Made in 1944, Colossus was crucial for the allies in the war against Nazi Germany to decipher encrypted messages
The Colossus It was a pioneering computer designed during the Second World War To decipher the figure Lorenzused by the German army to transmit encrypted messages. Made in 1944 from Tommy Flowers at Bletchley Parkhis use proved crucial for the allies, allowing them to obtain vital information on enemy movements and strategies.
Colossus was built with beyond 1,700 electronic valvesa big step forward compared to previous computers they used mechanical relays. Thanks to this technology, it was able to process data at a speed of up to 5,000 characters per second. Used a perforated tape To read the encrypted messages, with holes that represented data in binary format. An optical device, through beams of light and photoelectric sensors, read the data from the ribbon, translating them into electrical signals.
The computer performed its main task of identifying the starting points of the “Chi” wheels of the machine Lorenz use 501 thyratronwhich served as temporary memory for the positions of the lamellas of the machine. A watchmaking impulse coordinated all the operations, allowing Colossus to perform complex calculations in real time.
Colossus was operational starting from January 1944 and played a fundamental role in the decoding of crucial communications, including the planning of the D-day. His ability to quickly process and decipher the messages allowed the allies to obtain a strategic advantage, contributing significantly to the final victory.
After the war, the work on Colossus remained secret for many decades. Only over the years ’70 Its fundamental role in the history of information technology and encryption came to light. Today, Colossus is exposed to National Compormatica Museum to Bletchley Parkoffering visitors a unique opportunity to observe this unique machine and its impact on history. With a weight of about a ton And an innovative design, Colossus represents a fundamental chapter in the history of technology, marking the beginning of the era of modern computers and of the computer encryption.
