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I do not agree: you can use computers - and also screws and screwdrivers - just as tools, but in any case - behind them - there is a lot of scientific thinking; it is possible to use them even forgetting how they are made, but it is also possible to enjoj the way they work - and this is science.
Ciao
Emanuela
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Speaking about computers. Have you noticed that the computer is ‘the perfect guilty’.
I explain: Some eons ago, before computers rule the earth, people had to take their responsibilities and, sometimes, even apologize for a blunder. Now when the bank loses your money, when you expend hours in a file or when your doctor forgets your appointment. They all put the blame on the computer and even we tend to accept this explanation as a satisfactory one.
If computers could complain ...
Juan Maria.
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> Speaking about computers. Have you noticed that the computer is ‘the perfect guilty’.
I explain: Some eons ago, before computers rule the earth, people had to take their responsibilities and, sometimes,
even apologize for a blunder. Now when the bank loses your money, when you expend hours in a file or when your
doctor forgets your appointment. They all put the blame on the computer and even we tend to accept this explanation as
a satisfactory one.
If computers could complain ...
Indeed. I believe the word you are searching for is 'scapegoat'. What you are saying above is similar to the old term 'the cheque is in the post' which means that it is out of our hands now so don't come blaming us if it doesn't arrive.
Some people may accept a 'computer-down' explanation as satisfactory but you can only fool some of the people some of the time...
Besides a bad workman blames his tools. Next time a bankclerk says they can't process your cheque beacuse of a computer malfunction, be clever and ask them what down-time should you expect? The blank expression on their faces should be priceless! Bonus marks if they try to bluff their way and give a meaningful answer!!!
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I think there’s a lot of science behind a computer, from mathematics to physics at its highest levels. But some aspects of my activity, programming, might be considered more as an art than as a science. It’s like this schoolmate everyone had that could draw almost any cartoon or a teacher’s caricature without any painting studies.
I’ve met with quite a few colleagues that, with only a minimal background, could solve any computing problem quickly and elegantly. I even have worked with people that could take pieces of other people code and, without understanding the way it worked, combine them to make a different program.
I must admit that my programming abilities rely more on a natural gift than on hours of deep study.
Juan Maria.
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'Scapegoat' that's the word I was looking for.
You know that in Spanish we say 'Cabeza de Turco' 'Turkish head'. I don't have an explanation but I suspect some beheading behind this expression.
NOTE TO MY ISP:
Please, cut my Internet access. I REALLY have a work to do and a couple of starving children to feed. Have mercy!
Juan Maria.
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>'Scapegoat' that's the word I was looking for.
You know that in Spanish we say 'Cabeza de Turco' 'Turkish head'. I don't have an explanation but I suspect some
beheading behind this expression.
I believe it was a popular sport during the days of the Grand inquisition. ;^)
> NOTE TO MY ISP:
Please, cut my Internet access. I REALLY have a work to do and a couple of starving children to feed. Have mercy!
Tell me about it! I've been on the list all day for the past two days and I have done nothing in the way of work. This noticeboard is just toooooo engrossing.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Juanmaria and Rubrick:
A-men! I seldom leave this board before spending an hour and
a half, and it seems like five minutes!
Also, thanks to all for allowing this computer-illiterate
mom (the major reason we got a computer is so the kids
could do better schoolwork) to participate without getting
completely overwhelmed by jargon.
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>>the major reason we got a computer is so the kids could do better schoolwork<< I believe you, Jackie-O!  Can I offer to sell you a second computer, so that they can get on with their school work while you surf AWAD? I'm often late for work after visiting the AWAD family!
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One of the things that make me read and participate on this forum is meeting people whose universe is not ‘compucentric’. It is sort of refreshing.
Juan Maria.
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Speaking about spell checkers.
I would like to suggest A_N_U to include his name on the spell checker dictionary. I can assure that his name is treated in a quite disgusting way.
Juan Maria.
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