From paper tape to data sticks: The evolution of removable storage

Over the years, people have tried to transfer information from one computer to another in a dizzying number of ways. Here's a look at some of the best, along with others that time forgot.

Printed on Paper



In the 1970s, the relatively low cost of personal computers attracted home computer hobbyists to the then-new category of machines, but many forms of electronic data storage were too expensive for these users. One of the first PCs, the MITS Altair (among our choices for the most collectible PCs of all time), shipped with no storage media whatsoever; instead, users had to input programs via switches on the front panel of the computer (a program for which is shown at far upper-left). Throughout the early PC days, users often wrote programs down by hand and then toggled them in. Later still, national magazines printed and distributed program listings (right) for users to type into the inexpensive home computers of the 1980s.

Photos: MITS/Compute/Garrett Birkel

5 of 20
VIEW ALL THUMBNAILS

Most Popular

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising DLC coming to PS3 and PC on May 17
What's the difference between an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7?
Laser vs. inkjet printers: which is better?
Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs: everything you need to know
How do I connect my TV to the Internet?

Best Deals on PCWorld

Mobile PhonesView all »
NotebooksView all »
TabletsView all »
Printers & ScannersView all »
Networking, Wireless & VoIPView all »

Plan Comparison

Prev Next
Loading...
Deals powered by WhistleOut

rhs_login_lockSign up to PC World Today for the latest news, reviews and galleries from PC World Australia.