1962: chega à USP o IBM 1620!

Summary

The transcript discusses the pivotal role of Professor Monteiro de Camargo in introducing computers to the University of São Paulo (USP). His initiative, supported by key figures such as Professor Oscar Sala from the Institute of Physics and Mazola from the Economics Faculty, led to the installation of a computer at the university in the early 1960s. The project was part of a larger effort to bring computing to academia, despite the challenges of importing such advanced technology. This marked the beginning of the university's engagement with computers, setting the stage for future technological advancements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Professor Monteiro de Camargo was the key initiator behind the installation of a computer at USP.
• 😀 The project was a joint venture involving the economics professor Mazola and the Institute of Physics, with support from key figures like Professor Oscar Sala.
• 😀 At the time, importing computers was difficult and expensive, with costs reaching half a million dollars for the computer.
• 😀 The funding for the computer came entirely from USP, as the institution recognized the growing need for computing capabilities.
• 😀 American universities had already begun using computers, and it was seen as crucial for USP to also adopt them.
• 😀 The computer installed at USP in 1962 was one of the first scientific computers in Brazil, setting a precedent for future use.
• 😀 Initially, the computer's capacity was quite limited, with only 16k of memory, which was considered very small by modern standards.
• 😀 Despite the limitations, the computer was a critical tool, especially for scientific research and applications like financial calculations.
• 😀 Over time, more people at USP began to use the computer, increasing its impact across various departments.
• 😀 The cost of computers and their memory capacity was a significant challenge in the early days of their adoption at universities.

Q & A

Who initiated the installation of the computer at USP?

The initiative to install a computer at USP came from Professor Monteiro de Camargo.

Who were the key people involved in this initiative?

The key people involved were Professor Monteiro de Camargo, Professor Oscar Sala from the Institute of Physics, and Mazola from the Faculty of Economics.

What was the financial challenge in acquiring the computer?

At the time, it was difficult to import such computers, and the total cost of the computer was half a million dollars, a significant sum.

How did USP manage to fund the computer purchase?

The entire cost of the computer was covered by USP, which recognized the importance of having a computer for its researchers.

Why was this computer considered important for USP?

This computer was important because, in the early 1960s, many American universities had already started using computers, and it was becoming necessary for institutions in São Paulo to have one as well.

What was unique about the computer installed at USP?

The computer installed at USP in 1962 was a scientific computer, making it one of the first in Brazil.

How did the use of the computer evolve at USP?

Over time, more people started using the computer, with demand growing as it became more integral to academic and scientific research.

What were the limitations of the early computer at USP?

The early computer had very limited memory, with only 16 kilobytes available, which is minuscule by today’s standards.

How does the evolution of computers relate to current technology?

Today, computers are ubiquitous and powerful, enabling functions like banking transactions and calculations that were once unimaginable with the early systems.

What kind of tasks did the early computer at USP help with?

The early computer at USP was used to solve complex tasks such as compound interest calculations, which are now routine tasks that can be handled by any modern computer or even by simple apps.