Abstract:Despite their temporal proximity, the technologies of the early computers are far from us. Yet, they are part of the history of science and technology, and they deserve to be studied and popularized. Being machines made to run software programs, they should be exhibited running. Unfortunately, old machines still in working condition are extremely rare. Restoring or rebuilding an old computer is a hard, expensive task: the original components are rare, and the technology is forgotten and sometimes lost. The res… Show more
“…The MR was dismantled in late 1958 to reuse its electronic components in a second computer: no relics of the very first Italian computer survived. The simulator was developed starting from the retrieved blueprints and technical reports: today it makes possible to see the MR running again [12]. With such a background, the MR simulator is a set piece of the educational activities of the Museum.…”
“…The MR was dismantled in late 1958 to reuse its electronic components in a second computer: no relics of the very first Italian computer survived. The simulator was developed starting from the retrieved blueprints and technical reports: today it makes possible to see the MR running again [12]. With such a background, the MR simulator is a set piece of the educational activities of the Museum.…”
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