----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Dowling" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, 2001-05-02 10:28
Subject: [USMA:12585] Re: WSJ letters
> Yes, but they should be. This problem (that a "kb" is
> actually 1024 bytes) annoys me greatly because having
> to explain to people that "k" always means 1000 unless
> you mean computer bytes confuses them, reinforcing the
> belief that the metric system is complicated.
It isn't the metric system that is complicated, it is the people who misuse
it that add the confusion. It should be pointed out that a set of binary
prefixes were developed a few years back to end the confusion. These are
the prefixes Kibi (Ki), Mibi (Mi), Gibi (Gi), etc. Where Kibi is a
contraction of kilo-binary, etc.
It is unfortunate that the computer industry has not used these prefixes
yet. and I'd sure like to know when they will. so, until they do, they
will continue to create confusion.
And if someone tells you that metric isn't consistent because the prefixes
can mean increments of 1000 for some uses and 1024 for others, then remind
them that the SI prefixes only have one meaning. That there is an alternate
set of prefixes for the computer industry and they won't use them. so, the
inconsistency is not with metric, but with the dummies who can't get it
right.
John
Keiner ist hoffnungsloser versklavt als derjenige, der irrt�mlich glaubt
frei zu sein.
There are none more hopelessly enslaved then those who falsely believe they
are free!
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
