| From: | Brett Borger <bxb121@***.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: ASIST assistance? |
| Date: | Mon, 4 May 1998 09:09:33 +0000 |
> > created, the actual OS is more like to be the set of Persona programs
> > (Bod, Sensor, Mask, etc.), but all OSs would be compatible because
> > they're all based on ASIST.
>
> I don't think so... I think it's easier to compare ASIST to something like
> a printer: to use the printer, you need to send it commands _it_ can
...
> What ASIST does (IMHO) is turn the human brain's signals into a
> standarized set of instructions, which can then be turned into signals a
> computer can use by means of an additional interpreter. This interpreter
> could (and likely would) be built into an OS if that OS is designed
> specificaly for working with ASIST signals, but it doesn't mean every OS
> would be compatible just because they can all use ASIST signals. Another
> comparison: both a Mac and a Windows PC can use a mouse. Does that mean
> you can run Mac software under Windows?
Well, that's a bad comparison, since I believe Mac and PC mice have
different sets of signals. (pauses to check...yup, Mac is 4 pin [not
to mention plugging into the keyboard???], PC has more)
Anyway, I agree with the rest of your argument...mostly. ASSIST
translates "brain-code" into "compuspeak". What is the equivilent on
modern computers? Well, using the printer analogy, is the brain the
primary or the periphiral? Let's say it's the peripheral (since
we've all agreed that it is I/O).
Modern: Type instructions into keyboard. Keyboard BIOS handles any
interrupts and passes signals to OS, which translates into CPU
commands.
SR (Hot deck): Think instruction. ASSIST picks up and translates
into MPCP commands.
Thus, in this example, ASSIST does seem to be acting as OS as well as
BIOS. (at least keyboard bios). But let's check output to be sure:
Modern: CPU performs instruction set, which modifies video memory.
This, in turn, is periodically scanned by the video BIOS (well,
there's some sort of firmware driver on a video card) and translated
into commands for an "electron gun", which in turn creates the
picture.
SR (hot Deck): MPCP performs instruction set (including any
interaction with another system on the Matrix), and returns commands,
which are picked up by ASSIST and translated into brain speak.
So in this case the OS isn't really involved. (Although I have no
doubt I missing something...Linix wouldn't burn out monitors this
way...anyone want to help me out?)
Here's a thought though: Why would a deck have an OS? When you
think about it, chips already ARE OS's, just minimally functional
ones. Enough assembler classes have told me that the 68xxx series is
quite different from Intel chips. All OS's on top of this are simply
interfaces...ASSIST removes the need for that interface. Thus,
ASSIST isn't really the OS...because there isn't one.
A Turtle deck, however, would have to have BIOS and OS added.
hmmm...
-=SwiftOne=-
Who should be finishing his research papers
Brett Borger
SwiftOne@***.edu
AAP Techie
