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From: CCHD@latvax8.lat.oz (Huw Davies - La Trobe University Computer Centre)
Newsgroups: comp.arch
Subject: Historical architectural advances???
Message-ID: <4713@latvax8.lat.oz>
Date: 26 Sep 90 23:28:03 GMT
Organization: VAX Cluster, Computer Centre, La Trobe University
Lines: 45

I posted the following article in alt.folklore.computers. I have
decided to ask the readers of comp.arch their opinions. I am more
interested in comments regarding advances in architecture rather
than anything else. I have left the article intact, even though some
of the systems listed below were not great advances in architectural
terms.

Do others agree with me that the Atlas was a quantum leap forwards
and that my facetious comment comparing it to a VAX might
not be so far off the mark after all?

Article from alt.folklore.computers:

What were the most significant computers of the third generation
(that is, between 1963 and 1978?)? I'm interested in anyones'
opinions, but to start the ball rolling, here's a short list
of computers and the reasons why I chose them...

Ferranti Atlas
	- a Vax delivered 15 years early

IBM 360
	- what more can I say...

DEC PDP-6, PDP-10
	- the first commercially available general purpose timesharing
	  system.

DEC PDP-8
	- the first low-cost lab/desktop system

DEC PDP-11
	- long life (20 years), general purpose system. Unix!

CDC 6000
	- The first supercomputer (Cray's last CDC system)

Buroughs 5500
	- A high level architecture (Algol based)

DEC VAX-11/780
	- first commercial supermini.

What about some of the smaller (no longer operating) companies, such as
RCA, General Electric, Honeywell, Univac etc.