Chapter 1: The Emotional Connection to Technology

The fondness for past technology is universal, regardless of whether you’ve spent five years or four decades using computers. There’s an inherent desire to cherish the devices that shaped our formative years. For example, Millennials often reminisce about platforms like AIM and Myspace, while Gen X individuals share stories of their first clunky Toshiba laptops and the countless 3.5-inch floppy disks that are still tucked away in drawers.

As someone from the older generation, my memories are filled with tales of 5.25-inch floppies, the original Macintosh, and early programmable computers that relied on cassette tapes. Yet, no device was as significant in my journey through computing as the Commodore 64, a 64-bit system that has now reached its 40th anniversary and was my trusty companion shortly after I completed high school.

The Commodore 64 was quite simple, consisting mainly of a keyboard that housed the motherboard and CPU, alongside a floppy drive (the monitor was sold separately). Its CP/M operating system, an early rival to DOS, was versatile enough for gaming as well as word processing. I have a vague recollection of an active community centered around trading Commodore games, where individuals would purchase a game, make copies on floppy disks, and exchange them during meetups. My father eventually built a vast collection of these copied disks.

Much like other early personal computers, the Commodore's sturdy keyboard aimed to replicate the feel of traditional typewriters, complete with substantial key travel. The only thing missing was a hefty metal return lever, but using it was a uniquely satisfying experience.

While I dabbled in gaming, my primary use was for a basic word processing application—possibly Vizawrite—to write my college papers. This experience was invaluable as I later transitioned to using the DOS-based Xywrite during my early journalism career.

If I close my eyes, I can vividly picture the foyer-turned-office where I worked on that computer, often with my back to the front door. Unfortunately, we lack photographs of me typing away and occasionally printing my assignments using our reliable dot-matrix printer.

Our family relied heavily on the Commodore 64, to the point that when Commodore Business Machines launched the Commodore 128 (boasting double the memory!) in 1985, we quickly upgraded. The new model traded the nostalgic charm of the early 80s for a more refined and less playful aesthetic. I completed my college studies on it, even as I began working with the first Macintosh during an internship.

Even though the Commodore 128 and the first Mac had the same memory capacity, the differences between Commodore BASIC 7.0 and the Macintosh’s System Software were significant. Before long, I moved away from my parents' system, drawn to the more sophisticated machines I encountered during internships, which eventually led to my first job, where we upgraded from a Digital Equipment Corp. terminal to a cluster of Macintosh computers.

Your first computer is unforgettable. This sentiment is what draws me to the work of Gregory Nacu, a talented programmer who has developed a new operating system, C64OS, for the Commodore 64, transforming it into a multi-window, app-switchable environment. It's akin to reviving an old film camera by integrating its optics with a modern image sensor and display. While it may seem like a futile endeavor, especially in the face of today's smartphones—essentially pocket-sized computers that can handle multiple 4K video streams—Nacu's efforts resonate with me.

He isn't the first to seek a revival of the Commodore 64's charm. A decade ago, someone reimagined the classic design by embedding contemporary components, creating a modern device cloaked in the nostalgic exterior of the original. However, Nacu's approach feels purer, and I find it relatable. I enjoy rediscovering and restoring old gadgets, be it an outdated phone or a Windows 95 laptop. Despite their isolation from current technology—unable to read modern media or connect to the internet—there’s joy in revisiting my technological past.

Recently, I've contemplated the idea of resurrecting my old Epson Apex 100, a DOS-based computer with an 8088 CPU that my wife and I purchased over three decades ago. What will I do with it? Perhaps I'll attempt to access some of those ancient 5.25-inch floppies collecting dust in the basement. Beyond that, I'm unsure. Maybe I'll reach out to Mr. Nacu to explore his insights.

Our technological history is invaluable, not just for me but for everyone who has navigated life alongside evolving technology. This connection is why we treasure tech nostalgia. Although time and innovation push us forward, we cannot carry these old systems with us. Yet, we must not forget them, as they have shaped us into the digital society we inhabit today.

Explore the tech stacks, app development, and gaming nostalgia with David Cramer in this insightful discussion.

Chapter 2: The Quest to Revive the Past

The journey into the world of retro computing continues to inspire enthusiasts.

Join us for a fascinating Q&A on the history of science and technology, featuring insights from December 2023.