time-sharing

This chapter discusses the evolution of the relationship between humans and computers, focusing on the shift from batch processing to time-sharing systems during the 1960s. It highlights how early computers were scarce and expensive, limiting direct interaction to a select few, and how time-sharing enabled a more immediate, symbiotic interaction between humans and machines. The author emphasizes the potential for combining human intuition with computer memory and learning capabilities to solve complex problems more effectively.

The chapter contrasts batch processing with time-sharing systems in computer use, highlighting the inefficiency and frustration batch processing caused for human users despite its machine efficiency. It introduces time-sharing as a solution that allows multiple users to interact with a computer simultaneously and privately, greatly improving user experience and enabling more effective man-machine communication. The Dartmouth Time-Sharing System is mentioned as a pioneering example of this technology.

The chapter discusses the implementation and advantages of time-sharing systems in computing, where multiple users interact with a central processor via a communications computer. It highlights how this system reduces turnaround time from hours to minutes by allowing users to type programs and receive immediate feedback through error messages or solutions. The central processor allocates computing time in small fractions to each user in a round-robin fashion, creating the illusion of exclusive use despite servicing many users simultaneously.

This chapter discusses the development and philosophy behind the BASIC programming language, created at Dartmouth to make computer programming accessible to typical college students and lay users. It highlights the simplicity of BASIC, its layered design allowing gradual learning, and its integration with time-sharing systems to facilitate interactive communication between humans and computers. The chapter emphasizes the democratization of programming and the educational approach that enables novices to write error-free programs with minimal training.

The chapter discusses the transformative impact of time-sharing computer systems, particularly at Dartmouth, where it enabled widespread, private, and interactive use of computers by students and faculty across diverse disciplines. Time-sharing allowed users to work directly with machines in real time, fostering a learning environment free from embarrassment and encouraging extensive use in both academic and regional educational contexts. The chapter highlights the democratization of computing through simple languages like BASIC and the analogy of the computation center to an open-stack library, emphasizing freedom of access and integration into the curriculum.

This chapter discusses the early implementation and impact of time-sharing computer systems, highlighting how they enabled many users to access computing resources efficiently by sharing central processor time. It emphasizes the democratization of computer access through terminals, predicts the future affordability and ubiquity of home terminals, and foresees a revolutionary change in intellectual work as programming skills become as common as library use. The chapter concludes by framing the emerging man-computer interaction as a new symbiotic relationship that will take generations to fully realize.

The chapter explores a simulated symbiotic relationship between humans and slower, intelligent creatures to illustrate the concept of time-sharing in computing. It highlights the efficiency of humans learning a rudimentary language of these creatures (analogous to programming languages like BASIC) and discusses the communication challenges between humans and computers, particularly regarding the frequency and selection of results reporting. The analogy emphasizes the balance needed to optimize collaboration without overwhelming either party with information.