Libraries for PC Settings?

ahaning asks: "I've recently been collecting mirrors for a file that I found a while back when I had messed up a motherboard and didn't have a manual for it. I haven't really needed the file since, but I'd hate to loose it. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about it until after the fact, but, as the file shows, there used to be a (yearly?) publication on CDROM called Total Hardware. From what I can guess, it contained all that's in the file but with images of every card (there's a little under 15,000 in all). Another similar library of information was called Microhouse. That library is still available. However, all of my attempts to wget the Microhouse library have failed. What I wanted to ask was if anyone else knew of any other good resources similar to these. Especially files (tar/zip) that can be downloaded and referred to offline." It's useful little things like this that the industry once did that I found extremely useful. It's sad that hardware companies either find no monetary value or even goodwill value in continuing to provide this information to its customers.

Potential business?

[Xunker]

This could be an idea for a buniness if anyone would be interested in it; a site that manages and stores online manuals, et al, for hardware manufacturers. I have a feeling that many companies would like to have anviant manuals available, but they don't want to deal with the hassle.
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Lame URL hiding trick in above link.

[bluelip]

IOW, don't click it.

Re:www.mymotherboard.com

[arete]

Just in case you're not a troll - he was giving an example.

For instance, an ASUS mainboard would be at www.asus.com

Micro House

[Anonymous Coward]

Micro House Library was a fantastic reference source. Unfortunately it fell by the wayside. Why you ask? Beacuse of the web.

Up until the mid to late 90's Micro House was a must have but, as the web grew and more manufacturers placed their spec sheets on web, people became less and less willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for Micro House.

Instead, people opted to go to www.mymotherboard.com and look at the latest spec sheet or manual, for free. I must admit that I too said pay how much???? Why, I can get it off the web for free.

I regret that Micro House is gone but, even if it were available today, I still wouldn't buy it. The web is (most times) superior. It's when you want specs on old hardware that you really miss Micro House because by then the manufacturer has removed the spec sheet from their web site and your out in the cold.

But, with major manufacturers now selling full 1Ghz systems for $800 or less, it's unlikely that I'll be switching jumpers on anymore 386 motherboards.