Vintage Computing

Carleton University was founded in 1942, placing its history alongside the entire evolution of modern computing. The School of Computer Science was established in 1980, at the dawn of the microcomputing revolution. Every component of a computer has a fascinating past, deeply connected to advances in electronics and technology, and much of our collection showcases the remarkable evolution of microcomputing.

We are proud to present a selection of some of the world’s most notable and influential microcomputers, acquired from the university and generous local enthusiasts. Some of these systems date back to the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a period when computing technology was prohibitively expensive and largely inaccessible to individuals and small organizations. Today, these once-exclusive machines are accessible to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience technologies that helped define modern computing. Our collection spans every major era of microcomputing, illustrating its evolution and highlighting both notable successes and instructive failures that shaped the computing landscape.

The pedagogical goal of this collection is to demonstrate how exploring the past deepens our understanding of where computing originated, how computers operate, and what exciting possibilities the future may hold. By preserving and sharing this history, we hope to inspire new generations of students and researchers to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve.

• People associated with vintage computing at Carleton

Welcome to the School of Computer Science at Carleton University, a vibrant community driven by a deep passion for computing. We love computers, and we are especially excited about celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of vintage computing.

We are proud to present a large-scale vintage computing display within the School of Computer Science, featuring a growing collection of world-famous and historically significant computers. This display includes a range of historic desktop computers and important computing artefacts. You can explore our evolving collection here:

• School of Computer Science Vintage Computing List

Preserving computing history is essential, not only to safeguard the remarkable technological achievements of the past, but also to spark curiosity and inspiration in future generations of students.

The display serves as a vibrant focal point for vintage computing events and clubs, and as a unique and engaging stop at Carleton University. It shares the story of computing history with the broader community and visitors alike. We aim to provide students and visitors with hands-on opportunities to experience historic computing equipment and deepen their appreciation of how modern technology evolved.

The School of Computer Science was founded in 1980 and has retained some of its and the universities computing artifacts. Currently the school maintains the following vintage computing displays and artifacts:

• Vintage computer listing,
• Three hallways displays,
• Five hanging display.

We have started a grass-roots group consisting of students, faculty and staff that are interested in maintaining the vintage computing collection at Carleton. We call our group the Carleton Vintage Computing (CVC) Group and we have the motto: 0% commitment, 100% fun. You have the opportunity to see and work with some of the most iconic vintage computers in the world. Much of the work is self motivated, work on things that you are most interested in:

• Much of the equipment needs to be tested: hook it up and try to boot it
• Help debug and repair computers
• Learn how to use some of the very early computers, write a program and create a demo
• Many of the iconic gaming computers can be tested and documented
• Many items have a fascinating history
• Any graphic artists and industrial design students have the opportunity to contribute to our vintage computing display
• Interested in VR? We need your help in creating a vintage VR experience

It is a unique opportunity to work with vintage computers that were inaccessible. Try them and share your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast or a curious newcomer, your passion and skills will help revive these retro tech treasures. Ready to get involved? Fill out our Vintage Computing Volunteer and Project Interest Form today:

• Vintage Computing Volunteer and Project Interest Form

Computer Donations

Do you have vintage computing equipment you would like to donate to the School of Computer Science? By donating, you can leave a lasting legacy, and your equipment will become a valuable learning tool for future generations of students, researchers, and visitors.

The School of Computer Science has collected a wide range of vintage computing artefacts from students, faculty, and staff at Carleton University, from various university departments, and from local community members wishing to donate their equipment.

We maintain records of all donated equipment and encourage donors to include a short write-up or personal story describing how the equipment was used and any interesting history associated with it. We hope that students, faculty, staff, and visitors will enjoy learning from and experiencing your equipment on display at the School.

Please note that a tax receipt can be issued for your donation if you provide an independent third-party appraisal or an estimate of its fair market value.

You can view examples of items in our collection here:

• SCS Vintage Computer Collection

To begin the donation process and leave your mark on computing history, tell us about your equipment using the form below and we will get back to you:

• Vintage Computing Donations Form

Sponsors

The school is always in need of sponsors, we need to maintain equipment, fund projects and display our amazing collection. In return we can highlight your initiative at the school, at high profile events or have your company advertised at our vintage computing display.

If you are interested in sponsoring vintage computing at our school please contact us.