Colossus at 75 - The Event: Wrens remember Colossus in the run-up to D-Day 1944 Video 2 of 2 TNMoC 2026-09-21 | Colossus at 75 - The Event: Wrens remember Colossus in the run-up to D-Day 1944 Video 2 of 2
Econet LAN Party 2025 TNMoC 2025-06-29 | This video shows a selection of the machines brought along by visitors to the Econet LAN Party, 2025.The event enabled Acorn enthusiasts to connect their machines to a large Econet network, similar to that which would have been used in schools and other establishments requiring shared network resources in the 1980's. This allowed users to send messages, share printers, store files centrally, and play networked games.Users brought along their Acorn machines and home-brew projects. We also heard from guest speakers who worked for Acorn and companies producing Econet hardware. These talks were recorded and will be made available separately.Recorded on 7th and 8th June 2025 at TNMoC at Bletchley Park, UK.
The computer that ran a nuclear power station | Ferranti Argus 500 | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2025-06-08 | Malcolm Clark brings us up to date with the restoration of the museum's Argus 500 computer, which is now on display in the Large Systems Gallery.The machine was previously employed at Dungeness nuclear power station.This presentation was recorded at the TNMOC Supporters' Day 2025.
TNMOC Honorary Fellow 2024 | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2025-04-18 | The National Museum of Computing's Honorary Fellowship Programme acknowledges outstanding individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the fields of computing and technology.During the ceremony, Simon Lavington was presented with his Honorary Fellowship by Andrew Herbert, Chair of Trustees at The National Museum of Computing. The presentation took place in the First Generation Gallery, in front of the WITCH, the oldest working First Generation computer on the planet. Simon gave a presentation looking at the career of Dina St Johnston, and historic male/female diversity in UK computing. He then took questions from the audience.Recorded 18th September 2024.
Linux Demystified | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2025-01-14 | Are you curious about Linux and the Open Source/Free Software movement? Join us for an engaging and informative online session hosted by Eddie Vassallo, a digital business owner and technology pioneer with over 25 years of experience.In this session, we will embark on a fascinating journey through the origins of Linux, exploring its evolution and the significant impact of the Open Source and Free Software movements on today's technology landscape. Eddie will share insights into the key figures and philosophies that have shaped these movements, providing a rich historical context. From there, we will delve into the practicalities of Linux, demystifying what it is and why it stands as a powerful alternative to other operating systems.Additionally, Eddie will provide a walkthrough on how to install Linux on your computer, coupled with essential management tips to help you get the most out of your new system. Discover where to find and how to install your favorite software, and learn about the best applications available on Linux for productivity, entertainment, and more.Whether you're new to Linux and the Open Source/Free Software movement, an intermediate user looking to deepen your understanding and management skills, or simply someone interested in the history and philosophy behind Linux and Open Source software, this event is designed for you.About the speaker:Eddie Vassallo has been a digital business owner and technology pioneer for the past 25 years. Having begun his career in Silicon Valley in the late 90s, Eddie quickly became an entrepreneur in the mobile and software space. He has worked for large multinational software firms and is currently the Founder and CEO of Mission Control, an open source boutique software agency focused on Web and Mobile enablement.Recorded on 4th September 2024.
Introducing Colossus | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2024-12-26 | Colossus machines - the world's first electronic, digital computers - had a single purpose: to help decipher the Lorenz-encrypted messages between Hitler and his generals during World War II. The information gleaned from the decrypted messages is widely acknowledged to have shortened the war by many months, saving tens of thousands of lives.Colossus machines were in operation at Bletchley Park from early February 1944, although the building in which the earliest Colossi were housed, F Block, has since been demolished. Out of a total of 10 machines, six Colossi (Nos 5 - 10) were in operation in Block H at Bletchley Park during WW2.Colossus was preceded by several computers, many of them being a first in some category. Colossus, however, was the first that was digital and electronic. The first fully programmable digital electronic computer capable of running a stored program was still some way off in the form of the Manchester Small Scale Experimental Machine (1948).The use to which the Colossi were put was of the highest secrecy, and Colossus itself was highly secret, and remained so for many years after the War. Colossus was not included in the history of computing hardware for decades, and Flowers and the GPO engineers who worked alongside him were deprived of the recognition they were due for many years.In this online lecture, TNMOC volunteer Peter Hoath explains about the origins of Colossus, and the brilliant minds that brought it into existence. Hosted as part of Buckinghamshire History Festival.Recorded November 2024.
