Computers in the 1960's

By ShelbyRoberta

  • Digital Equipment Corporation creates PDP - 1

    Digital Equipment Corporation creates PDP - 1
    Designed by Benjamin Gurley the PDP-1 was the first solida state digital computer designed to focus on human to human interaction rather than efficient use of cycles. It was also designed to work with a variety of inputs and outputs including typewriter, light pen, and magnetic tape. The cost for this early computer was $120,000.
    Sources:
    https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/
    https://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Electronic/PDP-1.html

  • IBM creates 7030 "Stretch"

    IBM creates 7030 "Stretch"
    This computer was top of the line in the 7000 series and was first to use transistors. The 7030 played a large role in the concept and design of IBM System/360. Major scientific companies and labs were the main purchasers of Stretch as it had the fastest speed, large memory, and multiprogramming capabilities. Gene Amdahl and Stephen Dunwell worked together in the earlier days of creation, until Dunwell was asked to lead the project in 1955.
    Source:https://people.cs.clemson.edu/~mark/stretch.html

  • MIT introduces LINC

    MIT introduces LINC
    MIT's engineer Wesley Clark lead the design of the LINX. This computer is an early example of today's personal computer. This can be seen as research faculty from around the United States went to MIT to build their own LINX and take it back to their facilities. There were only 50 original LINCs ever made.
    Source:
    https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/

  • CDC 6600 Supercomputer

    CDC 6600 Supercomputer
    The supercomputer, designed by Seymore Cray at the Control Data Corporation, was three times as fast as its closest competitor the 7030 Stretch. The CDC 6600 could perform 3 million instructions per second or 40 MHz. This speed could be in part attributed to its 400,00 transistors and 100 miles of hand wiring.
    Source:
    https://www.hpe.com/us/en/insights/articles/a-super-fast-history-of-supercomputers-from-the-cdc-6600-to-the-sunway-taihulight-1711.html

  • Nova Minicomputer

    Nova Minicomputer
    With 32KB of memory for $8,000 the Nova Minicomputer might be the 1960's closest relative to the computers we all use today. Ed de Castro, who left DEC and helped start Data General, was the device's main designer. The Nova line of computers would later influence other major tech advancements such as Xerox Alto or Apple 1.
    Sources:https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/