EBCDIC

From: Dan Rector <rector_at_usa.net>
Date: Wed Jun 18 09:57:19 1997

Sam,

I don't own any computers that use EBCDIC, but I use them every day at
work. EBCDIC - extended binary coded decimal interchange code is the
character set used on most (if not all) IBM mainframes and midrange
systems. (IBM S/390, S/36, S/38, AS/400 etc.) This set has its roots
in punched cards (and prior) and really makes more sense when viewed
from that perspective vs. that of the way things are today. ASCII -
American National Standard Code for Information Interchange.

Back when I was in college, an instructor stated it this way:
(Speaking about the need for a uniform way to share info across machines.

"There are two ways to obtain a standard in the industry. The first is
to get a big commitee together and have all parties involved agree on
what it should be (ASCII). Or, be the largest company in the industry,
do it your own way and force everyone else to adopt your way of thinking.


Dan
-------------------

Sam Ismail wrote:

DOes anyone have a computer which uses the EBCDIC character set, rather
than ASCII (did I get the acronym right? what does it stand for
anyway)?

Just curious.


Sam
Received on Wed Jun 18 1997 - 09:57:19 BST