I have been involved professionally with small computer systems since the mid 1970s. Over the years, I owned and/or used many of the computer systems represented in this collection. I found the "early years" of personal computing to be very interesting and rewarding... My goal is to preserve this material and make it available for others to experience some of what it was like during this time period. I see too much of my experiences being lost in todays world of "appliance" computers (but don't get me started :-)
Unlike many other collectors, I don't just "rake it all into a big pile". My current activities include:
Repair and restoration (if possible) of all new machines coming into the collection. This also involves collection of partial/dead machines and parts to maintain and rebuild working units as applicable.
Proper storage in a dry environment, with each machine being powered-up at least once a year to identify and repair any problems or deterioration which may occur.
Archival storage of software and documentation, with an ongoing effort to scan/image this material so that it can be preserved and shared with others.
Making the machines available to interested individuals either by loan (subject to approval) or by appointment here at my location.
Taking selected machines out to local schools and club meets for demonstrations of "computing past".
Maintaining this web site, where anyone can see high resolution photos of the machines (inside and out), as well as download documentation and software (as I can make it available). In some cases, I am able to provide a simulation, allowing people to actually experience what it is like to use these machines.
Longer term, I hope to make this material more available via more detail on the web site, and possibly some kind of small physical museum and other venues - this is what I plan to do to "keep busy" when I retire.
Please see my notes on rarity.
Unfortunately no: People have become accustomed to the idea that a computer just a year or two old is obsolete, so vintage machines which do not run "modern" software at all are considered by most to be worthless and routinely sent to the trash heap. Fortunately, there are a few of us who appreciate the significance of these early designs and do our best to keep them from the landfill. A few of the very earliest machines have become collectable enough to have value to a few select people, however most of these devices can be found at garage sales, and often beside the road on trash day.
I often get the feeling that people asking this question are wondering if I am planning to sell these machines on Ebay (or by some other means). The simple answer is NO - I do not do this to make money (in fact quite the opposite is true). My goal is to preserve and share this material so that my experiences during the early years of computing are not lost.
No: Especially if it has not been run in "years". There are certain parts which can deteriorate during long term disuse, and just "turning it on" may cause damage - I have procedures for safely powering up equipment which has been out of service for an extended period of time
Not to worry! Like most collectors, I do not keep or publish any personal material that I find on systems coming into the collection. At your request, I will either destroy it, return the disks to you, or possibly transfer it to a format that you can read on a modern computer (this depends on the type of data).