Re: Reminder, blatant ad

x wrote:
> "dawn" <dawnwolthuis_at_gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1138627515.881224.59700_at_z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > x wrote:
> > > "dawn" <dawnwolthuis_at_gmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:1138498404.975129.110220_at_g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > > >
> > > > Leif B. Kristensen wrote:
> > > > > dawn skrev:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Perhaps we need to define developer. I am calling anyone who is
> > > > > > developing software a "developer."
> > > >
> > > > I still agree with myself on this one
> > > >
> > > > > Perhaps we need to define
> > > > > > software?
> > > > > > It is everything "stored on" a computer that is not hardware.
> Does
> > > > > > that work for you? That would be "soft stuff" that can change,
> > > > > > compared to the hardware. I haven't thought long and hard about
> that
> > > > > > definition, but that is how I perceive it.
> > > > >
> > > > > That definition would of course aso include the "end user" who only
> > > > > punches data into a shrink-wrapped software package. In my view, a
> > > > > "developer" should be one who is making software.
> > >
> > > > That is my view as well and I see where my definitions are not tight
> > > > enough to make that clear. If someone is using software, providing
> > > > input or using output, but not developing any functions, then I guess
> I
> > > > would say they are not developing software. However, if that input is
> > > > in the form of specs... (e.g. the user type in a bunch of xml
> documents
> > > > and dtds and then clicks a button to generate an application), then
> > > > what?
> > >
> > > > Anyway, I'm good with saying that a developer is someone developing
> > > > software, I'm not as happy with the definiion of software. What is a
> > > > nice crisp definition of software?

>

>


> > A feature could be in hardware or software, if that is what you mean by


> > relative.  I don't really like your definitions however.  Hardware is

No. The part of a computer that you can kick might be called hardware, however.

> Do you think that CD-ROMs are hardware/software ?

That is where I don't know how to clearly define the difference. Is an mp3 on a CD ROM software? If we want to split off data from software, then it is data, but useless without something that translates the data to music, for example.

> The instructions on how to build a chair are software ?

Not if they are not part of a computer. Even then, I guess they are data, but worthless unless someone can use them.

>

No. It is used as a model, a metaphor. So, what are your precise definitions for hardware and software -- the ones you gave earlier or do you want to revise? --dawn Received on Mon Jan 30 2006 - 21:20:02 CET