30 May
2001
30 May
'01
4:02 a.m.
On Wed, 30 May 2001, John Honniball wrote:
I've just been reading "Computer: A History
of the
Information Machine", by Martin Campbell-Kelly and WIlliam
Aspray. It mentions the Altair 8800 (on page 240) and
describes the front panel:
When loaded, the program would run; but the only evidence
of its execution was the change in the shifting pattern of
the neon bulbs on the front.
Neon bulbs? Did the Altair really have neon bulbs on the
front panel? I would have expected LEDs -- can anyone
clarify this, please?
No.
"Computer" was one of the most (if not THE most) poorly researched books
on computer history I've ever read. It contained numerous factual errors,
such as the one above.
The authors obviously didn't take the time to do any fact checking or
proof-reading. Because of this, their book could be considered unreliable
drivel. I certainly wouldn't use it as the basis for any research.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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