PDP-12

The PDP-12 (Programmed Data Processor) is a computer that was created by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1969 and marketed specifically for science and engineering. It was the third in the LINC family and its main uses were for applications in chemistry, applied psychology, patient monitoring and industrial testing. It is the combination of the LINC computer and the PDP-8 and can run programs for either computer. It features a single central processor with two distinct operating modes, each with its own instruction set that allows it to run both computers' programs. PDP-12 Basic System weighed about 600 pounds (270 kg).

Because it is the combination of two different computers it is very versatile. It can be a laboratory-oriented machine with several facilities for I/O, auxiliary storage, and control and sensing for external equipment or a general purpose computer with a flexible I/O capability that can support multiple peripheral devices. The basic package came with dual LINCtape drives, a scope display and I/O ports for interfacing with external laboratory equipment and peripherals. In addition to a display-based OS other software packages were included for data acquisition and display, Fourier analysis and mass spectrometry.