Computers & Business Machines

Apple II Personal Computer

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

Name: IBM

Punch Cards Used with a PDP-9 Minicomputer

In the mid-1960s, the Computer Science Department at RAND Corporation turned its attention to developing computer graphics.
Description
In the mid-1960s, the Computer Science Department at RAND Corporation turned its attention to developing computer graphics. A set of programs written in the programming language FORTRAN for the PDP-9 minicomputer were used to plot contour lines useful in determining the line of sight for microwave radiation emitted from a given point on a map. These cards have some of the data for one of these programs. The cards are white with a pink border on the top.
Groups of cards are numbered from 16 through 30. A mark on the top card reads: DATE GENERATED 4-11-68.The program has non-accession number 1990.3046.10.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
maker
IBM
ID Number
1990.3046.03
catalog number
1990.3046.03
nonaccession number
1990.3046

Patent Order Punch Cards

This set of six orange punch cards each have 53 columns. The standard IBM punch card has 80 columns.
Description
This set of six orange punch cards each have 53 columns. The standard IBM punch card has 80 columns. Each card is marked PO-33, PATENT ORDER (Letter Unit) on the left edge, and IBM D7 7517 on the bottom edge.
The following information is punched and printed on each card, the unique patent number, the same customer number (11530), month (01), day (29), and serv. code (6M). These cards were used by the U.S. Patent Office when filling requests for copies of patents.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2017.3122.02
nonaccession number
2017.3122
catalog number
2017.3122.02

Graduate Record Examination Punch Cards

The Carnegie Foundation, and later the Educational Testing Service, used several forms of punched card in compiling and reporting information on the tests it administered. Three types are included here. All relate to Graduate Record Examination Individual Report Cards.
Description
The Carnegie Foundation, and later the Educational Testing Service, used several forms of punched card in compiling and reporting information on the tests it administered. Three types are included here. All relate to Graduate Record Examination Individual Report Cards. One has the number IBM 138707 (four examples), one IBM 140086 (eleven examples), and another IBM 140088 (three examples). One card is punched.
The cards were produced under U.S. Patent 1,772.492, taken out by Clair D. Lake in 1930 and assigned to IBM. The Graduate Record Examination was first administered in 1937 and kept the New York City address shown on the cards through at least 1951.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
IBM
ID Number
1995.3080.03
nonaccession number
1995.3080
catalog number
1995.3080.03

Advertising Button, IBM, C Set/2

This rectangular button has a white background. Text in black reads: IBM C Set/2 It'll Change Your Perspective on Application Development. The button also has an image of a rainbow and clouds and grass. Text written in black ink on the reverse side of the button reads: 92.
Description
This rectangular button has a white background. Text in black reads: IBM C Set/2 It'll Change Your Perspective on Application Development. The button also has an image of a rainbow and clouds and grass. Text written in black ink on the reverse side of the button reads: 92. Another mark reads: Printed in Canada.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.018
catalog number
2009.3071.018
nonaccession number
2009.3071

IBM Israel Punch Cards (Hebrew)

These two cream-colored eighty-column cards have rounded corners and are truncated in the upper left corner. A mark near the bottom edge reads: 7561239. A mark across the front is in Hebrew.
Description
These two cream-colored eighty-column cards have rounded corners and are truncated in the upper left corner. A mark near the bottom edge reads: 7561239. A mark across the front is in Hebrew. The donor reported that the cards were from IBM Israel.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s-1970s
maker
IBM
ID Number
1996.0142.35
catalog number
1996.0142.35
accession number
1996.0142

Advertising Button, Stacker

This circular button has a white rim outside a ring of black triangles. A blue ring and a yellow circle are inside these. Black and red text reads: Stacker for OS/2 & DOS.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a white rim outside a ring of black triangles. A blue ring and a yellow circle are inside these. Black and red text reads: Stacker for OS/2 & DOS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.015
catalog number
2009.3071.015
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Sheets, IBM System/360 Consolidated Index

