Program Structure in a Multi-access Computer

Abstract

A multi-access computer (MAC) system consists of processing units and directly addressable main memory in which procedure information is interpreted as sequences of operations on data, a system of terminal devices through which users may communicate with procedures operating for them, and mass memory where procedures and data may be held when not required for immediate reference. One fundamental attraction of the MAC concept is the increased productivity of "computer catalyzed research" that results from close man-machine interaction. Another attraction is wealth of data and procedures that are accessible to a large user community through the file memory of a MAC system. In this report thoughts are developed which form an adequate model of program structure. These concepts have grown out of many discussions with colleges in Project MAC, and our experience to date in the design and operation of multi-access computer systems.