Image of a 1973 multi-mini computer database server

[rcgldr]

This was an advanced system at the time (1973), my first programming job. Multiple HP 2100 mini-computers (1 is HP 2116), each computer mult-tasking, a database server for 160 users at the time I left the company. Underneath each mini-computers is a 10 MB hard drive used to queue messages between computers, and ten 80 MB disk pack type disk drives. On top is a multiplexor for dedicated telephone lines and a paper tape photo reader (600 characters per second). I couldn't find the image for the other side of the room that had more stuff.

 

[hutchphd]

I remember using the Wang 700 with nixie tube display for Lab work as undergrad. Almost turned me into a Computer Geek. Happily (for me) the physics force was stronger

 

[rcgldr]

I used a Wang 720C in 1972 that had a type ball printer that could be used as a plotter since the paper feed drum could move up or down. Wrote a cassette tape loader that would load a program via a number entered by the user. To minimize memory, it used a call to the routine that would do a load and execute that would repeat until a matching number was found, then return to a load and execute, so only using 2 instruction spaces for the call and the load and execute. In high school, we had a Monrobot (drum memory) in 1967, then an IBM 1130 (conventional mini-computer) in 1968 to 1970, plus Saturday sessions at an IBM data center in Los Angeles using low end IBM 360 mainframes. I also spent some time in 1969 and 1970 at a CDC data center, mostly 3150, and got to see a 6600 in action (it had a cool vector graphics monitor), got to run a couple of programs on the 6600 when there was an open time slot.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It's come to this. A bunch of old guys talking about how they used their Wangs in the old days. <sigh>