# CK-325 > Type of punch card reader **Wikidata**: [Q9184051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9184051) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ck-325 ## Summary CK-325 is a specific model of punch card reader used in early computing systems for reading data stored on punched cards. It represents a tangible implementation within the broader category of punched card input/output devices. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: CK-325 is classified as a type of punch card reader. - **Instance of**: product. - **Subclass of**: punched card input/output. - **Manufacturer**: International Computers Limited. - **Wikidata Description**: Type of punch card reader. - **Image**: [CK-325.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ck-325.jpg) - **Wikipedia language coverage**: Present in Polish (pl). - **Sitelink count**: 1. - **Related class**: punch card input/output, which is a subclass of computer hardware and card reader. - **Aliases**: Includes terms like "punch card reader", "computer punched card reader", and others associated with the broader class. - **Technical identifiers**: - Freebase ID: `/m/07kjpl6` - Microsoft Academic ID: `174918975` - nl_cr_aut_id: `ph157261` with qualifier description 'snímače děrných štítků' ## FAQs ### What is CK-325? CK-325 is a model of punch card reader, a device used to read data from punched cards, which were a primary data storage and input medium in early computing systems. ### What category does CK-325 belong to? It is classified as a type of punch card reader and is part of the broader class of punched card input/output devices, which are computer hardware components. ### Who manufactured the CK-325? CK-325 was manufactured by International Computers Limited. ### What is the significance of CK-325 in computing history? CK-325 is significant as a physical implementation of early data input technology, enabling the use of punched cards for data processing in computing systems before electronic storage became widespread. ### How is CK-325 identified in technical databases? It is identified by: - Freebase ID: `/m/07kjpl6` - Microsoft Academic ID: `174918975` - nl_cr_aut_id: `ph157261` with qualifier description 'snímače děrných štítků' ## Why It Matters CK-325 represents a key component in the history of early computing, where punched card systems were essential for data input and processing. As a physical device, it enabled the mechanized reading of data stored on punched cards, which were foundational to business and scientific data workflows. Its role in computing history is tied to the broader transition from manual to automated data handling. The device reflects the technological infrastructure that laid the groundwork for modern data processing systems. ## Notable For - Being a model of punch card reader that was part of early computer hardware ecosystems. - Representing a direct link to punched card input/output systems that were essential in pre-digital data workflows. - Being manufactured by International Computers Limited, a notable player in early computing hardware. - Having a documented presence in technical databases and identifiers like Freebase and Microsoft Academic Graph. - Being part of the historical lineage of data input technologies that preceded electronic storage. ## Body ### Classification & Identity - CK-325 is a specific model of punch card reader. - It is a subclass of punched card input/output, which itself is a subclass of both computer hardware and card reader. - The device is identified in technical databases with: - Freebase ID: `/m/07kjpl6` - Microsoft Academic ID: `174918975` - nl_cr_aut_id: `ph157261` with the qualifier description 'snímače děrných štítků' - It is associated with the image file: [CK-325.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ck-325.jpg) - It has one sitelink, indicating limited but documented presence in digital knowledge bases. ### Manufacturer and Technical Context - Manufacturer: International Computers Limited. - As a product, CK-325 is part of the historical class of punched card input/output devices, which were essential for reading data from physical cards in early computing systems. ### Relationship to Broader Class - CK-325 is a specific implementation of a punch card reader, which was a subclass of card reader and computer hardware. - It is part of the historical ecosystem of punched card systems that were foundational in early data processing. ### Historical and Technical Significance - CK-325 was used in systems where punched cards were the primary medium for data input and output. - It played a role in mechanizing and automating data workflows in business, government, and scientific applications. - The device reflects the era of computing that relied on physical storage media before the rise of electronic data storage. ### Presence in Knowledge Bases - CK-325 is documented in technical databases and linked to identifiers such as: - Freebase: `/m/07kjpl6` - Microsoft Academic Graph (discontinued): `174918975` - nl_cr_aut_id: `ph157261` with description 'snímače děrných štítků' - It is part of the Commons category "Punch card readers", indicating its historical relevance in computing. ### Legacy and Influence - As part of the punched card input/output class, CK-325 contributed to the evolution of data handling technologies. - It represents a bridge between manual and automated data systems, supporting early computing infrastructures that laid the foundation for modern data processing. ### Image and Documentation - The device is visually documented in the file [CK-325.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ck-325.jpg), which provides a reference for its physical design. - It is present in one language version of Wikipedia (Polish), indicating limited but notable historical documentation. ### Role in Early Computing - CK-325 was part of systems that used punched cards to store and process data, a method that was standard before the adoption of magnetic and electronic storage. - Its design and function were critical in enabling early computers to read instructions and data encoded on physical cards. ### Ecosystem and Context - CK-325 was used in environments where data was input and processed using punched cards, such as in business and government sectors. - It is part of a broader class of devices that includes other punch card readers and punches, all of which were essential in the pre-digital era of computing. ### Technical Specifications and Use - As a punch card reader, CK-325 was designed to mechanically interpret holes punched in cards as binary data. - It was used in systems where data was encoded on physical cards, which were then read by machines like CK-325 to input data into early computers. ### Cultural and Historical Context - The use of CK-325 and similar devices reflects the historical reliance on physical data storage methods. - It is part of the technological lineage that led to modern data input systems, serving as a mechanical interface between human-readable and machine-readable data.