Alan Turing Centenary 2012: Turing's Real Machines: Michael R. Williams, University of Calgary

  • Date: 02/28/2012
Lecturer(s):
Michael R. Williams, Professor Emeritus, Department of Computer Science, University of Calgary
Location: 

University of Calgary

Topic: 

Turing's Real Machines

 

Description: 

Abstract:

 

While Turing is best known for his abstract concept of a "Turing Machine," he did design (but not build) several other machines - particularly ones involved with code breaking and early computers. While Turing was a fine mathematician, he could not be trusted to actually try and construct the machines he designed - he would almost always break some delicate piece of equipment if he tried to do anything practical.

 

The early code-breaking machines (known as "bombes" - the Polish word for bomb, because of their loud ticking noise) were not designed by Turing but he had a hand in several later machines known as "Robinsons" and eventually the Colossus machines.

 

After the War he worked on an electronic computer design for the National Physical Laboratory - an innovative design unlike the other computing machines being considered at the time. He left the NPL before the machine was operational but made other contributions to early computers such as those being constructed at Manchester University.

 

This talk will describe some of his ideas behind these machines.

Abstracts / Downloads / Reports: 
aty2012williams_0.pdf
Schedule: 

4:00pm-5:30pm in ENA 201, University of Calgary

Other Information: 

For other information please visit the Turing Centenary website.

Sponsor: