Why are still not at 64 bits [was Can't figure out Firefox Plugin Requirement ]

[Jeffry Smith]

On 2/17/07, Jon 'maddog' Hall <maddog at li.org> wrote:
> On Sat, 2007-02-17 at 02:43 -0500, Bill McGonigle wrote:
> > On Feb 17, 2007, at 01:22, Nigel Stewart wrote:
> >
> > >     The Engineers I've worked with tend towards the
> > >     "just make it work" philosophy.  Interpret the
> > >     spec as narrowly and specifically as possible,
> > >     and rely on nobody being rude enough to point out
> > >     the unhandled cases, fragile assumptions, or
> > >     broader incompatibilities.  "It's the schedule,
> > >     stupid!"
> >
> > That's a good illustration of why "real Engineers" get so worked up
> > when line computer programmers call themselves Engineers.
> >
> > 'cause that's no way to build a bridge...
> >
> > -Bill
> >
> Like the classic "swings" picture of software development, I now picture
> in my mind the bridge built by a software "engineer":
>
>        o lots of fancy do-dads that do nothing, but have to be painted
>          every year so they do not rust
>        o exit ramps going off the bridge, most of which do not go
>          anywhere, and let the car fall into the water
>

And don't forget that real Engineers (Professional Engineers) sign
their work and take responsibility for failures (reputation, money,
etc).

jeff