Unix in East Germany (GDR) (1990) | Hacker News

An East German research group said its work had advanced despite sanctions, but needed better access to tools and knowledge.

It called for stable access to hardware, software, literature, conferences, and networks, including Unix systems.

The group wanted to choose its own research direction instead of depending on top-down decisions.

The piece shows how easing Cold War trade barriers opened the door to modern computing and international collaboration.