Which Mac to get (to control Nuclear Power station)

[geese]

Hi,

I'm currently responsible for upgrading the old 1960's mainframe computers that are controlling the nuclear reactors at Sellafield power station, in the UK.

I'm considering a Mac mini- do you think it'll be up for the job? Mind you, it cant crash otherwise KABOOM! Chernobyl over again!

So, would a Mini with 512mb memory cover it?

Also does anyone know of any freeware 'Reactor controller' software for the Mac? And does anyone sell any USB 'punch-card' readers that'll work on the mac?

Thanks

[vniow]

Uhh...

<<

>>

[Link]

Actually, I think 256 megs of RAM would do it. ;)

[mkrishnan]

You definitely want to use Windows 98 to get adequate stability for that kind of application...hmm...it's so demanding, I might even recommend WinME instead. :rolleyes:

[homerjward]

Uhh...

<<

>>


agreed. do you really want to control a nuclear power plant with a $500 consumer computer? note to self: dont ever go near sellafield!

[Link]

You definitely want to use Windows 98 to get adequate stability for that kind of application...hmm...it's so demanding, I might even recommend WinME instead. :rolleyes:
I would actually suggest the much higher security of sticks and rocks. Just watch someone try and hack into them to get control of the plant.

[feakbeak]

Forget a computer, just hire some college kids to manually adjust the control rods for you. They might think that metal taste in their mouth is some sort of "buzz" - they'll enjoy it.

They are easy to replace after the radiation begins to kill them. Plus, you won't have to worry about pension plans.

[ChemicalGeoff]

Well to be honest there has already BEEN a nuclear meltdown at sellafield (formerly named something else WestGreen or something) so any further meltdowns will simply compound the problem.

I'd go with a Packard Bell running WinME if you want true stability. And add unpatched IE 4.0 if you can, just to add some spice

EDIT:

It was Windscale not WestGreen.

[mikeyredk]

I think you should stick with your tubes, or the engineers will get pissed off. ;) :D

[mkrishnan]

I would actually suggest the much higher security of sticks and rocks. Just watch someone try and hack into them to get control of the plant.

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but neutrons fly right through me.

[ChemicalGeoff]

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but neutrons fly right through me.

You sure about this? I always thought beta particles could be absorbed by the body (with plenty ill effects).

Gamma rays, though, are a different story.

[jer446]

im a little confused? Is this thread a joke?

[ChemicalGeoff]

I doubt it, the UK budget for power stations is horribly low! They could never afford to pay for anything top end to control sellafield.

[Link]

You sure about this? I always thought beta particles could be absorbed by the body (with plenty ill effects).

Gamma rays, though, are a different story.And then there are cosmic rays, like those that affected the Fantastic Four and Dr. Doom.
:cool:

[feakbeak]

im a little confused? Is this thread a joke?Are you volunteering to adjust the control rods? :)

[ChemicalGeoff]

And then there are cosmic rays, like those that affected the Fantastic Four and Dr. Doom.
:cool:

Awww man, bring those bad-boys on. I wanna spontaneously combust... that will learn those that oppose me.

MUAHAHAHAHA

[john1123]

im a little confused? Is this thread a joke?

I, for one, think that geese is dead serious ;)

[Link]

Awww man, bring those bad-boys on. I wanna spontaneously combust... that will learn those that oppose me.

MUAHAHAHAHA
Flame on! :)

[Link]

I, for one, think that geese is dead serious ;)
I do too, that is why I suggested the use of sticks and rocks instead of a computer.

[mkrishnan]

You sure about this? I always thought beta particles could be absorbed by the body (with plenty ill effects).

Gamma rays, though, are a different story.

LOL I was kidding. Actually, yes, hydrogen has an excellent cross section for neutron scatter, and also absorbs a lot of the energy of fast neutrons, and so things full of water (like people) or plastics make good neutron absorbers.

Gammas cause damage, but they're absorbed much better in things like lead than in low-weight elements like the ones that compose the body, AFAIK....

[ChemicalGeoff]

LOL I was kidding. Actually, yes, hydrogen has an excellent cross section for neutron scatter, and also absorbs a lot of the energy of fast neutrons, and so things full of water (like people) or plastics make good neutron absorbers.

Gammas cause damage, but they're absorbed much better in things like lead than in low-weight elements like the ones that compose the body, AFAIK....

What do we learn from this?

Stay the hell away from nuclear radiation!

