The 36-Bit Computer That Refused to Become Obsolete
The Part That Changed the World
6,913 views
The PDP-10 was a 36-bit computer that was supposed to disappear decades ago.
DEC abandoned the architecture in 1983, as the computer industry moved toward 8-bit bytes and 32-bit systems. But the PDP-10 refused to die.
For decades, these machines powered universities, research labs, early online services, email, multiplayer games, digital typesetting, and some of the software that helped shape modern computing.
This is the story of the 36-bit computer that became obsolete — but somehow kept running.
From the PDP-6 and PDP-10 to CompuServe, ARPANET, TOPS-20, and the early culture of networked computing, this video explores why some technologies survive long after their creators have moved on.
Sometimes the technology that lasts isn't the newest.
It's the one people built too much of their world on top of.
#ComputerHistory #PDP10 #TechnologyHistory #DigitalHistory #Computing
6 Comments
Your knowledge, skills and money...
Then finally, your life.
The 36-Bit Computer That Refused to Become Obsolete
The Part That Changed the World
6,913 views
The PDP-10 was a 36-bit computer that was supposed to disappear decades ago.
DEC abandoned the architecture in 1983, as the computer industry moved toward 8-bit bytes and 32-bit systems. But the PDP-10 refused to die.
For decades, these machines powered universities, research labs, early online services, email, multiplayer games, digital typesetting, and some of the software that helped shape modern computing.
This is the story of the 36-bit computer that became obsolete — but somehow kept running.
From the PDP-6 and PDP-10 to CompuServe, ARPANET, TOPS-20, and the early culture of networked computing, this video explores why some technologies survive long after their creators have moved on.
Sometimes the technology that lasts isn't the newest.
It's the one people built too much of their world on top of.
#ComputerHistory #PDP10 #TechnologyHistory #DigitalHistory #Computing