29 May
1999
29 May
'99
7:44 a.m.
On Sat, 29 May 1999, Sellam Ismail wrote:
Yeah, but you're still programming an ENIAC. The
interface is just more
modern. If you're so indignant you can always build a "knobs and
switches" interface to settle your neurosis.
Maybe you don't see what I'm saying (and I don't know any reason for
insults, either). Let's say you're a radio collector. You want a certain
old radio, which you would never be able to own. Somebody gives you a
modern radio with the same circuit layout but the old components have been
replaced by modern ones. Such a radio could fit on a circuit board 2"
sq. if done with surface mount. It works the same way. Would you take this
radio, and say 'hell, if I want, I can add the old-fashioned knobs later'?
I doubt it. Now, granted, this is the only kind of ENIAC anyone will ever
be able to own, but I'm dubious about how similar the experience would be
to running a real ENIAC.
--Max Eskin (max82(a)surfree.com)
http://scivault.hypermart.net: Ignorance is Impotence - Knowledge is Power