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Subject: Re: Hydra Mystery Remains Unsolved

Author: Dann Corbit

Date: 13:57:45 02/18/04

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On February 18, 2004 at 16:50:45, Bob Durrett wrote:

>On February 18, 2004 at 16:35:48, Dann Corbit wrote:
>
>>On February 18, 2004 at 16:31:51, Bob Durrett wrote:
>>[snip]
>>>I think you are making a classic error of assuming that all engineering
>>>departments teach about EPROMS.  I assure you that there is a bit more to
>>>engineering than that.
>>
>>I assume (for instance) that an EE major would know how to program an EPROM.
>>That was a 'for instance' not a statement about scope of learning.
>
>Yes, I understand.  Nevertheless, I still perceive a slight perception problem.
>It is like a blind man feeling an elephant.  I'm sure you've heard the story.
>One blind man feels the side of the elephant and perceives a wall-like creature.
> Another blind man feels a leg and perceives [or imagines] a tree-like being.
>Another feels the tail and jumps away thinking that an elephant is a snake,
>about to bite him!
>
>Young inexperienced programmers are like those blind men.  They see something
>like engineering, medical science, or astronomy and can only see EPROMs.  It's
>sort-of like a pre-programmed perception.  Mostly imaginary.

Quite frankly, I think that the problem you perceive is mostly imaginary.

>Bob D.
>
>Digital design is a field of design engineering.  It is not at all limited to
>using computers or even microprocessors.  Beyond digital design, there is design
>engineering in general.  Beyond that, there are other kinds of engineering,
>equally valid and important.  The use of software and firmware fits nicely in
>some applications but has no value at all in others.

Software and firmware are important to every branch of science, engineering and
mathematics.  I think your perception is (let's just say) WAY out in left field.

>>>>Why not read a book about it at your local library?
>>>
>>>There is no way that the local library would have the kinds of books you refer
>>>to.  The local library is set up primarily to serve grammar school and high
>>>school students.  There is a local university.  I have browsed thru their book
>>>collections and they have some interesting books but nothing like what you
>>>probably had in mind.  The US Government has an installation nearby and they
>>>have a large technical library.  Before I retired, I used to practically live
>>>there.  I no longer have access to that library.  The only thing remaining is
>>>amazon.com and the internet.  I cannot travel to MIT to look at their books but
>>>they probably would not let me in the door, due to my elderly appearance.
>>>
>>>Your reading idea was great in theory but no good in practice, in this specific
>>>case.
>>
>>You have a very crappy library system where you live then.  There are literally
>>hundreds of books like that in King County, WA.  And if the local branch does
>>not have it, they will mail it to you.  And if you make a special request, they
>>will often purchase the book for the library system.
>>
>>So if your local library does not have one, go to the nearest technical college
>>or university.  They are sure to have one.  Or you could just download some
>>online articles in PDF and read those.



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