24 Jan
2011
24 Jan
'11
7:58 a.m.
Evan writes:
BUT .... wouldn't everyone also agree that, at the
very
least, to be a "computer" a machine must be programmable?
Personally, I would not agree.
In the 1940's "computing" definitely meant solving systems
of linear equations (ABC) and artillery tables (ENIAC) and
other applications (e.g. Analytical Engine).
Note that even today LAPACK (linear equations) is the
Standard supercomputer benchmark.
In the 2000's "computing" usually means E-mail, Web, and
Word Processing, all of which can be done on machines
that lack or lock out end-user programming.
And compare with 21st century "quantum computing" which is set
up on optical benches.
Tim.