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Video Captures Massive World War II Computer in Action

by Warren Riddle on February 3, 2010 at 03:15 PM

During World War II, British operatives constructed a massive computer designed to intercept and decipher incredibly complex, coded German messages. The machine, known as the Colossus, successfully interpreted strategic encryptions and was instrumental in the success of Allied forces. After the war, the heroic machine was destroyed so that enemies could not duplicate the amazing technological masterpiece.

Fifty years later, in 1994, scientists and engineers began rebuilding the device with only photos for guidance, and it has since been completed by a team that included former British spy Tony Sale. Sale has now provided an amazing walk-through of the Colossus's deciphering process. In his talk, he discusses the details of the German "12-wheeled machine", optical readers, logic circuits, teleprinters, and other awesome gadgets. Check out the video for the full description, and to find out exactly how "Hitler's communication method" was "revealed by one German mistake." [From: The BBC]

Tags: code, history, hitler, spy, top, war, world war ii, WorldWarIi

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