Thanks, Eriq ( I think), as I have no clue to how I've become "The
Esteemed...." unless this is like "My esteemed colleague..." My
"find-a-use-for-it-before-it-clutters-up-the-junk-pile" attitude is
pleased when *anyone* finds a productive use for an older computer.
However, if this old user (I've been using - as a user, not a techie -
computers going back to the CP/M days with either one or two 5.25" 320Kb
floppies with no HD and 32K or 64K of RAM, to those *fancy* machines with
a 5Mb or 10Mb HD and (320K or 640K of RAM) may make a couple points:

1) I believe the IBM-AT was either a precursor to or a rough equivalent
of the *286* system (though we did a lot of things with that *advanced*
machine when it came out; and), 2) most folks would become extremely
impatient (except maybe kids playing games in a Dr's office waiting room
- see, another PCBUILD thread) with the AT's comparative molasses-like
speed.

My comment was made with the PC (politically correct) world in mind - at
least, I suggested a use for the case. I'll apologize profusely if there
were to become some concentrated effort to find productive uses for
legacy machines. For example, it would be great if instead of spending
billions on buying/providing *upscale* systems with modems & printers for
"every poor kid/family in the nation and each school kid at his/her
school desk, we could recycle outdated systems for such uses, as well as
in classes to *train K-xx students in basic computer use.* {It's never
been proven - & I doubt ever will - that computerized *education* (as
compared to "training" in the use of computers) - is beneficial in
providing the basics necessary to teach kids how to think, etc. [Garbage
In, Garbage Out.]

It would be interesting & helpful if anyone has an idea how we on the
List could promote the recycling of older systems for educational use,
game playing in doctors' offices, etc, etc?

Note: save the memory sticks and any video or cache RAM.

[Fellow Lister Herbert Graf commented: Actually IIRC the AT uses a 286
processor, no "normal" version of Linux will work with it, they all
require at minimum a 386. However, there ARE a few Linux's out there that
are built for 16 bit processors, not too common
though. TTYL]

[Felow Lister Tom Turak found a *hobby* use for an old AT (see his post):
a programmable remote for a 120 channel cable TV system, which lasted a
month before reclaiming its garage space - some 12 years ago. Some of his
thoughts:

a. It ran in DOS.
b. ...hobby is the operative word, because whatever you build, you could
have bought one cheaper.
c. Use nothing less than a 486, and more probably a recently retired
Celeron notebook, for two reasons: ...a true 32bit pc; the 286 by
comparison, can really pull some watts if you run it unattended 24/7
d. ...unreliable such an old pc might prove to be.]

As my "gathered" electrons have been almost discharged, I remain,
The newly "Esteemed" Jack Payton

On Mon, 9 Jul 2001 11:41:39 -0700 Eric Maquiling <[log in to unmask]> writes:
> Today, The Esteemed Jack R Payton gathered electrons and wrote:
>
> > > Maybe this group has some ideas/suggestions.
> > >
> > > Other than the obvious "Boat anchor", what use is an IBM-AT,
> with a
> > > 20 meg
> > > HD?  Not sure of the vintage, it's been out in the garage too
> > > long.  Probably about 4-8 Meg speed.
>
> I had one of those and I installed Linux on it just for fun.  You
> can do A
> LOT with a 386 and LInux.  Like routing, email, etc.  Also a very
> good
> learning tool if you want to learn something like vi or how
> networking
> works etc, etc.

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>