a plane.
- For other documentation that relates to the HP-65 and was received from Berg, see 2012.3060.39. An example of the calculator (not used by Berg) is 2011.0023.01.
- Reference:
- Non-accession file.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- maker
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.07
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.07
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation on Crosstalk Mk. 4 Software
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1988
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.10
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.10
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, C-10 Personal Computer User Manual
- Description
- This 216-page user manual for the Cromemco C-10 personal computer begins by congratulating the owner for their “excellent decision” in purchasing the computer. Chapter 1 describes the uses, flexibility, and reliability of the C-10 as well as the accomplishments of the company. The computer associated with this manual (reference 2018.0113.01) was used at Monroe High School in Monroe, Michigan from the mid-1980s-2009.
- Reference 2018.0113.01
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1984
- maker
- Cromemco Inc.
- ID Number
- 2018.3055.01
- nonaccession number
- 2018.3055
- catalog number
- 2018.3055.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Commuter Computer Advertisements
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1984
- ID Number
- 2018.3076.01
- nonaccession number
- 2018.3076
- catalog number
- 2018.3076.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Visual Computer Inc. Documents
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1985
- ID Number
- 2018.3076.03
- nonaccession number
- 2018.3076
- catalog number
- 2018.3076
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Commuter Computer Reseller Documentation
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1983
- ID Number
- 2018.3076.02
- nonaccession number
- 2018.3076
- catalog number
- 2018.3076.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Compaq button
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1993.3146.03
- nonaccession number
- 1993.3146
- catalog number
- 1993.3146.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History