[rescue] Resurrecting an IBM RS/6000 model 590

[Jonathan C. Patschke]

On Tue, 17 Feb 2004, Francisco Javier Mesa-Martinez wrote:

> I doubt this machine can be of much use, the front end is pretty much
> unobtanium, the OS too, and I think it may be water cooled.

Yeah, and it's an AXP-based machine.  I find the XMP and YMP familes far
more fascinating.  Dave has at least five such machines.  The only
machine I have that's nearly as interesting (were it to be functioning)
is my first-generation AS/400, but it's only interesting in that it's an
anal-retentive IBM mini.

> Thankfully I still keep in touch with some of my mentors, I love spending
> time with old school computer architects. Most American kids are too
> interested in making the quick bucks and are not willing to hear the
> lessons some of these magnificent American engineers have to share.

People like that piss me off beyond belief.  What we do is beyond
engineering, almost to the point of art, and occasionally into the
realms of black magic.  People who see an industry with so much soul an
history as purely a profit center just make my blood run cold.

> I also get great goodies so I do not complain. I have a comlpete
> TERA GaAs chipset sitting on my desk :-).

Working?  Or just suitable as a paperweight?

-- 
Jonathan Patschke  ) "Being on the Internet is not the same as being
Elgin, TX         (   famous.  That's like calling Cheetos 'dinner'."
USA                )                                    --Metal Steve