[rescue] WTB: Good 'antique' computer for education

[Dave McGuire]

On July 25, Big Endian wrote:
> My fiance is looking for an OLD computer to teach herself some 
> computer architecture.  I'm thinking something with a card cage.  My 
> personal favorite are the VME based sun machines but I'm open to 
> ideas.  I need something where she can get replacement parts cheaply 
> and (relatively) easily.  Would a VAX be good for this?  What about 
> an -11?  How small can I make an -11 or a VAX?  Does anybody have 
> anything they would be willing to let go or a place to get this kind 
> of stuff?  (I wouldn't mind getting a VME sun... Especially not an 
> 4/xxx deskside one)

  Architecturally speaking, there's nothing really that old about the
4/xxx VME machines.  They're VERY similar to modern sparc machines in
nearly every way.  In my opinion, they don't make a very good machine
on which to study architecture (at least not a first study) because of
their complexity.  If someone is looking to glean a truly "low-level"
in-depth understanding of the way digital computers function, I would
point them at a PDP11 or a VAX.  For architectural studies, the
operating system is largely irrelevant, though choosing Unix
implemenation would be advantageous because of the educational
resources available (in the case of your fiance, YOU) to master the
operating system.

  Studying VAX assembly language in particular will impart a very solid
understanding of perhaps one of the most elegant processor
architectures in our industry's history.  The concepts and techniques
learned will be very useful and highly beneficial if the student
subsequently chooses to pursue modern computer design or programming.

  Another very good choice would be the Motorola 68000 family.

  Should you choose to go the VAX route, contact me privately...I can
help you obtain a useful machine for minimal cash outlay.

             -Dave McGuire