How is "emulation" defined in the context of digital archiving?

In the context of digital archiving, "emulation" is understood as a strategy to recreate the environment necessary for accessing obsolete files. This involves using software or hardware that mimics the original operating systems and applications required to correctly run and interpret digital content created under different technological conditions.

As technology evolves, many file formats, software applications, and systems become outdated or unsupported, making it challenging to access the data they contain. Emulation provides a solution by allowing archivists to maintain the usability of these digital objects over time, ensuring that future users can still access and utilize them in a way that is faithful to the original experience.

This approach contrasts with other strategies that focus on transforming data or managing physical materials, such as enhancing audio clarity or organizing physical archives, neither of which address the specific challenges posed by obsolete formats and systems. Therefore, the choice highlighting emulation as a method for recreating these environments directly aligns with the preservation goals of digital archiving.