Comments on: The Wonderful World of Early Computing http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/ The Neat Side of the Web Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:31:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: maycatdecal http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1977122 maycatdecal Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:48:14 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1977122 Hello, would be familiar with the original. Hello, would be familiar with the original.

]]> By: jasheel http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1966513 jasheel Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:49:19 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1966513 nice article nice article

]]> By: design horloges http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1923941 design horloges Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:06:38 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1923941 Interesting article. I've learned a lot from it, thanks. It's funny to see how big those first computers were. Interesting article. I’ve learned a lot from it, thanks. It’s funny to see how big those first computers were.

]]> By: ke?an http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1903130 ke?an Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:27:36 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1903130 It is so great to know the step by step development of computer. It is so great to know the step by step development of computer.

]]> By: klip izle http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1893937 klip izle Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:24:40 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1893937 nice article nice article

]]> By: KrisB http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1869744 KrisB Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:34:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1869744 Nice page, i guess every reader's got what they consider to be a critical omission, mine is Curta's hand-cranked mechanical calculator, which would seem to be the technological culmination of that line of development, astonishingly devised while Curta was in a nazi concentration camp.. Nice page, i guess every reader’s got what they consider to be a critical omission, mine is Curta’s hand-cranked mechanical calculator, which would seem to be the technological culmination of that line of development, astonishingly devised while Curta was in a nazi concentration camp..

]]> By: Everett http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1862798 Everett Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:45:14 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1862798 Very Cool. Good work. Very Cool. Good work.

]]> By: video http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1814573 video Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:47:28 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1814573 çok enteresan yahu çok enteresan yahu

]]> By: Phaoloo http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1798883 Phaoloo Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:33:51 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1798883 It is so great to know the step by step development of computer. It is so great to know the step by step development of computer.

]]> By: krism http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1781854 krism Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:32:24 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1781854 hey. . .it'beutful! ! ! bcuz i know a lot of early device. . .and i know hoo invinted it the early device. . hahahahaha! ! !heeheeheehee! ! ! hey. . .it’beutful! ! ! bcuz i know a lot of early device. . .and i know hoo invinted it the early device. . hahahahaha! ! !heeheeheehee! ! !

]]> By: april jean http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1781728 april jean Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:45:53 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1781728 hi, nice page,,,,!!!!!!!! i know a lot of early computing devices now!!!! god bless you!!!!!!! fan!!!!! april jean hi, nice page,,,,!!!!!!!! i know a lot of early computing devices now!!!! god bless you!!!!!!! fan!!!!! april jean

]]> By: Bruno http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1777489 Bruno Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:28:40 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1777489 Wow, we have certainly come a long way from gears and wires to today's microchip technology. Wow, we have certainly come a long way from gears and wires to today’s microchip technology.

]]> By: sikis video http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1741992 sikis video Wed, 20 May 2009 10:33:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1741992 Tony Sale is the gent on the right, not the left. Tony Sale is the gent on the right, not the left.

]]> By: rabia http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1563787 rabia Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:41:08 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1563787 çok güzel ya sayp?r çok güzel ya sayp?r

]]> By: Jordansw http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1536990 Jordansw Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:11:13 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1536990 On the caption of the photo of Konrad Zuse. You put Suze instead of Zuse On the caption of the photo of Konrad Zuse. You put Suze instead of Zuse

]]> By: Josh http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1536868 Josh Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:43:42 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1536868 A second on Paul Farrier's comments, this is the classic stock photo of the Navy Bombe developed at NCR - also, in the photograph of the rebuilding of Colossus below it, Tony Sale is the gent on the right, not the left. A second on Paul Farrier’s comments, this is the classic stock photo of the Navy Bombe developed at NCR – also, in the photograph of the rebuilding of Colossus below it, Tony Sale is the gent on the right, not the left.

]]> By: estetik http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1131741 estetik Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:41:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1131741 nice page. nice page.

]]> By: Paul Farrier http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1111198 Paul Farrier Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:45:47 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1111198 The photo on your website that you have labeled "Turing and Welchman’s Bombe (Photo: La bombe de Turing)" and named the image file as bombe-turing.jpg is actually a photo of a Navy Wave and a US Navy Bombe design and constructed by Joseph Desch et al in Dayton, Ohio on the National Cash Register (NCR) industrial campus in Building 26. This would be the Bombe that was used to decode the 4 wheeled Enigma. For the matter of accuracy - you may want to relabel and rename the photo. The photo on your website that you have labeled “Turing and Welchman’s Bombe (Photo: La bombe de Turing)” and named the image file as bombe-turing.jpg is actually a photo of a Navy Wave and a US Navy Bombe design and constructed by Joseph Desch et al in Dayton, Ohio on the National Cash Register (NCR) industrial campus in Building 26. This would be the Bombe that was used to decode the 4 wheeled Enigma. For the matter of accuracy – you may want to relabel and rename the photo.

