Multi-tasking?

[TAOWBST]

I trust you all know how computers are said to be able to multi-task. I trust you all know how computers decieve to be multi-tasking as well. So....

Is it possible to multi-task?

[johnriley1uk]

It's very tempting to think of the human brain as being similar to the computer, but in fact it is very different in significant ways. The variety of pathways available in a cross-referencing and variable way is immense, quite unlike a Pentium processor, which basically just does things quickly.

(If I am hurting the feelings of my computer, I apologise....)

The human brain is somewhat slower than a computer and more variable and unpredictable, but it works in a non-linear fashion. As I am typing these words i am also planning the Tuesday digital night at ADAPS and pondering on the intricate details of the book I am currently reading, whilst also remembering our earlier "live" meeting.....I am quite certain that I mult-task all the time.

[mr_e]

Roll on the dual-core processors: true multi-tasking at last? Anyway, I shall refer you all to my previous verbal statements: for humans, multi-tasking is basically doing several things badly.

[johnriley1uk]

Oh, mr_e, don't be so down on us poor humans! We can't help doing things badly, it's a way of life....

[mr_e]

Well, my statements on multi-tasking are based on observations of women and myself, so I'm open to correction on that one...

[Mike]

I think this depends on what you class as multi tasking. I can think of something else and draw, for example and do both things very well. However, if I am doing two different jobs at work that require full concentration I think it is better to get one done first and then start on the next. If you don't do it that way errors are introduced. I don't class watching tv and talking to be multi tasking, on a side point it is a very odd thing to multi task on!

[Fez]

careful here chaps, we don't want to start making ourselves sound obsolete and allow the underbelly of artificial intelligence to supercede us, thus starting the dreaded human versus machine war that will end the world!

have none of you people seen terminator!