colossus by peadar

colossus

This, believe it or not, is one of the most miraculous of things - the world's first electronic, programmable, digital computer. Called Colossus, it was built for the code-breaking team based at Bletchley Park during WW2, and designed to derive possible matches for code wheel settings for the German High Command's Lorenz cypher machines. This is actually a rebuild, using original components, as the prototype machines were all broken up for security reasons.

It's invention was informed by the work previously done by Alan Turing (the father of computer science) and colleagues in inventing the "bombe" electrical calculators that enabled a faster decyphering of the Enigma cypher machines used by Germany and her allies.

The work of the code breakers at Bletchley Park has been credited with (at the least) shortening the war by two years and saving hundreds of thousands of lives. However, the secrecy surrounding the project was it's own near-downfall and by the early 1990's most of the equipment had been destroyed and the buildings had deteriorated to such a degree that the whole place was planned to be replaced by a new housing estate. Search online for more details - it's a fascinating story.
It is a test story and this is a great image for it.
August 28th, 2012  
... and to just think, most of that technology now days can be fitted into something like an ipad... fascinating slice of history and great photo!
August 28th, 2012  
@jackie8 Jackie - yes - the interesting thing is that Google donated over £500,000 to the restoration on the back of the fact that they probably wouldn't have a business without the work of these guys.
August 28th, 2012  
Can you play games on it
August 28th, 2012  
Wow, technology has come a long way!! Thanks for all the info!!
August 28th, 2012  
Now that is amazing!
August 29th, 2012  
Great POV and a very interesting commentary Peter.
August 29th, 2012  
You have obviously had a fascinating day out........amazing history surrounding Bletchley Park..........love the photo, from the thumb nail or whatever the little shots are called I thought it was your wine rack!!! Amazing how quickly we have advanced in technology.....
August 29th, 2012  
@fannyb It's worth a visit. Wine rack... now, there's a thought...
August 29th, 2012  
Great shot Peter! You don't see many photos like that these days!
August 29th, 2012  
That is cool.
August 29th, 2012  
Lyn
Wonderful!!
August 30th, 2012  
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