Re: Digital vs. Binary Computers

From: Frank Kotler (fbkotler_at_comcast.net)
Date: 04/22/04 

Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 06:04:22 GMT

Nathan C. Baker wrote:

>>Actually, I think I'd class a slide rule as an "analogue" device (unlike
>>an abacus). At least the old wooden ones... maybe the newfangled plastic
>>ones are digital :)
>
> I just ordered a new 64-bit slide rule with LCD readout and a USB 2.0
> connector. ;-)

Kewl! How much precision can you zoom down to?

There was a proposal long ago in one of these groups - or maybe fidonet
- to write a graphical slide rule as a "desktop accessory". I guess they
figured it would be more accurate than the original Windows calculator,
as well as more fun. :)

> Well, it functions like an analog machine, but there are _decimal digits_
> printed on the slide rule. Users convert their numbers to scientific
> notation before using it -- this involves a _decimal point_ and _digits_.
> So, I guess it would be a hybrid analog/digital device.

Okay, yeah. Definitely decimal. And "digital" in the sense of "uses
digits". I meant "digital" as in "uses discrete states", which as Beth
points out, is a somewhat distorted meaning of the word. So if a
"digital" computer uses discrete states, would dividing by zero be an
indiscretion? :)

In an analogue device, I guess dividing by zero wouldn't be an error
unless they could prove it was *exactly* zero...

Best,
Frank

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