[rescue] EPROM lifespans and archiving (WAS something else)

[Scott Quinn]

As of the mid '80s, the given lifetime of current EPROMs was listed as "at
least 25 years," so it is important that collectors/enthusiasts start copying
the firmware down. The bad part is that it's difficult - you can usually get
the main machine firmware easily, as it's often mapped into the memory space,
but the firmware for peripherals can be difficult.

Regarding legality - I'm not exactly sure about computer software, but there
is a time-honored and government-approved fair use provisio for legitimate
archive libraries to make copies of things, and even to violate the DMCA if
necessary to do so. There are, however, limits on what a legitimate archive
library is.