The programs were all on punch cards, and were all punched out manually on a device similar to this:

i hope thats not you in the photo.

No!
This was the only picture I could find.

Funny story:
You could check punch card were correct by placing them in the card reader and pressing (I think) ctrl+v. The information would then display on the console. If the card contained information to be displayed on the console during a program run, such as 'Load disk number 600033', the instruction on the card started with DISP.
Unfortunately, the instruction to power the whole computer down was DI (die - ha ha), so reading a DISP card killed the damned system!

(This comment was modified on Jul 10, 2008 04:55 AM)

And the line printer was phenomenal - truly.
1500 lines per minute band printer, about the size of three filing cabinets side by side.
I still remember the different 'tunes' it played when I was doing monthly invoice and statement runs.

...and the computer room had to be temperature controlled - I really miss that as I don't get on with temperatures over about 20C (68F).

You were an 'Evil Dog' Easy... still got that friend????

Yeah,he became my closest friend we used to go to concerts and on holidays together,and he was the best man at our wedding.

(This comment was modified on Jul 11, 2008 08:22 AM)

Easy is that you???? Which one????
I am glad to see that that poor fella hung around to be your friend, though i bet that aint the only dirty trick you played on him

Yes thats me on the right two of the three members of the Fat Knackers. Famed for the invention of the fat Knacker dance and general clowning around.

Yeah that 'Fat Knacker Dance' sounds great.... teach us....pleaseeeeeeeeeee......... Com'on everyone line up we are going to get dancing lessonsWhat sort of music shall I put on?

The Fat Knacker dance is dead easy, the actual steps and moves, you make up as you go along. The dance was developed so you could bop while still holding your pint and not spill a drop, a bit like dancing around a hangbag.

Ok well as I am a wine drinker, this may be just a little tough but I am willing to try... start the music dude

Nice pair of top b*llocks. Welcome to the gang

Hooray I'm a 'Fat Knacker Dancer' I have proudly added it to my signature and feel very honored to be part of the gang
Boogie nights
Ain't no doubt we are here to party
Boogie nights
Come on now got to get it started
Dance with the boogie get down
'Cause boogie nights are always
The best in town

Konifur will go in for the "blubber" and spill them drinks.

no thanks i`m not into necrophilia.

Good old Beryl Cook.
She lived just 37 km down the road in Plymouth and died 28th May - sadly missed.

I can imagine she is sadly missed...Poor Bamber
I am glad to bring back her memory with my mammaries

Actually, I was referring to the artist.

Opps silly me *blush* is that the artist? I have a few of her pictures in my collection, She IS VERY GOOD, I like her

In the mid 1960s, when she was in her late thirties, Beryl and her husband ran a busy Plymouth theatrical boarding house in the summer months. They enjoyed going to local bars and watching flamboyant drag acts. She concentrated on painting in the winter months, recreating her personal views of Plymouth in oils on wooden panels. An antique dealer friend persuaded her to let him try and sell a few, and, to her surprise, they sold quickly.

She was really good at painting women... ya cant help being proud of being a Voluptuous Buxom Babe... That's me V double B

WOW!!!!!!!!! Oh Pardon Me I just imagined you with no clothes on.

Are you thinking about my big pumpkinCut it out Kinky... that is just too wierd

Now, that is a Great Pumpkin, Charlie brown.

Oh you are a sick, sick Clown Baby

Smiles dont scare me. I'm a clown I exist to make people smile.