P.S. Need to get my particle physics up to scratch, you totally pwned my knowledge there

[mkrishnan]

What do we learn from this?

Stay the hell away from nuclear radiation!

P.S. Need to get my particle physics up to scratch, you totally pwned my knowledge there

Don't worry... I have an MS in Nuclear Engineering. But compared to anyone else who has one (and isn't studying psychology today, like I am), I probably don't know jack.... ;)

And, in terms of staying away from nuclear radiation, definitely stay away from any nuclear power plant that changes it's reactor control system based on input from Macrumors!!! :eek: ;) :D

[Viv]

Well to be honest there has already BEEN a nuclear meltdown at sellafield (formerly named something else WestGreen or something) so any further meltdowns will simply compound the problem.

I'd go with a Packard Bell running WinME if you want true stability. And add unpatched IE 4.0 if you can, just to add some spice

EDIT:

It was Windscale not WestGreen.

Yes Windscale, makes me feel old knowing it as that, there was a fire in a cooling tower section and ceasium and other stuff got dumped out in the plume, farmers for years had to dump milk as it binds to iodine or some such.

Interesting that they wont admit to a cancer cluster any were in that region

Viv

[puckhead193]

Not saying the mini is a bad computer but i don't think it was designed for controlling a nuclear power station. I would think a super computer like a dell would be better :rolleyes: ;)
But seriously i think a powermac would be better, if not multiple PM g5

[ChemicalGeoff]

Well i only know about windscale due to one of my many nights reading up stuff on Wikipedia. It's very easy to get trapped in a never ending run of interesting subjects on that damned site.

As for particle physics, my degree requires that i know more than just the words "beta particle" but i have 2 weeks till my exams, i'm sure i'll be fine *starts to sweat*

[Nickygoat]

What do we learn from this?

Stay the hell away from nuclear radiation!

P.S. Need to get my particle physics up to scratch, you totally pwned my knowledge there
Unfortunately we're going to need them - and more of them soon. Can't rely on Brent crude forever.
I'm trying hard to decide if this is a joke - its 1am and I've just got back from the pub. FWIW no I don't think it'd do but give it a whirl - see what happens :p

[ChemicalGeoff]

That attitude is all very good for you londoners but i'm stationed in coventry which is a wee bit too close to sellafield for my likings, just have to hope it goes off in the hols when i'm back in cambridge :S

EDIT:

When i say stay away from nuclear radiation i dont mean stay away from the reactors... we need to save oil and those big scary windmills are well, big and... scary

[JeffTL]

Little problem: Mac OS X license agreement, part 2C on the copy that came with my Panther discs: "...THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES..."


(If this is a joke, the original poster is probably referring to this)


DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, nor do I purport to be one. Therefore, this is NOT LEGAL ADVICE; use at your own peril. ;)

[CanadaRAM]

That would ratchet "kernel panic" up to a whole 'nother level, wouldn't it?

[feakbeak]

Little problem: Mac OS X license agreement, part 2C on the copy that came with my Panther discs: "...THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES..."


(If this is a joke, the original poster is probably referring to this)


DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, nor do I purport to be one. Therefore, this is NOT LEGAL ADVICE; use at your own peril. ;)LOL... I thought this was a joke too at first, but the license agreement actually states it. That's hilarious.

[geese]

Little problem: Mac OS X license agreement, part 2C on the copy that came with my Panther discs: "...THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES..."

DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, nor do I purport to be one. Therefore, this is NOT LEGAL ADVICE; use at your own peril. ;)

Would Yellow Dog Linux be OK then?

Its just that by the end of May I've got to:

1) Buy a Mac mini (or a Packard-Bell as an earlier poster reported- nice nice colour, will go nicely with lab coat) and install all the software for it.

2) Install everything to control the rods, and I've just read on my temping contract (sneaky buggers Manpower, they never told me about this) that this system has to control the emergency warning systems. To tell all the staff when things go wrong and that.

3) Throw the dusty old mainframe out, and replace with Mac without and disterbance.

4) test the damn thing to see if it works.

Also I cant find any cracked rod controlling software on Limewire, so I'm going to have to make one myself using Java or Macromedia Director.

Yikes!

EDIT: No-one knows of any punch card readers? Are there any of those 11 i one memory card readers for digi cameras with punched card facility?

[Sun Baked]

Uhh...

