Introduction to Obsolete Technical Knowledge

As technology evolves, certain skills become obsolete, often leading to a sense of nostalgia for those who remember these methods. This article reflects on various arcane and obsolete technical knowledge that was once a necessity for computer operations, offering a glimpse into the pre-digital era.

The Art of Hollerith Punch Card Duplicating

One of the more quaint methods of passing code between developers involved duplicating Hollerith punch cards. This was a tedious process where card-by-card, the coding had to be carefully transferred. For anyone who mistyped a variable, it required holding onto the source card while positioning the destination card, creating extra spaces to accommodate corrections. This technique highlighted both the precision and patience required in coding long before modern tools existed.

Low-Level Formatting of Hard Drives

To low-level format MFM/RLL or ESDI hard drives, a deeper understanding of the hardware was essential. The process began from a DOS computer and involved identifying the BIOS address of the hard drive controller, often done by setting jumpers. Commands like A debug -g-c800:5 were used, and the operator had to know the controller’s interleave and the hard drive’s geometry, details like the number of heads, cylinders, and write precompensation cylinder.

The Suppressor Grid in Vacuum Tubes

The suppressor grid in vacuum tubes played a crucial role in repelling the cloud of electrons around the cathode, preventing them from being drawn back towards the screen grid. This knowledge was fundamental for anyone working on early electronic devices, ensuring that they operated efficiently without interference.

Secrets of Soviet Nuclear Submarine Turbines

Details about the turbine to blade ratio of a Type 3 Soviet nuclear submarine were classified, but an example could be given: an 17.59:1 ratio. Reflecting on such details, it brings to mind the secrecy and technological advancements of past eras. By today's standards, these machines likely rusted away, but their legacy in naval engineering endures.

Bi-Tasking with Norton Utilities

In the DOS era, multitasking was not a common term. Norton Utilities revolutionized the experience for developers. This program could be launched via a keyboard shortcut, allowing users to edit code while a long-running program continued to execute, such as data analysis from a gas chromatograph. This capability was crucial for productivity in an era where only one task could be performed at a time.

From Punch Cards to COBOL

The transition from punch cards to coding on COBOL was significant. Developers manually wrote COBOL code on coding sheets and submitted them for card punching in the evening. Edits were made using a hand punch, a process full of precision and physical agility. Operators then loaded the cards into the computer, and any mishaps, like dropped cards, meant reassembling the stack meticulously.

Conclusion

These obsolete technical skills from the past laid the groundwork for today's advanced technologies. While they may seem quaint now, they were essential for the pioneers of computing. Embracing these relics can provide valuable insights into the evolution of technology and the human ingenuity that drives it forward.