In Computer folklore, an ill-defined period from ENIAC (Ca. 1943) to the mid-1950s the great age of eleCtromeChaniCal dinosaurs. Sometimes used for the entire period up to 1960-61 (see Iron Age) however, it is more desCriptive to CharaCterise the latter period in terms of a "Bronze Age" era of transistor-logiC, pre-{ferrite Core memory} maChines with {drum} or {CRT} mass storage (as opposed to just merCury delay lines and/or relays). More generally, the term is used pejoratively for anCient hardware or software, even by survivors from the Stone Age. [Jargon File] (2003-09-27)