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This not for profit web site is dedicated to all those who designed, manufactured, marketed, programmed, and maintained mainframe
and time sharing computer systems during this exciting formative period.
"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future
but by the past". Edward
Gibbon (1737-1794) 18th Century British historian and the author of "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."
The purpose of the site is to provide information of a historical and
educational value about the development of mainframe and time sharing computers, their impact on information technology as
we know it today, and an appreciation of the many contributions made by those pioneers who helped create the modern world
of information technology.
Starting with the first generation of mainframe computers and through
the use of extensive web site links, you are invited to learn not only about mainframe computer hardware and software, but
exactly how both early and modern state-of-the-art computers work. And as you work your way through the site, the magic of
web linking will maximize your learning experience making it possible to gain an understanding of computers not otherwise
possible.
It has been my experience, particularly working with first time computer
users that, through no fault of their own, they are often constrained by having only a limited access to computer information
of a historical nature. This is somewhat akin to having access to American History starting in the year 1920 instead of beginning
with the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
So my intent here is to correct what I consider to be a significant computer
knowledge gap by giving visitors a comprehensive look at the industry as it matured during it's formative "golden years".
And in so doing, you will learn that a great many hardware and highly
sophisticated operating systems advances found in today's minicomputers and desktop computers actually originated long
ago during this very formative period.
Without the achievements made by pioneers during these
golden years, we would not have the incredible array of desktop and laptop computers, graphics, multimedia, and the
countless other information technology products available today.
So Let us never forget that their achievements made the wonders we enjoy today possible.
Note:
Before you leave the site, don't forget to visit the "Link and Learn"
page. There you will find numerous links to websites that are abundant with historical information and other helpful resources .
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