IT repairmen have some interesting collection of old computers:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...s-largest.html

Some of us here think we are retro until we meet super retro:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montr...rade-1.4866324

Even I didn't expect this, he still has replacement valves even.

Ha, ha, now that really is living in the past, I had a transistor radio in 1960!

Not so much in the past as you might think!
I built a crystal radio in 1959, and a tube radio in 1962. In 1976 I enjoyed the sound of a new, powerful Macintosh amplifier that was all tubes: they did not trust semiconductors for clean power at those levels yet.
RE: the people - I have known people older than you and I that started younger. Some are still working in tech, although not many.
RE: the technology - tubes are still used for some functions where semiconductors turn into globs of dirty glass.

NEW is always better only if you do not take a clear and intelligent look.

On ancient computers: I have worked for companies that were still running some machines with software designed when MicroSoft did not have that name yet. It survived until this century for good reason: it did the job, never failed, had no security vulnerabilities, and there was nothing modern that would completely replace the function. When you are playing on a desktop there is great value in new toys, but when lives are on the line you stick with what you know works or take responsibility for the deaths. Some tech survives because it "just works".

If I remember correctly, the state of California still does payroll on COBOL.

Excellent response, thanks for all the info. Didn't know that tubes are still used, will be nice to have some examples.

I agree with tech surviving as it just works. Dragging my feet here on this old P4, I am not following my own advice earlier here to backup data often and move to better PC for online work, even tho I have all the needed stuffs. Just don't feel up to it. Doing more art these days. Really hoping that this P4 doesn't crash for good, will be a disaster for me.

Will be good to reserve this P4 as backup for offline work or even take vital parts from it and recycle the rest if I find another C2D or better PC. If not this year, am sure it will happen next year. Need to mentally prepare for this now.

COBOL is still in demand commercially in certain areas for sure. Not many trained in this area, so when there is demand I heard that it is hard to fill those positions.

https://opensource.com/article/18/10/min-web-browser

Glad min browser is available.

Learn from Paul Allen's Second Act:
https://www.wired.com/story/what-ent...ns-second-act/

Bookmarks are vital for any browser, without bookmarks very hard to use. Wish min adds this feature in the future.

Bookmarks (or favorites) as a FEATURE are not really needed. When I use a browser without I simply create a local html page with my favorite links and urls. I can edit and add to it using vi (or wordpad) and it works the same with ALL browsers.

Spending too much time in front of PC is very bad for health. Here is a nice video for some simple exercise at home:
Martial Arts Home Workout Towel Exercises:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdGYGFfFugc
Checkout all the other videos by this Sensei for other interesting tips if interested.

Jhoon Rhee daily dozen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytNWZ8G8Od0

Here is a disclaimer about martial arts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A3xcx11jiw

In my personal opinion, learning to stay active and exercise is vital. However, beyond that personally I would avoid the dark side of anything.

Thanks. Very nice reminder to think outside the box.

That doesn't apply only to IT. Our whole economy is predicated on people endlessly purchasing things. If you don't buy, the economy shrinks and people are put out of work. People like me who only buy what they need are public enemy number one. On the other hand, if you do buy all the new stuff (computers, clothes, whatever) and throw out the old, you'll be helping to wreck the environment. You can't win.

I like to pass on my less used computers to someone who will make use of them, so at least I'm not adding to the landfill - but I don't buy stuff just because it's new either - my latest computer has had quite a few good reviews over the past couple of years, so I know it will last for some time as my main computer.