If you are interested in retro 8 bit computers they are great fun to tinker with and use for experimentation. I have built all of the systems listed here. I recommend using any of the modern learning systems for beginning students. If interested in retro computing, you can request feedback through the FOS Discussion Forum.
Personal computers were developed initially by hobbyists in the 1970s and 1980s, several very prominent individuals today were some of those hobbyists. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, for example. There early 8 bit computers have spawned major industries and the computer devices that enhance our lives today.
I have been a computer hobbyist since the late sixties. It opened a lot of doors and made many opportunities available throughout my professional career. The first computer I built was an Altair. I never really found much use for it. The next computers were Z80 based, TRS-80s, Commodores, Timex/Sinclair and the early Apples used the MOS 6502. I had several models of the TRS-80. I still have a couple of functional Model 100s. It is easy to argue that the Model 100 was the first laptop. They were used by news reporters for instance until well into the 90s. I still have a functional Commodore 64. It was one of the most successful early computers selling in the millions.
- ELF-II Project Site
- MISTer FPGA Retro System Development
- TRS 80 Revived (emulators) Site
- RS Model 100 Club
- Microbeast Z80 Kit
- SC126 Z180 Info
- (Self construction - for advanced Makers)
- ELF 1802 Info
- (Self construction - for advanced Makers)
- RC2014 Z80 Computer Info
- (Self construction - for advanced Makers)
- 6502 Badge - Computer Info
- (Self construction - for advanced Makers)
- Timex Sinclair 1000
- Microsoft Basic Information
- TL866 II Plus EPROM Programmer
- Retro Electronics Mag Compendium Link
- Nuts & Volts Magazine - Online Articles and Subscriptions
- Creative Computing (1980s) Magazine Archive
- History of Adventure - The first computer "text" Interactive Fiction (IF)
- MC14 Retro Computer built with a PIC Microcontroller