80s computer interest

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tjones9163

tjones9163

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Hello, I have recently watched a show on Netflix called 'Halt and catch fire' and i would like to purchase an older computer possibly off Ebay or online store. Lets say i wanted to buy a Commodore 64. What important info would i need to know besides that it powers on.....some of the Commodors they were selling looked like they did not have original software. Any technical terms for me to look for?I would like to find as original as possible and would the commodore be a good retro computer to find, or should i look for AN IBM or a Compaq? I want to learn how the original software on these machines work and operate and what the insides look like, I am finding the old computer a hobby that i would really like to get into. THANKS
 
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dudmont

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Question from tjones9163 : "80s computers interest"



well, if you bought and 8088 or 80286 and used DOS 6.1 and windows 3.11 you could learn the foundation of modern windows and some useful commands. If it were me, I'd look for a good 486, they had some real capabilities and you could play VGA games on them, which were pretty awesome in the early 90s.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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There are a multitude of forums online dedicated to the early Commodores.
Software? Cartridge, cassette tape, 1541 floppy drive.

I have a C-64. And VIC-20. My dad was the original owner on both. Still has the KMart price sticker on the box.
Both worked the last time I turned them on a couple of years ago.
Fun for about 5 mins.
 
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tjones9163

tjones9163

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thanks, are these just CPU's you are talking about? I am not the most tech savvy person with old computers but i know some of the basics. Can i still find full units like the apple 2 or commodore? Do i just need the Cpu and additional hardware or can i find complete units? could you explain more into detail on what you mean . Thanks!!
 
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tjones9163

tjones9163

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Thanks, I am studying now for an electronic engineering degree and would also like to not only play with it but look at the hardware and see how some of the early PC's were built.
Could you name a good forum for these PC's?
And when i got to but one online, lets say the c-64, what technical info do i need to get a legit one with the original software or whats my best route because on ebay they sell alot that power but do not necessarily work.
Much appreciated!!
 
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USAFRet

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The C-64 and VIC-20 was the whole thing in one case.
Keyboard, and the whole "computer". Output to a TV, via a composite RCA connection.

And then whatever data storage device. Game cart, cassette tape drive, floppy drive.
I still have a tape drive. Yes...the same tapes that you'd use to play music in the car.

Oh, and joysticks.
 
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tjones9163

tjones9163

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Thanks,
I do understand that the commodore is the full unit, but if i cant find that all i need is the CPU and motherboard?

 
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USAFRet

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You need the "C-64". The whole thing. You don't buy the CPU and motherboard as individual parts like a current desktop. Well, you can, but that would be people into rebuilding them.

Then a data storage device. Floppy, tape, whatever.
Then a TV that will accept a RCA composite input.
And then maybe joysticks or paddles.
 
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imrazor

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A Commodore 64 is a simple proposition. You have motherboard, CPU, keyboard, etc. integrated into unit. There is no OS to load, per se. Commodore BASIC is burned into firmware. To play games or run programs, like USAFRet has said you'll need a storage device, usually a floppy drive or cassette tape.

A 286/386/486 is another proposition. Like a modern PC, you'll need a compatible motherboard, CPU, floppy/hard drive(s) and video card. And if you're interested in retro gaming you'll probably want a sound card too. You will also need an appropriate version of MS-DOS, or possibly Windows 3.1 or 95 depending on the vintage of your hardware. It will be far easier to buy a complete system than trying to piece together a system from parts. If you think the system is incomplete, just ask the seller if it will boot into DOS and/or Windows.
 
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hang-the-9

hang-the-9

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If you get one system, I would get an older IBM clone so you can see the box build and the older expansion and open standards slots and connectors. I suggest reading over the A+ training book by Meyers, it has a very good historical run-down on all sorts of older standards and computers.https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/comptia-a-certification-all-in-one-exam-guide-premium-eighth-edition-exams-220-801--220-802_michael-meyers/9006305/#isbn=007179512X 2012 but since you are looking for older system info, the revision does not really matter to you.
 
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