Few people are aware that one of the first business computers was built to help run a chain of tea-shops here in the United Kingdom. The designer of that computer, which was (according to the article) 100,000th as powerful as a desktop PC today, has died at the age of 92. Those of us who work in computer-related businesses owe him a lot. Next time you have a cup of tea or coffee, raise a toast to David Caminer and Lyons Corner Shops.
Thanks for letting us know. I read the book about the tea-shop computers after reading the extended review in New Scientist.
I remember my first trip to London in 1964 and eating in Lyons Corner Houses. I don’t think they were computerized then. I do remember waiter asking me how many pats of butter and how many rolls I had eaten in order to make up the bill.
This was the same trip where the hotel keeper asked me how many baths I had taken in order to create the bill.It was an inexpensive hotel with heat actuated by a sixpence – not needed since it was July. It was on Craven St near Charing Cross. There was a nice pub downstairs.
I believe that British hotels have entered the 20th Century and are now charging by the day, so you can take as many baths or even ***gasp!*** SHOWERS! as you wish.
Thanks for the memories…shall I pay by the memory, or do you have a special: two memories for the price of one! 😉