Quoting jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in:
On Wednesday 01 August 2007 12:57, Raj Mathur wrote:
Sorry, car analogies don't work in the IT field. Let's just talk about compatibility in the context of computers.
IMO they do. And indeed the parallels fit neatly.
true - but in the old days, we used to interchange parts, everything was openable and one always carried pliers and binding wire and tape with which almost all problems could be fixed. A car was never started without a thorough check through the engine, battery, radiator, tyres etc. Todays cars are so specialised that even if you know where the engine is (many car owners dont), you cant do anything other than gape at it if you *do* open it. Even the mechanics use special tools to work on the vehicle - and without them they cannot do a thing with the vehicle. From this we come to the conclusion that progress means using black boxes that perform without any need to 'look under the hood'. Which would lead to strange results if we apply this thinking to the computer world.