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Leonard Richard Profile and Articles
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1). National Geographic features ABC replica
Iowa State's Atanasoff-Berry computer is once again making headlines, this time in National Geographic Magazine.
The small feature in the August issue of the magazine gives a summary of the history of the ABC, why it was built and the duplication of the computer by an ISU team.
Skip Derra of ISU's News Service said a lot of the recent national press on the ABC is due to the unveiling and demonstration of the replica in Washington, D.
2). Atanasoff dies
John Vincent Atanasoff, the former Iowa State professor who invented the electronic computer, died Thursday in Frederick, Md., after suffering a stroke.
Atanasoff was 91 years old. A memorial service for him was held yesterday in Maryland.
Atanasoff is remembered for inventing the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, but it took him more than half his lifetime to gain recognition for his accomplishment.
3). First-computer controversy finally nearing a conclusion
The first electronic computer was finished in 1942, when its creator at Iowa State University was called up for the war effort. Another one at the University of Pennsylvania, funded by the military, was finished in 1945.
For decades, the ENIAC goliath in Philadelphia got the credit for being first, creating generations of hard feelings that officials of the two universities say they're finally trying to soothe.
4). An Ancient Feud: Who Invented the Computer?
My trip to Iowa State University to see a replica of the first computer ever built turned into a journey through an ancient feud after I noticed a quote on the wall behind the machine: "It's such an outlandish exaggeration to consider that he did it--it's a complete joke. He doesn't tell the truth--that's all. He did some little thing which he never finished and which wouldn't have worked if he had finished it.
5). "Atanasoff, Forgotten Father of the Computer"
Clark Mollenhoff's "Atanasoff, Forgotten Father of the Computer" is the first full-scale examination of the Atanasoff Berry Computer invented by John Vincent Atanasoff at Iowa State College in the late 1930s and built by Atanasoff and Graduate Assistant Clifford E. Berry in the early 1940s. Prior research on the Atanasoff Computer has concentrated on the machine itself, the first electronic digital computer, but Mollenhoff goes beyond the engineering achievement to establish the academic environment in which Atanasoff and Berry worked.
6). Recreation of ABC not without challenges
Who cares who invented the first computer? Who cares about patents or court decisions? Who cares about new technology -- Microsoft or Windows '96?
Not Delwyn Bluhm and the rest of the team of Iowa State scientists at the Ames Laboratory. While others are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) at.
7). Computer reconstruction project on schedule
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer Reconstruction Project is continuing on schedule, an Ames Laboratory official said.
The $300,000 reconstruction project aims to build a working replica of the first electronic digital computer, invented at Iowa State University in the late 1930s by John Vincent Atanasoff.
John Gustafson, a researcher at Ames Lab who is working on the reconstruction project with an Engineering Services Design Team, said they hope to have a working prototype by August.
8). ISU Team Starts from Scratch to Copy Computer
It wasn't exactly a snap for John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry to build the first digital computer in the late 1930s. But in some ways, it was easier for them than it's proving to be for a team of scientists and technicians in the mid-1990s.
Even with their modern methods and years of computer savvy, the team from the Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University has found itself almost as stumped as Atanasoff was when he aimlessly drove to Illinois in 1937.
9). Atanasoff-Berry Computer Replica Unveiled in Washington, D.C.
Iowa State University officials successfully gave the first public demonstration of a full-scale replica of the first electronic digital computer Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
The replica is a working model of the Atanasoff-Berry computer (ABC) built in the basement of the Physics Building at ISU from 1939 to 1942. The ABC was originally built by John V.
10). Computer Age Dawns Again, Thanks To ISU
The equation was 9 - (3 x 2) = x.
Switches were flipped, a punch card was inserted and an electric motor turned a drum studded with copper contacts. Numbers were converted to the binary code used in computers.
It was 2 1/2 minutes later when the numbers on a device resembling a car's odometer advanced three clicks, revealing that the answer was 3.
