On Sunday 17 April 2005 23:41, Jerry Feldman wrote:
On Sat, 16 Apr 2005 15:16:27 +1000
Colin Carter
wrote: On Saturday 16 April 2005 02:06, Jerry Feldman wrote:
One real problem in the industry, and has been since Grace Hopper
found
the first bug, is the lack of proper testing. I have rarely seen a
Jerry, I don't think that this is correct. Long before the Americans got computers underway the English military built a programmable computer with valves and relays. It was used to break the German codes during WW II.
What you are talking about is Alan Turing's Enigma machine. But, what I was referring to is the coining of the word, "bug". I was fortunate to have had lunch with Grace Hopper once back around 1980. I agree that that would have been a great honour. I envy you.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-h/g-hoppr.htm
Interesting site. But I don't believe what I read, especially when it comes to computer stuff ;-)
Jerry Feldman
Boston Linux and Unix user group http://www.blu.org PGP key id:C5061EA9 PGP Key fingerprint:053C 73EC 3AC1 5C44 3E14 9245 FB00 3ED5 C506 1EA9
I don't mean to be offensive Jerry, but It is interesting that Americans discovered the first bug after the English had destroyed their programmable computer. I also have an American book which describes the world's first auto-pilot flight - about two years after British European Airways were conducting routine auto-land in London's pea soup fogs. ("Fly the Wing" by Jim Webb, otherwise a very good book.) But I won't be pig headed about my belief - I just believe so. Especially since (I believe) the English had already destroyed their machine. I am interested in establishing which of us is 'correct', so don't drop out here. Note: I said 'establish', not 'prove I am right'. I hate that! Regards, Colin