|
|
Laboratory INstrument Computer
<computer> (LINC) A computer which was originally designed in
1962 by Wesley Clark, Charles Molnar, Severo Ornstein and
others at the Lincoln Laboratory Group, to facilitate
scientific research. With its digital logic and stored
programs, the LINC is accepted by the IEEE Computer Society
to be the World's first interactive personal computer.
The machine was developed to fulfil a need for better
laboratory tools by doctors and medical researchers. It would
supplant the 1958 Average Response Computer, and was
designed for individual use.
Led by William N. Papian and mainly funded by the National
Institute of Health, Wesley Clark designed the logic while
Charles Molnar did the engineering. The first LINC was
finished in March 1962.
In January 1963, the project moved to MIT, and then to
Washington University (in St. Louis) in 1964.
The LINC had a simple operating system, four "knobs" (which
was used like a mouse), a Soroban keyboard (for
alpha-numeric data entry), two LINCtape drives and a small
CRT display. It originally had one kilobit of core
memory, but this was expanded to 2 Kb later. The computer
was made out of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) hardware
modules.
Over 24 LINC systems had been built before late 1964 when
DEC began to sell the LINC commercially.
After the introduction of the PDP-8, Dick Clayton at
DEC produced a rather frightening hybrid of the LINC and
PDP-8 called a LINC-8. This really was not a very
satisfactory machine, but it used the new PDP-8 style DEC
cards and was cheaper and easier to produce. It still
didn't sell that well.
In the late 1960s, Clayton brought the design to its pinnacle
with the PDP-12, an amazing tour de force of the LINC concept;
along with about as seamless a merger as could be done with
the PDP-8. This attempted to incorporate TTL logic into the
machine. The end of the LINC line had been reached.
Due to the success of the LINC-8, Spear, Inc. produced a
LINC clone (since the design was in the public domain).
The interesting thing about the Spear micro-LINC 300 was
that it used MECL II logic. MECL logic was known for its
blazing speed (at the time!), but the Spear computer ran at
very modest rates.
In 1995 the last of the classic LINCs was turned off for
the final time after 28 years of service. This LINC had
been in use in the Eaton-Peabody Laboratory of Auditory
Physiology (EPL) of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Infirmary.
On 15 August 1995, it was transferred to the MIT Computer
Museum where it was put on display.
LINC/8, PDP-12.
Lights out for last LINC.
["Computers and Automation", Nov. 1964, page 43].
(1999-05-20)
Try this search on OneLook / Google
Nearby terms:
label switching « Label Switching Router « Lab for Computer Science « Laboratory INstrument Computer » Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench » LaborNet » Labtech Notebook
This article was derived from the Free Online Dictionary of Computers and is available under ther terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
Pocketware Mega PinballPocketware Mega Pinball Enjoy three addicting 3D tables: Monsters Rhapsody, Crystal Tower and Dragon Slayer! Each table has its own quest awaiting anyone who is up for the challenge. A full-version game on a pocket-size CD!Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP More ...
DK Smart Steps - 5th GradeDK Smart Steps - 5th Grade The Most Complete Learning System! Put Your Child a Step Ahead! Watch your child's grades take off with this comprehensive, curriculum-based program. Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP and MAC More ...
