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Ancient Greek Computer Reconstructed
afaik_ianal writes "A working reconstruction of an ancient Greek computer, the Antikythera mechanism, which was found at the bottom of the ocean in 1900 has been unveiled and is on display at the Technopolis museum, in Athens. The device is believed to have been used to calculate the positions of various celestial bodies including the sun and the moon on any given date. While some guesswork was required in the reconstruction, the bulk of the design is based on updated X-ray photographs of the device."
Does it run Linux?
... the clockwork owl in Clash of the Titans?
Clearly the ancient Greeks had mechanical technology beyond even modern capabilities!
The correlation between ignorance of statistics and using "correlation is not causation" as an argument is close to 1.
...which was found at the bottom of the ocean in 1900...
Actually, it was found in 2000. Just that no one thought to correct for Y2K problems!
Homer no function beer well without.
"While some guesswork was required in the reconstruction, the bulk of the design is based on updated X-ray photographs of the device."
Reporter: So what do you think the device is for?
Archaeologist: Well we can't be entirely sure, but if you look at this X-Ray you can see what appears to be a cup-holder.
Greek computers have the fastest processors. No shit. I read it on slashdot.
Hey, it's my OPINION that dogs have eight legs and make a sound like a car horn every time they take a piss.
You saw this thing on the Discovery channel in 1905? Clearly your Clockwork Greek Television was ahead of it's time!
The Linux kernel has been successfully ported to the Antikythera mechanism, The highly distilled version of the kernel reportedly can boot in under 160 years and the process also effectively builds large amounts of forearm muscle in the process. Linuxworld.com calls it the perfect marrige between grassroot technological history and modern innovation, Steve Jobbs is currently preparing to manufacture a mini version of the Antikythera mechanism which will eventually make it's way into every Apple product. Microsoft has called the Antikythera mechanism the most astonishing technologinal innovation the world and microsoft have ever seen, Bill Gates said in an interview, "It's changing the way we have looked at computer technology completely, throughout the entire reign of microsoft we have never even considered this master-designed technology!"
the greeks were geeks. :P
"All you have to do is be fragile and grateful. So stay the underdog." Chuck Palahniuk, Choke
How long before someone writes a Trojan horse for it?
Well, I also use it to read /.
But the watch part is far more productive.
Just imagine, a Beowulf cluster of these... er, wait. Was Beowulf written at that time? Dammit!
If the Antikythera mechanism was made by different outfits in ancient Greece:
Apollo: The mechanism would be highly polished in a mahogany box with an observation window that would crack due to poor workmanship and high profit margins. Device only works within a 10 sq. mile area around Athens. Anywhere else and it's off.
Microsofticus: The mechanism would be essentially the same as the original, except some planets would be in different locations for 'efficiency' and 'because it runs faster that way.' Pebbles would bounce into the device via conspicuous holes and users would have to purchase a security contract from Symanticus. Not recorded in historical literature because nobody knew how it worked. Re-assembly from rusty bits required legions of scientists.
Zeus Microsystems: The mechanism would be painted purple and lilac and probably have some confetti around a highly stylized Sun logo on the outside. Giant purple globe in center of device would confound scientists for decades. Works, but gets slower with every passing decade, even though the underlying architecture is salvagable.
Linux Maximus: Device was buried with engineering diagrams in air-tight, humidity-controlled box at Delphi. Instructions for re-assembly (which it doesn't need) are also recorded within the device itself in every language known at the time as well as with pictures. Does what it needs to do and little else. Also, device was heavily cited in the historical literature and anyone was free to build one as long as they had access to commmodity blacksmith parts. Can be modified to suit different galactic locations, as well, with little effort.
Hewletticus-Packardus: Originally a papyrus-ink outfit, H.P., decided to get into the astronomy business because its archon, Sappho, wanted to. Ended up building poor version and purchased Compacticus to try and fix things. Didn't happen and Sappho went to Lesbos to become a poet with a zillion Drachma severence pay and H.P. just had to deal.
Just imagine a phalanx of these!
"[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz
Helluva nice guy, though.
Sorry. Seemed a little Monty Python-esque.
Good-bye, sweet karma.
"Empathise with stupidity, and you're halfway to thinking like an idiot." - Iain M. Banks
Apparently, they did build a Illiad cluster of these, but it got Trojaned and 0wn3d.
They are now trying to build a Minotaur cluster with them, and using the Labrynth Firewall system to protect it.
I know this is a really bad pun, but oh well.
+1, Greeky
You can kill me now.
Please, for the good of Humanity, vote Obama.