Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

The Secret Ancestor of the x86 Architecture: The Datapoint 2200

2025-05-25

This article tells the story of the Datapoint 2200 terminal, not the first personal computer, but a device that profoundly influenced the birth of the x86 architecture. Before the advent of personal computers, computer terminals were the most common interaction devices for users. The Datapoint 2200, a programmable terminal, while not initially designed as a standalone computer, nurtured the prototype of the x86 architecture, which is still widely used in laptops, desktops, and servers today. The article details the design philosophy, technical specifications, and far-reaching impact of the Datapoint 2200 on computer history, showcasing the often unassuming yet crucial innovations in technological development.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

Tech

Assembly Language: Still Relevant in the Age of LLMs?

2025-04-12

Even in the age of Large Language Models (LLMs), learning assembly language remains valuable. This article explores the relevance of assembly language, particularly in the context of DeepSeek's use of Nvidia's PTX intermediate language to accelerate networking operations. While high-level languages and LLMs can generate code, understanding assembly provides crucial insights into how computers work and aids in debugging higher-level code. The article compares seven assembly languages across different architectures (retro 6502, Z80, 8086, 68000 and modern x86-64, ARM, RISC-V), evaluating them based on learning materials, learning curve, ease of use, accessibility, and fun. Ultimately, RISC-V is recommended as the best option for beginners due to its clear learning path, abundant resources, and promising future.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

Development

The Soul of a New Machine: A Timeless Tale of Engineering

2025-04-05

Tracy Kidder's 'The Soul of a New Machine' recounts the intense race against time at Data General in the late 1970s to develop the Eclipse MV/8000, a rival to DEC's VAX. Kidder immerses the reader in the 'rebel' engineering team's struggles, showcasing their dedication and clashing personalities as they push the boundaries of what was possible. This gripping narrative offers a compelling look at the human cost of technological innovation and remains surprisingly relevant decades later.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

Tech

CUDA at 18: Nvidia's Secret Sauce and AI Dominance

2025-03-24

Nvidia's CUDA platform, celebrating its 18th anniversary, is far more than a programming language or API; it's the core of Nvidia's software ecosystem, powering numerous "embarrassingly parallel" computing tasks from AI to cryptocurrency mining. CUDA's success stems from Nvidia's consistent long-term investment and steady updates, a stark contrast to competitors like AMD. The success of AlexNet highlighted CUDA's early influence in deep learning, and today, it's the de facto standard in AI, forming a strong competitive moat for Nvidia.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

AI

Manchester Baby: The First Truly Modern Computer?

2025-03-11

This article recounts the story of the "Manchester Baby," a small-scale experimental machine built at the University of Manchester in 1948. Despite its slow speed and simple program, the Baby pioneered the concept of electronic stored-program computing, marking a pivotal moment in the dawn of the modern computing age. The article also delves into the competing claim of the ENIAC computer, comparing and contrasting their features, ultimately concluding that the Manchester Baby holds a significant milestone in the development of fully electronic stored-program computers.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

Tech manchester baby

DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI World: A Déjà Vu?

2025-02-18

The emergence of DeepSeek models has sent shockwaves through the AI industry, sparking intense debate. This article revisits a 1990 speech by Gordon Moore on VLSI industry trends, highlighting striking similarities between the challenges then – competition from Asia, rising manufacturing costs, government support, and finding applications – and those facing the AI industry today. Moore's cautious stance on neural network chips back then, contrasted with AI's current boom, is thought-provoking. History seems to be repeating itself; technological advancements are rapid, yet fundamental industry questions persist.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

AI

Nvidia's Ascent: A Thirty-Year Journey to AI Dominance

2024-12-28

Tae Kim's new book, 'The Nvidia Way,' chronicles Nvidia's remarkable journey from a small company founded in a Denny's to one of the world's most valuable. From early graphics card designs to leading the AI revolution, Nvidia's success wasn't accidental. The book details early failures, highlighting CEO Jensen Huang's relentless innovation and risk-taking, culminating in breakthroughs like the RIVA 128. A unique strategy combining hardware and software, coupled with a distinctive corporate culture, propelled Nvidia to AI leadership. However, future challenges remain.

(thechipletter.substack.com)

Tech Jensen Huang