CONTENTS

1. THE TASKS AND THE COMPUTER[1]
A. Introduction[1]
B. The Tasks[2]
C. The Computers[3]
D. Matching Computers to Tasks[5]
E. On Characteristic Features of Computers and Related Equipment[6]
2. DATA-ACQUISITION SYSTEMS[16]
A. Introduction[16]
B. A Small Time-Shared Data-Acquisition System Based on a PDP-7 Computer[19]
C. A Small System Based on a PDP-8 Computer[23]
D. A Medium-Sized On-Line Computer System[28]
E. A Large System Based on a Single Computer (The Yale-IBM Nuclear-Data-Acquisition System)[32]
F. Multiple-Computer Systems[39]
G. A Process-Control System: The Brookhaven Multiple Spectrometer Control System[48]
H. Relationship to a Remote Computing Center[54]
3. A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURES[58]
A. The Nature of the Data[58]
B. Breakdown of Data for Analysis[59]
C. Types of Computers[61]
D. Some Total Costs[61]
E. Breakdown of Costs by Systems[64]
F. Rotating Memory Devices[65]
G. Systems On-Line with Computing Centers[65]
H. Anticipated Future Expenditures[65]
I. Investment in Accelerators, Computer Systems, and Laboratory Budgets[66]
J. Process-Control Application[67]
4. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON SYSTEM PLANNING[68]
A. The Need for On-Line Computer Systems[68]
B. Where Should Large-Scale Calculations Be Done?[69]
C. Exercising Economic Judgment in Planning[70]
D. On the Utility of Small and Medium-Sized Computers[71]
E. Growth Considerations[71]
F. Short Summary of Conclusions Regarding System Planning[73]
Appendix A: TABLES OF PROPERTIES OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPUTERS[79]
Appendix B: BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR CHAPTER 3, A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURES[86]

[Chapter 1]
THE TASKS AND THE COMPUTERS