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Emulation for Archivists

Getting Started

Module 1: What is emulation?

Module 2: What you need for emulation

Module 3: Fun with emulators

Conclusion and Works Cited

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Module 2: Self-Assessment



  1. What are the differences between files, software, and environments? How do they relate to each other?

  2. What are significant properties? How can hardware affect the "look and feel" of digital content?

  3. Are there instances where exact emulation is not necessary to access archival digital material? Try to think of cases where emulation can be "good enough" for access purposes.

Now that you understand the basics of determining the appropriate emulation approach for digital content, you're ready to go to Module 3, where you'll learn about available emulators and use emulation to solve an access problem on the web.


Next: Module 3: Fun with emulators



Additional Resources

Gates, Ethan. 2020, October 14. "EaaSI Training Module: Emulation Environments." Software Preservation Network. https://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/eaasi-training-module-emulation-environments/(opens in a new tab).

Falcao, Patricia, Annet Dekker, and Pip Laurenson. 2015-2016. "An Exploration of Significance, Dependency, and Virtualization in the Conservation of Software-based Artworks." Electronic Media Review 4. https://resources.culturalheritage.org/emg-review/volume-4-2015-2016/falcao/(opens in a new tab).

Hedstrom, Margaret L., Christopher A. Lee, Judith S. Olson, and Clifford A. Lampe. 2006. “'The Old Version Flickers More': Digital Preservation from the User’s Perspective." The American Archivist, 69 (1), 159–187. https://doi.org/10.17723/aarc.69.1.1765364485n41800(opens in a new tab).