What type of category of systems does a computer PC fall under?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the categorization of computer systems, specifically whether a personal computer (PC) can be classified as a linear or causal system. Participants explore the complexities of computer functionality, input and output characteristics, and the implications of these classifications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a PC is a linear or causal system, suggesting that the classification may depend on the specific program being run and the nature of its inputs and outputs.
  • There is a philosophical inquiry into what constitutes computer input, with one participant suggesting that input signals come from peripherals attached to the computer.
  • One participant proposes that to categorize a system mathematically as linear or non-linear, one must demonstrate that certain mathematical properties hold true for a function describing the computer.
  • Another participant mentions the concept of "Fatal Exception #2477" humorously, indicating that the question may lead to complex or unresolved issues.
  • Some participants argue that a PC could be considered causal and non-linear, while others assert that neither linearity nor causality applies to computers in a straightforward manner.
  • One participant emphasizes the need to analyze individual components of the PC to understand its overall behavior, suggesting that the classification may not be applicable without considering the architecture and functionality of each component.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of future state inputs, with one participant arguing that inputs should not be classified as future state inputs unless all parameters of the future signal are known.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether a PC can be classified as a linear or causal system. Multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and implications of these classifications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of categorizing computer systems and the potential for ambiguity in defining inputs and outputs. There are unresolved questions about the mathematical properties that would apply to a computer as a system.

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Is it a linear system? Casual system? Please explain why and how.
 
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This sounds like homework. Nevertheless...

Neglecting the fact that computers are enormously complex and flexible systems--will computers do preempting or in the absence of user input?

As for linearity--I think... think... FATAL EXCEPTION #2477: DOES NOT COMPUTE

EDIT: Okay, a philosophical discussion item: what do you consider as computer input...?
 
MATLABdude said:
This sounds like homework. Nevertheless...

Neglecting the fact that computers are enormously complex and flexible systems--will computers do preempting or in the absence of user input?

As for linearity--I think... think... FATAL EXCEPTION #2477: DOES NOT COMPUTE

EDIT: Okay, a philosophical discussion item: what do you consider as computer input...?

No it's not a homework question.
It doesn't do preempting OR in the absence of user input.
I don't know what you mean by fatal exception #2477.
I think the input to the computer is signals from the input peripheral attached to the computer.
 
Please tell me how systems can be categorized mathematically as linear or non-linear system or any other system using transform methods or by any other methods. I am looking for information on signals and systems which can describe any system based upon the output characteristics of the signal when the system is given an input signal.
 
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To prove linearity one needs to prove for the given f(x), f(a+b)=f(a)+f(b) and c*f(x)=f(cx) hold true.

So now all you need is a function f(x) to describe a computer. Should be no problem. But please be careful with this question. Its known to lead to FATAL EXCEPTION #2477.

I am not sure if this is even possible but maybe someone already proved this for a turning machine or some other abstract concept of a computer. So you might try googling for turning machine linearity proofs.
 
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What is Fatal Exception # 2477 ? I don't get any answers from google.com.
 
I think a PC is causal and non-linear, but it could be considered linear depending on the program its running and what its I/O are.
 
That's supposed to be a joke: neither linearity nor causality apply.
 
MATLABdude said:
That's supposed to be a joke: neither linearity nor causality apply.

how does causality not apply? A PC can create outputs based on inputs from the future?
 
  • #10
DragonPetter said:
how does causality not apply? A PC can create outputs based on inputs from the future?

Well, you could set an alarm to trigger an action, but that's probably semantics. I think the bigger issue is that you can't apply these simple classifications to a computer on its own, irrespective of the programming.
 
  • #11
I think that in order to answer this question, we have to consider all the components that are inside the computer PC and analyze individually the input and output of each of these components. And then look at the big picture. I haven't taken the computer architecture course yet, therefore I don't have much idea about the architecture so that I can analyze the outputs from each components like HDD, RAM, processor, input and output peripherals.

I have a doubt, MATLABdude said about setting up an alarm clock and this alarm clock is going to respond by making a sound, I tend to think of it as just software oriented thing. I agree that we are setting up some time in the alarm clock so that it responds on that particular time, but I think of it this way, when the clock goes-off, the signal that you get from the software is just a present state input rather a future state input. We have just programmed the software to respond and give the signal to the speaker on that particular time in the future. I don't think it qualifies to become a future state input. (When I say input, it's just a signal.) Because all the processes are going on in the computer the way it is designed to process. There is no artificial intelligence in a computer PC. I think there should be another parameter which is missing, which will help us define what future state input can be. I mean what condition/scenario satisfies to qualify the signal as a future state input.
On the other hand,
We can call the input signal as future state input when you know everything about the future signal or you don't know anything about the future signal, like, things like, the time on which this input signal is going to come to the input terminal of the device, the frequency of this input signal, or the amplitude. We might know all of these parameters or none of them.

What do you guys have to say about this?
 
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