Re: How to make money fast (in science fiction)

On 2008-04-02, Michael Ash <mike@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Even running the Dreaded Windows, a modern computer should be using
> sleep/hibernate functionality, which will go from off to ready in a
> few seconds at worst.

We use Windows PCs at work, and it takes more than a minute to return
to a functional state from hibernation.


> I have distinct memories of various times during my childhood where
> I would turn on the computer, then go hunt for snacks or something
> to wait for it to boot.

Throughout the computers in my life, the boot-up time had increased
monotonically.  From a fraction of a second for my first computer,
through a second or two for the later ones, to about 10 seconds, then
up to 30 seconds and now up to a couple of minutes.

It takes longer for my current computer to come back from *standby*
than my first few computers took from power-on to accepting user
input.  Of course, that instant-on capability came at the price of
very limited functionality and complete lack of customizability.


> It's an interesting question. I would say that "fast enough" won't
> be achieved [...]

You could stop there.  Computers will never be fast enough to do
all information-processing tasks in reasonable time.


- Tim