this post was submitted on 19 Sep 2023
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What if an advanced computer was created using mideavil ancient-preindustrial technology? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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What programming could be done with the computer and what is the highest level of interface that could be achieved?

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[โ€“] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

Example of analogue calculators/computers:

  • [Bones][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishango_bone]
  • [Abacus][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus]
  • [Slide rules][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_rule]
  • [golden hats][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hat]
  • [the Antikythera Mechanism][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism]
  • [tide predicting machine][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide-predicting_machine] (though that was post-industrial).
  • [flight calculator][https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004X762EY?tag=hangarflig049-21&geniuslink=true] (though this is modern)

As a rule, analogue computers are not programmable.

  • The first [programmable mechanical computer][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Difference_engine] was designed in 1820, early industrial age, but couldn't be build with the technique of the day.

  • All working programmable computers rely on electricity

  • Oh โ€” of course there are the [original computers][https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_(occupation)], most versatile and oldest if all.