precomputer
Pre-digital era technology
Precomputer describes the era or methods that existed before computers became widespread.
It typically refers to the mid-twentieth century and earlier, when calculations were done by hand or with mechanical devices: precomputer accounting methods, the precomputer age.
Sometimes used nostalgically or to emphasize how much technology has changed: In the precomputer days, research meant hours in the library.
Mechanical logarithmic calculator
- abacusBead-and-wire arithmetic tool
- astrolabeAncient altitude-measuring instrument
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- nomogramGraphical calculator using intersecting scales
protractor · compass · sundial · water clock · orrery · quadrant · nocturnal · adding machine
Mechanical printing keyboard
- clockworkSpring-driven gear system
- punch cardsPerforated data entry medium
- adding machineMechanical arithmetic device
- cash registerRetail transaction machine
ticker tape · teletype · mimeograph · pneumatic tubes · switchboard · telegraph · keypunch · rotary dial
Furniture for organized papers
- card catalogIndexed library reference collection
- ledgerFinancial record book
- rolodexRotating index of contacts
- index cardsSmall rigid note slips
microfiche · carbon copy · stenography · shorthand · duplicator · dictaphone · archive · registry
Mathematics of basic operations
- cipheringConverting to secret code
- logarithmsExponent-finding operations
- long divisionAlgorithm for dividing numbers
- multiplication tablesGrids of arithmetic products
mental math · ledger books · tally marks · actuarial tables · interpolation · bookkeeping
Halfway through a hundred
- postwarAfter hostilities end
- vacuum tubesElectron-controlling glass cylinders
- wartimePeriod of armed conflict
- manual laborWork done bodily
slide rule
Mechanical logarithmic calculator
- abacusBead-and-wire arithmetic tool
- astrolabeAncient altitude-measuring instrument
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
nomogram · protractor · compass · sundial · water clock · orrery · quadrant · nocturnal · adding machine · difference engine
typewriter
Mechanical printing keyboard
- clockworkSpring-driven gear system
- punch cardsPerforated data entry medium
- adding machineMechanical arithmetic device
cash register · ticker tape · teletype · mimeograph · pneumatic tubes · switchboard · telegraph · keypunch · rotary dial · linotype
filing cabinet
Furniture for organized papers
- card catalogIndexed library reference collection
- ledgerFinancial record book
- rolodexRotating index of contacts
index cards · microfiche · carbon copy · stenography · shorthand · duplicator · dictaphone · archive · registry · manuscript
arithmetic
Mathematics of basic operations
- cipheringConverting to secret code
- logarithmsExponent-finding operations
- long divisionAlgorithm for dividing numbers
multiplication tables · mental math · ledger books · tally marks · actuarial tables · interpolation · bookkeeping
mid-century
Halfway through a hundred
- postwarAfter hostilities end
- vacuum tubesElectron-controlling glass cylinders
- wartimePeriod of armed conflict
manual labor · clerical work · typing pool · electromechanical
precomputercomputer age
Era of electronic calculation
digital age · information age · high-tech · modern era · computerized
precomputerdigitized
Converted to electronic format
computerized · digital · automated · electronic · computational