Definitions

From: Chuck McManis <cmcmanis_at_freegate.com>
Date: Tue Oct 6 12:16:49 1998

So would it be possible to come up with a group sanctioned list of
definitions for:
        computer (generic)
        digital computer
        analog computer
        minicomputer
        microcomputer
        processor
        microprocessor
        mainframe
Then when we all agreed on what the definition was we could argue 'firsts'
with some sort of logical frame-work. As it is, the discussions read a lot
like:
        A: The first X was the first foobar.
        B: No it wasn't, the Y was the first foobar.
        A: Y isn't a foobar, it doesn't even start with foo.
        B: Sure it was it was the ulimate foobar, it defines fooness.
        ...etc...
        C: If I had a Y I'd sell it on eBay for $50,000.
        D: I've got 18 Y's in my collection, I found them in a dumpster.
        E: That was the Y model 2, the original Y was much more elegant
                yours are the worthless later model.
        ... etc...

No offense intended, my observation is that many discussions are running
around in circles because the participants haven't agreed on their basic
tenents yet.

--Chuck
Received on Tue Oct 06 1998 - 12:16:49 BST