Old Slab

Old Slab refers to a broad category of early computer memory technology predating integrated circuits. The term isn't strictly technical or rigorously defined, but generally describes memory solutions used in the earliest computing machines, often characterized by their large size, relatively slow speeds, and physical construction using discrete components rather than integrated chips.

Typical characteristics of an "old slab" memory system include:

• Discrete Components: Implementation using individual electronic components like vacuum tubes, capacitors, resistors, and sometimes relays.
• Bulky Size: The physical size of the memory was often substantial, sometimes occupying entire rooms for what would be considered tiny amounts of storage by modern standards.
• Low Capacity: Storage capacity was extremely limited, often measured in kilobytes or even bytes.
• Slow Access Times: Read and write speeds were slow compared to later memory technologies, often measured in milliseconds.
• High Power Consumption: Operation required significant amounts of electrical power, leading to considerable heat generation.
• Maintenance Intensive: These systems were prone to failure and required constant maintenance and adjustments.

Examples of memory technologies that would fall under the general description of "old slab" include:

• Williams Tube Memory: A cathode ray tube-based memory system.
• Selectron Tube Memory: Another vacuum tube-based memory technology.
• Delay Line Memory: Memory that stored data as acoustic waves traveling through a medium like mercury.

The term "old slab" is often used informally and nostalgically to emphasize the contrast between the primitive memory technologies of the past and the compact, high-performance memory systems of today. It evokes an image of large, complex, and power-hungry machines that paved the way for modern computing.