2 Jul
1999
2 Jul
'99
9:21 p.m.
But also, I've learnt a lot about _real_ computer
design and operation
from these old machines. You'll learn a lot more sitting down for a day
with a PDP8/e and a logic analyser than you'll learn from most books on
computer logic.
Oh yes, indeed, there is nothing like an old machine to learn about
computer architecture. This does not mean that modern machines are not
learning tool - no way. One can learn all sorts of nifty things about
operating systems (NO M$ slams, please) and higher level languages -
things that sometimes are near impossible on an old system (OOP for a
PDP-8/e? I don't think so!). Learning basic computer architecture (gate
level) and assembly is basically impossible on most of today's machines
simply due to complexity - most processors are becoming dataflow and/or
superscalar, and these days compliers have to deal with all sorts of
conditions that do not exist on (most) classic machines, like
instruction ordering to keep the pipes full. In other words, the learning
potential has changed - not for the good or for the worse, but just
changed.
Please remember that this list is international. And
that not all of us
have well payed jobs, or even jobs at all. I couldn't consider spending
twice my _annual_ income on an Altair. Heck, I have to stop and think
before I spend my weekly income on common 8-bit micro.
!!!
This is
(mostly) America, as they say. Work your butt off and get ahead
I am _NOT_ in America. Please remember that the conditions in other
countries are very different.