The Computer History Museum has just launched its ambitious online portal, OpenCHM, a treasure trove for computer enthusiasts to explore the museum's vast collection from the comfort of their own homes.
For those who can't make it to California, where the museum is based, this is a dream come true. The CHM has done an excellent job in creating an interactive platform that allows users to delve into its vast archives with ease. From browsing through various curated collections to discovering rare artifacts, OpenCHM offers a wealth of material for enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the site is the "Highlights" section, which showcases some of the most significant objects from the museum's collection, including early computers and microcomputers. There are also photos, records, and other historical items on display, such as a 1894 book titled "The Adams Cable Codex," which catalogs hundreds of code words used to save space when sending messages via cable.
However, upon closer inspection, some users may find that the site's sparse descriptions leave much to be desired. For instance, without any additional information, it was difficult to understand what a klystron is, aside from being a vacuum tube amplifier mounted on a wooden base. Fortunately, a quick online search provided the answer.
Despite this minor quibble, OpenCHM provides multiple entry points for users to explore its vast collection, including a "Discovery Wall" that features artifacts chosen by visitors themselves. This section was particularly interesting, showcasing items such as an alarmingly yellow Atari t-shirt from 1977 and a Microsoft PS/2 mouse, which might evoke shudders in those who have fond memories of using these devices.
Perhaps the most poignant item we came across, however, was a copy of Ted Nelson's self-published book "Computer Lib/Dream Machines," published in 1974. The document is strikingly forward-thinking, predicting hypertext and other technologies that were ahead of its time. However, it also reveals an air of technoutopianism that seems both charmingly innocent and painfully naive today.
In summary, OpenCHM is a significant achievement for the Computer History Museum, offering a wealth of material for enthusiasts to explore from anywhere in the world. While some areas may require further development, this online portal is certainly worth checking out for anyone interested in the history of computers and technology.
For those who can't make it to California, where the museum is based, this is a dream come true. The CHM has done an excellent job in creating an interactive platform that allows users to delve into its vast archives with ease. From browsing through various curated collections to discovering rare artifacts, OpenCHM offers a wealth of material for enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the site is the "Highlights" section, which showcases some of the most significant objects from the museum's collection, including early computers and microcomputers. There are also photos, records, and other historical items on display, such as a 1894 book titled "The Adams Cable Codex," which catalogs hundreds of code words used to save space when sending messages via cable.
However, upon closer inspection, some users may find that the site's sparse descriptions leave much to be desired. For instance, without any additional information, it was difficult to understand what a klystron is, aside from being a vacuum tube amplifier mounted on a wooden base. Fortunately, a quick online search provided the answer.
Despite this minor quibble, OpenCHM provides multiple entry points for users to explore its vast collection, including a "Discovery Wall" that features artifacts chosen by visitors themselves. This section was particularly interesting, showcasing items such as an alarmingly yellow Atari t-shirt from 1977 and a Microsoft PS/2 mouse, which might evoke shudders in those who have fond memories of using these devices.
Perhaps the most poignant item we came across, however, was a copy of Ted Nelson's self-published book "Computer Lib/Dream Machines," published in 1974. The document is strikingly forward-thinking, predicting hypertext and other technologies that were ahead of its time. However, it also reveals an air of technoutopianism that seems both charmingly innocent and painfully naive today.
In summary, OpenCHM is a significant achievement for the Computer History Museum, offering a wealth of material for enthusiasts to explore from anywhere in the world. While some areas may require further development, this online portal is certainly worth checking out for anyone interested in the history of computers and technology.
. What's wild is how it shows us that even back in 1974, people were already thinking about the future of computers and technology - it's like we're still living out a dream, or maybe just re-reading our own dreams 
. The thing is though, its also kinda sad to see how some ideas were so ahead of their time, but ultimately didn't quite pan out... I guess thats just part of the journey of figuring things out.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to geek out on old computers and tech history from the comfort of their own home? The interactive platform is super cool, but I agree with you that some descriptions could be more in-depth – I was like "what's a klystron again?" 
. Still, it's awesome that they have a "Discovery Wall" where users can submit their own faves! That 1977 Atari t-shirt is pretty lit 
. And omg, Ted Nelson's book is like... whoa. It's wild to think about how some of those ideas were ahead of its time 
. I'm definitely gonna check out OpenCHM and see what other hidden gems they have in store 
. Anyway, I'm excited to dig deeper into this online treasure trove and see what other gems I can uncover 
But hey, that just means you have to do a quick fact-check and it's all good.
Either way, it's fascinating to see how far we've come (and sometimes how far we still have to go).
. Don't get me wrong, the website is awesome and all, but there's somethin' special about seein' it in person, ya know? Like that Atari t-shirt from 1977 - I was scrollin' through the "Discovery Wall" and I started thinkin', man, what if someone's wearin' a similar thing right now 
? Anyway, yeah, OpenCHM is def worth checkin' out for any tech history buffs 
I think it's amazing how the CHM has made their archives accessible to everyone, you know? It's like, finally a place where we can geek out over old tech from the comfort of our own homes 
And can we talk about how cool it is to see all these old artifacts and relics from the past? Like that Atari t-shirt, wow! It's like taking a trip down memory lane... but also kinda sad, you know? Like, technology moves so fast now, sometimes I feel like those old ideas are just, well, outdated 
. But overall, OpenCHM is def worth checking out for anyone who's even remotely curious about the history of computers 
I'm like totally stoked about OpenCHM! I've been waiting for something like this for ages, and it's finally here 
. And wow, the highlights section is incredible - I mean, a 1894 book about cable code words? 
. I spent like an hour looking at all these crazy old computers and gadgets, it was trippy 
. But, gotta say, some of the descriptions are super lacking 
... like, I was trying to figure out what a klystron is and had to Google it myself 
.
...
️. I mean, where else can you find an Atari t-shirt from 1977 or a Microsoft PS/2 mouse on display? 
, maybe some quizzes or games to test your knowledge on computer history. But overall, OpenCHM is a game-changer for anyone who loves tech and its fascinating past 
! Though, I do agree that some of the descriptions could be more detailed... maybe a quick online search can help out 
. Overall, though, OpenCHM seems like an amazing resource for anyone into tech history - totally worth checking out! 
, I'm loving the new OpenCHM website! It's like stepping into a time machine 
. And can we talk about the significance of Ted Nelson's book "Computer Lib/Dream Machines"? That dude was like 100 years ahead of his time 
. I do wish they'd add more detailed descriptions though, but other than that, OpenCHM is a total win in my book 
like who wouldn't wanna see an old atmari tee from 1977 lol 
dont really care about the tech outopianism part though id rather just be grateful for all this info being available online 
an alarmingly yellow Atari t-shirt from 1977? who thought that was a good idea 
but I guess it's still pretty cool to see all these old computers and books about tech history 
it's like nostalgia overload!