# IBM 701

> mainframe computer by IBM

**Wikidata**: [Q1653104](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1653104)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_701)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ibm-701

## Summary
The IBM 701 was a mainframe computer developed by IBM, introduced in 1952. It was one of the first general-purpose electronic computers and ran on the GMOS operating system, marking a significant milestone in early computing.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Mainframe computer, general-purpose computer
- **Manufacturer**: IBM
- **Inception**: 1952
- **Operating System**: GMOS (General Motors Operating System)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Followed by**: IBM 704
- **Influenced by**: Whirlwind, UNIVAC 1103
- **Aliases**: Defense Calculator, IBM701
- **Wikipedia Title**: IBM 701
- **Commons Category**: IBM 701

## FAQs
### Q: What was the IBM 701 used for?
A: The IBM 701 was a general-purpose computer used for scientific, engineering, and business calculations. It was one of the first commercially available electronic computers.

### Q: What operating system did the IBM 701 use?
A: The IBM 701 ran on the GMOS (General Motors Operating System), created by General Motors in 1955.

### Q: What was the IBM 701's successor?
A: The IBM 701 was succeeded by the IBM 704, which improved upon its design with faster processing and additional features.

### Q: Where was the IBM 701 manufactured?
A: The IBM 701 was manufactured by IBM in the United States.

### Q: What were the IBM 701's key influences?
A: The IBM 701 was influenced by the Whirlwind and UNIVAC 1103 computers, contributing to advancements in early computing technology.

## Why It Matters
The IBM 701 was a pivotal early mainframe computer that laid the groundwork for future computing developments. As one of the first general-purpose electronic computers, it played a crucial role in transitioning from mechanical to electronic computing. Its introduction in 1952 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of computing technology, influencing the design of subsequent IBM models and setting standards for performance and reliability. The IBM 701's adoption of the GMOS operating system further demonstrated IBM's commitment to advancing computing systems, making it a foundational device in the history of computing.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first commercially available general-purpose electronic computers.
- Running on the GMOS operating system, a key development in early computing.
- Influencing the design of later IBM mainframe computers, including the IBM 704.
- Setting early standards for performance and reliability in mainframe computing.
- Contributing to the transition from mechanical to electronic computing.

## Body
### Overview
The IBM 701 was introduced by IBM in 1952 and was one of the first general-purpose electronic computers. It was designed to perform arithmetic and logical operations, making it a foundational device in the early computing era.

### Technical Specifications
The IBM 701 was a vacuum tube-based computer with a word length of 36 bits. It had a memory capacity of 2,048 words and could perform approximately 8,000 operations per second. The computer was approximately 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, reflecting the large size of early mainframe computers.

### Operating System
The IBM 701 ran on the GMOS (General Motors Operating System), developed by General Motors in 1955. GMOS was one of the first operating systems designed for a commercial computer, facilitating efficient program execution and resource management.

### Influence and Legacy
The IBM 701 influenced the design of later IBM mainframe computers, including the IBM 704, which improved upon its performance and features. It also contributed to the broader field of computing by demonstrating the feasibility and potential of electronic general-purpose computers.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The IBM 701 played a crucial role in the transition from mechanical to electronic computing, setting standards for performance and reliability. Its development marked a significant milestone in the history of computing, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013