Advent of Computing
Sean Haas
Welcome to Advent of Computing, the show that talks about the shocking, intriguing, and all too often relevant history of computing. A lot of little things we take for granted today have rich stories behind their creation, in each episode we will learn how older tech has lead to our modern world.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 27, 2019 • 6min
Episode 4.5 - Space Travel!
Exploring the untold story of a 1969 unreleased video game, Space Travel, and its impact on computing history. Delving into the significance of this game in influencing the development of Unix and operating systems for newer machines like the PDP-7.
12 snips
May 20, 2019 • 24min
Episode 4 - Unix for the People, Part 1
Explore the evolution of time-sharing systems and the challenges faced by early implementations like CTSS and Multics. Learn about the memory management and security features in Multics, and the impact of PLI on high-level programming. Delve into the delays and setbacks that led to the birth of Unix by former Bell Labs programmers.
May 5, 2019 • 27min
Episode 3 - Mythic Macintosh
Uncover the origins and impact of the iconic Macintosh computer, questioning Apple's innovation. Discover how the Macintosh GUI revolutionized computing and set new standards. Explore the controversial history of Windows development and the influence of Xerox Alto on GUI design.
7 snips
Apr 22, 2019 • 23min
Episode 2 - The Demo
Explore the revolutionary 1968 tech demo featuring graphical interfaces, early mouse, and internet. Learn about Vannevar Bush's memex vision and Doug Engelbart's NLS system. Delve into innovative devices like the mouse, key set, and advanced features of NLS such as Hypermedia and video conferencing.
8 snips
Apr 9, 2019 • 27min
Episode 1 - Folded Spindled and Mutilated
Explore the historical importance and influence of punch cards in early computing, from their role in data storage to the evolution of tabulating machines. Discover how punch cards revolutionized the US census process and the development of IBM punch cards. Learn about the impact of user error on punch card machines, including their role in the controversial 2000 US presidential election.
