What's new
What's new
This feed shows which pages of the guide were added recently: the newest at the top, earlier ones further down. Next to each entry is a short note on what the article covers and who it helps, and the tags point to its topic: inspection, safety, media or history.
A page only appears in the feed once it has been finished and reread. One checked article is more useful than five rough drafts.
A glossary for owners of old computers
Definitions of words about hardware, media and software, from capacitor to re-release.
Why it helps: Helps you read the articles without constantly looking up unfamiliar terms.
The guide's home page
Five steps for the first power-on, short answers and the story of the project.
Why it helps: A good starting point for anyone who has just found an old computer.
The guide archive
A complete index of the guide: every finished page with its date and topic tag.
Why it helps: Makes it easy to find an article when you only remember its topic.
Reading lists for different situations
Reading paths for a retro corner at home, activities with kids, and anyone who has decided to part with old hardware.
Why it helps: No need to search the whole guide: the pages for your situation are already lined up in order.
Guide sections
A map of four topics: inspection and startup, safety, media and data, history and emulation.
Why it helps: Shows where to look for the answer to any question about old hardware.
Answers to common questions
Short answers about first power-on, storage, static protection and legal ways to play old games.
Why it helps: Quickly clears up the most common doubts before the first startup.
How to gently clean an old computer
A step-by-step article on dry-cleaning the board, fans and case without opening dangerous components.
Why it helps: Ideal for anyone taking the panel off an old desktop tower for the first time.
Read next
Sources
- Reanimator9X editorial materials
The information is current as of the date this page was prepared. Old hardware was built in very different ways, so every tip here is general: if a device behaves strangely, stop and ask someone experienced instead of carrying on by guesswork.