Is 20th Century Software Still Useful?

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Using the old in the age of the new?

When you think of legacy, or “old,” software, what comes to mind? Software from a couple of years ago? Five years ago? The year 2000? How about 1981?

In today’s world of portable mobile devices that can fit in our pockets, why would anyone consider using software that is decades old and be bound to a bulky laptop or stationary desktop computer?

Can you afford expensive software? Why? Because there are many who cannot afford to pay retail prices for the latest versions of software or buy new computers to run them on. Many also cannot afford the high monthly costs of portable “smart” devices and the telecom costs, Internet access charges, data plans, taxes, and fees to use them.

There are many things you can do with legacy software and computers. And older software is just as good today as when it was new. The only difference is you can get that 1980s or 1990s program “second-hand” for as much as 99% less than it cost to purchase it from the original retailer when it was new. The evolution of consumer computing has made it possible to repurpose this older technology, allowing it to remain functional and relevant long after its initial release. And if you know someone who has old software they no longer use, you can sometimes get it for free.

Here are 20 real-world examples of commercial legacy software I have acquired legally and on their original commercial media, and their original retail prices from years past:

Save money with legacy software- WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS — original retail: $495.00 — my cost: $0.00 (donated)

  • Lotus 1-2-3 2.01 for DOS — original retail: $495.00 — my cost: $1.50
  • Corel WordPerfect Suite for DOS 6.2 — original retail: $375.00 — my cost: $0.00 (donated)
  • AutoCAD Release 11i c2 for DOS — original retail: $3,000.00 — my cost: $5.00
  • ORACLE Tools and Database 6.0 — original retail: $15,000.00 — my cost: $6.00
  • PrintMaster for DOS — original retail: $60.00 — my cost: $0.10
  • Microsoft MS-DOS 6.22 — original retail: $180.00 — my cost: $2.00
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11 — original retail: $180.00 — my cost: $0.33
  • CorelDRAW! 5 for Windows 3.1x — original retail: $695.00 — my cost: $5.00
  • Corel WordPerfect Suite 3.00 for Windows 3.1x — original retail: $375.00 — my cost: $1.00
  • Microsoft Office 4.3 Professional for Windows 3.1x — original retail: $595.00 — my cost: $1.00
  • Microsoft Windows 95 Upgrade — original retail: $90.00 — my cost: $1.00
  • Microsoft Project 98 — original retail: $600.00 — my cost: $3.00
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro Professional Edition 3.0b — original retail: $700.00 — my cost: $3.00
  • The Print Shop Ensemble III 3-CD Set — original retail: $70.00 — my cost: $2.00
  • IBM OS/2 Warp 4 — original retail: $200.00 — my cost: $3.00
  • Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.1 for OS/2 — original retail: $495.00 — my cost: $1.00
  • Mac OS 8.5 — original retail: $300.00 — my cost: $2.00
  • Adobe PageMaker 6.52 Plus for Macintosh — original retail: $650.00 — my cost: $3.00
  • Adobe Photoshop 6.0 for Macintosh — original retail: $1,140.00 — my cost: $4.00

Let’s do the math. From the examples shown above, here is the difference in cost:

  • Original retail: $25,695.00
  • My “second-hand” cost: $43.93 (0.0017% of the retail cost)
  • Difference: $25,651.07

I could not have acquired most of these titles if I had to purchase them at their original retail prices. But by waiting for them to turn up at garage sales and thrift stores and receiving titles from generous donors, I have been able to acquire them at a savings great enough to purchase a new automobile.

Making the most of that “museum piece” computer.

Now, take that inexpensive legacy computer software and combine it with an inexpensive legacy computer and you have the potential to do almost everything you can do with a “modern” computer and things a mobile device cannot do.

While they are getting harder to find with each passing year, it is still possible to find vintage PC and Macintosh laptop and desktop systems. With the right combination of legacy hardware and software you can have a productive computer system for very little or no cost.

By the numbers.

The Commodore 64.

Commodore 64Surely, you jest, right? But seriously, these early 1980’s computers can still find two very valid uses in today’s world — education and entertainment.

