WDR paper computer

The WDR paper computer or Know-How computer was a "computer" that could be easily assembled from a sheet of paper and individual matches. This would allow anyone interested to learn how to program without having an electronic computer at their disposal. Thus, this "computer" served as an educational aid in the field of computer science. The know-how computer was developed by Wolfgang Back and Ulrich Rohde and first presented in the television program WDR Computerclub in 1983.

He was also published in German magazines MC and pc magazin .

The "computer" worked on paper; Matches were used as information units. Only five commands were enough to represent all mathematical functions. This exercise computer on paper was sent in over 400,000 copies and belonged at that time to the computers with the widest circulation. An implementation as a computer program is available on Wolfgang Back's website.

The method of operation is based on register machine, but is more to the approach of Shepherdson and Sturgis.

A derived version of the "Paper Computer" is used as a "know how computer" in Namibian school education.