8 Surprising Cases of Outdated Tech in Modern Use

We are accustomed to upgrading our technology every few years, whether it's the latest iPhone, a struggling processor, or a graphics card that can't handle new games. Old hardware often ends up either resold or discarded.

However, many outdated devices remain operational and even indispensable in surprising ways. Below are eight remarkable examples of how vintage tech still holds its ground.

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Retro Computers Mining Bitcoin A Reliable Mechanic’s Assistant Since the '80s Vintage Tech as a Bakery POS System Outdated Systems Managing Nuclear Arsenals Windows XP Powers Multi-Billion Dollar Aircraft Carrier Critical Airport Infrastructure Fails Due to Legacy Software Classic Hardware Used for Cutting-Edge Research Nostalgia Keeps Old Systems Alive

Retro Computers Mining Bitcoin

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An enthusiast showcased the potential of the Commodore 64, a computer from 1982, in mining Bitcoin. Yet, with its 8-bit, 1 MHz processor, it manages only 0.3 hashes per second. In comparison, an RTX 3080 GPU processes 100 million hashes per second. At this rate, earning one Bitcoin with the C64 would take about a billion years.

Another YouTuber, stacksmashing, ventured into mining Bitcoin with a Nintendo Game Boy from 1989. By linking the console to the internet via a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, he achieved a mining rate of 0.8 hashes per second—slightly faster than the C64 but still about 125 trillion times slower than modern ASIC miners. To mine one Bitcoin, the Game Boy would need to run longer than the universe has existed.

A Reliable Mechanic’s Assistant Since the '80s

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In Gdansk, Poland, a resilient Commodore 64C has been a faithful assistant to mechanics for over three decades. Surviving even a flood, this computer still performs drive shaft calculations flawlessly. With a 1 MHz CPU and just 64 KB of memory, the C64C runs custom software developed by the business owner, proving that sometimes older technologies outlast their modern counterparts.

Vintage Tech as a Bakery POS System

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An Indiana bakery has relied on a Commodore 64 as its point-of-sale (POS) system since the 1980s. Affectionately called the "breadbox," this computer serves as an online cash register. Unlike modern POS systems that often face software update issues, the C64 remains reliable, requiring only updated keyboard labels for baked goods.

Outdated Systems Managing Nuclear Arsenals

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Surprisingly, the United States manages its nuclear arsenal with an IBM computer from 1976, utilizing 8-inch floppy disks that store around 80 KB of data—less than the average instant message. While modernization plans are in place, the current system persists due to its proven reliability.

Similarly, Germany's naval fleet employs 8-inch floppy disks on its Brandenburg-class frigates. Built in the 1990s with state-of-the-art weaponry, these ships still rely on this outdated storage technology. Efforts to upgrade include installing floppy disk emulators, though nostalgia seems to keep the original system alive.

Windows XP Powers Multi-Billion Dollar Aircraft Carrier

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The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, costing billions, operates on Windows XP, an operating system whose support ended in 2014. The Royal Navy claims all necessary security measures are in place, yet such reliance on outdated software raises concerns.

Similarly, Britain's Vanguard-class submarines Victorious, Vigilant, and Vengeance use Windows XP for intercontinental missile management. These systems remain offline for security reasons, but updates are not planned until 2028.

Critical Airport Infrastructure Fails Due to Legacy Software

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In 2015, Paris Orly Airport faced a crisis when a computer running Windows 3.1, a 1992 operating system, crashed. The DECOR software, crucial for providing pilots with weather data, failed, leading to flight suspensions for safety reasons. Users humorously suggested the computer simply wanted to upgrade to Windows 95.

Classic Hardware Used for Cutting-Edge Research

While not explicitly mentioned in the original article, classic hardware often finds new life in scientific research. Retro computers like the Commodore 64 are used in educational settings to teach programming basics or simulate simple physics experiments. Their simplicity makes them ideal for understanding fundamental computing principles.

Nostalgia Keeps Old Systems Alive

Beyond practical applications, many organizations retain legacy systems out of habit or nostalgia. Whether for maintaining compatibility with existing workflows or avoiding costly upgrades, these decisions highlight the enduring value of familiar tools.

These examples underscore how outdated technology continues to serve critical functions across industries. From gaming consoles mining cryptocurrency to ancient computers guiding global defense systems, legacy tech proves surprisingly resilient. While upgrades may eventually replace them, these devices remind us of the enduring value of simplicity and reliability.