[oclug] Re: Fwd: Re: Why we have Source code

[Jon Earle]

> society. We can all do without clocks or cars. The time is fast
> approaching when computers will be essential. Many of you may not see
> it, but I do (the curse of omniscience) and so it is essential to be
> able to fully utilize it. Computers today are seen merely as tools.
> THis is a mistake and we imperile ourselves with that attitude.

Um, cars and vehicles in general are vey essential to our way of life
(much to the chagrin of the greenies here).  With the "spread out" nature
of our country and our cities, we need some sort of transportation to get
from A to B.  Public transit may suffice in a few cases, but for the
majority of our transportation requirements, cars are essential.  How many
greenies here rent cars to go to TO or Montreal or down to Florida?

But, that's a separate issue.  To address your point, computers _are_
tools.  We use them to accomplish tasks, just as you might use a hammer to
pound a nail.  We might rely on computers more and more, just as we';ve
come to rely on cars more and more, but they're still just tools.  That
our society might be further changed by advancing computer technology is
obvious, if the changes that have taken place in the last 10-20 years
or so are an indicator.  But to suggest that we need to program computers
really _is_ like suggesting that in order to rely on a car, we must know
how the internals of it work, and how to change those internals.  Not so -
the car presents a standard set of controls.  With training, I know how to
operate it (and virtually any similarly equipped vehicle) so I can take
myself from one place to another.  Repairing the car or 
modifying/customizing it is the job of someone who cares.  I (and
obviously most people on this list) have more than a passing interest in
computers, so _we_ are interested in how they work.  Other people just
want to type their grocery list, send an email or check their stock prices
- nothing more.  They just don't care what goes on under the hood, and
they shouldn't have to care, despite how much you wish they shared your
sense of wonder.

Heck, when we _finally_ get Star Trek computers (is voice recognition ever
progressing slooooooowly - in 10yrs, the best we've got is still on the
level of Dr. Spaitso), the majority of people will be able to perform
miraculous things without a clue as to what is going on.  Do you think
Kirk knew how to program, or did he just know how to perform a good
search?

Cheers!
Jon