Birthing the Computer
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Published: Jun 01, 2017
Place of publication: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Format: hardcover
Number of pages: 369
ISBN-13: 9781443885119
Description: Birthing the Computer: From Drums to Cores examines the evolution of computer systems architecture based on two evolutionary developments: memory technology – magnetic drums to magnetic cores – and CPU technology – transistors. This evolution, exemplified by a number of academic and commercial computing machines, yielded significant performance improvements and more storage leading to more effective utilization. These features would drive the development of programming languages and system software that would enhance the usability of the machines to solve more complex problems in both business, government, and scientific domains. The machines described in this volume represent the leading edge of the transition to second generation computer systems. They introduce a number of key technology concepts in computer architecture and system software that are found in every computer system today, albeit in a more modern form.
Notes: Source title: Birthing the Computer (Historical Computing Machine)
Table of contents: title: Introduction; label: Part I I Magnetic drum machines; label: 1
title: IBM 650 magnetic drum calculator; label: 2
title: Royal McBee/Librascope machines; label: 3
title: Bendix G machines; title: Further reading; title: Exercises for the reader; label: Part II
title: Core memory machines; label: 4
title: RCA BIZMAC I/II; label: 5
title: Ferranti Atlas; label: 6
title: JOHNNIAC; title: Further reading; title: Exercises for the reader; label: Part III
title: Transistor machines; label: 7
title: UNIV AC solid state computer; label: 8
title: UNIV AC 418; label: 9
title: UNI AC 490/494; label: 10
title: MIT's TX-0; label: 11
title: Philco Ford computers; label: 12
title: Bendix G-20; label: 13
title: Packard Bell; title: Further reading; title: Exercises for the reader; title: Appendix A: Glossary