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Hollerith Census Machine
One of the earliest successful precursors to the computer, the Hollerith Census Machine allowed government census takers to standardize the process of census taking through the use of a punch card system. This system greatly reduced the amount of time needed to compile census results. The patent for this system was subsequently purchased by the IBM corporation and punch cards became the standard method of programming computers and storing data in a computer-readable format for years to come.
The punch card was the successor to the written word in the timeline of computer-related storage. It took up less space and allowed for more efficient manipulation of information, but stored that information in a format that required translation prior to comprehension.
The Hollerith Census Machine is an early example of the computer history being advanced through government sponsorship.
Hollerith Census Machine
One of the earliest successful precursors to the computer, the Hollerith Census Machine allowed government census takers to standardize the process of census taking through the use of a punch card system. This system greatly reduced the amount of time needed to compile census results. The patent for this system was subsequently purchased by the IBM corporation and punch cards became the standard method of programming computers and storing data in a computer-readable format for years to come.
The punch card was the successor to the written word in the timeline of computer-related storage. It took up less space and allowed for more efficient manipulation of information, but stored that information in a format that required translation prior to comprehension.
The Hollerith Census Machine is an early example of the computer history being advanced through government sponsorship.