The World's Largest Computer in 1951

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical and technical aspects of significant machines and vehicles, including the ENIAC computer and the Russian Ekranoplan. Participants engage in a quiz-like format, posing questions and providing hints about various inventions, their specifications, and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the ENIAC, detailing its size, weight, components, and power consumption, while noting its limited processing power compared to modern devices.
  • Another participant identifies the ENIAC as the machine described in the previous post.
  • Participants discuss a large vehicle that weighs 540 tons, can travel over land and water, and is hinted to be built in Russia, leading to speculation about its identity.
  • Some participants propose that the vehicle in question is the Russian Ekranoplan, explaining its design and operational principles related to ground effect.
  • There is a discussion about a vehicle that achieved over 188 miles per gallon, with participants speculating on its type and historical significance, including a mention of a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 1908.
  • One participant describes a crude device involving a wooden stand, a funnel, acid, and copper wire, prompting further questions about its purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of some machines, particularly the vehicle that achieved high fuel efficiency, as various guesses and clarifications are made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of some inventions and their historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifications and classifications of the vehicles discussed, particularly regarding the Ekranoplan's operational capabilities and the fuel efficiency claims of the motorcycle.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of computing, engineering innovations, and the evolution of vehicle technology may find this discussion engaging.

  • #541
Evo said:
petroleum jelly
Better late than never...
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #542
DAMN IT! I had something in my eye AND I didn't google it either. :devil:

Do you know what a nut Cheseborough was? Cutting and burning himself to test the healing powers?
 
  • #543
So...what'cha talkin about?
 
  • #544
Not fair! :cry: I know this worthless trivia because I do not have a life, and I'm old, and slow.

(oooh, could ban MK, then I would have a fighting chance) :-p
 
  • #545
Ok, I guess its my turn. Lemme think of one.
 
  • #546
Evo said:
Do you know what a nut Cheseborough was? Cutting and burning himself to test the healing powers?
No, I didn't read any more than the rod wax/vaseline part and posted my quetion.
 
  • #547
yyeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh....
 
  • #548
Evo said:
Not fair! :cry: I know this worthless trivia because I do not have a life, and I'm old, and slow.

(oooh, could ban MK, then I would have a fighting chance) :-p
I often wonder if MK is another PF member in disquise.[/size]
 
  • #549
yomamma said:
yyeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh....
The game is called "What was it?"

Someone gives a clue or two and the rest guess and google as fast as they can to get the right answer. If you get it right you give the next clues. It is traditionally an invention of some sort.

MK is now thinking of some new clues.
 
  • #550
hhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm...
 
  • #551
MK, we're waiting!
 
  • #552
Mk!
 
  • #553
"inserts jeopardy music"
 
  • #554
do de do do do de do, do de do da deeee, da-da-da-do de da do do de da, da da do do de da, do.
 
  • #555
Talk about a hot thread! If someone doesn't post for twenty minutes everyone starts getting hostile!

Now post damnit!

:biggrin:
 
  • #556
uuuuhhhhh... :rolleyes:
 
  • #557
This guy was the first to put this stuff in a tube. What was it, who was he and when?
 
  • #558
This is probably the stupidest clue evr... GOOGLE SAYS NOTHING RELEVANT!
 
  • #559
zoobyshoe said:
This guy was the first to put this stuff in a tube. What was it, who was he and when?
Toothpaste?
 
  • #560
Moonbear said:
Toothpaste?
3 part quetion
 
  • #561
Toothpaste in a tube first done by Washington Sheffield in 1892.
 
  • #562
zoobyshoe said:
3 part quetion
Pfft...nobody answered the second part of my question before continuing on before. (Okay, I was still googling...the first part I got without google.)
 
  • #563
Correct!...
 
  • #564
'kay, moonbear's up!
 
  • #565
A company exports the largest percentage of beef from the U.S. It shares its name with an American supermodel, what is his father's race?
 
  • #566
What I thought I was up! After getting it before Evo. This thread moves fast.
 
  • #567
Christian?
 
  • #568
That's okay MK, I'm still looking for a good one, so you can go ahead of me here.
 
  • #569
I've had enough, I got one

In ---- he reached the London Regional Final of the Times crossword competition, where his score was one of the highest recorded by an American. He was a famous logicion and philosipher. Who was he?
 
  • #570
Mk said:
A company exports the largest percentage of beef from the U.S. It shares its name with an American supermodel, what is his father's race?
Need more clues. (Also:Did you really mean to say "his" father's race?)
 

Similar threads

Is Alan Turing given too much credit when it comes to computers?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
How to compute flexure and failure loads of acrylic sheets
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
15K