Education: ABC’s, 123’s, outer space, and forest trees. Reading, writing, and arithmetic. And lets not forget history, geography, and more. If you can still find existing educational software for the Commdoore 64, all you have to remember to tell your children is that the Soviet Union is now Russia, and the astronomers voted Pluto out as a planet. 1+1 still equals 2 and there are still 26 letters in the English alphabet (for now). You don’t need an expensive tablet with an Internet account accessing websites that may or may not be accurate in the information they intend to “teach.” No online connection required.

Entertainment: There are dozens of fun and challenging games for the Commodore 64. This system can be acquired today for much less than the cost of a “modern” game system. And Commodore 64 games cost far less than games for today’s game systems.

And all you need for a “monitor” is an inexpensive analog color TV that can be purchased at a garage sale or thrift store or possibly donated by a friend or relative.

If a Commodore 64 or other vintage 1980’s “home computer” isn’t what you need, lets look at some PCs, shall we?

The 8088 or “XT” PC.

8088 personal computerProbably very few people will want to use an 8088 as their primary computer. But if that was all you had to work with there are many programs that can still make these systems useful.

Operating Systems: An 8088 PC can run MS-DOS and PC-DOS 3.20 and later.

GUIs: 8088 PCs can run GEM 1.1 and Windows 1.0x

DOS Software: There are many word processor, spreadsheet, database, integrated suite, and other programs that will run on 8088 PCs.

Education: There are many DOS-based educational programs for 8088 PCs, making it an inexpensive learning tool.

Entertainment: With thousands of DOS and BASIC games for 8088 PCs, they can be an inexpensive game system.

Hardware: Some 8088 PCs only had dual floppy disk drives because hard drives were very expensive back in the day. Some can be found with hard drives of 10MB and larger. Most 8088 PCs use CGA graphics cards and monitors in both color and monocrhome formats. There are some later 8088 PCs with EGA and even VGA graphics capability. Most 8088 PCs use 5¼” floppy disk drives, but some later models also have 3½” drives.

The 80286 or “286” PC.

286 personal computerA 286 PC allows the use of much more legacy software than the former 8088. It can run newer operating systems, newer graphical user interfaces, and software with more advanced features.

Operating Systems: A 286 PC can run MS-DOS 5.0 and 6.xx, PC-DOS and DR-DOS.

GUIs: 286 PCs can run DeskMate, GEM, Windows 2.0x, 3.0, and 3.1.

DOS Software: Many mouse-driven programs can be used provided mouse drivers are installed. Most DOS programs made up to the early 1990’s can run on 286 PCs.

Windows Software: 286 PCs will run Windows 2.0x, 3.0, and 3.1 software, including word processor, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, scanner, graphics software, and more.

Education: 286 PCs will run more advanced DOS and some 16-bit Windows educational programs, making them an inexpensive learning tool.

Entertainment: 286 PCs can run more advanced DOS games. It will also play the games in Windows and some 16-bit Windows games, making it an inexpensive game system.

Hardware: 286 PCs can use VGA video cards and monitors, high-density floppy disk drives, larger capacity hard drives, and 30-pin memory SIMMs allowing for expanded memory utilization.

The 80386 or “386” PC.

386 personal computerHaving the first 32-bit processors in PCs, 386 systems can run the same software 286 PCs can and newer operating systems and graphical user interfaces they cannot.

Operating Systems: A 386 PC can run several operating systems — the latest DOS versions, OS/2 1.xx and 2.xx, Windows NT 3.1, and even Windows 95.

GUIs: 386 PCs can run DeskMate, DESQview, GEM, GeoWorks, Windows 2.xx, 3.0, and 3.1x.

DOS Software: Most DOS software up to the mid-1990’s, including titles with graphical interfaces, will run on 386 PCs. This includes word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database, graphics and other software that has many of the features that would be present in software released over a decade later.

Windows Software: 32-bit 386 systems can take advantage of Windows 3.1x’s 32-bit file access, to allow more advanced 16-bit Windows software to run on them. This includes word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and other software to create larger files to store more data.

Education: 386 PCs with CD-ROM drives are the earliest that can run some of the first “multimedia” DOS and Windows educational software.

Entertainment: 386 PCs can also play more advanced DOS games with more detailed graphical interfaces. They will also play more advanced 16-bit Windows games.

Hardware: 386 PCs can utilize Super VGA graphics cards and monitors, CD-ROM drives, and sound cards with stereo audio, making them what were then called “multimedia” PCs. Some systems can run as much as 32MB of RAM.

