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.

  • #1,201
I figured that, Risk, or Chess of course.

18436572
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #1,202
Ivan Seeking said:
18436572
Is that a clue?!?
 
  • #1,203
Moonbear said:
Is that a clue?!?

yes. :biggrin:
 
  • #1,204
we need more clues...too much stuff on google
 
  • #1,205
How to "see the USA"
 
  • #1,206
Ivan Seeking said:
How to "see the USA"
I've never driven down there, but are those highway numbers?
 
  • #1,207
Danger said:
I've never driven down there, but are those highway numbers?

No. I learned this in high school.
 
  • #1,208
Firing order for a v-8 engine?
 
  • #1,209
grrrr...I was going to say that...
 
  • #1,210
TheStatutoryApe said:
Firing order for a v-8 engine?

That's it!
 
  • #1,211
APE?! i's your turn!
 
  • #1,212
Just looking for something interesting to ask about.

This person has been credited as the first computer programer though the program this person concieved was never used.

I hope this one is a bit more difficult.
 
  • #1,213
The good sir Babbage
 
  • #1,214
Ivan Seeking said:
The good sir Babbage
Getting warm there but no.
 
  • #1,215
Augusta Ada King
 
  • #1,216
An interesting aside: One of Babbages descendents is a customer of mine.
 
  • #1,217
Ivan Seeking said:
An interesting aside: One of Babbages descendents is a customer of mine.
Does Babbage eat cabbage?
 
  • #1,218
OMG! Augusta Ada King! APE!?
 
  • #1,219
Does Babbage eat cabbage?

Boy...you know...I never thought to ask. :biggrin:

So, programmers. Galileo?
 
  • #1,220
Does somebody want to go ahead while we wait for an answer from TheStatutoryApe?
 
  • #1,221
I will since I missed my last one.. give me a minute
 
  • #1,222
okay, nobody in the great thread of riddleness can get one. if nobody gets it here I'll just give it away

I don't think you'll find it on google:

Curved when I'm small
Flat when I'm all
Infanite is all
big, wide and tall

I extend in three directions
a paridox of perplexions

What am I?
 
  • #1,223
yomamma said:
What am I?
Space? 10
 
  • #1,224
no, not space...


think about lines 2&3 carefully
 
  • #1,225
Well come on yomamma, how about another clue?
 
  • #1,226
yomamma said:
OMG! Augusta Ada King! APE!?
Yes correct.
Sorry I had to go again.
 
  • #1,227
Ivan Seeking said:
Well come on yomamma, how about another clue?
okay...it's VERY related to our smileys. but it has a special characteristic that the smileys don't
 
  • #1,228
Okay, how about giving it up and pick a new one?
 
  • #1,229
k you go ivan
 
  • #1,230
What was it?
 

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