Oldest computer still in current use

From: vance_at_neurotica.com <(vance_at_neurotica.com)>
Date: Sun May 11 20:02:59 2003

On Sun, 11 May 2003, TeoZ wrote:

> Wether its sending back data is mute since its too far away for that
> data to get to us. Its missin was to send back data on everything it
> found, why would that misson ever end since its still moving through
> space?

I believe we can still discern Voyager signal. I don't know if we're
going anything with it, but I'd imagine it would be useful to have a view
from outside the solar system.

> I dont understand your logic. The Voyager is ruled out because it might
> be too far away to have its valid data (stuff it was made to send back
> on purpose) get back to us, but the recieving equipment that will never
> get any data back since the signal isnt getting back is still a valid
> system?

The whole point is if its data isn't being received, it isn't really doing
useful work for us.

> Would an old obsolete college computer that runs a 300 baud bbs still be
> valid if nobody knows about it, or even called it and the college forgot
> to shut it down in the last 40 years?

No. It isn't doing useful work.

> If somebody fires up an old 50's analog computer in a museum just to see
> if it still kicks is it really "in use"?

Again, it isn't doing useful work. There are '60's era computers still
doing real work. I know of at least two which are still performing the
same duties for which they were originally installed.

Peace... Sridhar
Received on Sun May 11 2003 - 20:02:59 BST