News
Celebrations kick off for 60th anniversary of digital computing
Andrew Wooden Jun 20 2008, 12:30pm
Comments (5)
The University of Manchester, birthplace of the computer, marks occasion with �Digital 60 Day�
The University of Manchester is celebrating the anniversary of the world’s first digital computer, marking 60 year’s since its creation.
Dubbed ‘the baby’ by its makers, the computer is a Small Scale Experimental Machine and fills up an entire lab at the University. The machine, which executed its first program on Saturday June 21st 1948, formed the basis by which all PCs, iPods, smart phones and related technologies are built to this day.
To mark the occasion a live demonstration of the elderly computer will take place at the university, together with a special lecture on the ‘relentless march of the microchip’, live uplink to the Museum of Science and Industry and an awards ceremony for the surviving members of the team responsible for the project.
“Sixty years ago The University of Manchester won the race to create the first digital stored program computer,” said professor Alan Gilbert, president and vice chancellor of The University of Manchester. “It was an arresting achievement that put Manchester at the forefront of a global technological revolution. The University has continually built on this legacy of innovation and The School of Computer Science enjoys an international reputation for being at the very cutting edge of research in computer science and new technology.
“With excellent industry links and numerous outstanding technological spin-out companies, the influence of the computer science research being done at The University extends regionally, nationally and internationally.”
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Comments
“Old timer”
Posted by: Steve Billborough - Jun 20, 1:06pm
I had no idea the computer was that old!
“Re: Old timer”
Posted by: Angela Elliott - Jun 20, 2:11pm
I worked with one of the men that worked on this computer. By the time I knew him he had 'retired' but in fact was working on a part-time basis as a consultant for the semiconductor company in which I was a process engineer. He used to tell us great stories about a computer that occupied an entire room! Later I was sent to RSRE where I believe he also spent time. That too was like something out of the dark ages! Oh how I love ancient computer history!
“Re: Re: Old timer”
Posted by: Dave - Jun 20, 2:52pm
I bet that 60 year old computer didn't crash as frequently as my laptop does now
“Re: Re: Re: Old timer”
Posted by: jack - Jun 20, 4:55pm
bet it fast then my computer. Put it on last week and still on loading xp. May I need an upgrade.
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Old timer”
Posted by: The Truth - Jun 20, 5:06pm
Back in those days, the mouse was the size of a rat.