NOVA: THE MACHINE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, PART 1: GIANT BRAINS (TV)
Summary
One in this series of science documentaries. This program is the first part of a five-part series chronicling the history of computers. Part one examines the following topics: how computers are different from all other types of machines; how computers function like the human mind; what the term computer meant before World War II; Charles Babbage's computer from the 19th century and the similarities between his concept of cards that could program a computer and software; how Konrad Zuse used relays and a binary sytem to make his computer work; how J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly's electrical computer worked and why it was originally made; and British mathematician Alan Turing's belief that computers could be made to do anything logical provided that there was a system of language that the computer could understand. Also includes movie reels covering the invention of the computer and clips from a stage play with actor Derek Jacobi as Turing. Includes a promo for the next episode of this series.
Acquisition and cataloging of this program was made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS WGBH Boston, MA
- DATE: April 6, 1992
- RUNNING TIME: 0:57:03
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:32072
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Public affairs/Documentaries; Technology; Computers
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1974-
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Promos - "Nova: The Machine That Changed The World"
CREDITS
- Jon Palfreman … Executive Producer
- Fiona Holmes … Producer, Director, Writer
- Andrew Thompson … Associate Producer
- Peter Howell … Music by
- BBC Radiophonic Workshop … Music by
- Will Lyman … Narrator
- Tug Yourgrau … Narrator, Additional Narration
- Derek Jacobi
- Paul Ceruzzi
- Doron Swade
- Konrad Zuse
- Kay Mauchy Antonelli
- Captain Herman Goldstine
- J. Presper Eckert
- Maurice Wilkes
- Donald Michie