OT: [ Re: UNIX- Grad-daddy of all modern operating systems?]

[Gilbert T. Gutierrez, Jr.]

RANT:
I agree with you about round-off errors.  When I was getting my degree in
Chemical Engineering it was very easy to come up with the wrong solution to
a reaction algorithm if no attention was paid to round-off, significant
digits, and assumptions.  Most people pay no attention to significant digits
and do not even know the accuracy of the programs they use to make
calculations.

Computers do not make anything easier; they only allow an educated user to
solve complex problems in a shorter time frame.  Almost every scientific
equation is a complex approximation.  In order to solve the complex
approximations, other assumptions and mathematical simplifications must be
made by the scientist or computer program which affect the accuracy of the
solution.  Many so-called scientists are really only technicians that only
know their job and little if any of the science behind their job.

Gilbert

PS. I am in my mid-30s, so unlike some of you, dinosaurs did not roam the
earth when I was in H.S.  Punch Cards...LOL!
________________________________________
From: plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
[mailto:plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On Behalf Of Mark
Jarvis
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 12:59 PM
To: Main PLUG discussion list
Subject: Re: [ Re: UNIX- Grad-daddy of all modern operating systems?]


 Well at least "slide rule accuracy" taught a few engineering bozos a little
about round-off errors and the pitfalls of using too few digits in a
calculation.  Too many folks--including many so-called scientists--think
that "the number came from the computer, so it must be accurate".
Aaaarrrggggghhhhhhh!

-mj-