1930s Linux Teletype

In the dim and distant past, before PCs, organisations would have one big computer (a mainframe) connected to many smaller computers (terminals). You can see the linguistic clues of this past in today’s Linux
distributions, which all have at least one terminal application where the user interacts with the computer via typed commands. Fans of the terminal say it’s often faster, more accurate, and more power-efficient than using a graphical interface. Fans of this Linux terminal, created by CuriousMarc, can also say that it smells nicer and feels better than using a graphical PC.

This beautiful machine takes a Model 15 Teletype machine built in 1930. It’s an electromechanical device that was used to send and receive messages typed into a keyboard, and printed out onto paper strips. There’s a rich and fascinating history to these devices, but our favourite thing is that when they’re running, they smell of hot metal; you can learn more by watching Marc’s hypnotic, absorbing video.