> >2) First human made computer (program given for input, so abbacus doesn't
> >count, output given)
>
> I think there was an automated loom that was invented in the 17th century
> that wove a pattern based on a template, but I don't recall if this was a
> hole punch reader, a specially shaped gear, or other apparatus. It did
> exist though. Although most definitely not a computer as we see them today,
> it did take a program for input, process it, and output it in the form of
> fabric. (I think this was right before CGA was made a standard...)
The Jacquard loom. It is always cited as the precursor of punched cards.
We have one of these in our storage (though it does not actually belong
to us). Its a beautiful piece of machinery. It would be wonderful to see
it in action.
> >5) First digital computer
>
> Didn't someone just post a link about the "first digital computer" turning
> 50 years old? It was on the BBC website, I believe.
Indeed the Manchester baby machine, the first electronic machine to
execute a program from memory. June 21 1948. The machine has been
rebuilt and is on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in
Manchester.
> >9) First computer to use a floppy disk (any kind of floppy)
Probably some IBM 360, wasn't the floppy originally designed to do IPL
on some of these systems?
Regards,
_---_--__-_-_----__-_----_-__-__-_-___--_-__--___-__----__--_--__-___-
Hans B Pufal Comprehensive Computer Catalogue
<mailto:hansp_at_plato.digiweb.com> <
http://plato.digiweb.com/~hansp/ccc>
Received on Thu Jun 18 1998 - 06:19:36 BST