The 80486 or “486” PC.

486 personal computerThe 486 CPU was the first to have a coprocessor integrated into the same die as the processor instead of having separate chips. SX and SX2 486 CPUs do not have coprocessors. DX, DX2, and DX4 486 CPUs have integrated coprocessors. 486’s range in speed from 20MHz to 120MHz.

Operating Systems: 486 PCs can run the latest DOS versions, OS/2 2.xx, and high-end 486’s can run OS/2 Warp 3, Windows NT 3.xx, and Windows 95.

GUIs: 486 PCs can run DeskMate, DESQview, GEM, GeoWorks, and Windows 3.1x.

DOS Software: High-end 486 systems are incompatible with some DOS programs, particularly utility software. Some older DOS software made for 8088, 286, and 386 systems will not run on 486 PCs. At this point, the computer industry was moving mainly into graphical software for Windows and OS/2. But many DOS programs will run on 486 PCs.

Windows Software: 486 PCs were finally powerful enough to run the “big” 16-bit Windows programs of “office suites,” high-end graphics software, and newer “multimedia” software that combined text, audio, and video. A high-end 486DX4 PC will run the majority of 16-bit Windows software with good performance. Windows 95 and 32-bit Windows software can still be slow, even on high-end 486 PCs.

Education & Entertainment: A 486DX2 or DX4 system will run all compatible DOS and 16-bit Windows educational software, and play some of the more hardware-demanding DOS and 16-bit Windows games. Some of the DOS-based “virtual reality” games, however still require faster systems for good game play.

Hardware: High-end 486 PCs have VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), buses. A war of bus standards was waging during the time the 486 was distributed, and VESA lost to a standard called PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) that would emerge in Pentium and later PCs.

The Pentium PC.

”It’s all about the Pentiums, baby…”Pentium CPU microcode changed from “x86” designs. Software specially compiled for x86 processors is incompatible. Pentium CPUs range in speed from 60MHz to 233MHz.

Operating Systems: The latest versions of DOS, OS/2 Warp 3, Windows NT 3.xx, and high-end Pentiums can run OS/2 Warp 4, Windows 95, 98, 98SE, NT 4.0, and Windows 2000.

GUIs: Pentium PCs can run GEM, GeoWorks, and Windows 3.1x.

DOS Software: There is a lot of compatible DOS software. Pentium PCs can run all compatible DOS software with graphical interfaces.

Windows Software: Windows 3.1x with very good performance. Some older 16-bit Windows software is incompatible, but most programs from 1994 on should run. 32-bit Windows OS’s and software from 1999 and earlier run with adequate performance on high-end Pentium PCs.

Education & Entertainment: A Pentium 200MHz or faster PC will run all compatible DOS and 16-bit Windows educational software. It will also run most 32-bit educational programs from 1999 and earlier. Some DOS-based “virtual reality” games will run but performance varies.

Hardware: Pentium systems have PCI buses, allowing for advanced video cards, sound cards, and other devices. With 32-bit OS’s, some high-end Pentium PCs can have hard drives with capacities up to 8.4GB and RAM up to 512MB.

High-end Pentium PCs can also use newer PCI-based technology that did not exist when they were created. USB 2.0 expansion cards can be installed for OS’s like Windows 98SE and Windows 2000 to be able to use USB printers, USB flash drives, etc. They can also use CD burner drives with compatible software, but performance is slower and write errors more frequent than with newer systems and burner software.

The Pentium II PC.

Pentium II processorPentium II PCs can run 32-bit legacy operating systems and software from the mid-to-late 1990’s as well as compatible software from earlier years.

Operating Systems: 32-bit operating systems Windows 95, 98, 98SE, NT 4.0, and Windows 2000.

DOS Software: Many DOS-based programs except those specifically compiled for x86 CPUs will run on DOS-based Windows 95, 98 and 98SE.

Windows Software: Many 16-bit Windows 3.1x programs will run on DOS-based Windows 9x. Advanced 32-bit “office suites” such as Corel WordPerfect Suite, Lotus SmartSuite, and Microsoft Office, graphics software, and many other 32-bit programs from 2000 and earlier will run on Pentium II PCs. The first CD-burners were also introduced for Pentium II PCs and they work with better performance than on first-generation Pentium PCs.