This undated document lists the documents in the IBM System/360 reference library alphabetically, each with its subject code and form number.
Description
This undated document lists the documents in the IBM System/360 reference library alphabetically, each with its subject code and form number. This particular publication has IBM file number S360-00 and IBM form number A24-3469-0.
The final page is a reader survey form.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
1994.3128.10
catalog number
1994.3128.10
nonaccession number
1994.3128

Mainframe Computer Model, IBM 1401

This is a wooden plexiglass and paper model of an IBM 1401 computer system. Model pieces include:1. The IBM 1401 central processing unit with control panel.2. A disc storage unit.3. Dual IBM 729 magnetic tape unit (two tape drives - possibly two units)4.
Description
This is a wooden plexiglass and paper model of an IBM 1401 computer system. Model pieces include:
1. The IBM 1401 central processing unit with control panel.
2. A disc storage unit.
3. Dual IBM 729 magnetic tape unit (two tape drives - possibly two units)
4. A shorter IBM 7330 magnetic tape unit with one tape drive
5. A yet shorter tape unit (for paper tape? might be IBM 1101)
6. IBM 1406 added memory
7. an IBM 1402 card read-punch
8. an IBM 1403 printer with paper.
Dimensions given are for system arranged compactly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1959
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0129.01
accession number
2013.0129
catalog number
2013.0129.01

IBM C66908 Punch Cards for Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

Both of these cream-colored eighty-column punch cards have a green stripe across the top. The cards have rounded corners and are truncated in the left corner. The columns are labeled for a variety of accounting entries. A mark on the bottom edge near the left reads: IBM C66908.
Description
Both of these cream-colored eighty-column punch cards have a green stripe across the top. The cards have rounded corners and are truncated in the left corner. The columns are labeled for a variety of accounting entries. A mark on the bottom edge near the left reads: IBM C66908. A mark on the right edge reads: GIRL SCOUTS OF THE U.S.A. A mark on the left edge reads: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - CARD FILE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s-1970s
user
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
maker
IBM
ID Number
1996.0142.12
catalog number
1996.0142.12
accession number
1996.0142

LOCI-2 Punch Card

This is one of a series of forty-column perforated punch cards designed for use with the programmable Wang LOCI-2 electronic calculator. Each card is marked in the bottom left corner: IBM D56709.
Description
This is one of a series of forty-column perforated punch cards designed for use with the programmable Wang LOCI-2 electronic calculator. Each card is marked in the bottom left corner: IBM D56709. Each card is marked on the left side: LOCI (LOGARITHMIC COMPUTER) PROGRAM.
For the calculator, see 1980.0096.01. For the card reader, see 1980.0096.01.1. For the card punch, see1980.0096.02.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965 or later
maker
IBM
ID Number
1980.0096.03.5
catalog number
1980.0096.03.5
accession number
1980.0096

Advertising Button, IBM

This square button has a black background with several orange music notes, a yellow CD, and other multi-colored shapes. Text in white reads: Let's get personal...IBM Multimedia.
Description
This square button has a black background with several orange music notes, a yellow CD, and other multi-colored shapes. Text in white reads: Let's get personal...IBM Multimedia. Text written in black permanent marker on the reverse side of the button reads: NGGA 7/91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.011
catalog number
2009.3071.011
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Patent Order Punch Card with Synchronous Motor Patent Papers

This orange punch card, used by the U.S. Patent Office, is attached to a copy of the patent papers the card describes. The card has 53 columns versus the standard IBM 80-column punch card.
Description
This orange punch card, used by the U.S. Patent Office, is attached to a copy of the patent papers the card describes. The card has 53 columns versus the standard IBM 80-column punch card. It is marked PO-33, PATENT ORDER (Letter Unit) on the left edge, and IBM D7 7517 on the bottom edge.
The following information is punched and printed on the card: the patent number (1913948), customer number (11530), month (01), day (29), and serv. code (6M).
The patent papers requested (5 pages) were for patent number 1,913,948 filed on May 2, 1932 by David Perlman for a Synchronous Motor. His patent was for improvements in electrically operated time-pieces.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2017.3122.03
nonaccession number
2017.3122
catalog number
2017.3122.03
patent number
1,913,948

