Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Computers May Thwart 2010 Census

Posted by Zonk on from the how-1950s dept.

smooth wombat writes "With the Constitutionally mandated census of 2010 just around the corner, it appears the Commerce Department's attempt to use handheld computers to gather census information may not come to fruition. Originally, the contract was awarded at a cost of $596 million to Harris Corporation. However, the GAO has now estimated the revised contract, now costing $647 million, could grow to $2 billion and the equipment may still not work properly. There is consideration that the paper and pencil method might have to be employed to complete the census."

2 of 287 comments (clear)

  1. How to get big numbers across by sconeu · · Score: 4, Informative
    Many people don't understand big numbers... My favorite way to get across just how big ONE BILLION (pinky-to-mouth) is, is as follows:

    A rich man wanted his wife to stop bugging him for money. So he gave her $1Million, and told her to spend $1000 a day.

    Three years later, she came back, and said she was out of money. So he gave her $1Billion.

    She didn't bug him again for 3000 years.
    --
    General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
  2. Canada had census forms online in 2006 by LordEd · · Score: 4, Informative

    Our last census had the option of filling out the census forms online. I didn't find out how many actually did it, but they were originally estimating 20% usage. Instead of getting the full booklet to fill out, you got an access code.

    http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/04/27/online-census060427.html

    While searching for a reference article, i found that there were some issues with Linux users, although they attempted to correct it.

    http://www.linux.com/articles/54366