]]> By: izlekop http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-1109999 izlekop Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:24:53 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-1109999 Their passing this information to the Allies may have been their greatest contribution to the war effort, as much as it doesn’t make headlines in the history books. Their passing this information to the Allies may have been their greatest contribution to the war effort, as much as it doesn’t make headlines in the history books.

]]> By: Bob Diole http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-2/#comment-625186 Bob Diole Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:58:15 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-625186 Why is Gene Wilder cranking Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine No. 2? Surely he's not that desperate for work? Why is Gene Wilder cranking Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine No. 2? Surely he’s not that desperate for work?

]]> By: José http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-621249 José Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:16:55 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-621249 Hi, I found this article really interesting. If it makes us think how we have evolved in terms of technology, it can also makes us think if we've know where and how to apply it. Best regards, José Hi,

I found this article really interesting.
If it makes us think how we have evolved in terms of technology, it can also makes us think if we’ve know where and how to apply it.

Best regards,

José

]]> By: criselle balanghig http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-620108 criselle balanghig Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:19:25 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-620108 nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Jim http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-618721 Jim Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:07:46 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-618721 The Germans were using Enigma to secure banking communications well before the war; it is because of this that the Polish has a chance to understand the machine. Their passing this information to the Allies may have been their greatest contribution to the war effort, as much as it doesn't make headlines in the history books. The Germans were using Enigma to secure banking communications well before the war; it is because of this that the Polish has a chance to understand the machine. Their passing this information to the Allies may have been their greatest contribution to the war effort, as much as it doesn’t make headlines in the history books.

]]> By: TC http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-616727 TC Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:19:29 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-616727 Great post! I was at school when there were no handheld electronic calculators. We actually did use logarithmic tables! We also used slide rules ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_rule ). I remember my father getting his company technicians to repair my slide rule's cursor when I broke it. I also personally had one of these: http://www.computermuseum.li/Testpage/Calc-Chadwick.htm . I'd completely forgotten that until I read this article! Great post! I was at school when there were no handheld electronic calculators. We actually did use logarithmic tables! We also used slide rules ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_rule ). I remember my father getting his company technicians to repair my slide rule’s cursor when I broke it. I also personally had one of these: http://www.computermuseum.li/Testpage/Calc-Chadwick.htm . I’d completely forgotten that until I read this article!

]]> By: John thoams http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-616695 John thoams Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:11:19 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-616695 LOL, at least they didnt have to worry about hard drive failure! LOL JT www.FireMe.to/udi LOL, at least they didnt have to worry about hard drive failure! LOL

JT
http://www.FireMe.to/udi

]]> By: web design company http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-616571 web design company Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:05:24 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-616571 The 1801 invention of the Jacquard loom uses the same sort of punch card technology that was eventually implemented to operate player pianos and other kinds of mechanical instruments. The 1801 invention of the Jacquard loom uses the same sort of punch card technology that was eventually implemented to operate player pianos and other kinds of mechanical instruments.

]]> By: Robert V http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-616524 Robert V Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:17:27 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-616524 Actually, our fingers could actually be considered the oldest known mathematical artifact. And imagine how much easier life would be if we 8 fingers instead of 10 and therefore our numerical system would be base-8 instead of base-10! Actually, our fingers could actually be considered the oldest known mathematical artifact.

And imagine how much easier life would be if we 8 fingers instead of 10 and therefore our numerical system would be base-8 instead of base-10!

]]> By: Mysha http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-610441 Mysha Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:57:00 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-610441 This was interesting hmmm... yes, it was interesting This was interesting hmmm… yes, it was interesting

]]> By: Evil Pundit http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-439129 Evil Pundit Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:16:42 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-439129 A couple of commenters ask why there were no known advancements in computing technology for a thousand years after the Antikythera Mechanism. During the intervening period, the Roman Empire collapsed and much the fruits of European civilisation were lost in a period called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Ages" rel="nofollow">Dark Ages</a>. It was only after hundreds of years that technology resumed its march. Though there were some developments in other parts of the world, they didn't catch on and change history the way that the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution did. A couple of commenters ask why there were no known advancements in computing technology for a thousand years after the Antikythera Mechanism.

During the intervening period, the Roman Empire collapsed and much the fruits of European civilisation were lost in a period called the Dark Ages. It was only after hundreds of years that technology resumed its march.

Though there were some developments in other parts of the world, they didn’t catch on and change history the way that the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution did.

]]> By: raj http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-437013 raj Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:37:18 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-437013 How about the invention of ZERO by Indians How about the invention of ZERO by Indians

]]> By: Fingel http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-426522 Fingel Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:58:58 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-426522 Amazing post! I really enjoyed reading it. Amazing post! I really enjoyed reading it.

