Very Computer

Why do we worry about better architectures? Chip makers like
Intel, Motorola, IBM, Apple, NEC, DEC, HP, etc, and
software writes would do more business if people are reminded that
they can compute.

I recently asked something in comp.human-factors:

Quote:: writes:

: >Aside from games, news, and e-mail, what do you want to do with
: >your computer?

: You named the most important part already. I see the computer as a
: communications medium.
: I use it to stay in contact with colleagues in other countries, to chat
: with them to prepare a manuscript by using email or by chatting
: using a MUD. Its possible to prepare a graphics, send it to my
: colleague. s/he modifies it and sends it back.
: The machine can also be used as an "interactive sketchpad" when I toy
: around with hypercard to generate a * design for a stack or the
: like or it can act as an "ideas organizer" when I use it to collect
: "ideas" in a hypertext document or just take notes using an ordinary
: word processor.

: There is only one thing I almost never do with my computer:
:    compute something...

How many people actually write programs at home if they don't have
a chance to do it on the job?

People want to start a small business? How about software companies
writing tools that permit people to write complete software packages
in their home? Just imagine a tool that eases the programmer into
writing software that meets standards, that helps the programmer
write documentation, that tests software, that does so many
mundane chores that full-fledged software companies know all about
but the ordinary joe is afraid to ask about. Software companies
need not worry about competition--after all who has the quality
assurance? who has the really good ideas? However, the masses
can solve, on the fly and with much simplicity, problems
requiring programs. Is gnu getting into this?

Programming at home should be easier than writing a novel--until
natural language generation gets going.

--
Henry Choy

       "Math is tough" - Barbie

|> How many people actually write programs at home if they don't have
|> a chance to do it on the job?
I have been programming for fun and profit since 1960.  I would guess
that in that 34-year span, I was only paid to program for about 7
years.  Everything before and since has been for fun.

|> Programming at home should be easier than writing a novel--until
|> natural language generation gets going.
Programming is much, much easier than writing a novel.  It is even
easier than writing a text book.  I have attempted all three.  Programming
is very easy.  The text book was much harder (but selling well) and no one
is interested in my novel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald A. Lewine                (508) 898-6488 Voice **NEW NUMBER**
Data General Corporation        (508) 366-0750 FAX
4400 Computer Drive. MS D112A
Westboro, MA 01580  U.S.A.

All opinions in this message are logical, well reasoned and my own.