Keyboard meets computer as input device | Techday, July 4th
On this TECHDAY in history, in 1956, a keyboard was used for the first time as an input device in a computer (MIT’s Whirlwind, developed back at 1951). Previously, it was not common to use a keyboard to directly input data into computers. Early systems had either panels with switches and dials for entering numbers and basic commands, punch card input, or a combination of the two.
MIT’s Whirlwind was one of the first real-time computer systems. The system was suitable for a variety of applications, including air traffic control simulations and missile guidance. It was also used as a research tool for the study of digital control systems and the development of new computer graphics techniques.
Overall, Whirlwind project was a crucial milestone in the development of digital technology, and it was the starting point for many of the advancements we take for granted today, including interactive computer graphics, real-time computing, and digital control systems.
This was just a snapshot on the presentation of the techday series. Gather more information on the matter of Whirlwind and its keyboard. Indulge into the history by further reading more.
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Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
