Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.4
Cartoon from
Datamation
magazine, 1962.
ate to fi ll the demand for more programmers, began testing inmates at
the nearby Sing-Sing Prison, promising them permanent positions pending
their release.
102
That same year,
Cosmopolitan Magazine
urged “Cosmo
Girls” to go out and become “computer girls” making “$15,000 a year”
as programmers. Not only did the widespread personnel problem in
computing make it possible for women to break into the industry but
the fi eld was also currently “overrun with males,” making it easy to fi nd
desirable dating prospects. Programming was “just like planning a
dinner,” the article quoted software pioneer Admiral Grace Hopper as
saying. “Women are 'naturals' at computer programming.” And in true
Cosmopolitan
fashion, the article was also accompanied by a quiz: in
this case, a mini programmer aptitude test adapted from an exam devel-
oped at NCR.
103
The infl ux of new programmer trainees and vocational
