A computer museum is devoted to the study of historic computer hardware and software, where a “museum” is a “permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment, for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment”, as defined by the International Council of Museums.
Some specialize in the early history of computing, others in the era that started with the first personal computers such as the Apple I and Altair 8800, Apple II systems, older Mac models, Amiga, IBM PCs and rarer computers such as the Osborne 1. Some concentrate more on research and conservation, others more on education and entertainment. There are also private collections, most of which can be visited by appointment.
IPSJ Computer Museum - A virtual museum by IPSJ, an academic society of information processing in Japan, and affiliated physical computer museums ("satellite museums") all over Japan, such as:
KCG Computer Museum, Kyoto - a computer museum by KCG, an education institution
Dayton Computer Museum, Riverside, Ohio - From 600 B.C. to the present. Examples of every Computer Generation with many from the beginning of personal computers. Not only the artifact, but the history, what does it do and how does it do it? A project of the Dayton Microcomputer Association.