A Failed Prediction: The Computer: Part 3

In part 2 of a Failed Prediction, a number of quotes were offered. These quotes had the flavor of promiment people noting how the computer was doomed for failure. Some of the quotes we have likely heard, some where amusing, but the question remains - are they true?

Kevin Maney wrote a great online article that sheds some light on these comments. The article can be found here. In this article, many of the computer quotes associated with the failure of the computer are dispelled. Another article that was published by Science and Technology also noted one of Bill Gates famous quotes to be false - it can be found here.

So - it goes without saying, not all things that we read are accurate, which is certainly true with the web. Two web sites above show contradictory evidence exists to common quotes. This underscores the importance of validation.

With this said, some of the quotes do appear to be true. For example, the quote from Ken Olson
• "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
— Ken Olsen, founder of Digital Equipment, in 1977.

Part 4 of this series will investigate if any insight can be gleamed into why Ken Olsen felt this way. There might not be any specifics available, but it is worth checking out!