36-bit Timeline

|  | Information Research Services | Updated: 26 September 1997

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | October 1964: Digital unveils its first 36-bit computer, the PDP-6.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1964: Tops 10 is developed as the major user software interface for Digital's 36-bit machines.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | November 1965: In what is believed to be the earliest example of around-the-world networking, a link is made by operating a PDP-6 in Perth, Australia from Boston via a telex link.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | September 1967: The PDP-10 debuts.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1971: The DECsystem-10 is introduced, marking a change in the marketing philosophy of the PDP-10 group.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1972: The KI10 processor is introduced for the DECsystem-10/70.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1974: The KL10 processor is introduced in the DECsystem-10/80 and 10/90.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | January 1976: Introduction of the 36-bit DECSYSTEM-20, the lowest-priced general-purpose timesharing system on the market.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | January 1976: TOPS-20, a new virtual memory operating system, is introduced for use with the DECSYSTEM-20.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | March 1978: DIGITAL ships the first DECsystem-2020.