Octal - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

31 Aug 2006

...

Subject: Octal
   From: M H Stein <dm561 at torfree.net>
   Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:13:38 -0400
     To: "'cctalk at classiccmp.org'" <cctalk at classiccmp.org>

----------Original message(s):

Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2006 16:14:14 +1200
From: "Ethan Dicks" <ethan.dicks at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Octal

 > M H Stein wrote:
>
> I've found the Windows Calculator to be the most convenient
> (nicer keyboard & display and doesn't take any desk space).
> mike 
 I prefer 'dc', the calculator program that
comes with UNIX - it does
different radix inputs and outputs, and uses RPN, plus, I _always_
have a UNIX shell handy (and almost never have a real calculator or a
Windows box in front of me). 
Well, of course you'd use whatever you like and runs in the OS of your
choice, but it's interesting to note how many people still use a "real"
calculator when there's probably one on the screen in front of them,
not to mention a spreadsheet program; every office user I visit still 
has a calculator on his/her desk... 
Lesse, While the calc on my NT4 box has most of the right stuff it 
doesn't do logic (AND, OR, XOR, NOT) and if I ask for a "tape" the 
printer is at the other side of the room.  Feh!

Often I need the result when NOT at a PC.

...
 <snip>
 I miss my old Sharp 4-banger with the flourescent
digits.  I have the
parts in a bag, but it needs some serious plastic reconstruction - I
think the plasticizer was all baked out - the case is seriously
brittle. 
 -ethan 
That raises an interesting question: does anyone know of any substance
that actually "revitalizes" brittle plastic? 
None.  In a few cases I used the old parts to cast new.

Allison