Computer history: Papertape, punch cards and virtual network
Historic tale: “Papertape, Punch Cards and Virtual Network”
Pretty early in the history of information technologies, we started to use computers at TNO’s location The Hague Waalsdorp (and its predecessors). This virtual department of Museum Waalsdorp’s website tries to keep the (virtual) recollection of old computer systems and their use. Based upon descriptions, anecdotal stories, recollections and photographs an impression will be given on the developments of TNO’s internal and external computer and network services:
- Period till 1974: “The first computers” (DICON, SIMREK, Ferranti FM 1600B, CDC 3200, CDC 1700)
- Period 1974 – 1978: “Punch cards and 110 Baud”
(CDC 6400, NOS/BE, DEC PDP 11/45, DEC PDP 11/60, Digigraphic, Tektronix 4010) - Period 1978 – 1983: “The simulations expand”
- Period 1983 – 1986: “Increased reliability”
- Period 1986 – 1989: “From fixed towards virtual memory”
- The period 1989 – 1994: “Supertime and decentralisation”
Tables and other background information
- Timeline of computer systems at TNO-FEL
- Relative computational speed (old) systems we worked with
- CDC Cyber Systems (architecture, hardware, NOS/BE, NOS/VE, peripherals)
- DEC systems and peripheral equipment
- Ferranti 1600B system and equipment
- What is a punch card… and who to do with it?
- The History of 90-column punch cards by Remington Rand (courtesy Oliver J. Jones)
- The History of 90-column punch cards by Remington Rand (courtesy Oliver J. Jones)
- Links to other computer history sites