Historic Computing Lab @ UVic Libraries

Altair computer, cover off, in a display case A small replica of an Altair atop an older VGA CRT monitor and keyboard A social-realist style poster of a man and woman holding Altair computers above a display case with printed materials A bookshelf in the foyer of the Main Library filled with computing literature
 

Altair Exhibit

Sep 22, 2025

The Historic Computing Lab kicked off the school year with an exhibit and an event ...

The exhibit, "The Altair 8800: Fifty Years of Personal Computing" runs all September just inside the main entrance of Mearns/McPherson, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the world's first commercially successful personal computer, the Altair 8800.

It features: 

  • A fully restored Altair 8800 computer
  • Historical documentation, including an original 1975 issue of "Computer Notes" newsletter containing a letter from Bill Gates decrying the hobbyist community's illicit copying of commercial software (specifically, Microsoft's first product, Altair BASIC)
  •  The January 1977 issue of BYTE magazine, with a cover illustration suggesting that somehow the Altair will show us the way from our then-current dystopian hellscape to a pastoral utopian future
  • ... and more!

And running in parallel to the Altair exhibit, this month the themed book display in the foyer features a selection of important works of computing history. 

The Lab also participated in Thunderfest this year, giving attendees the chance to have fun on a few retro computers, including ... 

  • a Commodore 64 running "Omega Race" 
  • a Vic 20 running "Pinball"
  • a NABU running "Galaxian" 
  • an AltairDuino running "Ladder"

A good time was had by all!

 

 

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