A.I. for Inclusivity | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-12-12 | The AI for Inclusivity roundtable, hosted at The National Museum of Computing, brings together experts in their respective fields. They share real-world examples of how AI is being used to make services and information more accessible, support diverse communities, and ensure everyone has equal opportunities to engage with technology.Participants:Sir Dermot Turing, author and museum trusteeJacqui Garrad, Museum Director, TNMoCDonald Ewing, Head of Education and Policy, Dyslexia IrelandCalum Goodwin, Head of Partnerships and Giving Development, Encephalitis InternationalSimon Baxter, Principal Analyst, TechMarketViewGeorgina Fuller, Freelance JournalistBrad Mallard, CTO, Version 1Filippo Sassi, Head of AI Labs, Version 1Recorded: 13th November 2024 at TNMoC, Bletchley Park.Video Production for TNMoC: Dave Wild.
DEC 60th Anniversary Exhibition | Gallery Opening and Talks TNMoC 2024-10-23 | Join us for the grand opening of our DEC UK 60th Anniversary Exhibition, a captivating installation marking the inception of Digital Equipment Corp's (DEC) presence in the United Kingdom, starting with the historic establishment of its first offices in Reading in 1964.In collaboration with Reading Museum, DEXODUS, and DECUS, this joint project funded by DEXODUS and NHLF presents a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of DEC UK. Featuring DEC systems, artifacts, and memorabilia generously loaned or donated by members of the DEXODUS and DEC community, this exhibition offers an immersive exploration of the company's impact on the tech landscape.With talks from representatives of TNMOC, Reading Museum, DECUS and DEXODUS.Recorded 20th July 2024 at TNMOC.
Angela Shore | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-09-15 | Angela Shore shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.Version 2, fixes audio issue around 45 minutes in.
The Ukrainian Personal Computers that Rebooted the USSR | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-08-24 | As the Cold War entered its twilight decades, a revolution in personal computing started to sweep the east - and the country feeding the USSR’s appetite was Ukraine.Join Mykola "Nick" Shcherbyna as he takes us beyond the IBM PC compatibles sanctioned by Big Blue during the 1980s and 1990s to revisit the USSR’s first ZX Spectrum clone, tackles the shipping mistake responsible for the birth of Soviet DIY computers, and discusses unofficial Intel processors.Why did Ukraine – the birthplace of Europe’s first modern, digital computer decades before with the valve-based MEOM – take the digital lead at this time and what happened next? And what did Britain’s army of bedroom coders hacking at their BBC Micros and Spectrums have in common with their Ukrainian counterparts? Find out in this talk.About the speaker:Mykola Shcherbyna is the co-founder and head of the Museum of Computer Technology in Lviv, Ukraine. A consultant with more than 25 years’ experience in embedded systems and cybersecurity, Mykola is also a lecturer in the cybersecurity department at the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Informatics at Lviv University.Recorded 19th June 2024.
Gerald Marsh | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | Gerard Marsh shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Kevin Murrell | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | Kevin Murrell shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Richard Briggs | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | Richard Briggs shares memories of Digital Equipment Corportation.
David Lawrence | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | David Lawrence shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.
David Probert | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | David Probert shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Ken Salmon | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | Ken Salmon shares memories of Digital Equipment Corportation.
Pete Lomas | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | Pete Lomas shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Angela Shore | DEC UK 60th Anniversary TNMoC 2024-08-18 | Angela Shore shares memories of Digital Equipment Corporation.Audio issue corrected in later version. Keep as may be linked from websites.
