It's difficult coming to terms with the idea that most people younger than me will have absolutely no connection with old computers. Anyone born in 1990 and after came into a weird, transitory world where everyone was pushing out all the black-and-amber-screened monitors of the '80s in favor of a much bolder, more colorful future.

That's why archiving technology is absolutely vital. We need to understand and appreciate the computers and programming that opened the door to all the networking and gaming we now take for granted. 

The Commodore 64 Preservation Project is dedicated to preserving as much of the C64's software as possible, including the copy protection. Retro computer enthusiasts adore this brick-like computer, and it was no doubt an invaluable step on the road to modern PC gaming. 

But why would anyone want to preserve copy projection? Since it is increasingly more difficult to find functioning C64s -- let alone repair them -- understanding copy protection allows for better emulation.

Right now the project has 3,000 titles archived, including a wealth of games from every existing software region. While C64PP does not host the ROMs they archive for public distribution, they have partnered with several projects that utilize the gathered information, like Gamebase64 and Stadium64.

The best part is that you can help the Commodore 64 Preservation Project! If you have games and programs cluttering up your attic, why not go through them and see if you can add anything new to the ever-expanding archive? Whatever you contribute will later be returned to you, and you'll have access to the ROM since you own the original software.

Preserving old technology is important, just like preserving old tools and weapons. It allows us to reflect on past accomplishments and understand how we've progressed as a society. It's all part of our history -- unfortunately, a very delicate and rapidly disappearing aspect of it.