4.3 Emulation and virtualization for preserving digital art environments

Emulation and virtualization are key techniques for preserving digital art. They recreate original computing environments, allowing artworks to run on modern systems while maintaining their look and feel. This helps overcome technological obsolescence and provides long-term access.

These methods preserve both content and context of digital artworks. By maintaining original user interfaces, interaction methods, and audiovisual qualities, they enable future audiences to experience the art as originally intended. This supports ongoing research and analysis of digital works.

Emulation and Virtualization for Digital Art

Recreating Original Computing Environments

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Top images from around the web for Recreating Original Computing Environments

• 

  Digital Preservation in Practice | Getty Iris View original

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• 

  Category:Illustrations from digitalbevaring.dk - Wikimedia Commons View original

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• 

  DSHR's Blog: Software Art and Emulation View original

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  Digital Preservation in Practice | Getty Iris View original

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  Category:Illustrations from digitalbevaring.dk - Wikimedia Commons View original

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• Emulation and virtualization recreate original computing environments of digital artworks
  • Allow artworks to run on modern hardware and software systems
  • Preserve interactive and experiential aspects
  • Maintain original look, feel, and functionality over time
• Emulation mimics behavior of original hardware or software systems
  • Enables artwork to function without original equipment
• Virtualization creates simulated computer environment within host system
  • Allows multiple operating systems or applications to run simultaneously on single physical machine
• Overcome technological obsolescence issues
  • Provide sustainable method for long-term access
  • Preserve complex digital artworks

Preserving Artistic Content and Context

• Maintain artwork's original context
  • User interfaces
  • Interaction methods
  • Audiovisual qualities
• Preserve both content and presentation of digital art
• Sustain intended user experience over time
• Enable future audiences to engage with artwork as originally conceived
• Support art historical research and analysis of digital works

Components of a Digital Artwork's Original Environment

Hardware and Operating System Specifications

• Hardware specifications
  • Processor type and speed
  • Memory capacity
  • Graphics capabilities
  • Specialized components (custom controllers, sensors)
• Operating system details
  • Version number
  • Specific patches or updates
  • Configuration settings
• Display technologies
  • Resolution (1024x768, 4K)
  • Color depth (8-bit, 24-bit)
  • Refresh rates (60Hz, 144Hz)

Software Dependencies and Input/Output

• Software dependencies
  • Programming languages (Java, Python)
  • Libraries and frameworks (OpenGL, Unity)
  • Specific software versions
• Input/output devices
  • Keyboards
  • Mice
  • Touchscreens
  • Custom controllers
• Audio systems
  • Sound card specifications
  • Audio codecs (MP3, WAV)
  • Speaker configurations (stereo, 5.1 surround)

Network and Environmental Factors

• Network configurations
  • Internet connectivity requirements
  • Specific protocols (HTTP, FTP)
  • Bandwidth limitations
• Environmental factors
  • Lighting conditions
  • Room dimensions
  • Viewing distance
• External data sources
  • APIs
  • Databases
  • Real-time data feeds

Selecting Emulation or Virtualization Tools

Technical Assessment and Compatibility

• Assess artwork's original environment complexity
  • Hardware requirements
  • Software dependencies
  • Interaction design
• Evaluate compatibility with institutional infrastructure
  • Existing hardware capabilities
  • Software licenses
  • IT support expertise
• Analyze performance capabilities of emulation/virtualization solutions
  • Processing power
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio fidelity

Sustainability and Scalability Considerations

• Consider long-term sustainability of solutions
  • Open-source options (QEMU, VirtualBox)
  • Proprietary tools (VMware, Parallels)
• Assess scalability for future preservation needs
  • Ability to handle growing digital art collections
  • Adaptability to emerging technologies
• Evaluate community support and documentation
  • Active development communities
  • Availability of troubleshooting resources
  • Regular updates and bug fixes

Cost and Resource Evaluation

• Analyze cost implications
  • Initial implementation expenses
  • Ongoing maintenance fees
  • Potential licensing costs
• Consider institutional resources
  • Staff expertise in emulation/virtualization
  • Training requirements
  • Time commitment for setup and maintenance
• Assess long-term viability of chosen tools
  • Vendor stability
  • Technology roadmap
  • Backward compatibility guarantees

Documenting Emulation or Virtualization Processes

Technical Documentation and Setup Procedures

• Create detailed technical documentation
  • Original artwork environment specifications
  • Emulation/virtualization tool configurations
• Document step-by-step setup process
  • Installation procedures
  • Configuration changes
  • Customizations for accurate replication
• Maintain software inventory
  • Versions
  • Patches
  • Updates
  • Sources and licensing information

Troubleshooting and User Guides

• Record challenges and solutions
  • Performance issues
  • Compatibility problems
  • Workarounds implemented
• Develop user guides
  • Access instructions for curators
  • Interaction guidelines for researchers
  • Maintenance procedures for conservators
• Implement version control system
  • Track changes over time
  • Maintain history of preservation process
  • Enable rollback to previous configurations

Performance Monitoring and Quality Assurance

• Establish benchmarks for artwork performance
  • Frame rates
  • Load times
  • Interactive responsiveness
• Document quality assurance procedures
  • Visual fidelity checks
  • Audio comparison tests
  • Interaction accuracy verification
• Create maintenance schedules
  • Regular testing protocols
  • Update procedures
  • Backup and recovery plans