Opening the stacks
Opening the stacks
Computers process incoming data continuously and respond immediately, as exemplified by aircraft control systems that adjust flight controls based on rapid sensor inputs.
2 chapters across 2 books
The chapter examines the advanced capabilities of computers in processing and retrieving information rapidly and efficiently, particularly in real-time applications and multitasking environments, highlighting their inherent speed and simplicity. It also addresses the ethical and practical implications of computer use, emphasizing their unbiased nature, potential to assist individuals with disabilities, and the critical importance of maintaining human control and transparency to prevent misuse and ensure accountability.
This chapter details the development and significance of magnetic core memory, pioneered by MIT researchers building on earlier work at Harvard, which became the standard memory technology before integrated circuits. It also covers the SAGE air-defense system, a massive Cold War-era project that utilized core memory and real-time computing to monitor and defend U.S. airspace, highlighting its technical innovations, scale, and legacy.