Stories with Tag British Computing

• A technical history of Acorn Computers

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  Posted: 2025-03-10 14:35:05

  Verbose tl;dr

  Acorn Computers, born from a Cambridge-based electronics shop, evolved from early microcomputers like the System 1 to the iconic BBC Micro, fueled by a partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation. This success spurred further development, including the ARM architecture, born from the Acorn RISC Machine project, and the Archimedes range utilizing this new processor. Despite innovative designs like the Acorn RISC PC and the Network Computer, Acorn struggled against the growing dominance of the PC market. Ultimately, Acorn transitioned into ARM Ltd, focusing solely on the increasingly successful ARM processor design, leaving behind its legacy of influential computers and its profound impact on the UK computing landscape.

  This extensive online resource meticulously chronicles the technical evolution of Acorn Computers Ltd., a British company that played a pivotal role in the personal computer revolution, particularly in the UK. The narrative begins with Acorn's humble beginnings in 1978, originating from a Cambridge-based electronics consultancy named CPU (Cambridge Processor Unit). The site details the initial projects undertaken by CPU, laying the groundwork for Acorn's subsequent emergence.

  The narrative progresses through Acorn's early microcomputer systems, starting with the Acorn System 1, a kit-based machine designed for hobbyists. The subsequent System 2, System 3, and System 4 are discussed, emphasizing their incremental advancements in hardware capabilities and design. The piece then delves into the Atom, highlighting its significance as a more polished and commercially viable product, powered by the 6502 processor. This discussion includes details of the Atom's architecture, expansion capabilities, and its role in establishing Acorn's foothold in the burgeoning personal computer market.

  A significant portion of the history focuses on the BBC Microcomputer, arguably Acorn's most iconic creation. The story unfolds with the BBC's Computer Literacy Project and Acorn's winning bid to produce the educational machine that would become synonymous with a generation of British computer users. The site painstakingly details the technical specifications of the BBC Micro, including its MOS Technology 6502 processor, sophisticated video capabilities, and its innovative use of a second processor, the Ferranti ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array). The various models of the BBC Micro, including the Model A, Model B, and the later Model B+, are examined, highlighting their distinct features and enhancements.

  The narrative then transitions to the Acorn Electron, a cost-reduced version of the BBC Micro aimed at the home market. The Electron's design compromises and its eventual fate are explored. The subsequent rise of the Acorn Archimedes range is discussed, emphasizing its revolutionary use of the ARM (Acorn RISC Machine) processor, a groundbreaking architecture that would go on to dominate the mobile computing landscape. The architecture of the Archimedes, its operating system (RISC OS), and its performance advantages are examined in detail.

  The later years of Acorn are also covered, including the development of the A3000, A4000, A5000, and Risc PC series of computers. The site details the evolving ARM processors used in these machines, the advancements in RISC OS, and the changing market dynamics that influenced Acorn's strategic decisions. The eventual shift in Acorn's focus towards the ARM processor business, culminating in the formation of ARM Holdings, is also chronicled.

  The site’s comprehensive approach includes numerous photographs, diagrams, and technical specifications of the various Acorn systems, providing a rich and detailed picture of their evolution. The narrative effectively captures the innovative spirit of Acorn Computers, its contribution to the personal computer industry, and the enduring legacy of the ARM processor. The document serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of computing, particularly the pivotal role played by Acorn Computers in shaping the technology we use today.

  • Acorn Computers
  • BBC Micro
  • Arm
  • RISC OS
  • British Computing
  • Retrocomputing
  • computer history
  • technology history
  • Acorn Archimedes
  • Electron
  • Atom
  • A3000
  • A5000

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43321131

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the linked history of Acorn Computers, praising its comprehensiveness and detailed technical information. Several commenters reminisce about their experiences with Acorn machines, particularly the BBC Micro and Archimedes, highlighting their role in the UK's computing history and education. Some discuss the innovative features of Acorn's RISC architecture and its influence on ARM processors. Others mention Acorn's business struggles and the eventual dominance of x86, while acknowledging the company's lasting legacy through ARM. A few users also share personal anecdotes about using Acorn machines for programming, gaming, and even running small businesses. The overall sentiment is one of nostalgia and appreciation for Acorn's contributions to the computing world.

