The DEC PDP-1 (Programmed Data Processor-1) is a landmark in computing history, introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1959. As one of the first minicomputers, the PDP-1 played a pivotal role in shaping interactive computing, fostering innovation in software development, and laying the groundwork for future technological advancements. It is known for being the most important computer in the creation of hacker culture at MIT, Bolt, Beranek and Newman, and elsewhere. The PDP-1 also was the original hardware for one of the first video games, Steve Russell's 1962 game Spacewar!

In the late 1950s, computers were primarily large, expensive mainframes used by governments, research institutions, and corporations. Among these, the PDP-1 and PDP-4 stand out as early milestones in the evolution of minicomputers — compact, affordable systems that brought computing power closer to engineers, scientists, and even hobbyists.

[ PDP-1 running Spacewar!, MIT, 1962 ]

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