What is Linux to you?

[JD Runyan]

> 
> Imagine 3 megawatts worth of wire and cable producing machines, using
> 500hp motors drawing copper rod into tightly coordinated high speed
> plastic extrusion lines, through 450F steam at 450psi, cabled together
> with high speed carbon graphite bows the size of helicopter blades,
> armored by a 150kW induction welder, for use in oil fields, race tracks,
> etc... Some of these machines were known as the largest in the world of
> their kind and all controlled by relays or Programmable Logic Controllers
> (powered by the almighty Z80 processor!)  The problems of the day were
> lose connections, bearings needing replacement, motor windings breaking
> down, and operators needing help on the line.  I was the senior electronic
> technician.  It was a very rewarding job for all of us.  I loved going
> into work every day.  It was the greatest passion.
> 
> One night we discovered some new toys.  They were fancy computers that
> replaced some of these PLCs.  Some reels of cable weighed too much for the
> forklift's 30,000 rated capacity.  From that day on, I would see the
> forklifts going toward the back of the plant toward the salvage lines and
> overflowing dumpsters, not the QA and shipping departments.
You mean to tell me they replaced with PLCs that cost very little
compared to a PC with PCs.  Bad economic choice to begin with.  Just buy
one PC, and use it to generate reports, and use the PLCs for real time
control.  That is what they are designed for.  I haven't seen a real
time windows yet.