Horsforth - HMS Aubrietia, Enigma and Ultra | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-07-19 | This is a story about a warship called HMS Aubrietia, sponsored in 1941 by the then largest village in Britain, called Horsforth, which forced a German submarine to surface and surrender in the North Atlantic Ocean. Below the decks they found the German Enigma machine, which was sent to Bletchley Park, allowing cryptanalysts to break the code.This talk also covers how Hitler's second cypher machine ‘Lorenz’ was built for use by the German Generals, yet was also broken by the Bletchley Park cryptanalysts.Our speaker, Jack Metcalfe, also relates personal anecdotes from his life including how he was trained in Morse Code signalling and Direction-Finding techniques at Bletchley Park in 1958, and how these skills were later applied in Germany in the 1960s during the Cold War years.About the speaker:Jack Metcalfe’s well-travelled life is filled with history and adventure dating back to 1958. During his three-year military service, Jack received extensive training in the Royal Air Force and at Bletchley Park, where he spent time researching the Bletchley codebreakers.Since retiring from the Telecoms industry at the age of 50, Jack has become a leading practitioner of marquetry and has written three books on the subject.Connect with Jack Metcalfe on:horsforthhmsaubrietia.comRecorded 19.06.24.
MEOM: Ukraine’s Iron-Curtain computer | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-06-14 | One of Europe’s first programmable, stored-program computer was born in a rundown former monastery outside Kyiv - on the other side of the Iron Curtain.Abbreviated MEOM (Мала Електронна Обчислювальна Машина) in Ukrainian, or Small Electronic Calculating Machine in English, it was the result of three years’ work by engineers and technicians at Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences.They produced a giant that comprised 6,000 vacuum tubes and was capable of 3,000 operations per minute. Ukraine’s team worked without the large-scale resources of US projects like ENIAC, and outside the intellectual and engineering networks that produced Manchester Baby, EDSAC and LEO in the UK - yet their impact was arguably profound.Join Yurii Yushchenko, Ph.D, and Oleksandr Bezrukavyi, M.Sc, as they shine a light on MEOM and its pioneers.They discuss working under the eye of Soviet state forces, the role of a select group of women programmers, and how MEOM’s unique features allowed it to shape computer architectures in the Soviet Union and the West. Among the topics: creation of Addressable Programming Language, its contribution to Pointers years ahead of PL/I – and how APL’s ideas can be found in object-oriented programming, databases, artificial intelligence and more.About the speakers:Yurii Yushchenko holds a Ph.D. Physical and Maths sc. from the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University and is an associate professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine.Oleksandr Bezrukavyi M.Sc. is a computer engineering from Kherson National Technical University, Ukraine. He has experience of working in college, enterprise and NGO IT, IT history research and a scriptwriting.Recorded April 16th 2024.
20 GOTO 10 Retro Computer Facts | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-05-27 | 20 GOTO 10 takes you on an adventure through the history of retro computers and games consoles – one number at a time.Did you know, for example, about the secret messages hidden in Commodore BASIC or why the highest score possible in Pac-Man is 3333360?In this talk, author Steven Goodwin dives into seven machines familiar to many of us, sharing what he has learned and opening our eyes just that little bit further. He will tackle perennial favourites such as the ZX Spectrum. Commodore 64, and Dragon 32 (all featured in our museum’s fantastic collection), as well as popular consoles such as the Gameboy.Join Steve to discover how - through numbers - we can understand more than just the internal workings of our favourite retro computers.About Steven Goodwin:Steven Goodwin (London, England) has been involved in computing, science, and technology from an early age, writing his first code aged 8 and building his first synthesizer while still in his teens. Since then, he's been a developer, CTO, and system architecture for companies large and small.As an international speaker and author he has written three industry-standard textbooks for the games industry: "Cross-Platform Game Programming", "The Game Developer's Open Source Handbook" for Charles River Media and "Polished Game Development" for Apress, as well as two editions of "Smart Home Automation with Linux" for Apress. He has also authored 60+ articles covering programming, management, and open source. A fan of retro computing, he is also a tech historian, volunteer at the Centre for Computing History, and author of 20 GOTO 10.He's also worked as an Associate Lecturer residency at both Bedfordshire University, helping students work towards their B.U.G.S. projects, and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.His interests outside of computers, also involve computers!20 GOTO 10: 10101001 facts about retro computersunbound.com/books/20goto10marquisdegeek.com
Personal Recollections of Brigadier John Tiltman | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-05-03 | Brigadier John Tiltman led an incredible life: Distinguished service during the Great War, working on the edge of the British Empire cracking enemy radio traffic, responsible for the first breakthrough against the Nazi’s Lorenz codebreaking machine at Bletchley Park that led to Colossus. Tiltman’s grandson Anthony Denzer joins us in the anniversary year of Tiltman’s birth to deliver a unique perspective on a talented codebreaker involved in some of history’s greatest events. Anthony will expand on the more commonly known elements of the life of The Brig – and reflect on his personally from the point of view of his family members and friends.Anthony was raised in Hawaii, attended the University of Hawaii receiving a BA in International Business. He became a naval aviator flying surveillance aircraft throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, East Africa and the Middle East and is now an airline captain/evaluator on the Airbus A-330. He lives with his wife Susan and son Jacob in Kailua, Hawaii, where they enjoy water-sports, mountain biking and traveling. Recorded 16-1-2024.