NEW 723A 17-Inch LCD Flat Panel DisplayNEW 723A 17-Inch LCD Flat Panel Display ** NEW 723A 17-Inch LCD Flat Panel Display **Running at a 1280 x 1024 native resolution with a high 400:1 contrast ratio, the 17 723A flat-panel display is a reliable, high quality LCD display fit for performing all daily computer applications.General Features:- Size: 17 inch (Diagonal 432mm) - Max. Resolution: 1,280 x 1,024 / SXGA - Display Color: 16.7 M Colors supported - Pixel pitch: Horizontal 0.264mm x vertical 0.264mm - Brightness: 350cd/m2 - Contrast Ratio: 400:1 - Response Time: 16ms - Viewing Angle: 160 horizontal, 140 vertical - Display Area: Horizontal 340mm x Vertical 272mm - Signal Input: Video Signal: 0.7Vpp - Sync. Frequency: Horizontal: 22kHz~82kHz / Vertical: 50Hz~76Hz - Bandwidth: 135MHz - Input Connector: D-Sub / DVI-D - Audio: Phone Jack, d=3.5mm - Weight: 4.2kg (9.3lb) - Monitor Dimension (WxHxD): 15.3 in x 15.1 in x 8.5 in - Power Consumption: 45W - Power Saving State: 3WNotes:- Dead Pixels Policy: Replacement and Refundfor 8 or more Dead Pixels only- 3-Year Limited Warranty: 3 years for parts, 3 years for labor, and 1 year for LCD panelPackage Contents:- 17”TFT liquid crystal monitor- D-sub 15 pin signal cable- AC Adapter- User’s manual More ...
FireWire Cable 6-pin to 6-pin Cable - 6-FootFireWire Cable 6-pin to 6-pin Cable - 6-Foot ** 6-pin to 6-pin Firewire Cable - 6 Foot **Firewire, also called i.Link or IEEE 1394, is fast becoming the interface of choice for all the cool, must-have geek gadgets like digital video cameras, portable external hard drives, high speed external CDRW drives and the newest portable MP3 players like the iPod. But what good are these devices if you can't transfer data to and from them with your computer? That's where these high-quality 6-pin to 6-pin Firewire cables come in! At 6 feet long, you have plenty of room to run the cable where you need it! General Features:- Standard Firewire cable- 6-pin to 6-pin type (Male to Male)- 6 feet longNotes:- Cable only Compatibility/Requirements/Disclosures: ** Requirements *** FireWire port and device to connect with More ...
Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 300 Keyboard &MouseLogitech Cordless Desktop LX 300 Keyboard &Mouse ** Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 300 Keyboard and Mouse **Give yourself a comfortable workspace without cords and without hassles. This Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 300 keyboard delivers the cordless performance you expect, superbly.With its low-profile keyframe and other ergonomic features, it sets a higher standard for comfort and style, and with a variety of extra keys and buttons, it also lets you be more productive, without changing the way you work! Order yours today! Keyboard Features:- Black color- Ultra-flat profile with Zero-Degree Tilt - Ergonomic Shape- One-touch keyboard controls- Easy two-handed navigation - Secure, reliable cordless technology - Multimedia Control - Audio Control Mouse Features:- Black color- Premier optical mouse technology - 3-buttons- Scroll Wheel (acts as 3rd button)- Cordless- Ergonomic shapeReceiver Features:- Black color- USB connector- PS/2 connector- USB to PS/2 adapter includedRegulatory Approvals:- FCC- UL- CE- NOMRetail Package Includes:- Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 300 - Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse- Compact USB/PS/2 receiver- USB to PS/2 adapter- CD with software, comfort guidelines, and Help Center - Palm RestNotes:- UPC Code: 0 97855 02355 1 Compatibility/Requirements/Disclosures: ** Requirements *** IBM compatible PC* Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP * One (1) Available USB port or Two (2) PS/2 ports* CD-ROM drive More ...
110-Key PS/2 Foldable Keyboard (Clear)110-Key PS/2 Foldable Keyboard (Clear) ** PS/2 Foldable Keyboard **Save space and add a decorative touch to any desktop withthis unique, foldable keyboard! This keyboard features a one-piece construction that is pliable and dust and waterresistant, making it perfect for use anywhere!General Features:- Clear design- 110-key layout- Rolls up for easy storage- PS/2 interface- Dust resistant- Water resistant- Soft-touch- Tactile feedback- One-piece construction- Windows keysRegulatory Approvals:- FCC- CERetail Package Includes:- Foldable PS/2 keyboard Notes:- Model: Fold-2000 Compatibility/Requirements/Disclosures: ** Requirements *** Microsoft Windows 98/2000/ME/XP* Available PS/2 mouse port More ...
|