]]> By: mvillarejo http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-422687 mvillarejo Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:05 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-422687 Great, great post! like it so much! Great, great post! like it so much!

]]> By: Michael http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-422549 Michael Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:16:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-422549 Great Post! But there is however one glaring ommission. Douglas Adams' Infinite Improbability Drive! We could not ever reach Level 42 without it.:0 Great Post! But there is however one glaring ommission. Douglas Adams’ Infinite Improbability Drive! We could not ever reach Level 42 without it.:0

]]> By: Lee Webb http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-422409 Lee Webb Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:14:52 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-422409 Wait until someone figures out how the human brain works and puts all this binary & digital stuff in the dustbin of history. Wait until someone figures out how the human brain works and puts all this binary & digital stuff in the dustbin of history.

]]> By: jeff kish http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-420754 jeff kish Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:07:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-420754 1943 was hardly the EVE of world war 2 by the way. Nice article, thanks! " The birth of the world’s first electronic digital computer was ushered … by war. In 1943, on the eve of World War II, the US military realized " 1943 was hardly the EVE of world war 2 by the way.
Nice article, thanks!

”
The birth of the world’s first electronic digital computer was ushered … by war. In 1943, on the eve of World War II, the US military realized
“

]]> By: Konstantin http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-419851 Konstantin Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:43:04 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-419851 In their history of the ENIAC computer, Alice R. Burks and Arthur W. Burks summarize the Atanasoff achievement as follows: "He invented a new type of a serial storage module, applicable to digital electronic computing. He formulated, developed and proved the major principles involved in electronic circuits for digital computing, principles that included arithmetical operations, control, transition from one to another number base systems, transfer and storage of data, and synchronized clocking of the operations. Having applied that data storage and those principles, he constructed a well-balanced electronic computer with centralized architecture, including storage, and arithmetically controlled input/output devices. He had invented the first-ever specialized electronic computer with such a degree of multi-aspect applicability." So the first computer was made by the son of a Bulgarian immigrant - John Atanasoff! Look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Vincent_Atanasoff http://www.johnatanasoff.com/the_prototype.php?sub=history In their history of the ENIAC computer, Alice R. Burks and Arthur W. Burks summarize the Atanasoff achievement as follows: “He invented a new type of a serial storage module, applicable to digital electronic computing. He formulated, developed and proved the major principles involved in electronic circuits for digital computing, principles that included arithmetical operations, control, transition from one to another number base systems, transfer and storage of data, and synchronized clocking of the operations. Having applied that data storage and those principles, he constructed a well-balanced electronic computer with centralized architecture, including storage, and arithmetically controlled input/output devices. He had invented the first-ever specialized electronic computer with such a degree of multi-aspect applicability.”

So the first computer was made by the son of a Bulgarian immigrant – John Atanasoff!

Look at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Vincent_Atanasoff

http://www.johnatanasoff.com/the_prototype.php?sub=history

]]> By: VikingBerserker http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-419098 VikingBerserker Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:48:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-419098 One important fact was left out. Since the Jacquard Loom used punchcards to determine the pattern, it was the first programmable comupter (albiet a mechanical one). Excellent article. One important fact was left out. Since the Jacquard Loom used punchcards to determine the pattern, it was the first programmable comupter (albiet a mechanical one). Excellent article.

]]> By: JKinKC http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-418617 JKinKC Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:18:03 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-418617 And what about Seymour Cray? And what about Seymour Cray?

]]> By: JKinKC http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-418615 JKinKC Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:17:02 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-418615 Following up on 8 and 12: IBM introduced the standard puchcard in, I think, 1923. A definite influence on thousands of computer scientists and millions of dead Jews. Following up on 8 and 12: IBM introduced the standard puchcard in, I think, 1923. A definite influence on thousands of computer scientists and millions of dead Jews.

]]> By: Linux vs Windows http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-418086 Linux vs Windows Sun, 27 Jan 2008 10:36:20 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-418086 An interesting point is the business models of the early computers in terms of Univac ( Sperry) vs IBM IBM became the computer monolith or behemoth Sperry faded away - eventually became Univac ( the power of two - early corporate merging model of what would not work out) IBM had even obsolete technology - the hollerith or card punch machine. Sperry had a real computer Yet the ibm people were businessman. Support , financing , sales support. Wheras the Sperry side were scientists and technicians. If you think that this is great wait till next year. ( no sales then) The message is one of proper balanced management - both for research and sales An interesting point is the business models of the early computers in terms of Univac ( Sperry) vs IBM
IBM became the computer monolith or behemoth
Sperry faded away – eventually became Univac ( the power of two – early corporate merging model of what would not work out)
IBM had even obsolete technology – the hollerith or card punch machine. Sperry had a real computer
Yet the ibm people were businessman. Support , financing , sales support.
Wheras the Sperry side were scientists and technicians. If you think that this is great wait till next year. ( no sales then)
The message is one of proper balanced management – both for research and sales

]]> By: Gord http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-417800 Gord Sun, 27 Jan 2008 06:00:01 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-417800 1943 was NOT the eve of WW2. A little general history reading is needed here. 1943 was NOT the eve of WW2. A little general history reading is needed here.

