Re: How many bits are necessary to store the universe?

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Article #8803

#8803

From: tadchem
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 16:21

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With one bit you can create a virtual universe, but it won't *do*
anything, so it won't be very interesting.

In addition to the *bit(s)* that become states of objects you need the
*rules* (operations, processes) that encode interactions between the
bits and sets of bits and a space in which things can happen - i.e.
which allows the bits to be either interacting or non-interacting.

You need at least two bits (two objects) that can interact, with a rule
that describes the consequences of the possible interaction(s).  Then
you may have a universe in which something can *happen* - i.e. a
"working" universe.

John Horton Conway's 'Game of Life' is a simplistic universe with bits,
a space, and a simple set of rules which leads to an infinitely diverse
universe.  I recommend a study of it.

Beyond that, all else is 'bells and whistles'.

Tom Davidson
Richmond, VA

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From: "tadchem" <thomas.davidson@dla.mil>
Newsgroups: sci.physics,brasil.unix
Subject: Re: How many bits are necessary to store the universe?
Date: 14 Nov 2005 08:21:19 -0800
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