Flipping through the pages of our visitor’s stories 📖☺️ When will you add yours? TNMoC 2024-04-30 | ...
Using Colossus with Russian teleprinter traffic | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2024-04-16 | This lecture was delivered by TNMoC Volunteers Jerry McCarthy & Peter HoathPeter gives an introduction to the Lorenz SZ40/42 machine and the principles behind Bill Tutte’s 1 + 2 attack linking it to the linguistic structure of the German language and how it interacts with the 5 unit teleprinter code. Peter then explains the basics of the Tutte algorithm which allows crucial machine settings to be derived simply from a long enough encrypted message.Jerry then mentions that although "Colossus" was created to assist in the breaking of German teleprinter traffic encrypted using the Lorenz SZ40/SZ42 machine, there is a story concerning the fate of the Colossi at the end of WWII, that two Colossi were sent to GCHQ to help with breaking Russian teleprinter traffic encrypted with captured SZ4n machines.This talk consequently explores the possibility that Colossus could have been used for that purpose, assuming the use of the SZ40/42 as the encryption methodology.Recorded online on 28th February 2024.
DC Roma #Unboxing #ASMR TNMoC 2024-03-13 | It's not every day we receive a donation like this! A huge thank you to Deep Computing for donating this incredible Roma laptop to our collection at #TNMOC💻#Viral #Learning #RISCV #Computing #Laptop #ASMR #Unboxing #Museum #Explore #Technology
#TNMoC HP9100 Alive Again! TNMoC 2024-02-29 | Mhmmmm thocky 🤤....Even a failed capacitor couldn't keep #TNMoC #Volunteer @beige-o-vision6936 from resurrecting our #HP9100 #Calculator#FromTheWorkshop #VintageTech #TechRevival #Tech #FYP #Explore #Technology #Computers #Gaming #Viral #Keyboard
Kino and Kinder: A Family’s Journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust | TNMOC Talks TNMoC 2024-02-26 | Missed out on the captivating Kino and Kinder event? Relive Dr Sieber's talk with the full recording right here on our channel.In Dr Sieber's own words:"Kino and Kinder is the history of my family and those they helped (1880 - 2020) reconstructed using contemporary dairies, manuscripts, memories of the Kinder, photographs and research in Vienna, Brno, London and Windermere.In 1915 my grandmother Paula’s family bought a cinema in Vienna that she ran with her sister. The Palast Kino was a success. Following the Anschluss, the cinema was confiscated in 1938. My grandmother sent her son, Peter, to safety in England before fleeing herself—a penniless refugee. She then became a matron at hostels in Tynemouth and Windermere, caring for girls evacuated by the Kindertransport.The girls, as old women, described the rise of antisemitism during their childhood, their distress at leaving their families as young children, and adjusting to hostel life in a new country.Peter was interned on the Isle of Man and Canada before becoming the first enemy alien to serve in the Royal Navy and intelligence. Few of the family left behind in Vienna in 1938 survived.The Kinder went on to have careers, many married and had children and grandchildren as they spread across the globe. They remained in contact with one another and my grandmother throughout their lives."About Dr Sieber:Dr Vivien Sieber is a biologist who trained in plant genetics. After ten years of biomedical research, she began lecturing in genetics. Her interests moved into academic development, learning technology and information literacy. During her career Vivien worked in universities in Manchester, London, Oxford and Surrey.Although Vivien has published many peer-reviewed journal articles on her research, Kino and Kinder is her first book. Since retiring she is learning to make pots and has written Kino and Kinder.Connect with Dr Sieber:Website: https://www.viviensieber.eu.Want to learn more about what we do at TNMoC? Check out our website and social media links 👇Instagram: / tnmocFacebook: / TNMOCTwitter: / tnmocLinkedIn: / The National Museum of ComputingWebsite: tnmoc.orgRecorded 29-1-2024
