HOW CAN I STILL USE THESE THINGS?

For anyone still using these computers, the main task is usually writing. They provide simple text editing, without the clutter and noise of a modern OS. Some use their old-fashioned Lotus spreadsheets, or as Linux dumb terminals.

Some of the more powerful devices here can be a way to play DOS games, or use OS/2 or Windows 3.x (or Windows 9.x with later machines) on real hardware. Of course, copying files between these machines and modern computers can be a challenge.

If your old computer has a PCMCIA slot, you’re in luck: there are plenty of cheap adapters online for using Compact Flash or SD cards as a replacement hard drive.

Simply remove the card when you’re not using it, then plug it into a modern PC.