  The Hacker News post titled "A technical history of Acorn Computers" sparked a lively discussion with several insightful comments. Many users reminisced about their experiences with Acorn machines, highlighting their influence and innovation.

  One commenter shared a personal anecdote about their school acquiring a BBC Micro and how it ignited their passion for programming. They fondly recalled the excitement of using the machine and the impact it had on their career trajectory. This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed similar formative experiences with Acorn computers, emphasizing the accessibility and educational value of the platform.

  Another commenter delved into the technical aspects of the Acorn Archimedes, praising its advanced RISC architecture and the innovative ARM processor. They highlighted the forward-thinking design of the Archimedes and how it paved the way for the ubiquitous ARM processors found in countless devices today. This point sparked further discussion about the technical merits of Acorn's designs and their lasting legacy in the computing world.

  The conversation also touched upon the business aspects of Acorn, with some commenters lamenting the company's eventual decline and acquisition. They discussed the challenges Acorn faced in competing with larger players in the market and speculated on alternative paths the company could have taken.

  Several users mentioned the role of the BBC Micro in the UK education system and its impact on a generation of programmers and computer enthusiasts. They discussed the educational software available for the platform and how it fostered a culture of learning and experimentation.

  Some commenters also pointed out the influence of Acorn on the development of the RISC-V architecture, drawing parallels between the design philosophies of both. They discussed the open-source nature of RISC-V and its potential to carry on the legacy of Acorn's innovative approach to computer architecture.

  Overall, the comments section paints a picture of Acorn as a highly influential company with a dedicated following. The users' recollections and technical insights provide a valuable perspective on Acorn's contributions to the computing world and its lasting impact on the industry.

• Colossus, the first large-scale electronic computer

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  Posted: 2025-02-04 16:22:18

  Verbose tl;dr

  Colossus, built at Bletchley Park during World War II, was the world's first large-scale, programmable, electronic digital computer. Its purpose was to break the complex Lorenz cipher used by the German High Command. Unlike earlier code-breaking machines, Colossus used thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) for high-speed processing and could be programmed electronically via switches and plugboards, enabling it to perform boolean operations and count patterns at a significantly faster rate. This dramatically reduced the time required to decipher Lorenz messages, providing crucial intelligence to the Allied forces. Though top-secret for decades after the war, Colossus's innovative design and impact on computing history are now recognized.

  The website details the fascinating history of Colossus Mark 1 and Mark 2, groundbreaking machines developed at Bletchley Park during World War II to cryptanalyze the Lorenz-encrypted messages of the German High Command. Unlike earlier code-breaking efforts focused on the Enigma machine, Colossus tackled the significantly more complex Lorenz cipher, which employed a twelve-rotor cipher machine known as the Schlüsselzusatz SZ40 and SZ42, nicknamed "Tunny" by the British. This cipher presented a substantially greater challenge due to its pseudo-random key generation and complex wheel arrangements.

  The development of Colossus was spurred by the crucial need to decrypt these high-level German communications, which carried vital strategic intelligence. Max Newman, a brilliant mathematician, recognized the potential for automating the cryptanalysis process and proposed a statistical approach to breaking the Lorenz cipher. This led to the development of the "Heath Robinson," an initial attempt at an electronic code-breaking machine, which, while proving the concept, suffered from limitations in speed and reliability due to its dependence on two synchronized paper tapes.

  To overcome these limitations, Tommy Flowers, a seasoned electronics engineer at the Post Office Research Station at Dollis Hill, was brought into the project. Flowers, demonstrating remarkable engineering prowess and foresight, designed and constructed Colossus Mark 1, a radically improved machine utilizing over 1,500 vacuum tubes (thermionic valves) for high-speed electronic processing. This innovation represented a paradigm shift in computing, marking a pivotal transition from electromechanical devices to fully electronic computation. Colossus Mark 1 was operational by December 1943 and dramatically accelerated the decryption of Lorenz messages, providing invaluable intelligence to the Allied war effort.

