30 Jan
1999
30 Jan
'99
4:38 a.m.
Derek Peschel wrote:
This is a borderline off-topic area, since there are other mailing lists for
the purpose. Also, mechanical calculators are certainly computers, but
they're special-purpose and nonprogrammable. But I might as well spread
useful information.
I'd hate to see discrimination in computing technology pervade this
list.
Many electromechanical systems are programmable and we have a number
in our collection. History will note the AT&T relay systems, the Zuse
machines, Harvard MK I and descendants and many many others.
Many electromechanical accounting machines are programmable within
the constraints of the commonly accepted definition of computors and
data processing equipment and some even have combined program and data
stores (although not VonNeumann).
Inquiries regarding something which appears to be more than just a
desk calculator shouldn't be discouraged here (I would hope).
Michael Grigoni
Cybertheque Museum