Stone Age
1. In computer folklore, an ill-defined period from {ENIAC}
(ca. 1943) to the mid-1950s; the great age of
electromechanical {dinosaurs}. Sometimes used for the entire
period up to 1960--61 (see {Iron Age}); however, it is funnier
and more descriptive to characterise the latter period in
terms of a "Bronze Age" era of {transistor}-logic,
pre-{ferrite core memory} machines with {drum} or {CRT} mass
storage (as opposed to just {mercury delay lines} and/or
relays).
2. More generally, a pejorative for any crufty, ancient piece
of hardware or software technology. Note that this is used
even by survivors from the {Stone Age}.
[{Jargon File}]
(1995-01-24)