I'm rather surprised this thread hasn't brought up what has to be the most
complete, working order, and fully programmable of the remaining tube
machines. There are a couple of interesting systems in the process of
restoration, but for my money, the best of the running examples is the
Science Museum's (London's) Ferranti Pegasus. Unlike the Collosus replica,
this is an actual relic, and recognizably a programmable computer in the
modern sense. The Colossus and most of the later small systems are
pegboard programmed and therefore cannot alter their instructions in
flight. That Ferranti is demo'd regularly (though I never seem to be around
on the right day). I'm sure everyone can do their own Googling, but it a
pretty complete setup. I keep a loving photo of it in my office cubicle.
Thanks,
Colin Eby
Technical Architect
NR Performance Engineering
CSC
Show replies by date