Zuse Z3 (computer) - simply explained
When it comes to the history of computers, not only Apple and Microsoft come up, but also the Zuse Z3. We'll explain what it's all about.
Zuse Z3: This is how the computer works
The Zuse Z3 is the first digital computing machine in the world. The computer is named after its inventor Konrad Zuse, who built the Z3 in Berlin in 1941. The Z3 was destroyed in the war three years later.
- Weighing around a ton, the Zuse Z3 was not exactly a lightweight. The computer was built like a wall unit with a control panel in front of it.
- The Z3 works with so-called binary floating point arithmetic. Around 600 relays are responsible for adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying numbers.
- Another 1400 relays form the memory of the Z3. Despite the large number of relays, the storage capacity is absurdly small by today's standards. The Z3 can only store 64 words with 22 bits each.
- The heart of the Z3 is the clock roller, which is driven by an electric motor. The clock roller makes 5.3 revolutions per second. The relays are controlled with each revolution. The working memory of the Z3 is only 200 bytes.
- Various programs could be read in via a paper tape reader. Among other things, the flutter frequencies of aircraft were calculated.
- The computer cannot read data. These must be entered manually using the keyboard. Around 30, 000 cables were used to link all relays and other components.
Zuse Z3: The first computer for many people
- The Zuse Z3 is still often referred to as the first computer. In fact, the ENIAC, built in the United States in 1944, is by definition the first computer.
- According to the definition, a computer must be electronic, programmable and capable of Turing. The Z3 was only programmable. Researchers later found out that he could also be Turing by a roundabout route.
- However, the ENIAC also used a decimal system and not the binary system like the Zuse Z3 and all today's computers. Therefore, the Z3 continues to be referred to as the first computer, especially in Germany.