Martyn Rhisiart Jones

Madrid, Thursday 5th February 2026

Anecdotes about UNIVAC and the early days of computing

UNIVAC and the Eisenhower Prediction

One of the most famous anecdotes involving UNIVAC was its prediction of the outcome of the 1952 U.S. presidential election between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. As the first computer used for commercial purposes, UNIVAC was tasked with predicting the election results. On live television, UNIVAC correctly predicted Eisenhower’s victory, despite widespread scepticism about the machine’s accuracy.

Grace Hopper and the first computer “Bug”

Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist. She worked on the UNIVAC project. She is known for coining the term “bug” to refer to a computer error. The term originated from a literal bug, a moth, that was found inside the machine and caused a malfunction. Hopper taped the moth to a logbook. She wrote “First actual case of bug being found” next to it. This event marked the birth of the term “debugging.”

The “Miracle of Philadelphia”

The UNIVAC I installation at the Census Bureau in Philadelphia in 1951 was considered a technological marvel of its time. It was the first computer of its kind to be used for real-world applications. These included scientific calculations and business data processing. The successful operation of the UNIVAC I marked a significant milestone in the development of computing technology.

The Length of UNIVAC’s Name

The name “UNIVAC” stands for “Universal Automatic Computer.” However, during its development, the name was often jokingly referred to as “BINIAC,” which stood for “BINary Automatic Computer.” This play on words highlighted the significance of the machine’s binary-based operations.

UNIVAC’s Role in Scientific Research

UNIVAC computers played a crucial role in various scientific fields, including physics and astronomy. They were used to perform complex calculations and simulations for scientific research, enabling scientists to model and analyse complex phenomena.

Moon Missions and Simulation

UNIVAC computers were used to simulate trajectory calculations for early space missions. They calculated trajectories for the Vanguard and Redstone rockets. This contributed to the United States’ efforts in the Space Race.

Summary

These anecdotes provide glimpses into the historical significance and contributions of UNIVAC to the field of computing. The early days of UNIVAC were marked by innovation. Pioneering efforts led to the foundation of many computing practices. These practices continue to shape technology today.

Many thanks for reading.

_😺  Click for the last 100 Good Strat articles _😺