<altering the computer (machine) is that there is a definite distinction
<between the circuitry to drive the logic unit (CPU) and the circuitry
<which defines the stored program (code). So while a masked ROM cannot b
<altered, you can swap out the ROM with a new ROM with a completely
<different set of instructions, while the rest of the circuitry which
<executes the code remains unmodified.
Apply that to the 8048 or other single chip mcu.
<digital computers and not analogue. I think the murky area being argued
<here is strictly pertaining to analog computers since it is indeed a
<series of filters and amplifiers combined to manipulate analog signals.
<digital computer is something quite different, and I think quite easy to
<define.
Thats the point. Many exceedingly simple looking analogue systems
perform what would take a fairly complex digital system to simulate.