pdp-20

2 definitions found

pdp-20 - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  PDP-20
  
     The most famous computer that never was.  PDP-10 computers
     running the TOPS-10 operating system were labelled
     "DECsystem-10" as a way of differentiating them from the
     PDP-11.  Later on, those systems running TOPS-20 were
     labelled "DECSYSTEM-20" (the block capitals being the result
     of a lawsuit brought against DEC by Singer, which once made a
     computer called "system-10"), but contrary to popular lore
     there was never a "PDP-20"; the only difference between a 10
     and a 20 was the operating system and the colour of the
     paint.  Most (but not all) machines sold to run TOPS-10 were
     painted "Basil Blue", whereas most TOPS-20 machines were
     painted "Chinese Red" (often mistakenly called orange).
  
     [Jargon File]
  
     (1994-12-21)
  

pdp-20 - Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003) :

  PDP-20
   n.
  
     The most famous computer that never was. PDP-10 computers running
     the TOPS-10 operating system were labeled `DECsystem-10' as a way
  of
     differentiating them from the PDP-11. Later on, those systems
     running TOPS-20 were labeled `DECSYSTEM-20' (the block capitals
     being the result of a lawsuit brought against DEC by Singer, which
     once made a computer called `system-10'), but contrary to popular
  lore
     there was never a `PDP-20'; the only difference between a 10 and a 20
     was the operating system and the color of the paint. Most (but not
     all) machines sold to run TOPS-10 were painted `Basil Blue', whereas
     most TOPS-20 machines were painted `Chinese Red' (often mistakenly
     called orange).