<<

>>

Yes, I agree with the member deserving a slap upside the head...

http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3171

Of course the bean counters in charge would probably spend $15 million dollars studying the problems and allow $1000 for hardware and software to run things. ;)

Personally I'd upgrade to at least an XServe or a few of them running in failover or voting mode on all the decisions.

Plus you want to make sure you get a good line conditioning UPS to clean up the power to the machines... :cool:

Plus it's probably easier to hire a few interns to be the punch card readers and give them a USB keyboard.

Edit: When I was down in FL years ago they dumped their specialy launch control mainframes over on the Cape side and replaced them with Amigas... so it can be done. ;)

[mikeyredk]

Yes, I agree with the member deserving a slap upside the head...

http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3171
Plus it's probably easier to hire a few interns to be the punch card readers and give them a USB keyboard.


hey how do you know what the interns do? ;)

Nah they pay us too much do just that

[superbovine]

Hi,

I'm currently responsible for upgrading the old 1960's mainframe computers that are controlling the nuclear reactors at Sellafield power station, in the UK.

I'm considering a Mac mini- do you think it'll be up for the job? Mind you, it cant crash otherwise KABOOM! Chernobyl over again!

So, would a Mini with 512mb memory cover it?

Also does anyone know of any freeware 'Reactor controller' software for the Mac? And does anyone sell any USB 'punch-card' readers that'll work on the mac?

Thanks

nuk nuk nuk...

[mkrishnan]

Would Yellow Dog Linux be OK then?

You've gotta be f'in kidding me.... :rolleyes:

[wPod]

LOL its true, cant use it for nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, . .. . or other equipment in which the failure of the apple software could lead to death, personal injury, or severe physical or envirnmental damage. sounds like OS X is good for everything except life/death! heh. . .

[applemacdude]

Uhh...

<<

>>




>.>

<.<

mines looks better

>.<

[Nuc]

This is the last place you need to be looking for advice about nuclear systems.... Changing out the computer (new or old) is a huge undertaking for one person to do, either your yanking our chain or your getting yours yanked. Even for a small test reactor here in the US it is a large undertaking, and it would be overseen by the NRC and also supporting companies. I'm currently getting my MS in nuclear engineering and my friend who works at a power plant says that this is a multimillion dollar undertaking, and even then it has to be approved by the NRC... So no $500 dollar computer will solve your problem.

You really need to contact other companies that are currently doing this. I would first look at Framatome, Westinghouse, GE, etc. Ask them what they recommend. From there you should be able to get a good idea. Best of luck.

mkrishnan it's nice to know there is another NE on this forum.

[mkrishnan]

mkrishnan it's nice to know there is another NE on this forum.

:D

Geese, on the tiny off chance that this whole thread isn't a joke, please, in God's name, listen to Nuc. Even the Bush administration wouldn't be dumb enough to back an idea like one person creating a software system for a nuclear power plant in a month using off-the-shelf hardware and software....

[mcarnes]

Dude, you're in charge of all this and you're asking here?

The Simpson's is supposed to be a comedy, not a documentary. Do you enjoy donuts and have a boss named Mr. Burns?

[Kosher Terror]

Isn't there a widget that you can use to control nuclear power plants? I thought Apple had developed one.

[superbovine]

Isn't there a widget that you can use to control nuclear power plants? I thought Apple had developed one.

yeah it is called isItHot

[joshua_msu]

Isnt there a nice nuclear management widget with lots of security holes available?


Already beat. damn.

[macbaseball]

Also I cant find any cracked rod controlling software on Limewire, so I'm going to have to make one myself using Java or Macromedia Director.

Lol. Geese are you for real. This thread is the funniest thing I've seen all day. Are you kidding me!

[homerjward]

Lol. Geese are you for real. This thread is the funniest thing I've seen all day. Are you kidding me!
agreed. thats going in my sig

[iQuit]

I'd say a Quad powered g50 PowerMac,with atleast 5 teraflops of RAM. It has a nuclear fusion powered system bus too.:)

[sethypoo]

Just hire Homer Simpson.

[savar]

Hi,

I'm currently responsible for upgrading the old 1960's mainframe computers that are controlling the nuclear reactors at Sellafield power station, in the UK.

I'm considering a Mac mini- do you think it'll be up for the job? Mind you, it cant crash otherwise KABOOM! Chernobyl over again!

So, would a Mini with 512mb memory cover it?

Yes.*

*(As long as you're not running Java, which is specifically not intended for controlling nuclear reactors: http://www.java.com/en/download/license.jsp, see Section 3.)

