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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• Episode 177 - Getting Real with RSX · February 22, 2026 · 58 min
• Episode 176 - Is That Even UNIX? · February 8, 2026 · 1h 2m

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