The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the ENIAC, the world's first general-purpose electronic computer, which stood 10 feet tall, occupied 1,000 square feet, and weighed approximately 30 tons. It utilized over 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors, 6,000 switches, and 18,000 vacuum tubes, consuming 150 kilowatts of power. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the Russian Ekranoplan, a Ground Effect Vehicle developed by Rostislav Alekseev, which could travel over 400 km/h and weighed 540 tons fully loaded. The Ekranoplan was designed for military transport and could carry over 100 tonnes of cargo.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electronic components such as resistors and capacitors
  • Familiarity with the concept of Ground Effect Vehicles
  • Knowledge of military transport technologies
  • Basic historical context of computing technology development
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the technical specifications and historical significance of the ENIAC
  • Explore the design and operational principles of Ground Effect Vehicles
  • Investigate the military applications of the Ekranoplan
  • Learn about the evolution of computing technology post-ENIAC
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for historians, technology enthusiasts, and engineers interested in the evolution of computing and transport technologies, particularly those focused on military applications and early electronic devices.

  • #2,461
I give up, I don't know!
 
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  • #2,462
1946: Creation of the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) by P. Eckert and J Mauchly.The programming of this calculator is carried out while recablant between them, its various elements. Composed of 19000 tubes, it weighs 30 tons, occupies a surface of 72 m2 and consumes 140 kilowatts. Clock: 100 Khz. Speed: approximately 330 multiplications a second :

http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/rbm/mauchly/jwm0-1.html
 
  • #2,463
Anybody get deja vu?
 
  • #2,464
wolram said:
It was 10 feet tall, occupied 1,000 square feet of floor- space, weighed in at approximately 30 tons, and used more than 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors, 6,000 switches, and 18,000 vacuum tubes. The final machine required 150 kilowatts of power, which was enough to light a small town.
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what was it?
For all of that, it didn't have the horsepower of a programable hand calulator today.:bugeye:
 
  • #2,465
As claimed, it was a cross between that of Catherine Hepburn, Truman Capote, and Hal, the computer from the movie, 2001. What was it?
 
  • #2,466
Ivan Seeking said:
As claimed, it was a cross between that of Catherine Hepburn, Truman Capote, and Hal, the computer from the movie, 2001. What was it?

"Hello Clarice."
 
  • #2,467
Correct! It was the voice of Hannibal Lecter.

Personally, I think he should have thrown in a little Tom Snyder.
 
  • #2,468
This natural object gave someone the idea for parallel processing.
 
  • #2,469
zoobyshoe said:
This natural object gave someone the idea for parallel processing.
The brain?
 

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