Kevles (Barbara L.) collection of computer technology, 1993-2006

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Summary

Title:
Barbara L. Kevles collection of computer technology
Dates:
1993-2006
Creators:
Kevles, Barbara L.
Abstract:
Collection of operating manuals, software, and related material, assembled by journalist Barbara Kevles.
Extent:
2.5 Linear Feet (5 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Barbara L. Kevles collection of computer technology (M1588). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

Journalist, author, and archivist Barbara Kevles used the same personal computer from 1993 through 2006. During those fourteen years, she added only a few essential programs such as financial and security software because of the restrictions placed by the PC’s miniscule 170 megabyte hard drive. Out of necessity, she kept her operating system, monitor, and printer manuals as well as allied materials to operate her computer and fix periodic malfunctions as the radically changing computer world replaced her platform, programs and eliminated support services. She recorded her user problems with an IBM compatible computer and peripheries in detail in 12 notebooks.

As a result, The Barbara L. Kevles Collection of Computer Technology is comprised of over a hundred published and unpublished documents, software, and miscellaneous equipment that create a marker from which to measure the rapid evolution of home computer technology starting in the 1990s through today.

Software and documentation has been placed into boxes without folders. Post-it Notes have been left intact. Photocopies and author's notes have been re-housed in acid-free folders, maintaining original titles. For the most detailed listing, please refer to the "The Catalogue of the Barbara L. Kevles Collection of Computer Technology" prepared by Kevles found in Box 1, Folder 1.

The collection includes guides, manuals, installation software, historic Norton newsletters, hand-written notebooks, correspondence, demonstration trial software-- all for precedent-setting operating systems, early program applications, analog monitors, seminal printers, modems, motherboards, internet service providers, financial software, and antivirus programs.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Barbara L. Kevles, 2007. Accession 2007-229.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2018-03-20 08:16:20 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Software is available for visual review only.

Terms of access:

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Barbara L. Kevles collection of computer technology (M1588). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Department of Special Collections, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6004, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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