[rescue] 2ND try - recreating the IBM mini computer experience

[Jerry Kemp]

I posted this last week in the midst of our awesome SGI discussion.  It 
pretty much faded into the wood work with no online or off line replies.

I wanted to give it one more try now that the Silicon Graphics 
discussion has faded.

TIA for any comments,

Jerry



On 05/25/10 22:45, Jerry K wrote:
> I'm not going to date myself, but I will share that I got my start in
> computer work using IBM S/34 and S/36 mini computers. I did some RPG
> coding and some other things, but at the locations that I worked, there
> was some one else who was taking care of administrative tasks.
>
> Recently, I have become interested in picking up some of these missed
> administration skills and learning more about these systems.
>
> I really don't have the space/power/cooling capabilities to house a full
> sized S/34 or S/36 in my house, so I pointed firefox to yahoo in search
> of something like what Hercules
>
> http://www.hercules-390.org/
>
> has done for the mainframe for the home hobbyist.
>
> after a couple hours of Yahoo'ing, I have run across a couple of options.
>
> 1. IBM created a Model 5364, which was referred to as either the Desktop
> 36 or the Baby 36. Reference here:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_System/36#System.2F36_Model_5364
>
> These systems appear to be about the size of a standard PC. I have no
> idea as to how rare these are, or if they are valuable, or if they would
> be a good learning tool even if someone was to give me one.
>
>
> 2. Option 2. To confuse the above option, I *believe* from my research,
> that a company called "California Software Products" produced a ms
> windows based System/36 emulator, also called Baby 36. I understand that
> they also created a similar AS/400 emulator software called Baby 400. It
> appears that "California Software Products" was ultimately purchased by
> another company, and these are the URL's I have found:
>
> http://www.infinitesoftware.com/
>
> http://www.dom-sys.com/cal.htm
>
> I have no idea if this product would meet my requirements, and if
> it/they do, if there is an affordable/hobbyist license for someone to
> use in an at home environment.
>
> ....................................................................
>
> I am hoping someone, or multiple people on the list can make comments,
> or have additional pointers for me.
>
> TIA,
>
> Jerry
> ______________________