[–] pitenius 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
WTF is with headlines these days? The oldest "computer" is legacy software?
Then, FTFA:
If this is the oldest hardware, then the machines running the nuclear defense system are the clear winners of the “oldest computer prize.” Not that it’s a prize you’d want to win, but still.
I'm not sure about this. Note that the shift is from "computer" to "machine". I suspect there are railway signaling systems that have been running since WW1. In a well-built, super redundant system like nuclear weapons, I don't think age is much of a limiting factor. I suspect much of the logic is hard-wired anyway.
[–] War_Wombat 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
The nuclear weapon machine is an IBM Series/1 so it is definitely a computer and not a machine, I think the author just used a slightly confusing term.
I'm holding out for rail. A device from 1880 that is communicating with the modern int0rwebz would not surprise me. And far from undesirable, I find it admirable. Like how parts of Italy get water thanks to Roman engineering.
Also consider your link: last Series/1s were sold in 1988. Starts to seem less shocking.
[–] cpoakes 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Author has succumbed to the cult of "new and shiny". Maintained systems are inherently better than incompletely tested new systems.