Electromechanical Computer Component, ASSC Mark I Relay

This is a component of the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), known otherwise as the Harvard Mark I. The four-pole double-throw relay has one plug. The double coil is black.Currently not on view
Description
This is a component of the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), known otherwise as the Harvard Mark I. The four-pole double-throw relay has one plug. The double coil is black.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1944
maker
IBM
Harvard University
ID Number
MA.324283
accession number
248831
catalog number
324283

IBM B48171 Punch Cards with Collins Radio Company Logo

These cream-colored eighty-column punch cards have the logo of the Collins Radio Company on the front. On the back is a printed form for use in collecting information on bids for various orders.A mark at the bottom of the card on the left reads: IBM B48171.
Description
These cream-colored eighty-column punch cards have the logo of the Collins Radio Company on the front. On the back is a printed form for use in collecting information on bids for various orders.
A mark at the bottom of the card on the left reads: IBM B48171. A mark at the center reads: COLLINS RADIO COMPANY (/) COLLINS (/) DATA CENTER. A mark on the back reads: 074-8215-310.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s-1970s
maker
IBM
ID Number
1996.0142.08
catalog number
1996.0142.08
accession number
1996.0142

Advertising Button, IBM, Personal Computer

This circular button marks the fifth anniversary of release of the IBM PC. On the white background there is a large red number 5 with small red squares on background. Charlie Chaplin, in black and with a cane carries the 5.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button marks the fifth anniversary of release of the IBM PC. On the white background there is a large red number 5 with small red squares on background. Charlie Chaplin, in black and with a cane carries the 5.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1986
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.019
catalog number
2009.3071.019
nonaccession number
2009.3071

IBM M70528 Punch Card for the University of Mississippi Computation Center

This cream-colored eighty-column punch card has round corners, with the corner on the upper left side truncated. It is marked with the logo of the University of Mississippi. A mark printed on the right reads: UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI (/) COMPUTATION CENTER.
Description
This cream-colored eighty-column punch card has round corners, with the corner on the upper left side truncated. It is marked with the logo of the University of Mississippi. A mark printed on the right reads: UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI (/) COMPUTATION CENTER. A mark at the bottom left reads: IBM M70528.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s-1970s
maker
IBM
ID Number
1996.0142.27
catalog number
1996.0142.27
accession number
1996.0142

Advertising Button, IBM, Personal Computer

This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The IBM Personal Computer. It also has an image of a brown cane, black bowler hat, and black moustache; all associated with the film star Charlie Chaplin.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The IBM Personal Computer. It also has an image of a brown cane, black bowler hat, and black moustache; all associated with the film star Charlie Chaplin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1984
c 1981
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.002
catalog number
2009.3071.002
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Software and Documentation, Personal Editor by IBM and SixPakPlus by AST Research Inc.

This box contains a binder with documentation, software, and keyboard mapping chart for IBM’s Personal Editor version 1.00 released in 1982.
Description
This box contains a binder with documentation, software, and keyboard mapping chart for IBM’s Personal Editor version 1.00 released in 1982. It also holds the documentation for AST Research Inc.’s SixPakPlus memory expansion and /IO card and the SixPak utility programs.
Before the computer mouse, windows, icons and the menus of modern operating systems were commonplace, text editing was completed using commands. Programs like IBM’s Personal Editor facilitated the process by providing pre-defined commands and function keys for commonly used actions (e.g. copy, move, erase, margin, and tab settings). The program also provided the user with the ability to redefine keys to perform repetitive editing tasks.
In the early 1980s, AST Inc. designed add-on expansion cards for IBM personal computers as well as other compatible computers. A typical AST multifunction card would include a RS-232 serial port, parallel printer port, battery-backed clock/calendar, game port, and 384 KB of dynamic random access memory. This 1983 version of the SixPakPlus User’s Manual includes instructions for installing the expansion board and setting the configuration switches. The SuperPak User’s Manual describes the utility programs that accompanied the expansion card. These programs provided the means to maximize the addressable user memory. They allocated a portion of the memory for use as a superfast disk drive and print jobs could run as background tasks thereby freeing the computer for other work.
References:
“PC Mag,” October 1983, p. 521.
“PC Mag,” Dec 4, 1985, p. 231.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982 - 1983
maker
IBM
AST Research, Inc.
ID Number
2012.3098.028
catalog number
2012.3098.028
nonaccession number
2012.3098