40s Music in the Tunny Gallery TNMoC 2024-01-27 | Soaking up the nostalgic vibes this morning in the #TunnyGallery!✅ 40s music on the radio ✅ engineering team in the background ✅ incredible working replica machines #NostalgicVibes #40sMusic #SaturdayMorning #VintageTech #TechNostalgia #History #Legacy #Museum #Explore
Colossus being 3D scanned at TNMoC TNMoC 2024-01-26 | Reflecting on a special moment introducing our iconic #Colossus at #TNMoC to a 3D camera@venueview-virtual-tour-company #WWII #Legacy #Technology #VirtualReality #Museum #VirtualTour
Kathleen Booth - British Computing Pioneer | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2023-12-29 | The death late last year of Kathleen Booth, shortly after her 100th birthday, has broken one of the last links with the very earliest days of computing in the UK. Kathleen Booth (then Britten) was recruited as a research assistant at Birkbeck College, London University in 1946 working with Andrew Booth whom she was to marry in 1950.Andrew Booth was constructing a simple electro-mechanical relay calculator. This small team built a series of small electronic computers at Birkbeck. Although simple in design, the circuits formed the basis for the BTM HEC 4/ICT 1200 data processing computers of which over 100 were sold worldwide.The lack of publications in her name has led to the assumption that she played only a minor role supporting her husband. However it is clear from his writings as well as hers that she built substantial pieces of hardware and did much of the testing (picture KAPERC).She shared with Andrew an interest in novel applications for computers most notably natural language translation. Together they gave the first public demonstration of natural language translation in 1955 (picture MT1). Kathleen also had a long term interest in applications of neural nets.This talk will review the work of the team at Birkbeck and subsequently in Canada and attempt to distil out her special contribution to their achievements.About the speaker: Roger Johnson obtained a PhD in Computer Science at Birkbeck College, London in 1974. After four years with CAP he returned to academia. He returned in 1983 to the Computer Science department at Birkbeck College. He served as Faculty Dean for 23 years retiring in 2010 when he was awarded an honorary College Fellowship. He wrote a history of Birkbeck’s Computer Science department to mark its 50th anniversary in 2007.He is a Past President of the British Computer Society, Past President of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) and served as Honorary Secretary of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) for 10 years. He has served on the Computer Conservation Society committee since its founding in 1989.This presentation includes a clip from "Look at Life", a Rank newsreel. The episode name is "Figure it out". This clip is copyright ITV.Recorded 8th November 2023.
Urgent Call to Preserve Computing History! TNMoC 2023-11-26 | Join us in this crucial mission to save The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), home to the world's largest collection of working computers, including iconic machines like Colossus and The Bombe. Our beloved museum, a treasure trove of technological heritage, is facing a dire situation with a leaking asbestos roof directly above the Colossus gallery.We need YOUR help to raise £150k for the essential task of reroofing the museum and safeguarding these invaluable artifacts for future generations. Every contribution counts, and together, we can protect the legacy of computing that resides within these walls.In this video, you'll hear directly from Museum Director Jacqui Garrad, providing insights into the critical state of the museum and the importance of the restoration project. Joining us is Microsoft MVP Brett Lonsdale from Lightning Tools, emphasizing the significance of preserving computing history.🌐 Learn how you can make a difference! 💰 Help us reach our £150k goal! 🔧 Support the restoration of TNMOC's roof! 👥 Special appearances by Jacqui Garrad and Brett Lonsdale.Together, let's rally the global community to ensure the continued existence of TNMOC and the priceless computing history it holds. Share this video, spread the word, and let's secure the future of our technological heritage! 🖥️🔐 #SaveTNMOC #PreserveComputingHistory #SupportHeritage