]]> By: LikeToKnow http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-417140 LikeToKnow Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:13:31 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-417140 What happened to computing advancements between Antikythera Mechanism (100 BC) and Napier’s Bones (1614)? Only about 1700 years are 'missing'. Did you omit them fearing you may run out of 'paper'? What happened to computing advancements between Antikythera Mechanism (100 BC) and Napier’s Bones (1614)?

Only about 1700 years are ‘missing’. Did you omit them fearing you may run out of ‘paper’?

]]> By: Hans http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-417070 Hans Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:58:10 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-417070 I'd be interested in a reference or your assertion that Kepler used the Schickard calculator. According to the accounts I have seen he had ordered a second one built intending to give it to Kepler but it was destroyed by fire before its completion and no further mention is made in the papers so far discovered. I’d be interested in a reference or your assertion that Kepler used the Schickard calculator.

According to the accounts I have seen he had ordered a second one built intending to give it to Kepler but it was destroyed by fire before its completion and no further mention is made in the papers so far discovered.

]]> By: Programmer http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-417023 Programmer Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:39:46 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-417023 Excellent piece! Thank you. I was a little surprised to find no mention of John von Neumann nor of his paper giving the first design of a stored-program digital electronic computer. (Eckart and Mauchly's ENIAC was digital and electronic, but not stored-program. Say what you like about software today, but at least it does not involve patch bays). See: "First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC," John von Neumann, Contract No. W-670 ORD-4926. Moore School of Engineering and University of Pennsylvania. June 30,1945. http://www.virtualtravelog.net/entries/2003-08-TheFirstDraft.pdf Excellent piece! Thank you. I was a little surprised to find no mention of John von Neumann nor of his paper giving the first design of a stored-program digital electronic computer. (Eckart and Mauchly’s ENIAC was digital and electronic, but not stored-program. Say what you like about software today, but at least it does not involve patch bays). See: “First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC,” John von Neumann, Contract No. W-670 ORD-4926. Moore School of Engineering and University of Pennsylvania. June 30,1945. http://www.virtualtravelog.net/entries/2003-08-TheFirstDraft.pdf

]]> By: Lordvader http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-416962 Lordvader Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:02:19 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-416962 Excelent. Excelent.

]]> By: Lee http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-416380 Lee Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:57:00 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-416380 This is a great post! A second installment exploring the explosive growth of <i>personal</i> computers would be equally interesting. Bill Gates is a man we love to hate, but if not for his vision, as well as that of Steve Jobs, et al, we wouldn't be communicating the way we are in this blog. This is a great post! A second installment exploring the explosive growth of personal computers would be equally interesting. Bill Gates is a man we love to hate, but if not for his vision, as well as that of Steve Jobs, et al, we wouldn’t be communicating the way we are in this blog.

]]> By: Elwood Herring http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-416312 Elwood Herring Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:20:25 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-416312 Zuse or Suze? Make your mind up! Zuse or Suze? Make your mind up!

]]> By: Tl http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-416258 Tl Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:27:32 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-416258 That's amazing... That’s amazing…

]]> By: Alex http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-416252 Alex Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:20:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-416252 @Ashley: you're right, Neatorama's not at all low bandwidth/slow computer-friendly, but I'm not sure separating this post out of the homepage would help <em>that</em> much ... @VonSkippy: I'll think about it, but at the moment, it's a little more work to set up a separate "story section" than I'd have time to put in. I've never done a lick of SEO on Neatorama (unless you count "prettifying" the permalink) so that's not even a consideration. Just scroll down, people! Thanks for those who liked the article - it was fun to write (found a lot of neat trivia that sadly didn't make it to the article). @Ashley: you’re right, Neatorama’s not at all low bandwidth/slow computer-friendly, but I’m not sure separating this post out of the homepage would help that much …

@VonSkippy: I’ll think about it, but at the moment, it’s a little more work to set up a separate “story section” than I’d have time to put in. I’ve never done a lick of SEO on Neatorama (unless you count “prettifying” the permalink) so that’s not even a consideration. Just scroll down, people!

Thanks for those who liked the article – it was fun to write (found a lot of neat trivia that sadly didn’t make it to the article).

]]> By: Karl http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/comment-page-1/#comment-416158 Karl Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:26:59 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2008/01/25/the-wonderful-world-of-early-computing/#comment-416158 Wonderful article! :) Wonderful article! :)

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