Ask HN: What's your favorite retro computer manual?

2 points by pamoroso 3y ago ↗ HN

I mean a manual of a hardware or software system published before 2000 that is clear, interesting, insightful, engaging, or otherwise remarkable.

My favorite is the manual of COHERENT, a 1980s Unix System 7 clone for PCs:

http://www.nesssoftware.com/home/mwc/manual.php

The manual provided a comprehensive, clear, coherent (no pun intended) introduction to the system that made me grok Unix and its philosophy.

2 comments

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gladiatr72 3y ago ↗

https://images.app.goo.gl/ksnbaTqVMfkaGgiQ8

I had the honor and pleasure to meet a childhood nerd-hero (the author, Jim Butterfield) at a Commodore retro gathering/convention in Louisville, KY sometime in the 2000's,so awesome book, add sentiment :'(

pamoroso 3y ago ↗

It sounds great but I'm actually interested in official manuals, not independent books.