Legacy Hardware & Software
Running Older Computers | Finding Solutions | Legacy Software and Hardware
Running Very Old Computers
There are still folks running Pentium I and even older computers (although these are rare today). These systems will not generally run the software newer than when they were active and you are unable to upgrade them with newer hardware because the pieces just don't fit into the slots or the system requirements are too demanding.
Even 400 Mhz computers can have challenges, particularly if they are using the older power supplies that are hard-wired to the computer switch and have more of the ISA (black slots) than the newer PCI (white slots).
These older computers still do the job they were designed to do, but the demands on computers have increased to the point where many are struggling to make these units work. Often such people feel they can't afford to upgrade or they have just become accustomed to the older technology.
Even such casual users may find that many legacy programs no longer work for them and need to squeeze just a few more months out of their systems. There are several issues that may affect you.
- Database and spreadsheet programs that either have only two-digit dates or make poorly chosen assumptions about the century digits (i.e. 19xx or 20xx) may make sharing files with others difficult.
- Some early programs are hard coded with date limitations that have nothing to do with Y2K. One such example is Delrina's WinFax Lite software that was once included with most fax modems. This program has a date limitation that you will be unaware of until you actually attempt to send a fax. The options for the year go no higher than 1999. Delrina was bought out by Symantec and WinFax Lite is no longer supported.
- Some programs offer no fix other than purchasing a replacement (often requiring that you upgrade your entire system).
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
Note that "Y2K" (year 2000) is a term that has all but vanished from the Web, but refers to the ability of the hardware or software to correctly interpret dates following the turn of the 21st century because earlier vendors had simply assumed a two-digit code would refer to 19xx.
There are some sites that specialize in locating drivers and manuals:
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. Fortunately prices have come down drastically, making such an option more affordable than ever before.
You may wish to consult with us before purchasing a new machine in order to get the best value for your money and the right components for what you intend to do with your computer. It sometimes pays to spend more to begin with in order to avoid spending more later (or finding that the computer won't do what you bought it to do).
Alternatives to Microsoft
Ubuntu
If you can't afford the newer hardware needed to run a more current version of Windows, have a look at Ubuntu, a flavour of Linux that is surprisingly easy to use and is able to natively run much of the hardware used by Windows 98 — including printers.
Older versions of Linux will run on legacy 386 and 486 systems and many of the solutions are more current than those offered to users of DOS and Windows 3.x. Of course you shouldn't expect to run the full graphical operating system and all the available programs on older computers.
You may need to bite the bullet and upgrade your software and hardware to a more recent legacy computer. The more modern your system, the more likely you will find a solution. Pentium 4 class computers have become very affordable on the used marked as newer equipment becomes cheaper and these systems will run Linux, more current browsers and much of the newer software.
If you plan to install Windows 95, 98, Me or 2000 you should be aware that Microsoft no longer supports these operating systems and you may not be able to obtain security updates and patches for them, particularly through Windows Update. If you don't intend to use them on-line, the risk is much reduced and they can allow you to run legacy games and other software.
One of the main vulnerabilities is the Microsoft VM which can be replaced with Sun's (now Oracle's) free Java Runtime Environments.
You can also search for helpful articles on the FAQs and Information Sites page.
Obtaining Legacy Software and 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 declining price of new equipment and software has a similar, if more rapid, effect on used computer goods.
If you would like some help in locating used software, parts and working computers (in the Greater Victoria area) you can contact us. Remember that we must charge for our time and expertise and that such costs may easily exceed the value of these older systems. We can, however, make sure that you obtain the best value for your money.
Troubleshooting Legacy Windows
See the Legacy Windows page for help in troubleshooting legacy Windows.
Other Resources
These other pages on this site may offer help in with legacy computers:
Check the Self-Help Resources Home page for a listing of all the resources available.
www.RussHarvey.bc.ca/resources/legacy.html
Updated: July 9, 2011
