Resurrecting a Caltech DEC Pro 380: A Retro Hardware Upgrade

This article details the author's journey upgrading a vintage DEC Professional 380 computer, a relic from Caltech, based on the PDP-11 architecture. This machine represents one of DEC's less successful forays into the personal computer market, but its robust build and unique design remain fascinating. The author meticulously documents the upgrade process, including replacing the aging hard drive with an SSD and upgrading the RAM, alongside experiences using the PRO/VENIX operating system. Interwoven is a compelling history of DEC's struggles in the PC market and the evolution of the PDP-11 architecture, making for a technically detailed and engaging read.