Chris writes:
> David
>
> > > Now where have I heard that phrase before?
> >
> > about the time character sets were extended to 7 bits to allow
> > the luxury of both upper and lower case.
>
> That could never have happened: the paper tape was not wide enough!
it was, it was (by the end of the era we were using _8-track_
tape!!!). it was just that the computers didn't have the capability
of packing anything other than 6-bit characters.
> I suppose you are going to tell me that I am wrinkly enough to have
> lived through those troubling times.
you don't fool me. even _i_ am old enough.
> Would that be pre or post-Beatles?
yes.
proposed (but never set) question[*]:
"explain, as to one who thinks there is no problem, why character
sets are difficult"
roger needham, ca 1970
robin
[*] would have been to the diploma in computer science and numerical
analysis. we didn't have a _degree_ in comp. sci. back then.