Also does anyone know of any freeware 'Reactor controller' software for the Mac? And does anyone sell any USB 'punch-card' readers that'll work on the mac?

RTFM, this gets asked every damn day here.

Edit: Oops, joke's on me. OS X specifically disclaims nuclear controllers too. I wonder if thats in the Windows license too. Nah, the universe is too ironic for that; MS is probably selling their software to nuclear plants.

[mad jew]

Only at MacRumors would someone check the licensing agreement of the software involved...

Good work savar. :D

[Nickygoat]

Buy a Mac mini (or a Packard-Bell as an earlier poster reported- nice nice colour, will go nicely with lab coat) and install all the software for it.

Go with the Packard- Bell. You can't run a nuclear power station if your computer doesn't match your lab coat. Sheeesh i thought everyone knew that. I can donate a G3 Blueberry iMac for the days you want a '70s vibe.

[homerjward]

Edit: Oops, joke's on me. OS X specifically disclaims nuclear controllers too. I wonder if thats in the Windows license too. Nah, the universe is too ironic for that; MS is probably selling their software to nuclear plants.
nope, not in the xp pro license :D:p he should use a mini and run windows in vpc to control the plant...

[PPC970FX]

Well a computer to controle, even a smal part of a nuclerpowerplant must be special.

It must be incridible secure and 0 risk of any error. 3 power 5 computers all with hotswap HD, EEC memory and exstrem UPS. So that if one or even 2 copmuters fail there will be an exstra machin. The machin shuld rune a special made UNIX OS with minimal stuff on the OS, just the things that really is needed. Less things to ******* up.

A mac mini to conrole a nuclarpowerplant is like having a MS driven car, with a new meaning on screen of death.

[geese]

Well a computer to controle, even a smal part of a nuclerpowerplant must be special.

It must be incridible secure and 0 risk of any error. 3 power 5 computers all with hotswap HD, EEC memory and exstrem UPS. So that if one or even 2 copmuters fail there will be an exstra machin. The machin shuld rune a special made UNIX OS with minimal stuff on the OS, just the things that really is needed. Less things to ******* up.

A mac mini to conrole a nuclarpowerplant is like having a MS driven car, with a new meaning on screen of death.

Nah, should be OK.

[mad jew]

Just a quick though: don't get the bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo. You don't wanna be relying on some cheap AA batteries come melt-down time.

[cube]

Also I cant find any cracked rod controlling software on Limewire, so I'm going to have to make one myself using Java or Macromedia Director.


Sun does not license its software for the operation of nuclear facilities.

[edesignuk]

If it all goes pear shaped there's gonna be one hell of a

http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/macros/dramabomb.jpg

[cube]

linky (http://www.ans.org/pubs/journals/nt/va-141-1-33-44)

[ChemicalGeoff]

Well it's all verywell having redundant processing and all but will it be sexy ????

Surely thats the main thing in todays 21st century society

[geese]

linky (http://www.ans.org/pubs/journals/nt/va-141-1-33-44)

You mean I've got to get a DP G5 Power Mac? :eek:

I'm not sure the budget will stretch to that.

Also, will the mac work with an old 1970s Vector display that we've got knocking around the tea room?

[mkrishnan]

Also, will the mac work with an old 1970s Vector display that we've got knocking around the tea room?

Only if you use a lot of duct tape. But duct tape should absorb a couple of neutrons while you're at it, so I'm sure you can get it under some kind of dual-use budget. :D

[SpaceMagic]

I really really think you're going overkill on the specs. What I've heard is that Russian research during the Cold War proved that rats have an extra sensory perception when it comes to nuclear reactors... They devised a method whereby rats are put in their wheels and they run depending on how much gamma radiation is being leaked.. the more radiation.. the faster they go.
Their wheels can then be hooked up to cogs which move the nuclear rods..

try it. you dont need a mac mini. you need a rat race.

[geese]

I really really think you're going overkill on the specs. What I've heard is that Russian research during the Cold War proved that rats have an extra sensory perception when it comes to nuclear reactors... They devised a method whereby rats are put in their wheels and they run depending on how much gamma radiation is being leaked.. the more radiation.. the faster they go.
Their wheels can then be hooked up to cogs which move the nuclear rods..

try it. you dont need a mac mini. you need a rat race.

I'm not a vet- i've got an basic computing diploma. Thats all i'm qualified for.

