Emulation (computing)

Emulation in Digital preservation means using software that recreates the behaviour of obsolete hardware or operating systems so that original programs and files can still run. Unlike Format migration, emulation aims to keep the original bitstream intact.

Uses

Museums and software archives emulate vintage computers and consoles; document archives may emulate old office suites. Emulation requires legal access to ROMs/BIOS where applicable, plus ongoing maintenance of the emulator itself.

See also

• Internet Archive software collections
• File format obsolescence
• Digital dark age

Sources

• Preservation literature on emulation vs migration (KEEP and similar projects).
• Software-archive practice notes.