A short text and several pictures of the machines I used at MIT in the mid 70's are available. Also, Tom Knight has started to collect some PDP-6 memorabilia.
And for a really interesting use of an old DEC computer, check out the
VAXbar!
PDP-11
There's some actual PDP-11s on
the net (I think there's a PDP-8, but I lost the reference). Of
particular note are
the PDP-11 FAQ, and
someone has collected
PDP-11
related FTP resources.
The The PDP-11 Unix
Preservation Society is working on collecting as much info on the
very earliest UNIX systems, and also making them available...
PDP-8
There's another collection of
PDP8 related info
and a collection of
general DEC related
info.
Also related to this is the DECUS
Web server.
PDP-10
There's an archive of
PDP-10 related info
at UWashington. Also,
Joe Smith has a nice
PDP-10 page.
There's also humor about some of this, see
"Alice's
PDP-10" and the predecessor
"MIT's AI
Lab" with some interesting commentary on interoperability of fancy window
systems and old fashioned printing terminals
Other Computers
I'm also an Amiga owner. There's lots of useful Amiga info on
AmiNet.
Also, related to this, I am a member of
Boston Computer Society.
I own a Sun 3/60, and find the Sun Hardware FAQ a useful reference. There is also the Sun Security Bulletins and Sun Security Patches available from Sun.
If you're also interested in historical computers of any kind, you may want to visit The Virtual Museum of Computing or Bob's Computer Museum. Other Hardware Some other harrdware that is computer related, but not itself computers:
Note that although I own a UNIX system and use it, I really
despise large
parts of UNIX. UNIX is a good example of "the good is the enemy of the
best" (I'm not sure who first said that or that I'm quoting it exactly right,
if you have a reference to clear either of those up, I'd be greatful to hear
it). Many of the operating systems on the above machines I do like and
they have many features that UNIX lacks, and cannot be retrofitted because of
architectural design flaws (which most people don't see because they are
hidden by all the superficial flaws that are a consequence).
Languages
An interesting description of one person's IR remote system for reference. And a general collection of info on Embedded Systems Internet Resources. A nice source for eight point temperature measurement and a general resource for home wiring in general.
There are online catalogs of home automation gear from HTI Home Toys, Home Automation Systems, JDS Technologies, Llewellyn Data Processing, LLC, Home Controls, Inc., and orthington Distribution. One source of weather monitoring equipment is American Weather Enterprises. JK Audio has an IR reciever designed for computer RS232 connection. Cirrus Logic has an elaborate IR interface for general purpose Computer/IR operation, they have other products that might be interesting, too. There is also an IR interface called the Red Rat. Information about another IR Remote control project.
There's a bunch of project info on the FreeBSD Home Automation page. There's also a Linux IR Controller with useful info. And, still in development is the Computerized Infrared Remote.
Another useful way to look for Home Automation info is on the Home Automation WebRing.
And sort of a cross between these is the Do-It-Yourself Cable TV Distribution System at this site.
A couple of other house-related pointers (not strictly home-automation, but I couldn't figure out where else to put them for now) are: