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34C3 - The Ultimate Apollo Guidance Computer Talk

media.ccc.de · 324.2K views · 2017-12-28 · 1:01:42

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Overview

Michael Steil and Christian Hessmann's 34C3 talk explaining the Apollo Guidance Computer end to end: hardware design, operating system, and mission software.

On Hacker News

Repeatedly called the best and most comprehensive AGC talk, with commenters rewatching it and treating it as foundational computer architecture learning.

Recommended by 9 HN people across 7 months · HN mentions 2018–2025

Topics

Computer architecture & CPUsHistory of computingSpace exploration & spaceflight
Search by tags
agccomputer architectureapollooperating systemschaos communication congress

What people said

msarnoff · 2025-04 · Strong recommendation

Michael’s blog is one of my favorites. His “Ultimate Guide” talks are great and I rewatch them at least once a year. Ultimate Guide to the C64: [LINK] Ultimate Guide to the Game Boy: [LINK] Ultimate Guide to the Apollo Guidance Computer: [VIDEO]

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_jholland · 2024-07 · Strong recommendation

For a comprehensive exposition of the technical aspects of the AGC, look no further than the Ultimate Apollo Guidance Computer Talk: [VIDEO] They not only do a brilliant job of exposing this niche system, but it is a foundational lecture for my knowledge of computer architecture in general

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shadowofneptune · 2022-08 · Strong recommendation

The best presentation I have seen on the AGC architecture: [VIDEO] It does present addresses in hexadecimal, oddly. The computer was 15-bit and used octal in its display panel. I suppose the presenters thought the audience would understand hex better.

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Sources

Video by media.ccc.de, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

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