What should I do with 500+ lbs VMS/VAX Software+Manuals?

[kdiego]

About 10 years ago I acquired the obsolete items in the software library of a local company (Optigraphics) that built scanners. They had an extensive DEC inventory for testing compatibility to their products/drivers.

I have been told that all the documentation/software can now be downloaded from various sites but I am hoping the originals have intrinsic value. The 2-4" notebooks are authentic and have the Digital logo. I have at least 50 of them!

Of what I have looked through, the vast majority seems to be VMS. Some VAX, Micro VAX I/II. Open VMS? Most of the programs are on data cartridges. There are a few boxes that are still unopened...

I am hoping a DEC enthusiast(s) that lives in Southern California will take custody of everything and distribute to fellow enthusiasts. It has taken a good deal of effort and space to store everything over the years... I really hope it hasn't been pointless! Any thoughts, suggestions and/or offers will be appreciated!

Katie Holderith (San Diego)

[pontus]

Hi Katie and welcome to the forums.

You are right that a lot of DEC documentation can be found online. Most of it here:

http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/

I'm not sure where the bitsavers people are located, but you could try contact them: aek (at) bitsavers . org

If you are unable to keep the bulk of the documents, do a check on bitsavers if you have something they lack and keep that until someone can pick it up.

The software is also interesting.

[kdiego]

Thank you for your response and suggestion. I checked their website and I believe I have quite a few documents and programs they could use. I am going to email them and find out where they are located.
Thanks Again!
Katie/San Diego

[bear]

Al is a few hours north of you, in or around Mountain View.

[chuckcmagee]

Hmm, Mountain View is about 14 HOURS North of San Diego, 14 grueling hours at that.

[Erik]

Hmm, Mountain View is about 14 HOURS North of San Diego, 14 grueling hours at that.

Both ways, maybe.

I did that trip earlier this year - most of the stuff I've put on the marketplace (http://marketplace.vintage-computer.com) recently was from a collection in SD and I've been down there twice since January.

For the first trip I left the house (San Jose, so 20 minutes south of MV) at about 2:00 AM, got to SD at about 10:30, loaded the car and left around 12:30 to arrive home around dinner time.

I stopped only for gas and bio breaks, drinking coffee (I love Peete's) from a thermos and eating power bars the whole way.

The next trip was a family outing to Legoland that ended up with me swinging by for a pile-o-PETs on the drive back.

I'm not sure if I'd do it again, but the trip isn't that bad.

[chuckcmagee]

Whoa! Down the 101 in 8.5 hours! Or did you go over to the 5 for some 72mph cheating?

I have found for long trips, it's 50 mile per every hour, including stops for food and drinks, etc.

[Erik]

Whoa! Down the 101 in 8.5 hours! Or did you go over to the 5 for some 72mph cheating?

I always take 5 if I'm in a rush.


I have found for long trips, it's 50 mile per every hour, including stops for food and drinks, etc.

I've doubled that on trips before. . . :winkingdevil:

[Terry Yager]

I've doubled that on trips before. . . :winkingdevil:

Kinda hard not to in the 'Vette, ain't it?

--T