IBM 5081 Punch Card Used with Punch Card Gauge

This standard eighty-column paper punch card was received with a punch card gauge (1990.0113.01). A mark near the bottom edge at the left reads IBM5081.These materials were used in Robert A. McConnell's research on parapsychology.Currently not on view
Description
This standard eighty-column paper punch card was received with a punch card gauge (1990.0113.01). A mark near the bottom edge at the left reads IBM5081.
These materials were used in Robert A. McConnell's research on parapsychology.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960s
Maker
IBM
ID Number
1990.0113.03
accession number
1990.0113
catalog number
1990.0113.03

Software and Documentation, PS DOS v2.10 by IBM

This IBM storage box holds a copy of the Disk Operating System instruction manual and software diskettes for the IBM branded version of Microsoft’s MS-DOS, version 2.10.
Description
This IBM storage box holds a copy of the Disk Operating System instruction manual and software diskettes for the IBM branded version of Microsoft’s MS-DOS, version 2.10. Early in 1983, IBM released IBM PC DOS version 2.0, a completely rewritten microcomputer operating system that included support for hard disks and at the same time, introduced the subdirectory-based file system. Version 2.10, released in September 1983 with the new IBM PCjr, not only fixed several bugs but supported all IBM PC models.
References:
“IBM Disk Operating System” version 2.10 instruction manual.
“PC Mag,” July 10, 1984.
“Byte,” November 1983, Vol 8, No. 11, p. 293.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Microsoft Corporation
IBM
ID Number
2012.3098.026
catalog number
2012.3098.026
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Advertising Button, Microsoft Inc., OS/2

This square button has a black background with encircled "OS/2" logos in red, yellow, green, grey, and blue.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has a black background with encircled "OS/2" logos in red, yellow, green, grey, and blue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1981
c 1992
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.017
catalog number
2009.3071.017
nonaccession number
2009.3071

IBM Reference Manual, 709/7090 Programming Systems: FORTRAN Assembly Program (FAP)

This manual has IBM form number C28-6235. Included are a loose sheet entitled "Multiple Layout Form for Electric Accounding Machine Cards" as well as an IBM Technical Newsletter from November 15, 1962, listing errata in the document.Currently not on view
Description
This manual has IBM form number C28-6235. Included are a loose sheet entitled "Multiple Layout Form for Electric Accounding Machine Cards" as well as an IBM Technical Newsletter from November 15, 1962, listing errata in the document.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1962
maker
IBM
ID Number
1994.3128.09
catalog number
1994.3128.09
nonaccession number
1994.3128

Harvard Mark I Control Panel, IBM ASCC

This is a small part of one of the first machines that could be programmed to carry out calculations automatically. Initially designed to solve scientific problems, it was used during World War II to carry out computations for the United States Navy.
Description
This is a small part of one of the first machines that could be programmed to carry out calculations automatically. Initially designed to solve scientific problems, it was used during World War II to carry out computations for the United States Navy. It was a one-of-a-kind machine. After the war, IBM would greatly expand its activity in computing to include electronic computers. Harvard began one of the first degree programs in computer science. People who had worked on the Mark I, such as Grace Murray Hopper, also went to work for other early computer manufacturers. More generally, many scholars and ordinary people first learned about "giant brains," as early computers were called, through workshops and press releases of the Harvard Computation Laboratory.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1944
maker
IBM
Harvard University
ID Number
MA.323579
accession number
248831
catalog number
323579

Electromechnical Computer Component, ASSC Mark I Relay

This is a component of BM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC) Mark I computer. It has a black bakelite frame with metal interior and side. There is a single coil in the frame. A single plug and sixteen prongs extend from one side.
Description
This is a component of BM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC) Mark I computer. It has a black bakelite frame with metal interior and side. There is a single coil in the frame. A single plug and sixteen prongs extend from one side. The coil is wrapped with a white covering.
Compare 324282.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1944
maker
IBM
Harvard University
ID Number
1983.3006.02
nonaccession number
1983.3006
catalog number
1983.3006.02

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