Potboiler springs from computer's loins
Article Abstract:
'Just This Once' is a novel written by a computer that was programmed to simulate the writing style of Jacqueline Susann. Its creator, Scott French, used an Apple Macintosh microcomputer and artificial intelligence technology that allowed him to compose a quarter of the prose, with the computer doing an equivalent amount. The rest of the text was written as a collaboration between French and his machine named Hal. In writing the prose, French would answer questions posed by the computer and then the machine would crank out the story. The plot and tone emanate from thousands of formulas that French programmed into the computer based on his analyses of Susann's famous novels. 'Just This Once' is published by the Carol Publishing Group's Birch Lane Press and will be sold at national bookstore chains for $18.95.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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New lives for old machines
Article Abstract:
Old and used microcomputers are not worth very much money, but there are a variety of uses they can offer to businesses and home users. Used IBM AT and XT machines can sell for as little as a few hundred dollars. Many computers that functioned perfectly well a few years ago cannot handle the more sophisticated software that is available. Companies that need greater processing power and are eliminating old equipment can use some of these old microcomputers as network monitors, or they can dedicate a monitor to electronic mail. Companies may prefer to sell the computers in-house or donate the computers to nonprofit or educational institutions. The National Cristina Foundation (NCF) was formed in 1985 and organizes the donation and training of used equipment for disabled people.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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Call for home computers for detecting of quakes
Article Abstract:
The US Geological Survey (USGS) is creating a wide earthquake detection network in the San Francisco Bay area with microcomputers. The USGS estimates that there are at least 100,000 microcomputers in the Bay area and that seismological information can be obtained from where people live if at least one percent would participate in a seismological detection project. The program is done on a voluntary basis and requires participants to invest $500 in equipment, which includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration and velocity of all ground movements. The USGS believes that the program could yield a wealth of information and the denser the network, the more insight scientists could gain into earthquakes.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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