Building Your Own Computer: A Modern Approach Inspired by Steve Wozniak's Apple I

There's always a thrill in exploring retro computing, especially computers like the Apple I. For instance, a friend of mine named Dave Cheney has been learning how to interface a 6502 CPU with an Atmel AVR microcontroller. This era of CPUs is an excellent starting point for gaining a thorough understanding of modern computers at a low level.

It's crucial to remember that the Apple I was a very simple computer compared to today's standards. Also, Wozniak, the creator, was not just an ordinary person; he was a genius with extensive exposure to electronics from an early age. The Apple I was the result of multiple iterations, with Wozniak building several prototypes before assembling the final product. His motivation was driven by the lack of usable personal computers, especially for people who could write in assembler.

The Open-Source Heritage of the Apple I

Thanks to Steve Wozniak, the design of the Apple I is completely open. You can still get schematics of the Apple I online and build one. Wozniak was more focused on the design and functionality, not the brand 'Apple.' By building your own Apple I clone, you can learn a lot about the inner workings of early computers.

Small computers can still be built today since 6502 CPUs and memory chips are still available. However, it's a dying art: chips with pins are rapidly becoming obsolete and hard to find. In the past, I built a small computer with a 6502, an EPROM, and 4K of RAM, all wired up by hand with a wire-wrap machine. The prototype Apple I was likely built in a similar fashion. While you can still do it, the window of opportunity is closing quickly.

Ingredients for Building Your Own Computer

If you're interested in building a computer, there are two main paths: hardware and software. If you're referring to building the hardware, you'll need a capability to manufacture components like a motherboard, processor, graphics card, and more. If you're talking about software, you can modify a version of Linux to suit your needs. While I haven't personally done it, clearly it can be achieved with the right knowledge and skills.

A Comprehensive Approach

The other answer is off the mark, as a Raspberry Pi is already a complete computer. Building your own computer isn't just about getting the hardware and assembly. You'll need to learn the ins and outs of how general-purpose computers work. By doing this, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the technology and its underlying principles.

To start, you need to gather the necessary chips and components that would make up a complete computer. These include a processor, memory, and other essential elements. You'll then need to solder these parts together in the correct configuration. This process might seem daunting, but it's a rewarding journey that offers insights into the inner workings of technology.

Conclusion

Building your own computer, especially if inspired by the like of Steve Wozniak, can be both a challenging and rewarding endeavor. It requires a blend of hardware and software skills, but the depth of knowledge you gain is unparalleled. So, if you're fascinated by retro computing and interested in the origins of modern computers, building your own Apple I clone could be an exciting project worth considering.