I'm working up some responses, but I'm about to "throw a flag". A good part of the discussion has become "why engineers today are no good at the deep stuff". I'm a BSEE myself, I get that. But my question is not so much about "how can we reach the engineers of today or tomorrow?". And certainly not about teaching differential equations, or linked-lists. My question as posed, was how we as vintage computer owners, can reach and inform - at least answer some questions, catch the eye - of ORDINARY 21st century people who see our stuff and show some interest? To the technical point: ordinary people (but including some engineers) lack familiarity with the simple but "deep" operating principles and features of these ancient devices and software. And they lack the notion that stuff like this was repaired, even redesigned, and built - often by semi-technical people of the era? And they can *still* be repaired and operated today? So what demonstrations, explanations, and presentations, will show the context and operation and "meaning" of these 1970's, 80's and even 90's systems and artifacts? To today's mere mortals? ...all in the light of the 21st century circumstances many of you have described, either for the non-techical masses, or our recent engineering colleagues. I'll post some EE-type responses, but my point is not about them, that's the easy lift. herb BSEE 1976 -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net