I've just heard, that if this goes well, then they'll get me to upgrade the UK air traffic control system! One of the worlds most busiest airspaces! How would that look on the CV (or Resume as you yanks call them)

[SurfinSHELL23]

I'm not a vet- i've got an basic computing diploma. Thats all i'm qualified for.

I've just heard, that if this goes well, then they'll get me to upgrade the UK air traffic control system! One of the worlds most busiest airspaces! How would that look on the CV (or Resume as you yanks call them)
Need to hire a consulting firm? My dad's a vet and my math teacher has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering - yes and he teaches math to high school kids.

[ChemicalGeoff]

Jeez Louise Everyone in this forum seems to either have or be related to someone who has a degree in Nuclear Engineering/Physics.

What's the average IQ of this place? 165?

[FFTT]

Too bad I just gave my original IBM 286 to the Salvation Army :D

[ChemicalGeoff]

Just looked up Sellafield on Wikipedia; doesn't seem that there are any nuclear reactors running there these days, only a nuclear waste management programme.

Is this guy trying to con the good people of MR into thinking that he's really asking for our help?!?!

For shame, for shame.

;)

[geese]

Too bad I just gave my original IBM 286 to the Salvation Army :D

I can imagine the Salvation Army trying to use that as a sequencer for their brass instruments!

[Uma888]

this is a joke right? :eek:

[MacHarne]

first look at Framatome...

Nuc, do you work at one of those locations? I interned at Framatome ANP for several years - was a very nice experience. Now, though, I believe they are Areva or another version of the Framatome-Areva name combination, yet still the same company. I wish they could go ahead and choose a name to stick with for a few decades. In the past 10 years, I think they have changed names five or six times.

geese, I'll be selling my iBook soon; I'm sure it will be up to the challenge. Although, as a warning, I don't think it operates well around high radiation levels.

[Nickygoat]

this is a joke right? :eek:
Look at the state of energy policy in this country - Blair goes to war with the yanks for oil so that we don't have to run nuclear power - it's the way of the future. Don't pollute our own country - destroy someone else's :p.
Geese is only writing these honest pleas for suggestions from an internet cafe round the corner from Sellafield. When he gets the contract for Air Traffic Control I'll be there to lend him all the pencil sharpeners he needs - you can't run the busiest airports in Europe without pencils right?
BTW Geese - I did mining in Cornwall - if you need a few holes to stash the stuff I can point you in the right direction ;)

[AP_piano295]

What part of the powerplant are u actually controlling because that sounds like scary s*** to use just a standard cpu for.

[SpaceMagic]

What part of the powerplant are u actually controlling because that sounds like scary s*** to use just a standard cpu for.

mac mini's arent "standard cpus" they'll run it fine. I'm a bit worried though about the Mac Mini's hydrocarbon polymer plastics which may react with the 2.5 neutrons given out in a nuclear reation. we may end up with a chain reaction resulting in either a naked mac mini or a hot rodded mac mini (if so, xbench it and post results on here please...)

[geese]

What part of the powerplant are u actually controlling because that sounds like scary s*** to use just a standard cpu for.

All the important bits- you know the bits that glow in the dark and go up and down in some kind of 'reactor'.

Although I've just worked out that with there being 4 reactor cores, I'll need 4 USB ports to connect to each reactor. Do you reckon I'll need a powered USB hub?

[ChemicalGeoff]

Do you reckon I'll need a powered USB hub?

Surely the core will provide it's own power?

I'm sure you can get away with a cheap unpowered hub.

[apple_g5]

Please tell me this is just a bad joke! -> i just can't believe this!

[geese]

For anyone who does not know about Sellafield, this might help:

llinky (http://www.brookview.karoo.net/Sellafield_Zoo/index.html)

[geese]

Surely the core will provide it's own power?

I'm sure you can get away with a cheap unpowered hub.


Good point...

[Nuc]

Nuc, do you work at one of those locations? I interned at Framatome ANP for several years - was a very nice experience. Now, though, I believe they are Areva or another version of the Framatome-Areva name combination, yet still the same company. I wish they could go ahead and choose a name to stick with for a few decades. In the past 10 years, I think they have changed names five or six times.
No I've never worked for Framatome, however I know that there are or have designed this side of the system. I believe there still calling it Framatome ANP here in the U.S. I don't believe there called Areva at least not yet. I checked on their website and it says it is a "An AREVA and Siemens Company." Currently I'm getting my MS in nuclear eng and have a BS already in it. I've mainly worked more on the health physics side. I don't particularly like Framatome because the bastards never called me back or any of my classmates back for an interview.... I personally would like to work for Duke Energy...