Education: Advanced 32-bit “multimedia” educaitonal software from 2000 and earlier will run on Pentium II PCs as will many earlier compatible 16-bit Windows 3.1x and DOS titles.

Entertainment: Pentium II systems were the first PCs to introduce the DVD-ROM drive and DVD player software for 32-bit Windows 9x. DVD movies and other videos can play full-screen, although play quality varies by system resources (video card, RAM, CPU speed, etc.). Pentium II systems are also the first to have the power to play DOS-based “virtual reality” games from the mid-1990’s (Descent, DOOM, Terminal Velocity, etc.) with fluid game play. Newer 32-bit games from 1997 and earlier also play well on Pentium II PCs.

Hardware: Faster bus speeds, DVD-ROM drives, CD-burner drives, faster CD-ROM drives, more powerful video cards, integrated sound chipsets (no need to purchase a sound card), the first built-in USB 1.1 ports, early video capture capabilities, and hard drive capacities up to 76GB make a Pentium II system a powerful leap beyond its predecessors.

The Pentium III PC.

Pentium III PCThe Pentium III was actually not much more powerful in terms of real-world performance than a similarly equipped PII.

Operating Systems: 32-bit Windows 98SE, Me, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

Software: Much of the same as what will run on a PII, but also being able to run some early Windows XP software.

Hardware: Faster CPU speeds, more common AGP graphics availability, more powerful video cards, and the ability to utilize more RAM give a PIII a slight edge over PII systems.

The “Y2K bug.”

The Y2K bugThe only concern one may have when using PC legacy software pre-2000 is the “Y2K” (or “year 2000”) issue. What used to be called the “Y2K bug,” many legacy software programs use 2-digit year dates, and when the year 2000 came the “00” year could have caused potential processing errors. The code in many legacy programs does not address dealing with the correct year after 1999. This can be seen when running an old program that, prior to 2000, would have displayed a correct 2-digit year — 97, 98, 99. But when the year 2000 and subsequent later years occured, that 2-digit year suddenly became an incorrect 100, 101, 102, and so on.

For many programs, this was the worst problem that occured and didn’t affect the information produced by it. Unless you have time-sensitive needs for processing information, most legacy programs will work just fine. And many program authors later released Y2K patches to correct these problems. There is no need to stock up on water or buy an emergency generator.

If a PC doesn’t seem to do it for you either, perhaps we need to “think different.” What do you say, Mac?

Macintosh 68000 systems.

Macintosh 68000 systemsUnique in form, this classic, “monolithic” all-in-one design complete with carrying handle on top was home to several different Macintosh models from the mid-1980’s to the early 1990’s. If you are fortunate enough to procure one, don’t let their age or monochrome display fool you — there is a lot of productive Macintosh legacy software that can run on these systems.

And one thought to keep in mind — all Macintosh operating systems and software are Y2K compliant.

Operating System: Since there is only one Mac OS, it comes down to what version. Depending on the model, these monolithic Macintosh systems can run versions from 6.0 to 6.0.8. All versions of Mac OS have a graphical interface, giving it and all Macintosh software a standard, mouse and menu-driven GUI.

Software: There are many Macintosh programs that can run on these systems. Word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, graphics software, integrated suites, “stacks” for HyperCard, etc.

Education: There are many educational programs for Mac OS 6.0.x, making it an inexpensive learning tool.

Entertainment: With many games for Mac OS 6.0.x, they can also be an inexpensive game system.

Hardware: Most of the monolithic Macintosh systems use Motorola 68000 CPUs, except for the Macintosh SE/30 which has a 68030 CPU. Macintosh systems have standardized ports for keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, modems, etc. Early Macs have SCSI hard drives. The mouse standard is a single button. All early Macintosh systems standardized on 3½” floppy drives and disks in three formats: 400K, 800K, and 1.4MB.

Macintosh 68020 & 68030 systems.

Macintosh 680×0 systemsMacintosh systems evolved into many different models based on Motorola 680×0 processors and vary in performance.

Operating System: Macintosh 68020 & 68030 systems can run Mac OS 6.0.7 to 7.5.5.

Software: There are many Macintosh software titles for Mac OS 7 that will run on 68020 & 68030 systems: card making programs, desktop publishers, audio editing, electronic document generators, productivity software, reference programs (atlas, dictionary, grammar, spelling, etc.), advanced word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, graphics software, integrated suites, and more.