11). Making first computer come to life again
Charles Shorb says getting a replica of the world's first electronic digital computer to work is a little like the time he rebuilt the engine of his 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. But at least there were directions for the Jetta.
There are no similar instructions for assembling and tuning up the Atanasoff-Berry Computer. Shorb, fueled by Coca-Cola and Hostess.
12). A Blast From the Past: Rebuilding 1930s Computer Not As Easy As A-B-C
"[Atanasoff] visualized a society in which almost everything was done in binary by machines. He thought that all communications and other things would be done in binary. This is just now happening. Everything--our telephhones, our TVs, our CD ROMs--are just now going digital."--John Gustafson
"The architecture is ingenious. There were so many unprecedented innovations in that cabinet that one hardly knows where to start listing them for importance.
13). Looking at the Future with John Atanasoff
The story of John Vincent Atanasoff has become an Iowa legend--a legend that's still unfolding. The basic outlines of the tale are familiar. A bright young physics professor pursuing forefront research during the depths of the depression found the theoretical calculations extraordinarily tedious, using the desk top adding machines and calculators of the day.
14). Debate Stirs Over Origin of Computers
The lid is about to come off one of history's technology feuds.
The battle is over who invented the computer: J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly of ENIAC fame or less-famous University Professor John Atanasoff. It's bitter, it's dramatic and it's about hanging the course of history. It makes grudge boys Bill Gates and Scott McNealy look like two kids fighting over a Microsoft Barney doll.
15). Atanasoff's Son Visits ISU to See Replica of Computer
Standing in a small room in the basement of Spedding Hall watching a demonstration of the nearly completed replica of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, John V. Atanasoff II knew exactly what his father would do if he were there.
"He would be lying on his back, probably, asking for a tool. He would want to work on it," Atanasoff said. "He would certainly love to see this.
16). Old Computer Mystery Solved With New Technology
Specialists at Mary Greeley Medical Center were called in Tuesday to help solve a mystery for some Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University researchers.
The specialists did imaging of an original drum from the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, the first electronic digital computer.
The imaging techniques helped the researchers "see" what was inside of the drum.
17). Computer Ward Ending, 'Not Dueling Replicas'
One computer was first but another got credit, creating generations of hard feelings that officials of two universities say they're finally striving to soothe.
It has been half a century since John Atanasoff and research assistant Clifford Berry built the Atanasoff-Berry computer (ABC) at Iowa State University, where researchers are now trying to build a replica.
18). ABC Replica Called a "Home-Run" for ISU
Iowa State President Martin Jischke said Wednesday at a reception in the Scheman building that the unveiling of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer replica in Washington, D.C., was a "home run" for ISU and Ames.
Jischke said rebuilding and demonstrating the ABC "resolves a basic argument in the history of technology. It does work ... and it did." He said he believes the original ABC was functional and it should be recognized as the first computer.
19). ABC Gains Recognition
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) is getting some recognition. USA Today's Kevin Maney devoted his September 18 column to the question of which came first -- the ABC or the ENIAC. A coming issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education will include a story about the ABC replica project and replica team member John Gustafson.
The original ABC was designed and operated from 1939 to 1942.
20). Secret of a genius: Drive fast, don't look back
By the winter of 1937, John Atanasoff had come to some general conclusions about a new computing machine, the main one being that it had to separate memory from computation.
But he was intellectually stuck on the details, so in frustration he got in his car and drove. Fast.
He needed a diversion he said. It was one of the workings of his ingenious mind.
21). Atanasoff, father of the computer, dies at 91
John Vincent Atanasoff, who invented the first electronic digital computer at Iowa State College in the late 1930s, died Thursday night at his home near New Market, Md.
Atanasoff, who died of a stroke following an extended illness, was 91.
Atanasoff taught at Iowa State for 15 years. He earned his master's degree in mathematics at Iowa State in 1926.
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