Nuc

[dr bognus]

if sellafield did explode what would be the area that would have to be cordoned off for many years around the place... run away run away. god what a record for a company to have, yes we cordoned off north england

Dr Bognus

[Nickygoat]

yes we cordoned off north england

Dr Bognus
What else is there to do with the North? Best thing for it, really.

[mkrishnan]

What else is there to do with the North? Best thing for it, really.

It's all fun and games until bands of radiation-transmogrified Chavs roam the streets of Leeds! :p :eek: :D

[ChemicalGeoff]

It's true, the only thing worse than chavs is chavs with super powers!

[_pb_boi]

agreed. do you really want to control a nuclear power plant with a $500 consumer computer? note to self: dont ever go near sellafield!

Note to you. He's not serious :rolleyes:

andy.

[_pb_boi]

This is the last place you need to be looking for advice about nuclear systems.... Changing out the computer (new or old) is a huge undertaking for one person to do, either your yanking our chain or your getting yours yanked. Even for a small test reactor here in the US it is a large undertaking, and it would be overseen by the NRC and also supporting companies. I'm currently getting my MS in nuclear engineering and my friend who works at a power plant says that this is a multimillion dollar undertaking, and even then it has to be approved by the NRC... So no $500 dollar computer will solve your problem.

You really need to contact other companies that are currently doing this. I would first look at Framatome, Westinghouse, GE, etc. Ask them what they recommend. From there you should be able to get a good idea. Best of luck.

mkrishnan it's nice to know there is another NE on this forum.

For the love of gawd! Please! Everyone needs to take themselves a little less seriously around here

andy.

[yippy]

But this is a very important matter, we are talking about expanding the user base of the Macintosh platform. This should not be taken lightly. :rolleyes:

[mkrishnan]

It's true, the only thing worse than chavs is chavs with super powers!

If you thought Burberry dreadful before...wait until it *glows*! :eek:

[geese]

Note to you. He's not serious :rolleyes:

andy.

Yes I am. :mad:

[punkbass25]

apple specificly states that there computeres are not for mission critical applications.

basicly if you need it to not crash, because peoples lives could be endangered, look elsewhere.

edit:actually i believe the Xserve is

[mkrishnan]

basicly if you need it to not crash, because peoples lives could be endangered, look elsewhere.

True that. I continue to recommend Windows ME. Someone mentioned that the Packard Bell is an ideal platform to provide optimal stability under ME, and I wholeheartedly agree with that too.

[BlackDan]

If I were you I'd wait till there's a good Xbox 360 mod and cluster some of them.

Then write a custom OS, which no-one understands and therefore no-one is able to debug. (actually this sounds a bit like the dedicated OS that used to be in the Space Shuttles... :rolleyes: )

When all is done, you can then move to a bunker far far away and relax and enjoy the fireworks (on TV that is).




:D

[_pb_boi]

True that. I continue to recommend Windows ME. Someone mentioned that the Packard Bell is an ideal platform to provide optimal stability under ME, and I wholeheartedly agree with that too.

Don't forget the pretty stock images Windows ME offers for your background. Always important in a nuclear setting!

I think the mini would be fine; I'd leave the RAM at 256, plenty of room to spare for all your nuclear reactor-ing needs. Hook it up to a sweet 13in CRT (VGA, naturally - the adaptor's included!) and you're all set. As for software, I think wwwdoteverything-for-your-newklear-reactordotcom are running specials - 2 for 1's and such. That way, if Sellafield blows again, you haven't really lost out, have you?

And hey - you can thank me later.

andy.

Oh, and - you gotta LOVE this picture :D

Edit: Just read the website in its entirety - still crying with laughter :D

[mkrishnan]

Don't forget the pretty stock images Windows ME offers for your background. Always important in a nuclear setting!

Some people recommend adaware and PCcillin to protect the computer, but I personally think Limewire is just as effective and cheaper! :D

[mac 2005]

This post is among the best I've read at Macrumors. Only problem: I was crackin' myself up when my boss' boss walked by -- and nothing we're working on these days is all that funny. So I have no idea what the boss thought I must be up to. :eek:

[frescies]

All the important bits- you know the bits that glow in the dark and go up and down in some kind of 'reactor'.