White Elephant Technology - Five Unusual Inventions | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2023-11-26 | Disruptive thinking is the Holy Grail technology and engineering but not all brilliantly conceived ideas are hits: they become white elephants.Author John J. Geoghegan's new book White Elephant Technology: 50 Crazy Inventions That Should Never Have Been Built And What We Can Learn From showcases some of the biggest inventions in STEM that nobody asked for or wanted: systems that were built, tested and worked (more or less - and except on the rare occasions they killed their creators) but ultimately flopped. His study teaches an important lesson: that there’s as much to be learned from failure as success.Join John for a 45-minute, online presentation and audience Q&A. This discussion – lavishly illustrated with photographs and film clips - will focus on five white elephants whose example are both entertaining and educational!John has a career of more than 20 years spent investigating what he calls WETech - White Elephant Technology. His work has appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times Science section, Popular Science and Smithsonian's Air & Space magazine. White Elephant Technology: 50 Crazy Inventions That should Never Have Been Built And What We Can Learn From Them - released by The History Press in August 2023 - is his third book on this topic.You can buy John's book from the TNMOC online shop:tnmoc.org/tnmocshop/white-elephant-technology-50-crazy-inventions-that-should-never-have-been-built-and-what-we-can-learn-from-them-john-j-geoghegan
TNMOC Mate | Accessible learning at TNMOC with Version 1 TNMoC 2023-11-19 | Visitors can now experience a rich learning tool when they visit us, using an app by Version1.com.Version 1 and TNMOC worked together to present exhibit information in a way that is understandable for all visitors, regardless of age, cultural heritage, or cognitive abilities, creating an innovative solution called ‘TNMOC Mate’ using generative AI.This video was made by Free Bird Film for Version 1.freebirdfilm.tv
Vint Cerf | TNMOC Roof Restoration Appeal TNMoC 2023-11-15 | Vint Cerf, VP and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google discusses the poor state of the roof on the building that houses historic computers such as Colossus at Bletchley Park. If you would like to support the museum's efforts to repair the roof please visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/protect-the-origins-of-digital-computing---tnmoc-1Or Just Giving:justgiving.com/campaign/savecolossusThank you.
What would Alan Turing think of ChatGPT? TNMOC experts Q&A | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2023-11-02 | Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking online talk as we delve into the world of artificial intelligence and natural language processing, exploring what the pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, might have thought about the innovative ChatGPT technology. This engaging conversation features distinguished speakers Sir Dermot Turing, an acclaimed author and the nephew of Alan Turing; Todd Holloway, an Information Security expert with a deep understanding of Generative AI/ChatGPT, its applications; and Joanna Bryson, Professor of Ethics and Technology at the Hertie School.In an era where AI is pushing boundaries and blurring the lines between human and machine communication, this discussion brings together historical perspective and technological expertise. Sir Dermot Turing provides unique insights into his uncle's visionary contributions to computing and the broader implications of AI. Drawing from his familial connection and in-depth research, he reflects on how Alan Turing's legacy aligns with contemporary AI developments, including the remarkable GPT models.
