X-Message-Number: 26924 Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2005 09:32:46 -0400 From: Thomas Donaldson <> Subject: Umpteenth Yvan For Yvan: I was not citing a scientific paper because I was giving my THOUGHTS as someone who has actually worked on and programmed parallel computers. Nor have I changed my position on this issue. The real question, it looks to me, is that of just how important the timing differences between parallel computers and single sequential computers turn out to be. My personal experience and that of those I've met who also program parallel computers suggests to me that timing is very important and a full understanding of computing won't be reached until we look at timing in the same depth as we look at other attributes of computers. It matters a lot, and can even become a matter of life and death, just how fast our computer solves a problem. Running from a tiger gives an example, but even in science it matters a lot whether or not we must wait a year compared to an hour for an answer to our question. If you wish to ignore timing, then you're welcome to do so. Your work will then verge on uselessness even for understanding how brains work. But go ahead. I can hardly stop you. Best wishes and long long life for all, Thomas Donaldson Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=26924