INetCC

The International Network of Classic Computers, or INetCC, is a community of vintage computer technology enthusiasts with the common goals of restoring, using, and networking computers manufactured before the end of 1997. Participants in INetCC seek to breathe new life into obsolete computer hardware by way of creating new software and accessories, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible.

The term "INetCC" can also be used to refer to the actual network formed by the computers set up by INetCC community members.

History

INetCC was founded in 2019 by David McMackins (a.k.a. Zerock).

Equipment criteria

The only requirement for a computer to qualify to join INetCC is for it to have been originally manufactured during or prior to the year 1997. This year was chosen as a threshold after which new computers became functionally indistinguishable from modern computers. A specific example of this comes with the release of the Pentium II processor, which implemented the P6 microarchitecture, thus bringing speculative execution technology with it, which is one of the defining optimization features of modern computer technology.

Peripheral hardware, replacement parts, and software may be manufactured or released subsequent to 1997, since these do not disrupt the spirit of classic computing. For instance, David Murray's Planet X2 was developed in the 2010s, but its target platform is the venerable Commodore 64, a classic computer almost by definition. Since the spirit of classic computing is preserved by the target platform alone, choice of software cannot be a disqualifying factor for joining the network. Moreover, many classic computers never had software or peripheral hardware made for networking during their time in the market, so it would go against one of INetCC's goals to disqualify these models simply because networking is not possible with period-correct software and accessories. Of course, even in cases where networking can be accomplished with period-correct equipment, all non-local networking requires the use of modern hardware (that operated by ISPs and phone providers) in order to complete the link.