Sunday, February 06, 2011

How far we have come!

For those that remember, in October, I wrote a week long series on embedded programming.  Well I came across a video this week which I found fascinating.  It is from 1963, and in the video we learn of a new development in computer science called time-sharing which allows multiple users to use a computer simultaneously.

I found it interesting because what is described is essentially the first multitasking operating system.  That terminology isn’t used in the video, I believe the spokesperson calls the operating system a “supervisor” program which manages the memory requirements and resources for multiple users.

It’s a fascinating glimpse at history and it renews my awe with respect to how far we have come in the design of computers.

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