Episode 180 - You Wouldn't Magnetize a Tape!
From Advent of Computing by Sean Haas
April 19, 2026 · 1h 6m
About this episode
This episode explores the history and significance of magnetic tape in computing.
The image of a mainframe is almost always accompanied by it's companion: the magnetic tape drive. For decades magnetic tape served as the medium of choice for computing. It was faster than punch cards, and more available than hard drives. But where did it come from? Is it a borrowed technology like the vacuum tube? Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts
People in this episode
Host: Sean Haas
Topics covered
- magnetic tape
- mainframe
- computing history
- technology evolution
- data storage
Keywords
- magnetic tape
- mainframe
- data storage
- vacuum tube
- computing technology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Advent of Computing, Adjunct of Computing
Products: magnetic tape drive, vacuum tube
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