Advent of Computing

The fascinating journey of the transistor unfolds, tracing back to the crystal radio detector and the development of semiconductors. Discover how important milestones, like the invention of the point-contact transistor and Shockley's bipolar junction transistor, transformed computing. Hear about the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors in radios and the groundbreaking TRADIC, the first transistorized computer. The discussion highlights the challenges and innovations that led to modern computing, showcasing the transistor's pivotal role in technology advancement.

Explore the fascinating evolution from vacuum tubes to the groundbreaking cryotron. Discover how Thomas Edison's thermionic emission sparked the creation of vacuum tubes, revolutionizing early computing. Uncover Lee de Forest's invention of the Audion triode, which amplified radio signals. Learn about John Atanasoff's pioneering work with vacuum tubes in binary computing. Tantalizingly, delve into the cryotron's promise of super efficiency, small size, yet face the challenges posed by cryogenics. History, innovation, and intrigue collide!

Explore the fascinating evolution of UNIX-like systems and how Linux emerged as a leader. Learn about the early contender, Coherent, which was a closed-source clone that shared many traits with UNIX. Discover the impact of AT&T's licensing constraints on software distribution, and how it helped foster an open-source culture. Delve into Coherent's origins, development on the PDP-11, and its capabilities, including multiuser support. Also, uncover the reasons behind its decline in the face of competition from BSD and Linux.

In this byte sized episode I take a look at a pack in that came with the first Macintosh. Along side Apple stickers, manuals, and the computer itself there was a single cassette tape labeled "A Guided Tour of the Macintosh". The purpose? It's a strange addition to the Mac's packing, but a great example of Apple's attention to detail and ingenuity. Like the show? Then why not head over and support me on Patreon. Perks include early access to future episodes, and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/adventofcomputing Important dates in this episode: 1984: A Guided Tour of the Macintosh Released

The podcast dives into the fascinating history of Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and its role in digital audio. Discover the groundbreaking work of Alec Reeves in 1937 that laid the groundwork for sound digitization. Explore the advantages and challenges of audio transmission from telegraphs to modern technology. Hear about the WWII-era SIGSALY system that used PCM for secure communication and its massive infrastructure demands. Finally, learn how early pioneers like Max Mathews pushed the boundaries of digital music synthesis.

Discover the unexpected collaboration between Apple and Microsoft that began with Applesoft BASIC. This software became essential for the Apple II, helping both companies thrive. Learn about Steve Wozniak’s role as he developed BASIC and improved the Apple II’s user experience. Explore the challenges Microsoft faced while adapting to the 6502 and how a crucial license agreement turned the tide for them. Uncover the legacy of Applesoft and its influence on the home computer market.

The 1980s were a turbulent and fast-moving decade for the video game industry. There were huge success stories, rapid advancements in technology, and the North American Video Game Crash. Caught up in all of this was an ambitious machine called the Vectrex. In an era dominated by pixelated graphics the Vectrex brought higher resolution vector images and early 3D to market. But ultimately it would be swept away during the market's crash. Today we are taking a dive into the development of the Vectrex, what made it different, and how it survives into the modern day. Like the show? Then why not head over and support me on Patreon. Perks include early access to future episodes, and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/adventofcomputing

Explore the fascinating roots of hyperlinks, tracing back to the 1930s concept of Memex—an ambitious machine that never came to life. Delve into the challenges of managing information, dating back to early U.S. Census efforts. Discover Vannevar Bush's pioneering ideas that envisioned machines reflecting human thought processes. Lastly, learn why Memex, despite its innovative design and potential for linking information, remained a dream, shaping future internet concepts instead.

The floppy disk is one of the most iconic pieces of technology. While not in use in the modern day there was a period of 40 years where the floppy disk was synonymous with data storage. Today we pick up where we finished in the last episode, with the rise and fall of the 5 1/4 inch disk. We will be looking at the creation and spread of the 3 1/2 inch floppy disk. How did Sony, a non-player in the computer market, create this run away success? And how did Apple contribute to it's rise? Like the show? Then why not head over and support me on Patreon. Perks include early access to future episodes, and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/adventofcomputing Important dates in this episode: 1980: Sony Invents Microfloppy Disk 1983: Apple Builds Prototype MAC with 3 1/2 Inch Floppy

The floppy disk was a ubiquitous technology for nearly 40 years. From mainframes to home computers, the plastic disk was everywhere. And in the decades it was around there were very few changes made to how it fundamentally worked. So how did it get so popular? What made the floppy disk so flexible? And how did it finally fall out of favor? In this episode we will look at the technology's early days. Like the show? Then why not head over and support me on Patreon. Perks include early access to future episodes, and stickers: https://www.patreon.com/adventofcomputing Important dates in this episode: 1971: 8 Inch Floppy Disk(Minnow) Created at IBM 1976: Shugart Invents 5 1/4 Inch Floppy Disk