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Second World War Code-cracking Computing Hero Colossus Turns 70

Posted by samzenpus on from the piece-of-history dept.

DW100 writes "The Colossus computer that helped the Allies crack messages sent by the Nazis during the Second World War has celebrated its 70th birthday. The machine was a pioneering feat of engineering, able to read 5,000 characters a second to help the team at Bletchley Park crack the German's Lorenz code in rapid time. This helped the Allies gather vital information on the Nazi's plans, and is credited with helping end the war effort early, saving millions of lives."

6 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. It's a replica. by Animats · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The machine at Bletchley Park is a working replica, not the original.

    1. Re:It's a replica. by RDW · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The machine at Bletchley Park is a working replica, not the original.

      Yes, but it's a lovingly crafted completely functional working system that preserves both the spirit and the full capabilities of the original, and the project team has worked very hard to avoid unnecessary deviations from its (highly successful) 20th Century specification. Pretty much the opposite, then, of Slashdot Beta.

  2. If it aint broke, don't fix it by GiantRobotMonster · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The Nazis would've won if the Allies used Colossus Beta.

    Beta Sucks Hilter's Balls.

  3. Dice just killed Slashdot by acid_andy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Dice have done far worse than kill Slashdot, they've hurt Slashdot and they intent to go on hurting Slashdot. They'll leave it marooned for all eternity in the centre of a dead fanbase ... Buried in whitespace ... Buried in whitespace ... Buried in whitespace.

    --
    Your ad here.
  4. Re:MOVIN’ ON UP. by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I got Karma to burn. Make my day.

    It's not like I need it much longer.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  5. Re:the millions of lives by rossdee · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You can't blame the British, they kept fighting.
    The French on the other hand surrendered.

    BTW I haven't gone to the Beta site, but it sounds like shit. Has anyone asked Obama? "If you like your Slashdot classic you can keep it"