Alan Turings Manchester | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2023-10-21 | Manchester is proud of Alan Turing but does it deserve to be? Jonathan Swinton's book Alan Turing’s Manchester book explores the complexity of the city Turing encountered in 1948. His book is a richly illustrated account of the lives lived – and of one cut tragically short. In this online talk for TNMOC, Jonathan will tour this smog-bound, bombed-out city that was busy creating one of the first computers.Jonathan will look at how the tensions of class, gender, and sexuality converged at a time of great technical innovation and at the consequences this had for Alan Turing and the development of post-war British computing.You can buy Jonathan's book at the TNMOC online shop:tnmoc.org/tnmocshop/alan-turings-manchester-by-jonathan-swintonRecorded 19/9/2023
Soviet Computing - Kateryna Yushchenko and the Address Programming Language | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2023-10-14 | By Jerry McCarthy, Volunteer at TNMOC: I was wandering around TNMOC, where I volunteer, on a quiet morning before the rush of visitors, and I noticed a poster showing one Kateryna Yushchenko, who was, apparently, the inventor of a programming language called the "Address Programming Language".A Wikipedia entry for that programming language eventually led me to an online Ukrainian document website where a fascinating document "ЭЛЕМЕНТЫ ПРОГРАММИРОВАНИЯ"/"Elementy programmirovaniya", dated 1961 and co-authored by Ms. Yushchenko, was found. This document describes programming on a number of Soviet computers, for example, B.E.S.M and Strela, using a three-address pseudo programming language. The same manual also gives various programmes written in this pseudo programming language for, for example, calculating square roots and solving quadratic equations. Thus a project was born to write a simulator to execute these and other programmes.Speaker -Bio: Jerry McCarthy is a volunteer at TNMOC; before his retirement, he worked in software development for a global computer company.Recorded 13-9-2023
Listening to the Enemy - Mike Griffiths | Talk TNMoC 2023-10-07 | If you take the road out of St Erth and travel up the hill towards St Erth Praze, you could easily miss, on your right, a dilapidated single storey concrete building. It is in a field close by the edge of the road. This is the guard/generator hut of a very secret and important MI6 Radio Listening Station. Together with its sister sites across the country, it had a profound effect on the outcome of World War 2.Listening to the Enemy is a fascinating story of the Bletchley Park outstation. Over several years, Mike Griffiths has painstakingly researched the origins and purpose of this site. His father, Harry, was a radio operator at the station throughout the war and he recorded many of his contacts in a little black nook – his ‘Code Book’. This book – full of German and Italian radio nets, brevity codes and Double Agent call signs, encapsulates the role of Bletchley Park; the home of the Codebreakers.St Erth Radio Station and its sister sites were quite literally the ears of Bletchley Park.You can buy Mike's book from the TNMOC shop:tnmoc.org/tnmocshop/listening-to-the-enemy-war-comes-to-a-cornish-village-by-michael-griffithsRecorded 23/09/2023
BBC Micro Fixathon & Econet Classroom TNMoC 2023-08-30 | TNMOC Volunteer and Acorn curator Tom Camps tells us about the recent "BBC Fixation" where members of the public came to help us repair some of our faulty Acorn computers. He also discusses the newly expanded and repaired Econet network in the museum's BBC Micro Classroom. Econet is Acorn's early local area networking system and allows BBC Micros (and the later Acorn Archimedes) to share files, disk drives and printers.Video recorded April 2022.
TNMOC Crowdfunder 2023 | Restore the roof TNMoC 2023-01-27 | crowdfunder.co.uk/p/protect-the-origins-of-digital-computing---tnmoc-1Licensed music: Music Vine - "Colossus" by Rue WalkerVoice over: Rory BarnettVideo production: Dave Wild
Awards Ceremony | TNMOC Honorary Fellows 2022 - Liz and Eben Upton TNMoC 2022-12-23 | The National Museum of Computing's Honorary Fellowship Programme acknowledges outstanding individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the fields of computing and technology. During this ceremony, Liz Upton & Eben Upton are presented with their Honorary Fellowship by Andrew Herbert, Chair of Trustees at The National Museum of Computing. On accepting the Honorary Fellowship, Liz Upton & Ebon Upton respond, taking questions from the audience. Recorded 3rd December 2022 at TNMOC.
The BBC Computer Literacy Project | The BBC at 100 TNMoC 2022-12-16 | The BBC has always been an innovator in the field of technology, and produced its own micro computer in 1981 - the BBC Micro.David Allen, editor of the BBC Computer Literacy Project in the early 1980s, discusses the TV programmes and the BBC Micro computer that were produced to educate and inform the general public about the micro computer revolution. He presents some clips from the television programmes that introduced the British public to industrial robots, BASIC programming and computer hacking.To mark the 100th anniversary of the BBC, the museum has created a "pop up" gallery to showcase broadcast technology: wireless sets, television and teletext. This talk was given on the opening day of our exhibition.Recorded 15th October 2022.Links:All the programmes from the various CLP series can be viewed at the following BBC archive: clp.bbcrewind.co.ukThe BBC Genome Project (searchable database of BBC programmes):genome.ch.bbc.co.ukHorizon: Now the chips are downgenome.ch.bbc.co.uk/8165fe87a22c4dc183c3f278f52bd6cdThis influential Horizon television programme was one that prompted the UK government and broadcasters to think about the coming micro revolution. This programme can currently (as 2022) be viewed on the BBC iPlayer for those resident in the UK:bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01z4rrj/horizon-19771978-now-the-chips-are-down
Al Alcorn - Atari employee number 3 | Atari at 50 TNMoC 2022-12-10 | Join Atari’s legendary R&D chief as he discusses creating great games and a technology legend.Allan “Al” Alcorn is the computer scientist and games designer who made Nolan Bushnell’s Atari dream a reality. Alcorn - Atari employee number three - was challenged by boss Bushnell to design a computer version of Ping-Pong. Alcorn response was Pong - a game so addictive it lit the blue touchpaper on Atari’s commercial success and began to establish Atari’s status as a games legendAl drops into The National Museum of Computing from California to talk about the rise of Atari and his journey from employee number three to leading R&D of - briefly - the world’s largest computer games company.Al discusses:His inspiration, influences - and designing games in a world before focus group-driven mega franchises when market research was three parts experience and one part gut feel.The technology challenges building games for maxum realism and playability without the advantages of today’s sophisticated hardware - and the inspired engineering decisions he took to deliver.Bushnell’s energetic management style and the company’s somewhat creative relationship to truth that landed vital business deals and kick-started an industry.Recorded 20th October at TNMOC.
Programming the EDSAC | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2022-11-12 | Uncover how programs were developed and written for EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator) a seminal early British computer. Get started with programming the EDSAC using the same tools and techniques as the early EDSAC pioneers!
Teletype ASR-33 Restoration TNMoC 2022-11-05 | Malcolm Clark talks us through his "lockdown project" - the restoration of a Teletype ASR-33. Starting with three rusty and incomplete units from the museum store, his challenge was to bring back to life one working example.We also take a look at the museum's display ASR-33, and see how these devices were used in the days before keyboards and monitors were used to interact with computers.00:00 Intro and Teletype with Elliott 90302:22 Restoration starting point04:07 Restoration detail18:49 Machine running and data path23:44 Machine fully assembled25:32 Adjustments27:23 Machine runningVideo production for TNMOC: Dave Wild.
39 of the best: Women in SIGINT trained and armed for undercover war in France | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2022-10-19 | Signals intelligence (SIGINT) played a pivotal role in WWII but while the technological achievements are well documented the agents whose missions - and lives - depended on it get overlooked.Britain’s Special Operations Executive was one of the War’s best-known clandestine forces and France its largest operation. Historian Dr Kate Vigurs in her new book - Mission France: The True Story of the Women of SOE - collects the interconnected stories of 39 of these secret agents for the first time: women selected from all walks of life who risked betrayal and death for freedom.
The Man from the Future: The Visionary Life of John von Neumann | Virtual Talk TNMoC 2022-10-09 | In this virtual talk, discover the remarkable life of the revolutionary mathematical genius John von Neumann, a man who was key to the development of the computer.In this virtual talk, Science Writer Ananyo Bhattacharya will discuss his latest book: 'The Man from the Future: The Visionary Life of John von Neumann', published in October this year. Bhattacharya will tackle the remarkable journey of a genius on par with Albert Einstein, examining the relationship with Klari as Computing’s forgotten first couple.
Genius makers: meeting the mavericks inside AIs revolution| Virtual Talk TNMoC 2022-09-28 | Virtual Talk by Cade MetzAI has come of age after decades of scepticism thanks to the persistence of a maverick group of idealistic academics. Following years in the wilderness this group have been scooped up by some of the most powerful companies on Earth, racing to dominate the next decades of technology.Join New York Times’ reporter Cade Metz on May 12 for a conversation and audience Q&A about Genius Makers, his new book giving the inside story on these scientists and the incredible events placing them at the centre of a revolution re-shaping society.
From Tunny to Colossus- Diagnosing and Breaking Hitlers Super Cipher| Virtual Talk TNMoC 2022-09-13 | A Virtual Talk by Dr Ted ColesIn this talk, Dr Ted Coles will tell the story of the super-secure cipher machine that was developed by Nazi Germany during WWII, used for sending long telegrams between German High Command and the Generals at the Army group HQs in occupied Europe and North Africa. This machine and its traffic were codenamed “Tunny” and “Fish”.
