This was probably the first website I regularly used when I got internet (late 90s) - because it had an awesome Commodore 8-bit archive. That archive is now hosted on another domain ( http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/ ) even now it's still an awesome resource for Commodore fans.
Getting my code to work for the first time (early 2000s.)
Starting out with intranet PHP was a daunting task, had to get the system setup (Apache, PHP, MySQL) write the code then mess with permissions, etc. Getting that first response back that it worked (or at least kinda worked) said to me you can do this!
back when I learned BASIC 20+ years before that, was the same thing, Back then, I started by either entering or loading a simple program and changed stuff and realized I can change this and the silly experiments in changing values and commands gave me more encouragement to learn and try more.
Early success even if stupid, is big positive reinforcement. If you can't get to Hello World because you are stuck in language/IDE configuration, you aren't going to get fer. If you can get there quick and realize the potential you now have - all that low end stuff becomes a desired necessity to make your magic happen.
Yes. I'm definitely old school and it's a great language if you don't want to use frameworks or other cruft, basically powerful. It's very portable, stable, and fun to work with.
1) eBay, that's the one place where I get a lot of old bits when needed... Secondly would be the vendor table as t local Vintage Computer event which would be a lot less than eBay prices but only available at specific times and places through the year.
Other than that be diligent, check out craigslist, thrift shops, boot sales/flea markets, look for used electronics parts places, used games stores, other resellers (Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores) etc. Let your acquaintances know you collect old computers. Know what you are looking at and your results will widely vary.
2) Network, I guess, restoring computers like on the videos is a laborious process if they were in business to make a living doing such the labor costs would be significant. You might get some help from people for one aspect or another// If you are willing to pay a bit you could find professional restoration.
I've noticed various vintage gear on eBay disappearing over time, without being replenished.
So, if you're interested in a piece of vintage gear, and you see many of them on eBay, don't assume they'll still be there a few/several years later (when you buy the home with the workshop space you were waiting for).
I'm guessing that most of it has been been e-recycled or discarded, and what hasn't tends to settle into the hands of people who want to keep it for its vintage value.
Over the decades I've been collecting - Ive noticed stuff comes in waves, when collecting is trendy (like when there's a lot of news of 6 figure vintage computer auctions) there's a lot more people buying stuff up at silly high prices, but it doesn't stay that way.
Such as when new emulators for modern hardware or more compact retro hardware comes out that offers near perfect compatibility without the space/cost/hassle things start loosening up.. (i.e. the miniPET does 90%+ of what a PET does and doesn't need a bulky 30 lb. cabinaet to lug it around in, if you are more into running software than displaying the actual hardware that's a compelling "upgrade")
People aging out is another one, I see a few estate hauls recently of the old school techies passing on or reliving themselves of those burdens in their twilight years. I've gotten several bits in my collection from those leaving the hobby and want to give it to someone who will appreciate it. (that's where the letting others know you collect comes in).
Lastly and timely is the employment market seeing on the news that there's thousands of tech layoffs, some of those guys will have to part with the extra stuff to either downsize or pay the bills, so you might be seeing an uptick on eBay and other sites in the coming months,
Ham Radio swap-fests can be a good place to find retro-computer gear as well. At least if you live in, or near, an area with an active Ham radio community.
Flea markets as well, at least in the US. At least as of a few years ago, the Raynham Flea Market[1] in southern Massachusetts had several vendors specializing in old gaming consoles and games. On average prices are probably a little higher, but the trade off is being able to inspect something in person rather than having to trust an eBay listing.
If you're in the LA area the W6TRW swap meet in Redondo Beach is fun to visit, iirc it's the last Saturday of every month in the morning. Definitely show up early, the good stuff sells quick :)
Yeah, a couple good books and possibly some source of my older projects and I'm set. I still regularly buy reference material, not as much nowadays but its nice to have it available in a pinch.
