History of computers by Huxley Emmonds

Bell Laboratories scientist George Stibitz uses relays for a demonstration adder

30emmondsh — 2024-09-06 14:16:44 UTC

The Model K was made in 1937 on a kitchen table! This simple circuit provides proof of concept for Boolean logic to the design of computers, which resulted in construction of the relay-based Model I Complex Calculator in 1939. The same year in Germany, engineer Konrad Zuse built his Z2 computer using telephone company relays. Also the k in Model K means kitchen.

The Complex Number Calculator (CNC) is completed

30emmondsh — 2024-09-06 14:30:37 UTC

In 1940, Stibitz demonstrated about his calculations remotely to the CNC at an american mathematical society conference held at Dartmouth College. Stibitz stunned them by performing his calculations remotely. this computer was likely the first example of remote access computing.

ERA 1101 introduced

30emmondsh — 2024-09-06 14:38:59 UTC

This computer called the ERA 1101 was actually one of the first commercially produced computers, it was made in 1950. Surprisingly there first computer sold was to the US Navy. Many of its architectural details weren't used again until the 1960s.

RCA introduces its Model 501 transistorized computer

30emmondsh — 2024-09-06 14:44:09 UTC

The 501 was built on a building block concept. The building block concept allows it to be flexible for different kinds of uses. Something crazy is that it can simultaneously control up to 65 tapes!

DEC PDP-1 introduced

30emmondsh — 2024-09-06 15:33:38 UTC

the typical PDP-1 was made 1960 and Is surprisingly selling for 120,000! It includes a cathode ray tube, paper tape input/output, and needs no air-conditioning. More than 50 PDP-1s were sold.

Cray-1 supercomputer introduced

30emmondsh — 2024-09-06 15:38:40 UTC

the cray-1 supercomputer was made in 1976 and was the fastest machine of its day. the cray-1 took a 1 year to assemble and costs 10 million dollars! The cray-1s speed is mostly from its c shape and reduces the length of wires.

Commodore introduces the VIC-20

30emmondsh — 2024-09-09 14:14:08 UTC

The VIC-20 home computer as the successor to the commodore PET personal computer. It was made in 1980. It was a less expensive alternative to the PET. This computer was the first to sell over 100 million units.

BeBox is released

30emmondsh — 2024-09-09 14:25:50 UTC

Be, founded by former apple executive Jean Louis Gasee and a number of formel apple, and others release their only product the Bebox. the first devices were used for development. After Be stopped producing in 1997, after less then 2,000 machines where produced.

PowerMac G5 is released

30emmondsh — 2024-09-09 14:32:41 UTC

With an anondized aluminum case, its hailed as the first true 64-bit personal computer. It was made in 2003. To protect it from earthquakes, it has an isolation system that used rubber supports.