  Building upon the success of Mark 1, an enhanced version, Colossus Mark 2, was developed and became operational on June 1st, 1944, just days before D-Day. Mark 2 incorporated significant improvements, including 2,400 vacuum tubes, a five-fold increase in processing speed through the implementation of shift registers, and enhanced flexibility through programmable logic. This increased processing power significantly reduced the time required to break the Lorenz cipher, allowing for near real-time decryption of high volumes of German communications. By the end of the war, ten Colossus Mark 2 machines were in operation at Bletchley Park, playing a critical role in providing timely and actionable intelligence to the Allied forces.

  The existence of Colossus and its pivotal role in the war effort remained shrouded in secrecy for decades after the conflict, primarily due to its sensitive nature and the ongoing Cold War. The innovative technology and engineering feats embodied in Colossus were, therefore, largely unknown to the public and even to much of the scientific community for an extended period. The eventual declassification of information about Colossus in the 1970s revealed its true significance as the world's first large-scale, programmable electronic digital computer, a revolutionary achievement that profoundly impacted the trajectory of computing technology. Its development marked a monumental leap forward in the history of computing, paving the way for the digital age that followed.

  • Colossus
  • Colossus Mark 1
  • Colossus Mark 2
  • Bletchley Park
  • World War II
  • Cryptography
  • Codebreaking
  • Lorenz Cipher
  • Tunny
  • Electronic Computer
  • Digital Computer
  • Vacuum Tubes
  • History of Computing
  • British Computing
  • Tommy Flowers

  Summary of Comments ( 9 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42934434

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss Colossus's significance as the first programmable electronic digital computer, contrasting it with ENIAC, which was re-wired for each task. Several highlight Tommy Flowers' crucial role in its design and construction. Some discuss the secrecy surrounding Colossus during and after the war, impacting public awareness of its existence and contribution to computing history. Others mention the challenges of wartime technology and the impressive speed improvements Colossus offered over previous decryption methods. A few commenters share resources like the Colossus rebuild project and personal anecdotes about visiting the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.

  The Hacker News post "Colossus, the first large-scale electronic computer," linking to an article about the Colossus Mark 1 and 2, sparked a relatively short but informative discussion thread. Several commenters focused on clarifying the historical context and significance of Colossus in relation to other early computing machines.

  One commenter emphasized that while Colossus was undoubtedly a pioneering electronic digital computer, its specialized nature for code-breaking distinguishes it from general-purpose machines like ENIAC. They highlighted that Colossus wasn't designed for stored programs and thus lacked the flexibility of later computers. This point was echoed by others, who pointed out that Colossus's program was hardwired, requiring physical rewiring for different tasks, unlike the more adaptable ENIAC.

  The discussion also touched upon the secrecy surrounding Colossus. One comment explained how its classified nature, maintained for decades after World War II, contributed to ENIAC's prominence in the public perception of early computing history. This secrecy, it was suggested, obscured Colossus's significant contributions and allowed ENIAC to claim the title of "first" in many accounts.

  Another commenter contributed by detailing the specific type of valves (tubes) used in Colossus – thyratrons – and contrasted their function with the more common thermionic valves found in other early computers. They explained how thyratrons were better suited for high-speed switching applications.

  Further discussion delved into the reconstruction of a Colossus Mark 2 at the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park. A commenter mentioned their personal experience of seeing the rebuilt machine in operation, emphasizing the impressive scale and complexity of the device despite its relatively limited computational capabilities compared to modern standards.

  Finally, one comment mentioned Tommy Flowers, the chief engineer behind Colossus, highlighting his significant contribution to the project. Another user added a link to Flowers' Wikipedia page for those interested in learning more about him.

  While not a lengthy or highly debated thread, the comments on this Hacker News post offer valuable insights into the historical context of Colossus, its technical specifications, its role in World War II, and its place within the broader narrative of early computing history. They correct common misconceptions, add technical details, and offer personal anecdotes that enrich the understanding of this important machine.