First, thanks, Dr. Nemeth, for a fine summary of the similarities/
differences between NFBCALC and UCALC.
DR. Nemeth writes, in part:
>
> The next issue I would like to raise is a philosophical one.
> When I designed NFBCALC, I took the point of view that the
> calculator that results should have the same capabilities and the
> same limitations as a stand-alone, hand-held calculator despite the
> fact that it is being operated on a PC computer platform where there
> are many opportunities to endow it with capabilities that no
> hand-held calculator ever had. For example, suppose that I am the
> proud oner of a hand-held calculator capable of 12-digit precision.
> I enter a number and make a mistake in the tenth digit. My
> hand-held calculator requires me to press the "clear entry"
> button and reenter the number from the beginning. On a computer,
> it is possible to arrange for backspacing over the mistake and
> resume entering the number from the last correct digit. Which
> approach should I take? There are many other situations which
> pose a similar dilemma.
>
I believe that since one is using a computer rather than a handheld
calculator, one should take advantage of useful features (such
as destructive or nondestructive backspacing) available on the
computer. In addition, a person used to using the arrow keys,
backspace and/or rubout/delete to correct errors wouldn't be
thrown for a loop when s/he finds such features unavailable
in a calculator, in this case, NFBCALC.
Just one opinion.
-- Mike Freeman | Internet: mikef@pacifier.com GEnie: M.FREEMAN11 | Amateur Radio Callsign: K7UIJ ... Ask not for whom the <^G> tolls.
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