Education: Many educational programs for Mac OS 7 make them inexpensive learning tools.

Entertainment: Many games for Mac OS 7 also make them inexpensive game systems.

Hardware: Color displays make the Mac experience more engaging. While many models still only had floppy disk drives, later models began using Apple format CD-ROM drives.

Macintosh PowerPC systems.

Macintosh PowerPC systemsThere are many different Macintosh models that use the PowerPC CPU. They vary in size and format. Some are desktop models, others are tower systems. Later models of Macintosh Performa and Power Macintosh systems use different clock speeds of PowerPC 601, 603, 603e, 604, and 604e CPUs.

Operating System: Most Macintosh systems using PowerPC 60xx processors can run Mac OS 7.5.1 to 9.1.

Software: PowerPC Macintosh systems can run software made for Mac OS 7.5.x, 8.x, and 9.x. They can use advanced “office suites,” integrated suites, word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, graphics software, card making programs, desktop publishers, audio editing, electronic document generators, productivity software, reference programs (atlas, dictionary, grammar, spelling, etc.), CD-burning software, and more.

Education: Many educational programs for Mac OS 7.5.x, 8.x, and 9.x make them inexpensive learning tools.

Entertainment: Many games for Mac OS 7.5.x, 8.x, and 9.x also make them inexpensive game systems.

Hardware: Apple format CD-ROM drives are present in PowerPC systems. Later models of Performa and Power Macintosh use IDE hard drives instead of SCSI drives. Many of these systems can run a maximum 128MB RAM. Mac OS 7 and later adds support to format floppy disks in PC 720K and 1.44MB formats. CD-burners for Macintosh systems allow data backup.

Power Macintosh G3 systems.

Power Macintosh G3 systemsUsing different clock speeds from 233Mhz to 450MHz of the PowerPC 750 G3 processor, Power Macintosh G3 systems are much faster than former Macintosh models.

Operating System: Power Macintosh G3 systems can run Mac OS 8.6 to X 10.4.11.

Software: Power Macintosh G3 systems can run software made for Mac OS 8.x, 9.x, and X 10.4. They can use advanced “office suites,” integrated suites, word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, graphics software, card making programs, desktop publishers, audio editing, electronic document generators, productivity software, reference programs (atlas, dictionary, grammar, spelling, etc.), CD and DVD-burning software, and more.

Education: Many educational programs for Mac OS 8.x, 9.x, and 10.x make them inexpensive learning tools.

Entertainment: Many games for Mac OS 8.x, 9.x, and 10.x also make them inexpensive game systems.

Hardware: Power Macintosh G3 systems do not have 3½” floppy drives. They do have USB ports supported under Mac OS X 10.x. An external USB 3½” 1.44MB floppy drive will read high-density PC and Macintosh floppy disks. These systems also support USB flash drives. IDE hard drives and DVD-burner drives are also supported under Mac OS X 10.x. Later models support up to 1GB RAM. Some models also included Zip 100 (100MB) drives.

And now, some words of recommendation….

Here are some “real world” uses for legacy computers and software:

Take an 8088 PC and connect a printer.

  • Install a version of DOS (3.20 or later).
  • Add an “integrated” suite and you have a document generating system (word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.).
  • Add a “full-featured” word processor program for advanced document generation.
  • Add a “full-featured” spreadsheet program for advanced number crunching.
  • Add a “full-featured” database program for advanced data storage and retrieval.
  • Add desktop publisher software and you also have a publishing workstation.
  • Add card & sign software and you also have an announcement generating system.
  • Add (Y2K compatible) calendar software and you also have a scheduling system.
  • Add personal information management software and you can manage contacts with people & businesses.
  • Add form software and you also have a form generating system.
  • Add menu software to easily find and open your programs.
  • Add file manager software to easily navigate the directories and files on your computer.
  • Add educational software and you also have a learning workstation.
  • Add game software and you also have an entertainment system.

All in a single computer that is decades old!

Now, look at what you can do with a 68000 Macintosh of about the same age….

Take a 68000 Macintosh and connect a printer.

