Disk archival techniques

[der Mouse]

>> to certain computer technology.
> Ditto for making a processor from SSI/MSI chips (I've done this for a
> special-purpose programmable device, turning it into a processor
> would not have been hard),

I know I can do that, because I have.  Back in the late '70s, at the
University of Colorado, I took a computer hardware design course.  It
was very hands-on, and the term project, if you will, was to construct
a small 4-bit computer from SSI/MSI TTL.  (The most complex chips used
were an ALU - 74181, I think it was - and some static RAM.)  Not much
memory space, 16 4-bit words, but fully functional within its design
limitations.

> Mind you, these days most people can't even wire an RS232 cable and
> get it right....

Of course, it doesn't help that most equipment manufacturers can't wire
an RS232 connector and get it right (true almost regardless of your
definition of "right" in this context).

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