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Helping Computers Help Themselves

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the more-than-just-rebooting dept.

Jim Posner writes "The IT world's heavy hitters--IBM, Sun, Microsoft, and HP--want computers to solve their own problems.....If you're being chased by a big snarling dog, you don't have to worry about adjusting your heart rate or releasing a precise amount of adrenaline. Your body automatically does it all, thanks to the autonomic nervous system, the master-control for involuntary functions from breathing and blood flow to salivation and digestion." I'd just be happy with a few intelligent daemons to watch my back, like when a program runs amuck and fills up the process list.

4 of 141 comments (clear)

  1. Wrong problem. by gafferted · · Score: 2, Funny
    The researchers are trying to solve the wrong problem. The computers could cure the most common problems by simply identifying the users and automatically applying a LART as necessary.

    Andrew

  2. Whoa. by American+AC+in+Paris · · Score: 4, Funny
    If you're being chased by a big snarling dog, you don't have to worry about adjusting your heart rate or releasing a precise amount of adrenaline.

    Huh!

    Guess it's about time I upgraded, then...

    --

    Obliteracy: Words with explosions

  3. hurry up by Tsugumi · · Score: 2, Funny
    Look, I saw all the shows when I was younger, predicting all the shiny toys I had to look forward to. Computers that can fix themselves is a step in the right direction. Now I want computers that can do all my work for me, make me cups of tea, and look after all my chores.

    Oooh, and a hover board, they said I could have a hover board, where is it, dammit?

  4. Bad analogy by mmmmbeer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Your body automatically does it all

    If our bodies worked the way we wanted, things would be very different. First, you'd get a huge boost of adrenaline so you could outrun the dog. Also, although your heart would speed up, you'd have no risk of a heart attack or other complications from overexerting yourself. You wouldn't get tired. And you'd be equipped with built in weapons for annihilating hostile canines.

    You'd also never have to worry about getting nervous trying to talk to that new cutie at work, acne wouldn't exist, and we all be our ideal weight.

    Our bodies, at best, make fair attempts at adjusting to situations, but they blow it as often as they get it right. Frankly, if our computers become as reliable as our bodies, I'm going to invest in pencils.