4 ms·

How about a global Corvus network? Or a global WangNet network? Some things just died, as is the way of all flesh.

johnklos 3y ago
There are many, many more Macs than Wangs and Corvus systems. The people who don't learn from the past are usually the people who aren't all that interested in learning how things work, learning the lessons people and companies made in the past, and applying those lessons to today and the future. I personally think this is neat! Old technology can still be quite useful. I still use an ancient ImageWriter II because new printers suck, and having more options to use old hardware is always a good thing.
- AlbertCory 3y ago
  > The people who don't learn from the past are usually the people who aren't all that interested in learning how things work, learning the lessons people and companies made in the past, and applying those lessons to today and the future. No, actually, I do know how things work. The problem for you is that the Internet is there now and the whole world is on it, to a first approximation. Knowing what the Internet designers did wrong (btw, the internet-history mailing list does this subject regularly) doesn't help us much, because we're not going to be doing it again. As for old hardware: right on. If it works, keep using it.
Palomides 3y ago
there's a global DECNet community still going (HECNet): http://mim.stupi.net/hecnet.htm http://mim.stupi.net/hecnet.htm
cfr2023 3y ago
Not sure of the tone of this post, does the idea of a bunch of enthusiasts having fun with old computer hardware actually upset you? If so, do you feel similarly about hobbyists that tinker with things like old cars, old clocks, old musical instruments...
- AlbertCory 3y ago
  > does the idea of a bunch of enthusiasts having fun with old computer hardware actually upset you? You said "hardware." I specifically gave thumbs-up to hardware. Did you not read that? As for reinventing basic networking: no, it's not upsetting, but it IS self-limiting. The networks of the future will probably require brand-new thinking, not resurrected old stuff.
  - cfr2023 3y ago
    I read it all right but it is illogical ranting. You’re cool with people tinkering with hardware but any software work is out of line? Writing software is a use for computer hardware, and people with minds broader than yours do it for pure enjoyment and exploration. The attitude expressed in your post is self-limiting.
    - AlbertCory 3y ago
      Inappropriate generalizing. What are you, the logic police? Let it go.
      - cfr2023 3y ago
        What are you, the hobby police?
        AlbertCory 3y ago
        That's right. My hobby is keeping people like you busy. See how well it works?
        cfr2023 3y ago
        Yes, I am proud to do the public service of helping troubled people see they are making senseless arguments about what other people do for fun.
        3y ago

There are many, many more Macs than Wangs and Corvus systems. The people who don't learn from the past are usually the people who aren't all that interested in learning how things work, learning the lessons people and companies made in the past, and applying those lessons to today and the future. I personally think this is neat! Old technology can still be quite useful. I still use an ancient ImageWriter II because new printers suck, and having more options to use old hardware is always a good thing.

AlbertCory 3y ago
> The people who don't learn from the past are usually the people who aren't all that interested in learning how things work, learning the lessons people and companies made in the past, and applying those lessons to today and the future. No, actually, I do know how things work. The problem for you is that the Internet is there now and the whole world is on it, to a first approximation. Knowing what the Internet designers did wrong (btw, the internet-history mailing list does this subject regularly) doesn't help us much, because we're not going to be doing it again. As for old hardware: right on. If it works, keep using it.

Palomides 3y ago

there's a global DECNet community still going (HECNet): http://mim.stupi.net/hecnet.htm http://mim.stupi.net/hecnet.htm

cfr2023 3y ago

Not sure of the tone of this post, does the idea of a bunch of enthusiasts having fun with old computer hardware actually upset you? If so, do you feel similarly about hobbyists that tinker with things like old cars, old clocks, old musical instruments...

AlbertCory 3y ago
> does the idea of a bunch of enthusiasts having fun with old computer hardware actually upset you? You said "hardware." I specifically gave thumbs-up to hardware. Did you not read that? As for reinventing basic networking: no, it's not upsetting, but it IS self-limiting. The networks of the future will probably require brand-new thinking, not resurrected old stuff.
- cfr2023 3y ago
  I read it all right but it is illogical ranting. You’re cool with people tinkering with hardware but any software work is out of line? Writing software is a use for computer hardware, and people with minds broader than yours do it for pure enjoyment and exploration. The attitude expressed in your post is self-limiting.
  - AlbertCory 3y ago
    Inappropriate generalizing. What are you, the logic police? Let it go.
    - cfr2023 3y ago
      What are you, the hobby police?
      - AlbertCory 3y ago
        That's right. My hobby is keeping people like you busy. See how well it works?
        cfr2023 3y ago
        Yes, I am proud to do the public service of helping troubled people see they are making senseless arguments about what other people do for fun.
        3y ago