Legacy Hardware & Software
Note: I no longer develop this page. It remains as a legacy resource.
Insecure & Dangerous Online | Finding Solutions | Software & Hardware
Running Very Old Computers
There are still folks running older computers.
They Still Work
These ancient PCs still do the job they were designed to do when they were built.
Software Limitations
However, they are too old to run current software. These systems will not generally run any software newer than when they were active.
Hardware Upgrades Not Possible
Upgrades to newer hardware is impossible because the pieces just don't fit into the slots and the system requirements are too demanding.
Older computers use power supplies that are hard-wired to the computer switch. They have more of the ISA (black slots) than the newer PCI (white slots) and none of the more recent slots used by modern computers.
Other Issues
Even casual users may find that many legacy programs no longer work for them and they may be unable to squeeze even a few more months out of their systems.
Obsolete hardware and software is difficult to obtain and maintain.
The supply of replacement parts has become almost extinct because “newer” legacy systems have replaced these systems.
Insecure & Dangerous Online
Security software no longer protects these computers so they cannot be hooked up to the Internet.
Owners often feel they can't afford to upgrade or they have just become accustomed to the older technology.
Obsolete Windows Dangerous
If you're using obsolete versions of Windows you should be aware that Microsoft no longer supports these operating systems and neither do the manufacturers.
- Security updates and patches for them are unavailable.
- Windows Update won't work.
- Drivers are unavailable.
- Modern printers and similar hardware is incompatible.
Off-line Use ONLY
Many of the programs that ran on these computers are no longer safe to use. Vulnerabilities discovered in newer versions of Windows are not fixed for these legacy editions.
As long as you DON'T use them on-line, the risk is much reduced and they can allow you to run legacy games and other software.
Finding Solutions
So what do you do?
Check with the manufacturer for information about updated drivers or software patches. You may use a search engine to find the data you need. Include the following information in the search string:
- software manufacturer
- product name
- fixes
Sources other than the original manufacturer can be risky. These may contain malware or otherwise compromise your computer.
Drivers & Manuals
Finding drivers or manuals for older software and hardware has become difficult or impossible as material is deemed obsolete and removed from servers.
Y2K
"Y2K" (year 2000) refers to the ability of the hardware or software to correctly interpret dates following the turn of the 21st century. Earlier software and hardware vendors had simply assumed a two-digit date would refer to 19xx.
Obviously, this created problems when we entered the 21st century and dates became 20xx based.
The relevant code was hidden within millions of lines of computer code.
Vendors were concerned that issues with Y2K could create huge problems if misinterpreted in critical systems like hospitals, nuclear facilities, electrical utilities, military hardware and more.
Y2K … ended up being a non-issue, not because it wasn't problematic (it was), but because there was plenty of time to prepare for it, which companies did.
— Taylor Pearson
Sharing Legacy Data Difficult
Sharing the output of database and spreadsheet programs with others may be difficult if the software uses two-digit dates and makes incorrect assumptions about the century digits (i.e., 19xx rather than 20xx).
Delrina's WinFax Lite
Delrina's WinFax Lite, once included with most fax modems, was hard coded with date limitations that have nothing to do with Y2K.
- The date options for the year go no higher than 1999 which wasn't evident until you actually attempted to send a fax.
- Delrina was bought out by Symantec. WinFax Lite is no longer supported.
Most such programs offer no fix other than purchasing a replacement that is likely incompatible with legacy hardware.
System Upgrades
If you are running an older operating system you may not find a workable solution without upgrading both your hardware and software to accommodate current technology levels.
Many hang on to legacy hardware because of the high prices of computers when they purchased their older computer.
Fortunately prices have come down drastically, making upgrading more affordable than ever before.
Professional Help
You may want professional help when purchasing a new machine in order to get the best value for your money including the right software and hardware for how you intend to use your computer.
It usually is more economical to invest more to begin with in order to avoid spending even more later (or finding that the computer won't perform as expected).
Just as you wouldn't demand the cheapest car on the lot without determining if it will be suitable and economical, pricing of computers is not the only measure of suitability.
Obtaining Legacy Software & Hardware
There are several sources for legacy software and hardware that you might try if you need to replace a component that has failed or to add to your software collection. Your success will vary and in most cases the warranty will not extend any longer than the time it takes for the vendor to collect your money.
- Garage sales provide a tremendous source of such equipment.
- Check the "bargain bins" in second-hand computer stores.
- Friends may have useful stuff they will give to you.
- Government surplus sales can provide you with parts and working systems.
- Legacy Computers and Parts Place is a commercial source in Hamilton, Ontario.
Be aware that most of this stuff has been sitting in a dusty corner for some time — probably for a very good reason.
Don't pay more than a few dollars for anything over five years old.
While the seller may have paid a fortune for their goods, the depreciation of new equipment and software has a similar, if more rapid, effect on used computer goods.
Getting Help
If you would like some help in locating used software, parts and working computers (in the Greater Victoria area) you can contact me.
Remember that I charge for my time and expertise. Such costs may easily exceed the value of these older systems, making the purchase of a newer system more economical.
Whatever your decision is, I can make sure that you obtain the best value for your money.
