Timeline for Why are computers so complicated?
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| Jul 9, 2014 at 1:48 | comment | added | Pseudonym♦ | By the way, the safety aspect applies to computers as well. Modern CPUs would be a lot less complex if they didn't need to provide memory and I/O protection (e.g. distinguishing between "user" and "supervisor" code), or to give you the illusion of precise interrupts. | |
| Jul 9, 2014 at 1:46 | comment | added | Pseudonym♦ | Yes, this is exactly the right answer. However, also note that many other machines are conceptually very simple, but complex in practice because they need to be efficient and/or safe. Why are modern washing machines full of sensors and computers? All you need to wash your clothes is something with water in it, and an agitator (e.g. a washboard, but even a rock will do). The reason why it's complex is to save water and power, and to make your clothes last longer, and to prevent it from injuring you if you try to stick your hand in it. | |
| Jul 8, 2014 at 20:03 | history | answered | Vitaly Olegovitch | CC BY-SA 3.0 |