robp@laura.network.com (Rob Peglar) (05/13/91)
In article <12164@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> hrubin@pop.stat.purdue.edu (Herman Rubin) writes: >In article <28297C23.6984@tct.com>, chip@tct.com (Chip Salzenberg) writes: >> According to hrubin@pop.stat.purdue.edu (Herman Rubin): >> >In article <653@ctycal.UUCP>, ingoldsb@ctycal.UUCP (Terry Ingoldsby) writes: >> >> I have got to ask. Why is it so generally important that the distance >> >> between bits can be determined efficiently. Note that I want to know, >> >> `why is it important to ME, and to the general computing base?'. > >> >I believe most people are aware of the existence of simulation, including >> >Monte Carlo, or Las Vegas, methods for obtaining answers to otherwise >> >intractable problems. > >> That kind of problem is not "generally important" in that it does not >> come up in the "general computing base". > >That something is not important to everyone is no reason no to make it >available to those who can see a use for it. > >How much of the driving public uses the low gears of automatic transmissions? I suppose we shall have the Acme Computer Company design and deliver the following two systems: 1) The CS system, bundled with hardware and software that only the 'general computing base' uses, therefore never accomplishing anything outside of the ordinary and general. 2) The HR system, bundled with every known gizmo known to man, therefore never accomplishing anything of general usefulness. Come on now boys, give it a rest. At least take your e-war to the mail stream instead of comp.arch. Please. Rob -- Rob Peglar Network Systems Corporation Internetwork Group 7600 Boone Avenue North robp@anubis.network.com Minneapolis MN 55428 (612)424-4888 x1028