The Niels Bohr Archive
History of Science Seminar
Thu 11 February 2010, 14.15
Aud. A, Niels Bohr Institute
Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen

Christian Gram*

Early History of Computers in Denmark

– a personal view

Computer development in Denmark started in 1955, when the Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) created Regnecentralen as an independent ATV-institute. During the next 20–30 years Danish computer scientists made a number of significant contributions, such as:

  • The Algol 60 report with a short and concise programming language definition (1960).
  • Reliable and fast compilers utilising virtual memory structure (1962).
  • RC2000, the fastest paper tape reader in the world (1962).
  • The RC4000 Monitor and BOSS 2, a simple and safe (deadlock-free) multiprogramming system (1968-70).
  • The CPR-system, which has been copied in several countries (1968).
  • The Dankort system based on CR80, a computer developed by Christian Rovsing (1984-85).
In the talk I shall give my personal view of these milestones in relation to developments elsewhere.

* Christian Gram worked at Regnecentralen from 1962 to 1973, and as professor at the Department of Computer Science of the Danish Technical University from 1973 to 2000.


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