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Zorvan 5/12/08 12:37:39 PM
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Apprentice Member
Joined: 10/02/06 |
www.pcworld.com/video/id,792-page,1-bid,0/video.html "Charles Babbage was one of the first computing pioneers and his machine, the Difference Engine Number Two, is on display at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA. Babbage drew up plans for this apparatus in the mid-1800s but he ran out of money and never got the chance to see the machine completed." So Microsoft commissioned the machine to be built, using tools, tolerances, and materials available in Babbages' time to construct the machine. And it works, able to calculate solutions to mathematical problems up to 30 decimal points. Had Babbage actually been able to complete the machine himself, mechanical computing would have started over 100 years earlier than it did. You can watch the video to see the machine in action. |
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| In memory of Sir Ladyflower Ironforge- Laura "Taera" Genender 1986-2008 R.I.P. |
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Sawtooth 5/12/08 4:40:11 PM
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Apprentice Member
Joined: 7/06/04 |
That is too freaking cool. I love projects like this. |
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Zorvan 5/12/08 9:06:10 PM
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Apprentice Member
Joined: 10/02/06 |
Originally posted by Sawtooth You ever read any of those alternate-earth science fiction stories? I mean, if Babbage had built this thing, and brought computing to the forefront a hundred + years before it appeared in our time, the face of the world would be changed greatly compared to now. Hell, we might have had those steam-powered golems. |
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| In memory of Sir Ladyflower Ironforge- Laura "Taera" Genender 1986-2008 R.I.P. |
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mike470 5/12/08 9:11:11 PM
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General Correspondent
Joined: 2/11/08
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand" - Randy Pausch |
Originally posted by Zorvan Screw steam powered golems! I want my own hover car |
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| “The contents of this post do not necessarily reflect the views of MMORPG.com and its management.” - The one quote I thought I would never have to say. In memory of Laura "Taera" Genender. Passed away on Aug/13/08 - Rest In Peace; you will not be forgotten |
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