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Why not get a PC from the '90s with CRT monitor and everything? If you like playing old games in their natural environment, then you can't beat that in authent

Why not get a PC from the '90s with CRT monitor and everything? If you like playing old games in their natural environment, then you can't beat that in authenticity.

slig 2y ago
Desk space, wife/husband factor, cost, etc.
archargelod 2y ago
It would be hard to find an old machine in good condition. Then, if you find one, you need to figure out logistics of getting your games on the thing. Good chances it won't recognise a modern hard drive or usb flash drive. Full on PC setup also requires a lot more space than a small laptop.
- MarkusWandel 2y ago
  The main thing is it has to have a 64-bit CPU. Aside from that in my experience if the connector is there (SATA, USB) the most modern storage devices will work in Linux, it being mostly a question of drivers. As an extreme example, an ancient 32-bit Windows XP laptop that my mom clung to until the latest change at Gmail (OAuth only) finally obsoleted her old Thunderbird installation, wouldn't begin to recognize a 2TB USB HD if plugged in. But if you booted Linux from a Live DVD, no problem. This was to copy her data off for backup purposes a few years ago, when mainstream Linux distros still had 32-bit versions. Also at the level of ancient being discussed here, Wifi and wired networking are a thing you know.
II2II 2y ago
There are a few reasons to go the route mentioned in the article: - You may want to run more recent games. The 10 year old laptop, particularly one with a dedicated GPU and a lot of RAM, will even run some current games. - There seems to be a fair bit of interest in retrocomputing these days. This is driving up the cost of both hardware and games. It is also possible to purchase many older games through GOG and Steam that you would not be able to directly install on that old hardware (either due to the installer or client). - An older laptop is going to be smaller, quieter, and more reliable. Even if something does fail, it is going to be easier to find replacement parts.
opan 2y ago
My thought from the title is that this is about putting extra hardware you have around to good use instead of not using it. I don't think buying something new goes well with that idea. Similar to using an old computer you already have as a NAS or HTPC.

Why not get a PC from the '90s with CRT monitor and everything? If you like playing old games in their natural environment, then you can't beat that in authenticity.

slig 2y ago

Desk space, wife/husband factor, cost, etc.

archargelod 2y ago

It would be hard to find an old machine in good condition. Then, if you find one, you need to figure out logistics of getting your games on the thing. Good chances it won't recognise a modern hard drive or usb flash drive. Full on PC setup also requires a lot more space than a small laptop.

MarkusWandel 2y ago
The main thing is it has to have a 64-bit CPU. Aside from that in my experience if the connector is there (SATA, USB) the most modern storage devices will work in Linux, it being mostly a question of drivers. As an extreme example, an ancient 32-bit Windows XP laptop that my mom clung to until the latest change at Gmail (OAuth only) finally obsoleted her old Thunderbird installation, wouldn't begin to recognize a 2TB USB HD if plugged in. But if you booted Linux from a Live DVD, no problem. This was to copy her data off for backup purposes a few years ago, when mainstream Linux distros still had 32-bit versions. Also at the level of ancient being discussed here, Wifi and wired networking are a thing you know.

II2II 2y ago

There are a few reasons to go the route mentioned in the article: - You may want to run more recent games. The 10 year old laptop, particularly one with a dedicated GPU and a lot of RAM, will even run some current games. - There seems to be a fair bit of interest in retrocomputing these days. This is driving up the cost of both hardware and games. It is also possible to purchase many older games through GOG and Steam that you would not be able to directly install on that old hardware (either due to the installer or client). - An older laptop is going to be smaller, quieter, and more reliable. Even if something does fail, it is going to be easier to find replacement parts.

opan 2y ago

My thought from the title is that this is about putting extra hardware you have around to good use instead of not using it. I don't think buying something new goes well with that idea. Similar to using an old computer you already have as a NAS or HTPC.