Computer Collection

The Wilhelm Schickard Institute displays a replica of a calculating machine by Tübingen professor Wilhelm Schickard (1592–1635), which is considered the first of its kind worldwide and is regarded as the prelude to computer technology. The computer collection focuses on the documentation of two revolutions in computer technology: In 1957, Kenneth Olsen and Harlan Anderson founded the company DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) with the aim of producing small computers that were suitable for offices and laboratories without their own operating personnel and without air conditioning. In 1960, they introduced their PDP 1 (Programmed Data Processor) to the market and revolutionized the idea of computers. Instead of huge machines costing millions of dollars, the PDPs created a sensation. Soon, a new market for hobbyist computers and personal computers (PCs) developed. The collection shows some devices from this PC world.

To the collection in the eMuseum (selection)