🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <3690@sdcc3.ucsd.EDU> ma168a@sdcc3.ucsd.EDU (John Wavrik) writes:
>
>Perhaps a better analogy is that the PC is to the mainframe as a yatch is
>to a battleship.
>  [...]
>                   I agree that a PC and a mainframe are two different types
>of computers -- but I argue that most of the needs of current users of 
>mainframes could be met my PCs. Our overburdened VAXen provide an inferior
>environment (and slower response time) than an IBM-AT.  I'd like to see tasks
>which could just as well be performed on a PC farmed out to these machines.

Yes, a lot (*not* all) of the functions that VAXen are used for can
easily be replaces by PC's, but *please* remember that a VAX is *not*
a mainframe: it is simply a mini-computer, and not designed to do the
major batch number crunching that most mainframes do.

In continuing the modification of an analogy, 
	PC [XT, AT] = rubber raft (or maybe a rowboat?)
	VAX 11/780  = yacht
	IBM 4341    = oil tanker.

Many larger sea-going vessels (oil tankers) include smaller
vessels (life boats) to perform other functions.  You don't use a
lifeboat for hauling oil, and you don't use a PC for solving systems
of 100 differential equations.  As for the yacht, it's great for
small cruises, going from one tanker to another, and the VAX is well
suited for being a front-end to CRAYs and other "maxi"computers.

Each tool has its use.  It's possible to substitute if needed, but
there's nothing like using the right tool.

sn




-- 
                                              /======\
Shannon Nelson                               // \\   \\
...tektronix!psu-cs!nelsons                 (( go\\to ))
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"Keyboard. How quaint."                       \======/