22 Jul
2004
22 Jul
'04
4:19 a.m.
Just reminiscing over my first encounter with computers back in 1970
-----
It was a Xerox Sigma VII in the basement of the Montana State
University. REAL batch programming, with stacks of punchcards, and a
really crappy compiler that burped when it hit the first error. APL was
done via dialup terminal and Teletype machine --- dial the number and
plug in the handset (Ma Bell wouldn't allow direct connection of modems
to their phonelines back then).
Does anyone have a picture of said critter? I'd like to get one just
for memory's sake. Sigma VII was a computer one loved to hate.
Gary Hildebrand
St. Joseph, MO