Discussion of large systems

[Warren Wolfe]

On Tue, 2006-10-31 at 19:54 -0700, Richard wrote:


>     Does anyone have enough tape drives that they can do the
>     multi-drive merge/sort tape algorithms described in Knuth's
>     Art of Computer Programming?


    That would be six, I believe.  But, why?  Just to say one did it?
In today's world, the way to implement the same algorithm would be to
use disk files; MUCH faster.  With a TERABYTE of screaming fast disk
storage available for a desktop machine for about 500 pounds (around
$750 US) the REASON for a multi-tape sort has gone away.  (Unless, of
course, one finds spinning tape reels exciting in themselves...)



            Peace,

            Warren E. Wolfe
            wizard at voyager.net