The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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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.

  • #631
OMFG! spray!
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #632
yomamma said:
I have no idea what DDT is, but it's probably not. aero
DEET's not DDT.
 
  • #633
I don't know what either of those are! I've given you aero can and spray, FIGURE IT OUT!
 
  • #634
yomamma said:
I have no idea what DDT is, but it's probably not. aero
More clues please.
 
  • #635
Aero can sprays mechanically air freshener repellant
 
  • #636
:smile: Hmm..yomamma, do you think you can spell it out for us? Okay, I'll bite, aerosol can.

But I'm still trying to think of a clever next clue.
 
  • #637
OMFG finally. I gave you all those hints just scattered
 
  • #638
yomamma said:
anyway,

Invented in 1927 to help kill mosquitoes carrying malaria during WWII.
So, in 1927 they already knew there would be a WWII? Why didn't they just kill Hitler, instead of working on the coming mosquito problem?
 
  • #639
I copied t off of a website, it's not mine
 
  • #640
Okay...I almost have the next clue ready...just confirming some details first.
 
  • #641
Shut up :frown:
 
  • #642
People should have a supply of clues ready in case they guess right so they can throw them right out and people don't have to wait.
 
  • #643
I do :biggrin:
 
  • #644
Besides, Evo, how could anyone ever get a single one of the technical things Ivan posts without googling?
 
  • #645
yahooing or askjeevesing
 
  • #646
yomamma said:
yahooing or askjeevesing
That's right and if moonbar doesn't post soon I'm going to go to a different thread or watch TV.
 
  • #647
I'm watching the daily show :biggrin:
 
  • #648
Okay, in the spirit of a somewhat google proof clue, a Highlander might store this in a flask of the same name. Two-part answer required: 1) What is the item being stored? 2) By what name is the flask more commonly known?
 
  • #649
zoobyshoe said:
That's right and if moonbar doesn't post soon I'm going to go to a different thread or watch TV.
Yeesh! Such impatience! Sorry, I thought I had a clue lined up, but my first idea didn't hold up to google scrutiny. :redface:
 
  • #650
Estimation of zoobie's answer
1) beer
2)drunkbucket
 
  • #651
lol I went out and people turned vicious!

A company started in Daegu, Korea. They are now mainly an electronics company, after sugar production failed. They got permission to build half of what huge structure in the southern hemisphere?
 
  • #652
I noticed Moonbear's question. Hmm, it looks difficult.
 
  • #653
Mk said:
lol I went out and people turned vicious!

A company started in Daegu, Korea. They are now mainly an electronics company, after sugar production failed. They got permission to build half of what huge structure in the southern hemisphere?
Hey! I already have a question on the table here. :-p
 
  • #654
Come see moonbear and Mk take it out on each other. Bets are no less that $25!
 
  • #655
Mk said:
I noticed Moonbear's question. Hmm, it looks difficult.
I hope so...I need some time to breathe and respond to other threads while you're figuring it out. :biggrin:
 
  • #656
:zzz: goodnight, I'm going to sleep. and by going to sleep, I mean staying up until 2:00 AM watching tv
 
  • #657
Moonbear said:
Okay, in the spirit of a somewhat google proof clue, a Highlander might store this in a flask of the same name. Two-part answer required: 1) What is the item being stored? 2) By what name is the flask more commonly known?
1) Curses
2) Pandora's Box

:frown: Maybe.
 
  • #658
Is it the highlander's touch that contains the elixer of life?
 
  • #659
1) Some sort of alcholic drink?

1) Poison?
 
  • #660
Huckleberry wins?
 
Last edited:

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