Computing

Discover the cutting-edge world of computing where quantum leaps and AI revolutions are reshaping the future of technology.

UNIVAC I: The Dawn of the Computer Age

UNIVAC I: The Dawn of the Computer Age

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

UNIVAC I revolutionized data processing as the first commercially produced electronic digital computer, marking a pivotal moment in the history of computing and business applications.

The Fast Inverse Square Root: Revolutionizing Calculations or Just Geeky Wizardry?

The Fast Inverse Square Root: Revolutionizing Calculations or Just Geeky Wizardry?

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

Ever wondered how a math trick speeds up computer graphics? Enter the fast inverse square root algorithm—an unsung hero in gaming since 1999.

The IBM 402: Punched Cards and the Dawn of the Data Age

The IBM 402: Punched Cards and the Dawn of the Data Age

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Dive into the world of the IBM 402, the monumental machine that bridged businesses to the future of data processing.

The IBM 402: The Machine That Revolutionized Data Processing

The IBM 402: The Machine That Revolutionized Data Processing

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

The IBM 402 revolutionized data processing in the 1940s with its unprecedented speed and versatility, paving the way for modern computing innovations.

Stop, Don't Press That Button! The Art and Science of Computer Shutdown

Stop, Don't Press That Button! The Art and Science of Computer Shutdown

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Shutting down a computer might seem like a mundane task, but it's intricately tied to maintaining system health and efficiency. Let's explore the historical evolution and importance of this daily digital ritual.

Exploring the Digital Dinosaur: A Look into TOPS-20

Exploring the Digital Dinosaur: A Look into TOPS-20

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

TOPS-20 was an operating system for PDP-10 computers, developed by Digital Equipment Corporation in the late 1970s. Known for its user-friendly command language and networking capabilities, it was a major player in the realm of academic and research computing.

TOPS-20: The Operating System That Defies Political Correctness

TOPS-20: The Operating System That Defies Political Correctness

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

Once upon a politically incorrect time in the daring world of tech giants, there was an operating system that embodied raw power and unflinching precision - the one and only TOPS-20. It emerged during a time of economic growth, dazzling users with its ambitious architecture and unapologetic functionality.

POWER5: The Engine Driving Change in Modern Computing

POWER5: The Engine Driving Change in Modern Computing

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Discover IBM's POWER5 microprocessor, a technological marvel that transformed computing since its 2004 debut, impacting industries from finance to scientific research. A testament to human ingenuity, it set a new standard in power efficiency and capability.

The Sunway TaihuLight: A Supercomputer Marvel

The Sunway TaihuLight: A Supercomputer Marvel

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

The Sunway TaihuLight supercomputer, once the fastest in the world, showcases China's technological prowess and impacts global computing dynamics.

Navigating the Membrane Maze: A Journey into the World of Membrane Keyboards

Navigating the Membrane Maze: A Journey into the World of Membrane Keyboards

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Discover the evolution and science behind the ubiquitous membrane keyboard, a silent hero in our digital interactions, notable for its affordability, versatility, and innovation.

The Great Disk Spin: Understanding Interleaving in Storage

The Great Disk Spin: Understanding Interleaving in Storage

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

In the world of spinning disks and whirring memories, interleaving transformed chaotic data into a streamlined masterpiece, paving the way for the seamless tech interactions we crave today.

The Forgotten Art of Interleaving: Why Modern Techies Miss the Point

The Forgotten Art of Interleaving: Why Modern Techies Miss the Point

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

This article highlights the forgotten technique of interleaving in computing, emphasizing its timeless principles of efficiency and resourcefulness in today's tech landscape.

The Rise of Virtual PCs: A New Era in Computing

The Rise of Virtual PCs: A New Era in Computing

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Virtual PCs are transforming computing by offering scalable, cost-effective, and secure solutions for businesses and individuals in a digital world.

The NEC Versa: A Blast from the Past

The NEC Versa: A Blast from the Past

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

The NEC Versa series revolutionized portable computing in the 1990s with its innovative modular design and emphasis on customization, paving the way for modern laptops.

The Vintage Voltage: A Dive into Vacuum-Tube Computers

The Vintage Voltage: A Dive into Vacuum-Tube Computers

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Vacuum-tube computers, born in the 1940s, revolutionized computing by using vacuum tubes instead of modern transistors. Though now considered antiquated, these machines played a crucial role in the progress of technology.

Unveiling the Beast: The Power Mac G5's Legacy

Unveiling the Beast: The Power Mac G5's Legacy

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

In 2003, Apple unveiled the Power Mac G5 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, a machine that not only looked like a masterpiece but marked a significant technological leap with its 64-bit processor.

Raon Digital: Pioneering Compact Computing Solutions with a Smile

Raon Digital: Pioneering Compact Computing Solutions with a Smile

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Explore the transformative impact of Raon Digital, a pioneering company in ultra-mobile PCs, blending scientific curiosity and innovative designs to change the landscape of computing.

The Monrobot XI: A Blast from the Past in Computing

The Monrobot XI: A Blast from the Past in Computing

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

The Monrobot XI, a 1960s transistorized computer, played a pivotal role in the evolution of computing technology, paving the way for modern digital advancements.

The Double Data Rate Dilemma: A Journey into Faster Tech

The Double Data Rate Dilemma: A Journey into Faster Tech

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Double Data Rate (DDR) memory, a vital part of modern computing, doubles data handling per clock cycle to boost speed. It's crucial for gaming, streaming, and creative work, but raises energy concerns.

The Double Data Rate Dilemma: Why Faster Isn't Always Better

The Double Data Rate Dilemma: Why Faster Isn't Always Better

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

This article critically examines the drawbacks of Double Data Rate (DDR) technology, highlighting issues such as cost, power consumption, compatibility, and security risks.

The Fascinating World of the Plugboard: Bridging Human Ingenuity and Mechanical Puzzles

The Fascinating World of the Plugboard: Bridging Human Ingenuity and Mechanical Puzzles

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

The enchanting mystery of the Plugboard unfolds, celebrating its role in WWII codebreaking and its influence on computing evolution. Let's explore how this unassuming tech marvel bridged dynamism and complexity.

The Tangled Web of Spooling: A Tech Tale

The Tangled Web of Spooling: A Tech Tale

KC Fairlight

KC Fairlight

Learn how spooling enhances computer efficiency by managing multiple tasks through temporary data storage, crucial for modern multitasking environments.

Spooling: Unraveling the Threads of Efficient Computing

Spooling: Unraveling the Threads of Efficient Computing

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

Discover the fascinating world of spooling, a key element that keeps our computers multitasking efficiently. From its origins to modern-day applications, learn how spooling seamlessly manages data and enhances user experiences.

10 Things About Spooling That Will Make Tech Buffs Sit Up and Pay Attention

10 Things About Spooling That Will Make Tech Buffs Sit Up and Pay Attention

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

Discover the underrated yet crucial role of spooling in the tech world, a process that has shaped how we efficiently multitask using computers today.