Is It Time to Rename the 'Computer'?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tregg Smith
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriateness of the term "computer" in relation to its current usage and functions. Participants explore whether the name reflects the primary activities users engage in, such as information gathering and socializing, rather than traditional computing tasks.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that the term "computer" no longer fits modern usage, suggesting that it primarily serves functions like socializing and entertainment rather than computing.
  • Another participant counters that the fundamental purpose of a computer is still to calculate, implying that the name remains appropriate.
  • A third participant introduces a playful suggestion for an alternative name, "Maxwellian Angel," without further elaboration.
  • Another comment humorously refers to the computer as a "Porn Machine," but emphasizes that renaming should not be a priority.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the term "computer" is still suitable, with no consensus reached on the necessity of a name change.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the evolving role of computers in society and the implications for terminology, but lacks a clear resolution on the matter.

Tregg Smith
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
I feel the term computer no longer fits what most people do with the thing. Deep inside it's juggling a lot of numbers but on the surface for most users it's about humanity's favorites: information gathering, socializing and gossip, porn, shopping, file sharing, time wasteing etc. These things are far from actual computing. I've been thinking about it but nothing as yet comes to mind. Would anybody care to contribute?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Well to compute is to calculate and at the base level, that is all they do.

Name seems fine to be.
 
Inverted Maxwellian Demon

Maxwellian Angel?
 
Tregg Smith said:
porn

Porn Machine



But seriously, I think the name is the last thing we should be worried about changing.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
74
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K