Re: Still Going - IRS Still Using JFK-Era Computers

rbowman <bowman@montana.com> writes:

On Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:59:48 -0400, 186282@ud0s4.net wrote:
>

On 8/18/24 11:27 AM, Don_from_AZ wrote:

I was at RPI from '64 to '68 working on my BSEE. Took that FORTRAN
class. Code your program on coding sheets, punch it onto cards, put the
cards into the bin for processing, come back later for the printout. I
remember a sign on the input bin to remind you how the cards had to be
oriented: 'TOPLEFUP' (top left, face up). Ah, those were the days!

 
 
   HA ! Boy does THAT seem familiar !!!   :-)
 
   Didn't hurt to bring gifts for the guys in charge of the 'bin' either
   ... they'd do your cards first.
 
   The gods in the freezing-cold room with all the real hardware ... you
   never got to talk to them.

>
The computer building was the only place at RPI that I remember having A/
C. It was new compared to everything else. Eventually the computers were
moved to a chapel which is fitting in a 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' sort of
way.
>
https://archives.rpi.edu/institute-history/building-histories/chapel-
voorhees-computing-center

Maybe during the summer sessions air conditioning was useful, but most
of the year in Troy what you needed was HEAT! For a couple of years I
lived down on River St and had to walk up the hill past West Hall and
clear to the other side of campus to work at the Freshman dining hall
for breakfast at about 6 AM. One of the banks downtown had a
time/temperature display, and I remember one week straight where it
never got above -20F when I walked by.

That's why I live in Arizona!
  -Don-