Although I've just worked out that with there being 4 reactor cores, I'll need 4 USB ports to connect to each reactor. Do you reckon I'll need a powered USB hub?


Funniest thing I've read in a year

[Mechcozmo]

I'll be watching Google News for this....

...so anyway.

Get an eMac, upgrade the RAM, hard drive, and overclock it yourself. Presto! $800 for a supercomputer! Oh, get two of them... just in case, yknow, the first one crashes for whatever reason. :)

And use FireWire to connect to the nuclear reactors, it has better sustained transfer rates. I'd suggest SCSI but new Macs don't have those any more.

[MOFS]

Don't forget the pretty stock images Windows ME offers for your background. Always important in a nuclear setting!

I think the mini would be fine; I'd leave the RAM at 256, plenty of room to spare for all your nuclear reactor-ing needs. Hook it up to a sweet 13in CRT (VGA, naturally - the adaptor's included!) and you're all set. As for software, I think wwwdoteverything-for-your-newklear-reactordotcom are running specials - 2 for 1's and such. That way, if Sellafield blows again, you haven't really lost out, have you?

And hey - you can thank me later.

andy.

Oh, and - you gotta LOVE this picture :D

Edit: Just read the website in its entirety - still crying with laughter :D

Yep - seems that Alistair McGowan wasn't far off with his depiction as a banker - nuclear inspector it seems!

BTW Geese if you really do need these Macs, PM some moolah via Paypal - I have relations who are HM inspectors in the north of England!
:eek: :D ;)

[iPoster]

"Well you know boys, a nuclear reactor is a lot like women. You just have to read the manual and press the right button."

[aussie_geek]

You sure about this? I always thought beta particles could be absorbed by the body (with plenty ill effects).

Gamma rays, though, are a different story.

Neutrons are and Beta rays (electrons) are particulate in manner. The Gamma ray is an electromagnetic packet of energy.

Neutrons, Beta rays gamma rays and (all products of nuclear fission reations) are all classed as ionising radiation. Protons can also be produces - they are made in a cyclotron.

There are also Alpha Particles as well - they are essentially Helium nuclei. Of all the types of ionising radiation, Gamma rays are the most powerful - they have the most penetrating strength.

One thing to remember about radiation is that 98% of your cumulative dose of radiation you recieve in your lifetime is from natural terrestrial radiation, cosmic rays, food and natural radioactive minerals present in the soil.

The remaining 2% comes from diagnostic Xrays / Nuclear Medicine tests.

Hope this clears things up.

aussie_geek

[Mechcozmo]

Good news at least, all Macs have a built-in firewall. Yknow, just in case you need to patch a hole in the reactor wall. The aluminum casing that most Macs are made of should hold up nicely.

[zen.state]

I think geese needs to set down the crackpipe..

[Mr. Anderson]

The largest concentrations of radioactivity are found along the coastline, just outside Sellafield. In this area concentrations of plutonium have been detected that exceed all measurements made in the aftermath of the Chernobyl-accident in 1986. Radioactive contamination has been traced in shellfish, fish, seaweed, ocean-water, sediments on the bottom of the Irish Sea and in shore sand. In the years to come, BNFL plans to increase the activity of the two reprocessing plants at Sellafield, and this will lead to a further increase in radioactive discharges. (http://www.bellona.no/en/energy/nuclear/sellafield/wp_5-2001/21661.html)

I think you should quit and leave the area immediately.....

D :P

[garybUK]

What else is there to do with the North? Best thing for it, really.

ahh yes a londonder, come take a look at the north and compare it to the dregs of the earth that is the south of england, and yes I have lived down there, horrible people, horrible place! give me chips and gravy any day!

I remember going on a school trip to Windscale / Sellafield, tour round the plant and to the visitors centre. excellent tour!

[Nickygoat]

ahh yes a londonder, come take a look at the north and compare it to the dregs of the earth that is the south of england, and yes I have lived down there, horrible people, horrible place! give me chips and gravy any day!

I remember going on a school trip to Windscale / Sellafield, tour round the plant and to the visitors centre. excellent tour!
Leeds born and bred (mostly). I was always taught the dregs were in Manchester :p.
mkrishnan seems to think that Leeds will be worse with radiation transmogrified chavs roaming the streets - unfortunately it's been like that for years :eek: :D

[mkrishnan]

Leeds born and bred (mostly). I was always taught the dregs were in Manchester :p.
mkrishnan seems to think that Leeds will be worse with radiation transmogrified chavs roaming the streets - unfortunately it's been like that for years :eek: :D

ROFL well, but Manchester also produced the Smiths! :)

[ChemicalGeoff]

Oi!

