Disk archival techniques

[Scott Stevens]

On Tue, 17 May 2005 23:17:50 -0400 (EDT)
der Mouse <mouse at rodents.montreal.qc.ca> wrote:

> >> 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).
> 
One of the things that REALLY doesn't help is that the RS232-C standard
(by this I mean the 'current modern variant' in case there are any
pedants present) is an expensive document that you have to pay the ANSI
folks a BUNCH of money to even read.

Not that it would particularly help most of the people who can't wire an
RS232 cable, but WHY are standards like that still locked down and
rationed out like trade secrets?

-Scott