The Archaeology of Software

Software can be thought of as the building blocks of a virtual universe – an integral and organic part of computer systems complimenting the evolution of hardware.

Much like the early inventions of mankind, software has evolved rapidly through generations of discovery, use and decline. The logic and architecture of programming is training a computer in steps of instructions. The interactions are controlling. Inputs, storage, processing and output commands are componetized. Generally, we think of software as technical and abstract. Yet, they are languages and forms of communications all the same - between human and machine and machine and human or machine and machine. Software is similar to virtual life - reflecting species and genetics impacted by Darwin's theory of evolution.

My work is not an exclusive list or complete compendium. My observations and gathering of the relics of software companies and remains from my 'digs' is like the study of archaeology though - in short years - yet felt like centuries. What remains of software often is hidden under the surface away from our sight. Decisions long ago forgotten reveal how software, much like early civilization moved around feeding on the landscape, impacted by climate, density, food and predators outside their control.

Software is a medium of communication, much like writing on papyrus or paper or punched card or computer screen. And, it deserves to be preserved or understood like the artifacts uncovered in a dig. Where does it fit? How did it impact the day? Who were the users? How long did it survive? What is the ancestral tree?

So, this blog is my venture to do so. To develop a virtual museum of sorts where I can scavenge for the remains and attempt to describe software's history and placement or at least some of it.