  • Install a version of Mac OS (6.0 or later).
  • Add an “integrated” suite and you have a document generating system (word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.).
  • Add a “full-featured” word processor program for advanced document generation.
  • Add a “full-featured” spreadsheet program for advanced number crunching.
  • Add a “full-featured” database program for advanced data storage and retrieval.
  • Add desktop publisher software and you also have a publishing workstation.
  • Add card & sign software and you also have an announcement generating system.
  • Add presentation software and you also have a demonstration system.
  • Add CAD software and you also have an electronic drafting workstation.
  • Add calendar software and you also have a scheduling system.
  • Add graphics software and you can enhance other documents with images and create art.
  • Add personal information management software and you can manage contacts with people & businesses.
  • Add educational software and you also have a learning workstation.
  • Add game software and you also have an entertainment system.

And with a Macintosh that is also decades old you have a graphical interface with every program you use.

With later systems, adding more recent operating systems and legacy software gives you even more computing capability.

Take a high-end 486DX4 PC, 2GB hard drive, CD-ROM drive, high-density floppy drives, sound card, speakers, SVGA, and printer.

  • Install MS-DOS 6.22 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11.
  • Add Corel WordPerfect Suite for DOS and you have DOS-based:
    • Full-featured WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, and Presentations, all with graphical interfaces.
  • Add Novell PerfectOffice 3.0 Professional and you have Windows-based:
    • Full-featured WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Presentations, and Paradox.
  • Add Lotus SmartSuite 3.1 and you have Windows-based:
    • Full-featured Lotus Ami Pro, Lotus-1-2-3, Lotus Freelance Graphics, Lotus Approach, and more.
  • Add Microsoft Office 4.3 Professional and you have Windows-based:
    • Full-featured Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
  • Add one or more DOS and/or Windows-based card-sign-banner programs and you have the capabilities of a printing service.
  • Add one or more Windows-based desktop publisher programs to further enhance your printing capabilities.
  • Add a Windows 3.1x program such as Visio, ABC FlowCharter, CorelFLOW, etc. to create diagrams of any kind.
  • Add one or more Windows-based CAD programs and you have an electronic drafting workstation.
  • Add a Windows 3.1x version of Adobe Acrobat and you can create PDF files.
  • Add one or more Windows-based graphics programs to enhance other documents with images and create art.
  • Add graphics collections that can contain thousands of images to enhance your display and printing.
  • Add more fonts to Windows to enhance your display and printing.
  • Add one or more Windows 3.1x screen saver programs to protect your monitor and entertain you at the same time.
  • Add (Y2K compatible) Windows 3.1x calendar software and you also have a scheduling system.
  • Add Windows 3.1x personal information management software and you can manage contacts with people & businesses:
  • Add dozens of Windows 3.1x multimedia reference programs:
    • Atlases, cook books, encyclopedias, history, medical, music, nature, sports, and more
  • Add Windows 3.1x religious software for those moments of peace and reflection.
  • Add DOS and Windows 3.1x utility software to keep your computer in peak condition:
    • PC Tools Pro 9.0a for DOS
    • PC Tools for Windows 2.0 (also has one of the best Windows 3.1x file managers)
    • The Norton Desktop 1.0 for DOS
    • The Norton Utilities 8.0 for DOS and Windows
    • The Norton Desktop 3.0 for Windows
    • Uninstaller software (Remove-IT, Uninstaller, WinDelete, etc.)
    • XTreeGold for Windows 4.0 file manager
    • NOTE: Do not use legacy anti-virus software. Scan media on newer systems.
  • Add DOS and/or Windows 3.1x educational software and you also have a learning workstation.
  • Add DOS and/or Windows 3.1x game software and you also have an entertainment system.

Again, all of this can run on one computer! And all of the software and hardware listed above could cost less than one month’s payment for a telecom service, and possibly even be obtained free if a generous person or persons donated the items to you. And your only monthly cost afterward is the electricity to run the computer. No data plans. No Internet or cellular charges. No extra taxes or fees. No contracts.

Rather than list the benefits of every generation of legacy computer, I believe these examples give you an idea of the incredible potential these “dinosaurs” still have. The newer the computer, operating system, and software, the better the performance and productivity that comes with them.

There are thousands of legacy programs available.
This page features just a few examples of how legacy computer software can be used. Compare the features to today’s technology — and then compare prices.

Do you think 20th Century software is still useful?