The Manchester Mark I and atlas: a historical perspective

ABSTRACT

In 30 years of computer design at Manchester University two systems stand out: the Mark I (developed over the period 1946-49) and the Atlas (1956-62). This paper places each computer in its historical context and then describes the architecture and system software in present-day terminology. Several design concepts such as address-generation and store management have evolved in the progression from Mark I to Atlas. The wider impact of Manchester innovations in these and other areas is discussed, and the contemporary performance of the Mark I and Atlas is evaluated.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware

  C. Computer Systems Organization

  D. Software

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
Ferranti, ICL, Manchester Mark I, architecture, atlas, compilers, extracodes, index registers, operating systems, paging, virtual storage