Inspired by Legacy Systems

**xoggoth** · 3 July 2009, 10:41

Nope. You are only a proper IT relic if you had to spend 20 mins loading the operating system in on paper tape before you could start loading the compilers etc.

PS Punched cards, they were good too.

PPS Waits for Zeitghost...

**thunderlizard** · 3 July 2009, 10:43

In my first ever contract I used Access 97. It had the paper clip helper although I preferred the stompy robot. Monitors were about the size and weight of the concrete balls that they lift onto barrels on World's Strongest Man.

**HairyArsedBloke** · 3 July 2009, 10:45

The first computer that I ever wrote a program for was an ICL 1901 that had four tape drives, card reader and a line printer. Oh yeah, 16K words or real core store.

**Churchill** · 3 July 2009, 10:46

Originally posted by xoggoth View Post

Nope. You are only a proper IT relic if you had to spend 20 mins loading the operating system in on paper tape before you could start loading the compilers etc.

PS Punched cards, they were good too.

PPS Waits for Zeitghost...

Had to enter the bootstrap via dip switches on the front panel!

Ferranti Argus

**Drewster** · 3 July 2009, 10:48

Originally posted by xoggoth View Post

Nope. You are only a proper IT relic if you had to spend 20 mins loading the operating system in on paper tape before you could start loading the compilers etc.

I used to recieve Data from Paris via TickerTape..... at about 30baud.... Make a phone call, rest handset in "Modem Cradle", press Activate....... wait patiently..... and then wait a bit...... Seriously it would have been quicker to have the bloke at the other end read the figures and me type it into Lotus 123.......

Originally posted by thunderlizard View Post

In my first ever contract I used Access 97. It had the paper clip helper although I preferred the stompy robot. Monitors were about the size and weight of the concrete balls that they lift onto barrels on World's Strongest Man.

Errrrrrrrrrrrr Access 97....... <Tilt> <Fail>

**DiscoStu** · 3 July 2009, 10:49

My first ever IT job was in a call centre doing tech support for PC World. Never again

**AlfredJPruffock** · 3 July 2009, 11:14

Originally posted by Drewster View Post

Come on then.....
Lets all us old geezers regale the young Numpties about "The Good Old Days"...

My 1st IT Job ws using an IBM System - it came under the "Mainframe" banner (because Big Blue was trapping "Little Guys" who wanted to feel Big) but wasn't really even mid-range (it wasn't grunty enough to be a Network switch nowadays) .

It was a 4361 - Running VM/SP
We had 3330 - Disk Drives
A few Memorex Drives - not sure what model (it was a long time ago)
3420 - (Reel-Reel) Tape Drives
3267(??) - Impact/Line Printers
3278 - Terminals
2 x 3279 COLOUR terminals

Sorry Guys - I am a total Numpty myself... I have just realised that I have recreated the thread that inspired me!!!!
Please feel free to hurl abuse and flame me mercilessly!

Are you sure it wasnt running Vm/HPO ?

3279 terminals were pretty sought after .

**Sysman** · 3 July 2009, 11:19

Originally posted by AlfredJPruffock View Post

Are you sure it wasnt running Vm/HPO ?

3279 terminals were pretty sought after .

We had a 4331 running DOS/VSE. Those colour terminals were so pricey we didn't dare ask for any - well maybe one for the MD.

**AlfredJPruffock** · 3 July 2009, 11:23

Originally posted by Sysman View Post

We had a 4331 running DOS/VSE. Those colour terminals were so pricey we didn't dare ask for any - well maybe one for the MD.

Yes - I would imagine you were running CICS as well ?

VSAM - theres a terrible memory for you - I think Darmstad is still using VSAM.

And dont get me started on VTAM ...

Back then most MDs worth their salt wouldnt be seen dead typing into a Terminal - thats secretaries work.

Even in the early 90s I remember one MD who would refuse to have a PC or email - his reasoning being that if anybody needed to contact him urgently - thats what his telephone was for.

I think he had a point.

Of course we know now that thanks to IT we are entering an unparalled era of productivity and economic expansion.

its funny how quickly you start to believe your own propaganda.

Inspired by Legacy Systems