This month marks the 80th Anniversary of the British Colossus Mark 1 computer, considered to be the first digital electronic computer. It was built using vacuum tubes and was programmed using switches and plugs.

The computer was demonstrated to be working in December 1943 and by February 1944 it had been delivered and was functional at Bletchley Park. There, it was used to crack German encrypted radio messages during World War II.

More Information

• https://www.gchq.gov.uk/news/colossus-80
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_computer
• https://www.tnmoc.org/colossus
• https://www.britannica.com/technology/Colossus-computer
• https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/01/new-images-of-secret-nazi-busting-computer-emerge-on-80th-anniversary/