3 ms·
Computers have come a long way in a short time and are very complex. Maybe the diffuse ownership (that OP bemoans) is necessary for that complexity, or at least
by jpttsn 6y ago
Computers have come a long way in a short time and are very complex. Maybe the diffuse ownership (that OP bemoans) is necessary for that complexity, or at least for it to develop so quickly.
If I want a typewriter, car or handgun I “truly own”, I might be able to build one, as a last resort. But building a satisfactory computer without the global supply chains (that impose the bemoaned limitations) seems impossible.
- sircastor 6y agoThe unspoken statement here is “what do you want the computer to do?” A typewriter or gun both have very narrow application. Any computer can do what any other computer can do provided the right software, data, and time. An Apple I can be built with discrete components pretty easily. But what utility does having an Apple I give you?
- jpttsn 6y agoRight on. A “computer I own” seems to presuppose that this computer does all these millions of things, many of which (I fear) can’t be provided practically for less than a compromise in ownership. You can build (and own) the Apple I but you can’t reasonably write a Chrome-compatible browser for it, if Google aren’t interested. Thus I find asking for a “computer you own, like any other tool” is a bit nonchalant wrt. the scope of the request.