DATE & TIME
Monday, May 15, 2006
Member Reception - 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Lecture - 7 PM - 9:00 PM
Watch the Video!
Full Lecture - 05_15_06_THE_MOUSE_THAT_ROARED_PDP-1_CELEBRATION_EVENT_EDITED.wmv-252MB
(Right Click and save file if you're experiencing trouble viewing while downloading)
LOCATION
Mountain View, CA 94043
Directions
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is now closed. Limited seats are available for those who register at the door.
Free. Suggested donation of $10.00 at the door from non-members.
Call 650-810-1059 for information.
ABSTRACT OF TALK
Introduced in 1959, the DEC PDP-1 computer is truly the mouse that roared, a powerful, easy-to-operate computer with a host of new abilities that allowed its users to interact with a computer all to themselves. This was a novelty in the early 1960s when mainframe-based batch processing was the norm and the idea of a computer dedicated to a single-user was heretical, akin to having a personal aircraft carrier.
Our panel comprises key figures in the development and use of the PDP-1. Moderated by computer science legend Dr. Ed Fredkin, panelists will explore the creation and impact of this unique machine and how most of its features, functionality and DEC’s philosophy of interactive computing were eventually adopted by other companies years later.
Also, please join us for a unique bonus event: One of the Museum’s PDP-1 computers has just been painstakingly restored and will be demonstrated during the evening. A special commemorative gift--created by the PDP-1--will also be given to all attendees!
BACKGROUND
The Computer History Museum Presents Speaker Series is an exclusive platform for open, passionate discussions for presenting the computing revolution and its impact on the human experience. These landmark presentations and panel discussions present inside stories and personal insights of top information age leaders from industry, government and academia, and assist the Museum in bringing computing history to life.
MEMBERSHIP
The Computer History Museum offers a variety of membership levels. To find out more, please visit our individual membership or call 650-810-2727.
