Free Daily Podcast Summary
Advent of Computing: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Sean Haas
Welcome to Advent of Computing, the show that talks about the shocking, intriguing, and all too often relevant history of computing. A lot of little things we take for granted today have rich stories behind their creation, in each episode we will learn how older tech has lead to our modern world.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago25 min
Episode 193 - Digital Dating... SCAM?
Computers can do anything! They can open new fields of study, connect the world, and solve impossible problems. But can they find you love? The answer may be yes. That is, if you can escape all the scams, hoaxes, and odd happenings in the world of early comptuer dating! Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Join the conversation on the OFFICIAL discord server: https://discord.com/invite/GpFNu3DTU2
- 2 weeks ago28 min
Episode 192 - Local Computer Held Hostage!
Have you ever wanted to use your computer, only to realize that it had been taken hostage? Over the decades there have been a number of cases where machines have been used as leverage against their owners. Today we look at tales of these digital kidnappings. Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Join the conversation on the OFFICIAL discord server: https://discord.com/invite/GpFNu3DTU2
- 3 weeks ago25 min
Episode 191 - The BHP Virus
I bet you can't make a virus for a home computer. That challenge was the start of an interesting saga. It would end with an honest to goodness computer virus spreading among Commodore 64 users. That virus may have made it as far as America and Turkey. It at least infected the offices of a computer magazine. Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Join the conversation on the OFFICIAL discord server: https://discord.com/invite/GpFNu3DTU2
- Oct 4, 202629 min
Episode 190 - Machine Room or DEATH TRAP!?
Boo! Welcome to Spook Month 2026! I start off my scary coverage by looking at the dangers of the mainframe rooms of the 50s and 60s. We all know that running computers can be a drag. But can it be deadly? Answering that question takes me through government documents, maintenance manuals, and odd recollections of days gone by. Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Join the conversation on the OFFICIAL discord server: https://discord.com/invite/GpFNu3DTU2
- Sep 27, 20261h 5m
Episode 189 - The IBM 701
At the end of the 1940s IBM stood at a crossroads. The punch card company had yet to enter the electronic computer market. Forces within and without were pushing them in that direction, but many man in blue suits would resist the coming change. Out of this climate emerged the Type 701, IBM's first commercial machine. How did it beat the odds and make it to market? And what even did folk do with these early machines? Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Join the conversation on the OFFICIAL discord server: https://discord.com/invite/GpFNu3DTU2
- Sep 13, 20261h 3m
Usagi Electric and the LGP-21 Restoration
Who can't resist Librascope hardware? Well, me, for one. And David from Usagi Electric is in the same boat. In this episode we sit down to talk about his LGP-21, how he got it, how he got it working, and what the machine can do! Subscribe to Usagi Electric to see the full project: https://www.youtube.com/@UsagiElectric
- Sep 1, 202652 min
Episode 188 - Training and Teaching with the Bi-Tran Six
How did you learn about computers? And how in depth was your education? For some the answer is the Bi-Tran Six: an educational machine released in 1965. This was one of the first computer trainers, and it represents a very interesting take on design. It's a machine that's small, simple, and can even be disassembled while running. But exactly how was it designed, and what was it used for? What makes the Bi-Tran Six so different from other machines? Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts
- Aug 17, 20261h 5m
Episode 187 - What's Better Than Binary?
Binary is synonymous with digital computing. But is it the only way to crunch numbers? The short answer is no. The long answer, well, that's today's topic. Today we are talking about ternary, aka base 3. From it's early uses in the 19th century, to actual computers, and even theoretical designs; ternary proves to be a difficult topic to track down... and a very unique one. Selected sources: https://www.mortati.com/glusker/fowler/fowlerbio.htm - Information and a reconstruction of Fowler's contraption https://dl.acm.org/doi/epdf/10.1145/776378.776392 - Part I of the TERNAC papers, rationale! Like Advent of Computing? Then check out the after show! Adjunct of Computing is now LIVE: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts
Get Advent of Computing summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Version History
A weekly exploration of iconic, infamous, and forgotten tech products and their impact on the industry.
Come, I'll take you back
Relive pivotal moments in tech history through immersive storytelling and rich sound design.
dot com: The Hacking
A journalist investigates the rise of cyberattacks in the post-Cold War era, exploring who is behind them and their global impact.
Computer Talk with TAB
A weekly radio show offering practical computer advice for everyday users, with live troubleshooting and guest insights based on listener questions.
Intelligent Machines (Audio)
Explores the impact of artificial intelligence through conversations with pioneers shaping the future of intelligent technology.
The Low Down
A podcast about hacking.
Hacked
Stories of hacking, tech scams, and digital mysteries explored by two hosts diving into how systems are built and broken.
Accidental Tech Podcast
Three nerds discuss technology, Apple, programming, and related topics.
Daily Tech News Show
Daily tech news coverage with analysis from Tom Merritt and team.
The a16z Show
Explores technology and cultural shifts shaping the future through conversations with industry leaders and innovators.
The Cal Newport Show
Explores strategies for thriving mentally and professionally in a world saturated with digital technology.
Connected
A weekly panel discussion exploring Apple and technology's influence on daily life through diverse perspectives and global viewpoints.
About Advent of Computing
Welcome to Advent of Computing, the show that talks about the shocking, intriguing, and all too often relevant history of computing. A lot of little things we take for granted today have rich stories behind their creation, in each episode we will learn how older tech has lead to our modern world.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Advent of Computing in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Advent of Computing daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Advent of Computing as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Advent of Computing podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Advent of Computing product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Sean Haas.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
What topics does Advent of Computing cover?
Advent of Computing covers topics including History, Technology. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Advent of Computing summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.