Sorting and Searching
Doghouse – Algorithms and Books
A look at the history of computer memory and a classic algorithm text.
When I started programming in 1969, even mainframe computers from IBM might have had only 1MB of main memory and two or three disk drives that were measured in hundreds of megabytes, with multitrack tape drives that would supplement that storage. Any type of parallelism in programming typically stressed the goal of keeping the data that you needed coming into main memory, while you were also trying to get the processed data out to "stable storage," either to a disk or directly to a magnetic tape.
Some of the first IBM computers I programmed used an operating system called MFT (Multiple Fixed Tasking) which had up to 16 "partitions" in memory, each of a fixed size set when the operating system was configured.
When a job was started by the operators, the Job Control Language (JCL) told the operating system how much main memory it would take, and the job was slotted into a memory slot that was large enough to hold it. If the creator of the JCL specified too much memory, that meant memory was wasted. Too small an amount and the program might not finish, or even start.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
PwnEscape Poses VM Vulnerability
A guest-to-host escape flaw in Linux KVM, named PwnEscape, might be yet another means of attacking Linux.
-
Linux Mint 27 Set for a Christmas Release
The developers behind Linux Mint have announced a Christmas release, and it looks like Santa's sack will be brimming with features.
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.