vintage_systems:ibm_4361 []

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===== IBM 4361 =====

{{:vintage_systems:img_0208.jpg?400|IBM 4361, two 3278-2a console terminals, and a 3203 printer}}

The IBM 4361 is a midrange computer (minicomputer) model in the 4300 series marketed by IBM from 1984 to 1987.

The [[https://www.youtube.com/@moshixmainframechannel |Moshix Mainframe Channel]] made a video about the LCM+L's 4361 when it was physical! [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0pz_yD-9w| on YouTube]]

[[https://web.archive.org/web/20120219185641/http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/mainframe/mainframe_PP4361.html |4361 Processor, Model 3]] //(archived)//

[[wp>IBM_4300|IBM 4300]] series

  * **HOW TO CONNECT** using the //IBM//® [[vintage_systems:vm_cms_survival_guide#terminal_emulator| 3270 terminal]] emulator, the //[[vintage_systems:menu#ibm4361 |Menu]]//‚ or more about the //[[vintage_systems:menu#direct_and_menu |Menu access]]//.
    * You can also connect to our Remote Systems in your browser at https://ssh.sdf.org

===== Hardware details =====

The following is from an email regarding the price to purchase the 4361 before it was acquired by LCM+L:


 IBM 4361-5 CPU 12mb with high speed channel, multiple FBA Adapters, Byte channel, multiplex channel, Communication adapter with 3 lines running Bisnyc 3780, 16 port 3278 or printer port. Two 8 INCH DSDD diskettes with one usable in put output diskette reader. EMC Symmetrix disk subsystem with seven drives and one not working drive. Twenty four spare drives and controller logic boards with power supplies. This IBM 4361 comes with the DOS/VSE 2.2.4 operating system with manuals and also logic manuals. Included is a IBM 4361-5 parts units missing 8 cards, 2 diskette drives, 3 cooling fans, one power supply and one memory card. Box of diskettes for backup. Price $6000.

===== The SDFVM 4361 =====

SDFVM is a system with a unique history of preservation. Originally running on the pictured IBM 4361 mainframe at the LCM+L, its journey to its current virtualized state is a story of dedicated individuals and innovative technology.

[[https://twitter.com/alderson_at_lcm |Rich Alderson]] played a crucial role as the steward of the 4361 at LCM+L. He provided a VM/SP 5 installation tape, which was essential to the system's capabilities, differentiating it from the more limited VM/370 R6 from ~1979 or so. 

Drew Derbyshire the Software Hobbit of Kendra Electronic Wonderworks, was contracted by LCM+L in 2018 to work on the core (or Nucleus) of the VM system. He later became instrumental in its transfer to cyberspace and continued existence as a VM running VM!

[[https://retrocomputingforum.com/t/the-living-computers-museum-labs-lcm-l-is-shutting-down/1255 |Following LCM+L's closure]], Drew continued to maintain the system gratis, migrating it to new hosts and ensuring its continued operation. When the system was acquired by SDF, the physical 4361 was warehoused for preservation.

SDFVM's story highlights how dedicated individuals like Rich and Drew, combined with community sourced technologies like the [[https://github.com/Hercules-Aethra/aethra |Hercules emulator]], can preserve important pieces of computing history, even as the original hardware becomes obsolete. This system stands as a testament to the power of community effort in the field of digital preservation.