MSU Exhibit Showcases 50 Years of Computing at MSU
10/12/2006
“MISTIC Memories: 50 Years of Computing at MSU,” is a new exhibit at the MSU Museum marking the 50th anniversary of the first electronic computer to be used on MSU’s campus.
In the summer of 1956, work began on the construction of Michigan State University’s first computer. The MISTIC, Michigan State Integral Computer, measured 10 feet high, 11 feet long, and 2 feet deep when completed. Along with the eight other pieces of equipment needed to run the computer, it occupied a 25 foot by 30 foot room on the fifth floor of the Electrical Engineering Building (now the Computer Center).
In contrast to its massive physical size, it had a memory of only 40,960 bits. A modern personal computer has a memory of over 100,000 times the capacity of MISTIC. Nevertheless, when completed in November 1957, MISTIC was in continual use for 8 hours a day by members of the Ag Economics, Psychology, Math, Chemistry and Physics departments, and others. The computer’s nickname, MISTIC, stood for Michigan State Integral Computer. The exhibit will include a sample frame of core memory and a model of the MISTIC room and its equipment.
“MISTIC Memories: 50 Years of Computing at MSU” will run through March 2007. Also highlighted are various forms of calculators which came before the modern computer such as the abacus, the Warren Calculating Engine that was completed in 1875 by a clock-maker from Three Oaks, Mich., and early 20th century adding machines, slide rules, and comptometers—much of which is drawn from the MSU Museum’s historical collections. Progress in computing beyond MISTIC will also be illustrated through the history of mainframe computers, networking and the first personal computers.
About MSU Museum
The MSU Museum is Michigan’s natural history and culture museum and the state’s first Smithsonian Institution affiliate. Interdisciplinary research, programs and activities are in partnership with the College of Arts & Letters, College of Natural Science, College of Social Science, MSU Extension, and University Outreach and Engagement. Additional support comes from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs to encourage, develop and promote an enriched environment of cultural activity in Michigan.
The MSU Museum features three floors of special collections and changing exhibits and is open seven days a week free of charge (donations are welcome). The museum is located on West Circle Drive next to Beaumont Tower on the MSU campus in East Lansing and is accessible to persons with disabilities. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call (517) 355-2370 or visit museum.msu.edu
About Academic Computing & Network Services (ACNS)
ACNS carries the responsibility to ensure MSU students, faculty, and staff have the information technology they need to fulfill the university’s mission—advancing knowledge and transforming lives. Our mission is to provide high quality computing and networking services in support of the scholarship and work-related activities of the university community. Information on ACNS is available at acns.msu.edu
October 6 Power Test Completed Successfully
10/04/2006
On Friday, October 6, 2006, Academic Computing and Network Services (ACNS) tested recent electrical system upgrades in the Computer Center. This test will require a complete shutdown of electrical service in the Computer Center machine room. As a result, many core computing and networking services will be unavailable starting at 6 p.m. on October 6. Barring unforeseen circumstances most core computing services should be fully restored by 11:00 p.m.
During this planned power outage, access to the campus network and Internet and MSU’s main web page should remain available. However, a number of core services will be shut down. These include:
• AFS (afs.msu.edu)
• ANGEL (angel.msu.edu)
• LON-CAPA host web servers (lon-capa.msu.edu)
• Magic (magic.msu.edu)
• Mail (mail.msu.edu)
Further electrical maintenance in the Computer Center is scheduled to occur Thursday, December 21, during the 2006 Holiday break. This maintenance will require a building power down. ACNS expects the generator system to carry the load so that most core computing systems will remain on-line. For more information, including a complete list of services affected, please see computing knowledge base article number 7385 with details of this scheduled outage.
– Katherine Ball, ACNS Communications
