pdp-7

1 definition found

pdp-7 - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  PDP-7
  
     <computer> A minicomputer sold by DEC in 1964.  It had a
     memory cycle time of 1.75 microseconds and add time of 4
     microseconds.  I/O included a keyboard, printer, paper-tape
     and dual transport DECtape drives (type 555).
  
     DEC provided an "advanced" Fortran II compiler, a Symbolic
     Assembler, Editor, DDT Debugging System, Maintenance
     routines and a library of arithmetic, utility and programming
     aids developed on the program-compatible PDP-4.
  
     [DEC sales brochure].
  
     The PDP-7 was considered reliable enough (when properly
     programmed) to be used for control of nuclear reactors and
     such.
  
     Around 1970 Ken Thompson built the operating system that
     became Unix on a scavenged PDP-7 so he could play a
     descendant of the SPACEWAR game.
  
     (1995-03-10)