Ben Gurley

Ben Gurley (December 23, 1926 – November 7, 1963) was an important figure in the history of computing. At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Gurley designed the cathode ray tube display and light-pen of the TX-0.[1] In 1959 Gurley left Lincoln Labs for DEC; he was the designer of DEC's first computer, the PDP-1.[2]

Gurley died of a gunshot fired through a window in his home while eating dinner with his family.[3] A former co-worker from DEC was convicted of the crime. This incident inspired acquaintance and author John Updike to write his popular novel "The Music School".[4]

References
  1. Ceruzzi, Paul E. (2003). History of Modern Computing, 2e. MIT Press. ISBN 9780262532037.
  2. "Computer History Museum - Restoring the DEC PDP-1 Computer Exhibit". Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  3. http://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Electronic/PDP-1.html
  4. http://www.informationweek.com/desktop/updikes-passing-recalls-brush-with-murdered-computer-designer/d/d-id/1076620?


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