[Milsurplus] mil computers

[Peter Gottlieb]

To be fair, the embedded processors are running custom code which was
written for a very specific purpose and which makes the processor/code combo
just another piece of equipment.  Sure, a more modern implementation will be
smaller, lighter and faster.  But that doesn't mean the original
implementation is no good.

Look at it this way:  a large number of people out there do not need this
year's personal computer.  They are writing letters, running Quicken,
surfing the web.  I support a large number of these people in this area and
most are just fine with Win98 SE, a 200 MHz Pentium, and a dialup
connection.  Are their computers "obsolete?"  Yes and no.  Yes, if you
listen to Microsoft (who wants to sell you new software) or Dell (who wants
to sell you new hardware), and no if you consider whether or not the machine
can perform the tasks asked of it.  The same goes for mil computers.  The
hardened DG machine that runs the missle launcher?  Sure it is based on an
old machine and runs old code.  But it does what it was designed to do.  To
replace it is pointless as rarely is the computer the weakest link in the
weapons system.

Peter



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "aGEnuine Ham" <gl4d21a at juno.com>
To: <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 9:01 PM
Subject: [Milsurplus] mil computers


> Gang:
>
> Most of you are familiar with planned obsolescence, and maybe some of the
> rationale behind it.  In my experience, the peak of hardware test
> equipment occurred in the early 1990s, and we were replacing old but
> better equipment with newer junk after that.  And it was literally
> impossible to keep the good, functional stuff in place.  The clock
> started ticking upon delivery, when the replacement date was set in
> stone, and was to be obeyed.
>
> On the other hand, the bean counters apparently never counted on the rate
> of decay of computers or software, and I don't think they have until yet.
>  Amusing to see the departments who made stuff go away unnecessarily now
> tearing their vanishing hair out trying to keep 3 and 5 year old imbedded
> computers running, loaded with software no civilian in their right mind
> has used in 10 years.  Which includes you DG and DEC lovers.  And what
> ever happened to ADA, by the way?  Which is why little of this Gee Whiz
> stuff works for very long in the field, and many of the guys around it
> are civilians wearing uniforms.
>
> 73,
> George
> W5VPQ
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> Get your name as your email address.
> Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more
> Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today!
> ______________________________________________________________
> Milsurplus mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milsurplus
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Milsurplus at mailman.qth.net