Re: Unidentified subject!

[damaged justice <frogfarm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Quoting Adam (adam@morrison.iserv.net):
> I think toy/tool is better defined by the purpose for which it is used.  A
> Jet Ski is called a toy, even though it costs more than the before
> mentioned computer, because it serves no "useful" purpose.  My father's
> Packard Bell 286 running GeoWorks is a tool becuase he uses it to write
> business letters.

Excellent point. A computer without a person and a purpose is just an
expensive doorstop. I use computers both as tools and toys (simultaneously
when possible).

> Just to be argumentative average users compile programs all the time if they
> surf the web much,  it called JAVA.  Most new virtual machines contain
> Just-In-Time compilers these days.  Sorry,  couldn't resist.

My bad! Point granted, although this does seem to split hairs rather fine.
After all, the user is not generally aware that they are compiling. Few
even know (or need to know) the difference between compiling/interpreting.

(I forbid my web browser to use Java until the security issues are resolved
to my satisfaction. I'm playing with the JVM in Linux, and am hoping to use
the one built into Warp 4 when we upgrade the office network.)

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