it was done using punch cards to feed into a large mainframe IBM that filled a temperature controlled room where access was limited to the true geek inner circle.
and when you made a mistake you got a box full of "dump" output ...
With my typing, I could have a bonfire burning the typing errors.
Also a typing error in input data that was unnoticed could cause problems like an unending loop. (Been there done that)
The Army supply was still using those cards in the late seventies, the last time I worked in Supply. Typing errors got us some strange items. ie:
1 number typed wrong on a requisition card, one time, got us a ship valve ($200) instead of a small valve which was what was needed to get a compressor back in operation ($15). The result was a lot of excess paperwork and a compressor inoperable for another 3 weeks.
There is no better love between 2 people than mutual respect for each other WT Young, 2002
Who gave anyone the authority to call me an authority on anything. WT Young, 1969
Since Evolution is only ~90% correct it should be thrown out and replaced by Creation which has even a lower % of correctness. W T Young, 2008
When I was stationed in 1970s Asia, those cards were used to track controlled purchases from the PX/Commissary system in an effort to restrain the black market: when you rotated stateside, you had to account for all the stereos, VCRs, etc., that you purchased in-country.
My buddy fed the cards into the computer that tracked purchases.
For the first time in many years, a an old man traveled from his rural town to the city to attend a movie. After buying his ticket, he stopped at the concession stand to purchase some popcorn. Handing the attendant $1.50, he couldn’t help but comment, The last time I came to the movies, popcorn was only 15 cents. Well, sir, the attendant replied with a grin, You re really going to enjoy yourself. We have sound now..
Three ladies were discussing the travails of getting older. One said, Sometimes I catch myself with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand, while standing in front of the refrigerator, and I can’t remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich. The second lady chimed in with, Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing of the stairs and can’t remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down. The third one responded, Well, ladies, I m glad I don’t have that problem. Knock on wood, as she rapped her knuckles on the table, and then said, That must be the door, I ll get it!
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