Join us for a talk on Software Preservation - maintaining our digital heritage.

In a few years time, it will be impossible to study the history of computers since much of its software was either proprietary, written in a now-obsolete language, or encumbered by software “protection” to prevent copying. Furthermore, the hardware upon which it ran is dying, while the discs and cassette tapes holding the software are physically disintegrating.

This talk covers a ten-point plan outlining the primary issues in digital archaeology. It covers the methods necessary to preserve our computing legacy, the use of emulation, and how we can help with this endeavour. We end with a brief overview of the work the museum is doing, and what issues lie ahead when trying to preserve the current generation of computing.

Steven Goodwin (Cambridge, England) has been involved in computing, science, and technology from an early age, building his first synthesizer while still in his teens.

As a systems architect he's designed and built global systems for Unilever, Playfish, and Third Space Learning using a wide range of languages and technologies.

As an industry thought leader he's written 60+ articles, 5 books, and has also worked as a start-up consultant, speaker, and mentor. He volunteers at The Centre for Computing History and his latest book, "20 GOTO 10" is about retro computers, and the numbers that bind them together.

His interests outside of computers, also involve computers!

 

The talk will begin at 7pm and last around 90 minutes, with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.

Payment is taken by PayPal immediately. Please print a copy of the receipt that is displayed at the end of the payment process and bring it with you as your e-ticket.