DEC PDP-11/20 Minicomputer, 1970

Summary

Digital Equipment Corporation's PDP 11 computers were popular, widely used machines in the era before personal computers. These 16-bit minicomputers ("mini" as opposed to the room-sized mainframe computers of the 1950s and '60s) were relatively inexpensive and were used for business (payroll, accounting), scientific, educational, and timesharing purposes. Many Americans were introduced to computing through PDP 11s installed at schools and offices beginning in 1970.

Digital Equipment Corporation's PDP 11 computers were popular, widely used machines in the era before personal computers. These 16-bit minicomputers ("mini" as opposed to the room-sized mainframe computers of the 1950s and '60s) were relatively inexpensive and were used for business (payroll, accounting), scientific, educational, and timesharing purposes. Many Americans were introduced to computing through PDP 11s installed at schools and offices beginning in 1970.

Artifact

Minicomputer

Date Made

1970

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.295.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Donald P. Bilger

Material

Plastic
Metal

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