Computer Dictionary of Information Technology

Mathematical Analyzer, Numerical Integrator and Computer

(MANIAC, Or "Mathematical Analyzer, Numerator, Integrator, and Computer") An early computer, built for the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. MANIAC began operation in March 1952. Typical of early computers, it ran its own propriatery language. It was succeeded by MANIAC II in 1957. A MANIAC III was built at the University of Chicago in 1964.

Contrary to legend, MANIAC did not run MAD (Michigan Algorithm Decoder), which was not invented until 1959.