Re: TECH: Bytes and bits (fwd)

[flb@flb.optiplan.fi (F.Baube[tm])]

re. someone else's comment ..

Forwarded message:
> From daemon Fri Aug 13 09:17 EET 1993
> Message-Id: <199308130615.AA22652@eunet.fi>
> Date:         Fri, 13 Aug 1993 02:15:31 -0400
> Reply-To: vilva%viikki21.helsinki.fi@FINHUTC.hut.fi
> Sender: Lojban list <LOJBAN%CUVMB.BITNET@FINHUTC.hut.fi>
> From: VILVA%VIIKKI21.HELSINKI.FI@FINHUTC.hut.fi
> Subject:      Re: TECH: Bytes and bits
> To: Fred Baube <baube@OPTIPLAN.FI>
> 
> > Date:          Fri, 13 Aug 1993 15:54:18 +1000
> > From:          Nick Nicholas <nsn%MULLIAN.EE.MU.OZ.AU@FINHUTC.hut.fi>
> > Subject:       TECH: Bytes and bits
> 
> > We have proposed lujvo for byte: samsrorau (computer storage unit), and
> > samsrosle (computer storage cell). Anyone have a good expression for bit?
> 
>   samsroka'u  (computer storage quantum) is one possibility although
>   I think samsrosle would be a better choice as selci is defined
>   to be an indivisible, most basic unit.

I would reject the "computer storage" part, because 
bits are also spoken of, and retain their meaning, in 
theoretical discussions.  Even tho in these theoretical 
discussions it is understood that there is (typically) 
a physical realization of the theory being discussed.

And besides, a "computer", in everyday non-Lojban
usage at least, is quite a bit more complicated than 
the minimum-size device that can and does use "bits".

Again, I would not tie the lujvo for "bit" to any sort 
of technology at all; it would be both necessary and 
sufficient merely to *imply* a physical realization.

Hope this doesn't muddy the waters ?? ..

-- 
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