• gandalf_der_12te@discuss.tchncs.de
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    9 days ago

    So it’s not just efficiency gains, but fundamental gains in what’s even available.

    If you’re talking about computers, computers were available in 1900, just that it was actually women (mostly) in an office doing the maths by hand.

    Similar to the “AI” meme comment - “Actually Indians”

    • ricecake@sh.itjust.works
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      9 days ago

      :) that’s why I referred to available technology, not the word. “Computers” were available, both as people and as semi-algorithmic adding machines, but the speed, capabilities and operating principles were different to a degree that the only similarities are a name and an abstract mathematical model.

      Although picturing the brigades of women with adding machines occasionally sending a telegram to create a 1900s Internet is amusing.