History of Computing Collection

Tools

One of the goals of the History of Computing Collection is to provide a collection of software tools for those wishing to experience, research, or experiment with software and hardware that are no longer supported or viable.

The primary method for this is the provision of emulators. Emulators allow modern computers to run legacy software, especially for older computers that are hard (or impossible!) to acquire.

The History of Computing Collection has a particular focus on the 1st generation of British computers, but emulators are provided for later systems too.

The History of Computing Collection's project on emulating early British computers was the work of Kris Brooks as part of his final year dissertation for the BSc in Computer Science at Swansea, summer 2024

Select a computer to get started:

Pilot ACE

1st generation British Computer, built by Alan Turing, Donald Davies, Harry Huskey & team at the National Physical Laboratory, 1949.

Manchester Baby

1st generation British Computer, built by Frederick Williams, Tom Kilburn & Geoff Tutil at Manchester University, 1948.

EDSAC

1st generation British Computer, built by Maurice Wilkes & team at Manchester University, 1948. Stands for Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator.

Stantec ZEBRA

6th generation British Computer, built by Standard Telephone and Cable in 1959. Designed in the Netherlands for Willem van der Poel's thesis. Had both a vacuum tube and transistor version.