Re: Oh Gods - Now MX Linux "Security Verification" - NO !!!

On 8/23/26 08:47, Carlos E.R. wrote:
> On 2026-08-23 14:10, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
>> On 23/08/2026 12:32, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>>> Industrial computers may have boards, like data acquisition boards, 
>>> to interface with motors and sensors (or cameras). If you upgrade the 
>>> computer, it comes with a new operating system, so their expensive 
>>> software does not run on it. The cards probably can not be plugged 
>>> in, so they also need replacing; the new boards will probably not be 
>>> compatible with the expensive software. So finally they need to 
>>> recreate the software (hopefully the company that created it still 
>>> exists and has the source files). And maybe there are a bunch of 
>>> computers to replace.
>>>
>>> The price is no longer minor.
>>
>> Exactly.
>>
>> Today you would use a Raspberry PI probably running Linux  and create 
>> custom PC boards to attach to it.
>>
>> Back then you designed ISA cards ran DOS and programmed the thing in C 
>> or turbo pascal .
>>
>> My first job as a freelance programmer was writing code for exactly 
>> that - a high speed serial interface connected to a massive grid of 
>> lightbulbs to form a display for sports venues.
>>
>> Huge fun
> 
> I programmed industrial test bed machines. Machines to test machines. 
> Like one to test car brakes.
> 
> Think a big electric motor moving an axis with several big iron wheels, 
> to simulate inertia, and at the end a car brake system, complete (one 
> wheel only, of course).  Then speed it up, apply brakes, at several 
> different speeds and hydraulic pressures. Also supply "wind". Measure 
> temperatures, torques, speeds. Or maintain speed with the motor while 
> the brake is applied, measure things. Find out at what temperature a 
> brake fades and how (is there warning to the driver, or does the brake 
> fade completely?)
> 
> Huge fun, miserable pay.

   Indeed, huge fun !

   And, long long back, that was as important
   as the lousy paycheck :-)