How do you make old electronics/computer last a long time? (Palm-Pilot in Refrigerator?)

[coffeeprogrammer]

So I bought some old computers on ebay and I still want to get a few more, full systems and various ISA and PCI cards. But I am unsure of how a person would normally make computers and electronics last a long time? The oldest system I currently own is a gateway 486 dx/2. That was likely released in 1993 or 1994, so that would put it at almost 32 years old. So I am wondering, how does a person make electronics last a long time? Of course CMOS batteries are often replaced, but I think I have heard of capacitors popping. I am not sure if other components would die as well?

When I was wondering about this, I remembered Steve saying he keeps some palm-pilots in the refrigerator, but I don’t remember why he said he does that?

 

[peterblaise]

Everything ages more slowly when cooled.

Total disassembly and full cleaning, including 91% alcohol cleaning,
and let things dry - do not eliminate lubricant on moving parts.

I use Caig DeoxIT to clean and preserve ALL connections, including
the inner contacts between circuit cards and drive bodies - ALL
connections must be disconnected ( one at a time ), cleaned, and
reconnected to make new connections.

Then supplemental cooling fans, half a dozen or more, with
temperature sensors and or hand-held thermometers looking for hot
spots to aim 'em at.

And fresh lube on moving parts, I use Teflon grease, Mobil 1,
Superzilla, whatever seems appropriate - experiment.

I have computers that are 40+ years old.

( Of course I do. <-- insider joke from GRC development )

 

[PHolder]

I am not sure if other components would die as well?

The thing is, although the device attempts to run digitally, it is still a physical device. All physical devices suffer from the laws of physics. Some of the key laws of physics are the laws of thermodynamics. Basically, in a nutshell, everything is tending toward disorder. So nothing is going to last forever. There are things you can do to help slow aging, but nothing is going to be foolproof. Peter gave you advice from his experience and that is probably the best you can hope for. You can, of course, look for that sort of topic from the "retro computer" crowd on YouTube or elsewhere too.