Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly

6th February 1975 computing, compiled by TNMOC volunteer archivist, Brian Aldous.

A selection of stories from Computer Weekly from 6th February 1975. The full archive of Computer Weekly can be seen at TNMOC, where there are special rolling displays of front pages from 25 and 40 years ago.

Rockwell launches 8-bit micro system: An eight-bit microprocessor is now on offer for evaluation from Rockwell International, and two new European companies are to introduce minicomputers built around it. Designated the PPS-8, for parallel processing system, the microprocessor offers options for 12 different input-output controllers and a full complement of memories, and Rockwell identifies high throughput, ease of system configuration and low cost as key features. The PPS-8 includes a set of more than 90 instructions, with facilities to string instructions together into macro-instructions. The technology used is P-channel metal-gate MOS, used extensively by Rockwell in the manufacture of calculator chips and four-bit microprocessor. Depending on the configuration, up to 16 input-output channels are available with the PPS-8 without external coding. Among the dedicated LSI input-output controllers available are ones for printers, floppy discs, graphic displays, parallel and serial data controllers, CRT controller, as well as a general purpose input-output device which provides 12 TTL inputs and 12 latched outputs. The system allows simultaneous peripherals control through the I/O controllers and data processing in the CPU.  Memory circuits available include a 256-byte random access memory and IK and 2K-byte read-only memories. (CW 431 6/2/1975 p6)