21 Nov
2003
21 Nov
'03
12:04 p.m.
On Friday, November 21, 2003, at 04:26 PM, Bob Shannon wrote:
So what is a computer versus a caluclator, or a
programmable
controller?
Actually this is very simple, until you disagree with the definition
and insert religion...
A computer is a programmable computing system that can run
pre-prepared 'software'.
A masked programmed microprocessor ~probably~ is not a computer (the
STAMP is clearly
an exception here).
A programmable calculator generally is ~not~ a computer, although
advanced ones with
mass storage and off-the shelf applications programs clearly IS a
computer.
So is the fuel injection processor chip in your car a computer?
Clearly not.
How about a HP-41? Clearly this meets the above definition, as it has
applications programs
available.
Ok, what about a HP-33? Hmm, probably a programmable calculator, by
the above definition.
If you did not think the HP35 had "off the shelf" programs written for
it (only amateur program)
then it is a programmable calculator, but If you suddenly located a
package for sale that provided
some sort of solution, then it suddenly becomes a computer?
What If I wire wrap a 6502 with some memory and a serial port, put a
monitor in ROM and proceed to
single handedly and as an amateur write an OS, a C compiler, A
database. now say I will never
sell the "device" or the "software". Is it a computer, or is it
something else?
What about a PLC (programmable logic controller)? Clearly not a
computer, no software as
such, and its not primarily a computational device, its really just a
fancy state machine.
While any definition will leave some grey areas, this definition seems
a bit clearer than most.