Difference between revisions of "LINC"
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| − | The '''LINC (Laboratory INstrument Computer)''' was a early small computer (considered by many to be the first minicomputer), designed for use in laboratory environments (initially in biomedical research). The goal was to provide a computer for exclusive use by a single user; it is thus considered by many to be an important forerunner to the personal computer. | + | The '''LINC (Laboratory INstrument Computer)''' was a early small computer (considered by many to be the first [[minicomputer]]), designed for use in laboratory environments (initially in biomedical research), and a distant descendent of the [[Whirlwind]] computer. The goal was to provide a computer for exclusive use by a single user; it is thus considered by many to be an important forerunner to the [[personal computer]]. |
| − | It provided real time capabilities, along with analog input, a small video screen, and a pair of small tape | + | It provided real time capabilities, along with [[analog]] input, a small [[video display]] screen, and a pair of small [[magnetic tape drive]]s called [[LINC tape]]s (the latter being an integral part of the machine, not an optional [[peripheral]]). It was a 12-bit computer, built out of [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]] [[System Module|System Building Blocks]]. The initial version had only 1024 words of [[core memory]]; it was later expanded to 2048 words. |
| − | It was designed starting in 1960 by Wesley A. Clark (who conceived of the basic concept of the machine); he had considerable design assistance from Charles Molnar. The prototype first ran in Match of 1962; the first batch of machines were completed in a workshop for their eventual users held in the summer of 1963. | + | It was designed starting in 1960 by [[Wesley A. Clark]] (who conceived of the basic concept of the machine); he had considerable design assistance from Charles Molnar. The prototype first ran in Match of 1962; the first batch of machines were completed in a workshop for their eventual users held in the summer of 1963. |
| − | The project started at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, then moved to MIT itself in January 1963 (because a switch to funding from NIH didn't interact well with Lincoln Labs' Air Force funding); after a big political fight at MIT over control, the project moved out to Washington University in St. Louis in the summer of 1964. | + | The project started at [[MIT]]'s [[Lincoln Laboratory]], then moved to MIT itself in January 1963 (because a switch to funding from NIH didn't interact well with Lincoln Labs' Air Force funding); after a big political fight at MIT over control, the project moved out to Washington University in St. Louis in the summer of 1964. |
| − | It was originally named the 'Linc', from the project's origins, but was re-named to 'LINC'. | + | It was originally named the '''Linc''', from the project's origins, but was re-named to 'LINC'. |
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
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* Severo M. Ornstein, "Computing in the Middle Ages" | * Severo M. Ornstein, "Computing in the Middle Ages" | ||
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| + | ==External links== | ||
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| + | * [https://www.digibarn.com/stories/linc/documents/LINC-Personal-Workstation/LINC-Personal-Workstation.pdf The LINC Was Early and Small] - lengthy personal memoir by Wesley Clark; also covers the [[TX-0]] | ||
[[Category: Minicomputers]] | [[Category: Minicomputers]] | ||
[[Category: Personal Computers]] | [[Category: Personal Computers]] | ||
Revision as of 15:18, 12 March 2021
The LINC (Laboratory INstrument Computer) was a early small computer (considered by many to be the first minicomputer), designed for use in laboratory environments (initially in biomedical research), and a distant descendent of the Whirlwind computer. The goal was to provide a computer for exclusive use by a single user; it is thus considered by many to be an important forerunner to the personal computer.
It provided real time capabilities, along with analog input, a small video display screen, and a pair of small magnetic tape drives called LINC tapes (the latter being an integral part of the machine, not an optional peripheral). It was a 12-bit computer, built out of DEC System Building Blocks. The initial version had only 1024 words of core memory; it was later expanded to 2048 words.
It was designed starting in 1960 by Wesley A. Clark (who conceived of the basic concept of the machine); he had considerable design assistance from Charles Molnar. The prototype first ran in Match of 1962; the first batch of machines were completed in a workshop for their eventual users held in the summer of 1963.
The project started at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, then moved to MIT itself in January 1963 (because a switch to funding from NIH didn't interact well with Lincoln Labs' Air Force funding); after a big political fight at MIT over control, the project moved out to Washington University in St. Louis in the summer of 1964.
It was originally named the Linc, from the project's origins, but was re-named to 'LINC'.
Further reading
Considerable detail about the development of the LINC is given in:
- Severo M. Ornstein, "Computing in the Middle Ages"
External links
- The LINC Was Early and Small - lengthy personal memoir by Wesley Clark; also covers the TX-0
