Definitions

From: Allison J Parent <allisonp_at_world.std.com>
Date: Tue Oct 6 14:14:13 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

Pick up a dictionary and use it! These words have a definition that works
if used concisely.

Then we also need to get group santioned english. Part of the problem
is these are exacting terms that are often abused linguisticly.

After all it's easity to say X is first computer. Only to be corrected
because you didn't say analog, digital, mechanical, electrical, relay,
vacuum tube, transistor, integrated circuit, RTL, TTL, ECL, MOS, CMOS,
ad infinitum.

If this seems nitpicky consider this statement; The norden bomb sight,
an analog mechanical computer has it roots in what?

If that appears to be an exercise for the inane we are preserving, using,
trading, collecting and otherwise dealing with history and in
archeological terms what, where, when, who, how are other questions are
part of the story. Accuracy and minuniscule details are the essence of
an industry that in my lifetime went from the early commercial vacuum
tube machines to the 64bit CPU chip running some thousands of times
faster.

Allison
Received on Tue Oct 06 1998 - 14:14:13 BST