First computer bug found 66 years ago

Nearly 70 years ago in September 1947, computer operators discovered what would eventually be known as the first actual computer bug.

The bug, found 66 years ago on September 9 in a Mark II Aiken Relay Computer at Harvard University, was a real insect: a moth trapped between the relays.

"Sadly, no record has been made of the moth’s identity for its considerable contribution to the world of technology, although it has achieved a certain immortality of its own thanks to a yellowing strip of Scotch tape," narrated researcher Graham Cluley.

He said the moth was trapped between points at Relay #70, Panel F of the Mark II Aiken Relay Computer, which was being tested at the time.

Grace Hopper has the distinction of being the one who located the moth.

Cluley added the log book that recorded the first bug is now in the National Museum of American History, "but apparently is not currently on public view—which seems a shame."

"(This was the) first actual case of bug being found,” said a note made at the time, he said.

As for the moth, Cluley noted few may realize its contribution to the world of computers—it helped popularize the concept of “debugging" computers. — VC, GMA News