https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01431-y
"Antiquated computers are common in science, from geochemistry and linguistics
to biochemistry and microscopy. Often an old computer is hooked up to an
expensive piece of scientific kit — a microscope or chromatography system, for
instance — with software that is incompatible with newer computers or too
expensive to upgrade. Sometimes the old computer just refuses to die, or is so
in demand that it’s impractical to decommission it for long enough to upgrade
it. “Some of the equipment I use is older than I am,” says Kristin Low, an
enzymologist in her mid-30s at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, based in
Lethbridge, Alberta.
As the saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Whatever the reason, for
many scientists, keeping their old computers ticking over is of paramount
concern — and a labour of love."
Via Esther Schindler.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
