HP logo upside down = DY, happened a long time ago

[Don Shepherd]

A thread recently discussed the logo for one of the proposed re-purposed scientific calculators included the HP logo turned upside-down, or DY for do-it-yourself. Turns out that idea happened a long time ago.

[Dave Shaffer (Arizona)]

Somewhere in this set of very interesting articles, it is pointed out that some early computers were called instrument controllers in order to get past US government rules (in the 1960s).

I started working at NASA in 1979 as a contractor, and our group used an HP mini-computer which was prominently labelled as an instrument controller for that very reason, so it took a long time to finally be allowed to buy a "computer" if you worked for Uncle Sam. I think the big computer centers did not want to lose their influence (and tithe from the users).

[Steve Simpkin]

Quote:

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Somewhere in this set of very interesting articles, it is pointed out that some early computers were called instrument controllers in order to get past US government rules (in the 1960s).

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This still occurs!!!
The company I work for sells emergency radio/911 dispatch equipment to state and federal governments. We happen to utilize Windows computers to run the user interface software. These computers run dedicated software 24/7 for 7-10 years. The do not need virus software, they are not connected to the internet nor do they ever get updates to the OS over their lifetime. In some cases (the State of California for example) we have to officially label the Windows computer an "interface controller". If they are called a "computer", they immediately fall under the responsibility of the State IT department who will update them on a weekly or monthly basis just like every other computer they have in their inventory. This would be a bad thing so we have to play games like calling them something other than a computer so they will not be messed with.