I live in South-East england (normally, no i dont think coventry is in SE england) and it's plenty nice... only problem is we Invented chavs there!

[plastique45]

Please tell me this is just a bad joke! -> i just can't believe this!


Of course it is, like a guy competent enough to be hired as chief tech in a nuclear PowerPlant would go on the internet and post on a forum asking tennagers what computer he should use....


Use Tiger, and get a widget to monitor core temperature. When too many red alert signs pop up, use Exposé to clear your desktop and click the "Emergency procedure" Applescript in your dock...

[geese]

Of course it is, like a guy competent enough to be hired as chief tech in a nuclear PowerPlant would go on the internet and post on a forum asking tennagers what computer he should use....



Well... a computing diploma is my qualification. Not quite chief tech material.

The bods at Manpower mighty impressed when they saw me 'open' and 'save' a 'document' in Microsun Word 2000.

I'm currently trying to write the Nuclear Reactor software using Flash MX. Unfortunetly I'm a little stuck- I cant find a Movieclip Symbol that will enable the second reactor to shut down in event of probable meltdown.

Cant be that hard... its not like its rocket science.

[superbovine]

Well... a computing diploma is my qualification. Not quite chief tech material.

The bods at Manpower mighty impressed when they saw me 'open' and 'save' a 'document' in Microsun Word 2000.

I'm currently trying to write the Nuclear Reactor software using Flash MX. Unfortunetly I'm a little stuck- I cant find a Movieclip Symbol that will enable the second reactor to shut down in event of probable meltdown.

Cant be that hard... its not like its rocket science.

don't forget to have multiple polling function and independent sensors as well.

[mkrishnan]

I'm currently trying to write the Nuclear Reactor software using Flash MX. Unfortunetly I'm a little stuck- I cant find a Movieclip Symbol that will enable the second reactor to shut down in event of probable meltdown.

Try a Star Trek fan site. I think it's the same plugin they used in Voyager to eject the warp core in every episode. :)

[zen.state]

to be totally REAL about all this. the only truly reliable system/sw to run something this critical on would be cray/bsd. this is the kind of thing that if it cannot be done right then it should not be done at all.

what do others in the industry tend to use? find out and use that..

[mkrishnan]

to be totally REAL about all this. the only truly reliable system/sw to run something this critical on would be cray/bsd. this is the kind of thing that if it cannot be done right then it should not be done at all.

what do others in the industry tend to use? find out and use that..

LOL this is my favorite thread in here so far. You've clearly never been inside a nuclear power plant! :eek: :p :D

[Mr. Anderson]

Well... a computing diploma is my qualification. Not quite chief tech material.

The bods at Manpower mighty impressed when they saw me 'open' and 'save' a 'document' in Microsun Word 2000.

I'm currently trying to write the Nuclear Reactor software using Flash MX. Unfortunetly I'm a little stuck- I cant find a Movieclip Symbol that will enable the second reactor to shut down in event of probable meltdown.

Cant be that hard... its not like its rocket science.

Ah, now I get it! You're developing a Flash Game :D

Meltdown!

D

[macbaseball]

LOL this is my favorite thread in here so far.

I second that. I love coming here every day and seeing what's new in this thread...

[mkrishnan]

I second that. I love coming here every day and seeing what's new in this thread...

This and the thread about putting people on Ignore. That's great too. :) That stubeeef. ;)

[nagromme]

Actually, for this kind of mission-critical thing, simple = safer. I run two nuclear reactors from my iPod, connecting to my Mac only for occasional maintenance. The system works like a charm.

Go for the color screen, though. Trust me, the difference between "black alert" and "dark gray alert" just doesn't convey the necessary urgency, when you're looking at a China Syndrome and all you want to do is get home on a Friday night and watch some TV.

[mkrishnan]

Do you find that you have to keep a second iPod for your music listening needs, or does the iPod handle both the music and the reactor? I'm really trying to cut down on the number of unlicensed portable nuclear generators I carry around.

[iSwift]

You definitely want to use Windows 98 to get adequate stability for that kind of application...hmm...it's so demanding, I might even recommend WinME instead. :rolleyes:

very.....very......very funny. That post made my night lol.