Magnetic-core memory computers

Magnetic-core memory, also known simply as core memory, is a type of non-volatile memory that was widely used in computer systems from the 1950s to the early 1970s. It employs tiny magnetic rings, or cores, made from ferrite material to store data. Each core can store one bit of information, representing either a 0 or a 1, depending on the direction of magnetization of the core.

The IBM 1130 is a computer system that was introduced by IBM in 1965 primarily for scientific and engineering applications, as well as for educational institutions and small businesses. It was part of IBM's family of computers known as the "small systems" and was notable for its relatively low cost and versatility.

The IBM 1401 is a variable-wordlength computer that was announced by IBM in 1959. It was significant for its time as it marked IBM's entry into the market for smaller, less expensive computers, suitable for businesses and academic institutions. Here are some key points about the IBM 1401: 1. **Architecture**: The IBM 1401 was based on a transistorized architecture, which allowed it to be smaller, faster, and more reliable than vacuum tube-based computers.

The IBM 1620 is a scientific and instructional computer that was introduced by IBM in 1959. It was designed primarily for educational and small business applications, offering a relatively low-cost option at the time for users needing computing power. Key features of the IBM 1620 include: 1. **Architecture**: The 1620 used a decimal (rather than binary) arithmetic system, which made it easier for people familiar with mathematics to program.

Whirlwind I is recognized as one of the first electronic computer systems, developed in the early 1950s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It was designed for real-time processing of data and was primarily used for simulating aircraft flight dynamics and other military applications during its operational period. Key features of Whirlwind I included: 1. **Real-Time Computing**: It was capable of processing data and providing results almost instantaneously, which was groundbreaking for its time.