dinosaur

In technology, the term "dinosaur" is used metaphorically to describe outdated, old, and often massive computing systems, especially in contrast to newer, more advanced microprocessor-based machines. This term is often applied to computers, hardware, or software that may have been cutting-edge at one point but have become obsolete due to rapid advancements in technology.

Origin of the Term "Dinosaur"

The term "dinosaur" as applied to technology likely draws its analogy from the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth but are now extinct. Dinosaurs were once dominant and powerful creatures, but as the environment changed and other species evolved, they became less suited to survive. Similarly, in the fast-paced world of technology, older systems and hardware can quickly become outdated and impractical for modern computing needs.

Characteristics of Technological Dinosaurs

1. Age and Obsolescence: Technological dinosaurs are often characterized by their age and obsolescence. They may have been state-of-the-art in their time, but as technology advances, they are no longer competitive or efficient.

2. Size and Bulkiness: Many early computers, minis, and mainframes were large, bulky, and required special infrastructure like raised flooring and dedicated power sources. These features were necessary due to the physical space and cooling requirements of older systems.

3. Conservative and Slow to Adopt New Technology: Technological dinosaurs are often associated with conservative users or organizations that are slow to embrace newer advancements in technology. These users may be hesitant to upgrade or switch to more modern systems.

4. Complexity and Maintenance: Older mainframes and minis often required specialized expertise for maintenance and operation. Their complex architecture and unique hardware components made them challenging to maintain and repair.

5. Inefficiency and High Energy Consumption: Technological dinosaurs were known for their high energy consumption and low efficiency compared to modern microprocessor-based machines. They required substantial power to operate and generated a significant amount of heat.

Usage of the Term

The term "dinosaur" is commonly used among tech enthusiasts and professionals to refer to older systems, software, or hardware that are no longer considered state-of-the-art. It is often used playfully or humorously to describe systems that may still be operational but are not well-suited for current computing demands.

In Bill Joy's famous quote from the 1998 Unix EXPO, he used the analogy of a "grazing dinosaur" to contrast the liquid-cooled mainframe in the massive IBM display with the newer, more energy-efficient microprocessor-based machines. The image of a dinosaur with a "truck outside pumping its bodily fluids through it" highlights the stark contrast between the outdated mainframe technology and the modern advancements in computing.

Conclusion

In technology, the term "dinosaur" is a metaphorical description of outdated and often massive computing systems that have become obsolete in the face of rapid technological advancements. These systems may have been impressive in their time but are now impractical and inefficient compared to newer microprocessor-based machines. The term is used humorously or playfully to describe old mainframes, minis, or software that still function but are no longer at the cutting edge of technology.