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> ...the central processing unit was a large physical box, also known as the "main frame". (A mainframe was not a type of computer yet.) Does that imply that t
by PhasmaFelis 7y ago
> ...the central processing unit was a large physical box, also known as the "main frame". (A mainframe was not a type of computer yet.)
Does that imply that there were other "frames"? Maybe storage frames, I/O frames...
- kens 7y agoYes, there were storage frames, power frames, CPU frame, drum frame, electrostatic storage frames, and so forth. (I'm working on a blog post about this, but got sidetracked by the appearance of "special register groups".)
- PhasmaFelis 7y agoCool, I'll keep an eye out for that post!
- pwg 7y agoThis usage context from that era sounds like the term "frame" from then is what we today refer to as a "rack".
- kens 7y agoSome old computers were built on racks (relay racks). A frame is basically a cabinet, built around a metal framework, with side panels hanging off it. IBM was a big proponent of frames, I think starting with the IBM 701.