It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
They've gone to plaid!
avatar
Gnostic: Then it may render all the data stored in the Five Dimensional Glass Storage invalid, as you may not be able to use them anymore to run on modern hardware and have to rely on more modern emulation machine that might not be compatible with the old files.
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: I can see where your trying to go with this. Backup is an evolutionary process, i.e. backup is constant, each year assessing what is best for digital storage, moving to bigger storage etc. It isn't a "save it now and come back in 30 years to hope it still works". My backup for instance started back in 5.25" disks, saving stuff to them. That was replaced and all the information copied to 3.5" discs, then to Iomega Zip drive, then to CDs/DVDs, and currently I rotate four 4tb HDD backups some locally some remote. So you see that I have moved with the times, and improved the backup at each cycle. Next cycle is to be in around 4-5 years (hopefully) when I will assess what is available and affordable, and then go through the process of updating. Hence this statement " Then it may render all the data stored in the Five Dimensional Glass Storage invalid" is only valid if you stagnate, which is never a good idea in computing.
So the selling point of the 5D Glass Storage ability to outlive the human race is invalid?
We just need data that last a decade to a century to be enough?
Doesn't look rugged enough to last 5 minutes with my kids nevermind outlive the human race. Get back to me when we have 5D diamond storage :p
Sounds vaguely interesting, though if they can't make it rewritable I can see it being less useful (though with that much memory I suppose you can just keep adding and never delete anything)

I'm not sure about the durability claims.. if I leave it in the sunlight or in water will it still work? Sounds like the same things they said about CDs really..

As for out lasting human civilisation.. I'm fairly sure we have writings from a few thousand (I think ancient Egyptian writings are about 7000 years old?) years ago that are pretty well preserved.. ok you maybe can't fit as much information in a small space when carving into rock but it certainly lasts...
And it depends how long you expect the human race to last too...
Got a chuckle from this bit in the article:
This technology can secure the last evidence of civilisation: all we’ve learnt will not be forgotten.”
Uh, yes it will. It may be preserved, and just as certain it will be forgotten.
"...rugged enough to outlive the human race...."

No way those things will last 20 years!
avatar
Maxvorstadt: 5 D Storage? Some kind of Hyperspace storage? Well, this must be some kind of aprils fools joke.
It's just marketing speak. It's traditional "3D" storage, but written on three layers, so they figure 2D + 3 layers = 5D. The sad part is, you know it's going to work on someone.
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: I can see where your trying to go with this. Backup is an evolutionary process, i.e. backup is constant, each year assessing what is best for digital storage, moving to bigger storage etc. It isn't a "save it now and come back in 30 years to hope it still works". My backup for instance started back in 5.25" disks, saving stuff to them. That was replaced and all the information copied to 3.5" discs, then to Iomega Zip drive, then to CDs/DVDs, and currently I rotate four 4tb HDD backups some locally some remote. So you see that I have moved with the times, and improved the backup at each cycle. Next cycle is to be in around 4-5 years (hopefully) when I will assess what is available and affordable, and then go through the process of updating. Hence this statement " Then it may render all the data stored in the Five Dimensional Glass Storage invalid" is only valid if you stagnate, which is never a good idea in computing.
avatar
Gnostic: So the selling point of the 5D Glass Storage ability to outlive the human race is invalid?
We just need data that last a decade to a century to be enough?
Yes, you know how advertising spiel goes. It would probably last a long time, I mean I have floppy disks from 20 odd years ago which still work. However personally I tend to look at 5 year plan now, if I don't upgrade until 6 years it doesn't matter too much, but it should keep evolving over time at a pace your comfortable with.
At the end of the day, even the planet itself wont last forever.
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: Yes, you know how advertising spiel goes.
Sorry for OT, but are you German, or why do you use the word "Spiel"? Or is it another german word that went into the english language?
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: Yes, you know how advertising spiel goes.
avatar
Maxvorstadt: Sorry for OT, but are you German, or why do you use the word "Spiel"? Or is it another german word that went into the english language?
Nope, I am English, at least half, the other half I have never traced so you never know, and I do tend to spend a lot of time in Germany/Belgium. But no, Spiel is one of those words which has crept into the English language over time, I don't expect a lot of people use it though.
avatar
Maxvorstadt: Sorry for OT, but are you German, or why do you use the word "Spiel"? Or is it another german word that went into the english language?
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: Nope, I am English, at least half, the other half I have never traced so you never know, and I do tend to spend a lot of time in Germany/Belgium. But no, Spiel is one of those words which has crept into the English language over time, I don't expect a lot of people use it though.
Ah, thanks for the answer. Interesting. But now I have a bit Angst that the Brits take over our beautiful language, but I guess this is the Zeitgeist nowadays.
But I guess it`s just fair. We have taken over many english words, so it`s time that you take over some german words. It`s just a fair trade. :-)
avatar
Maxvorstadt: 5 D Storage? Some kind of Hyperspace storage? Well, this must be some kind of aprils fools joke.
No, it's real. Have you never heard of positron brains?
avatar
Maxvorstadt: 5 D Storage? Some kind of Hyperspace storage? Well, this must be some kind of aprils fools joke.
avatar
0Grapher: No, it's real. Have you never heard of positron brains?
How could I not, as fan of Perry Rhodan? But I`m still waiting for them to be developed. And I also wait for syntronic computers.
avatar
Maxvorstadt: Ah, thanks for the answer. Interesting. But now I have a bit Angst that the Brits take over our beautiful language, but I guess this is the Zeitgeist nowadays.
But I guess it`s just fair. We have taken over many english words, so it`s time that you take over some german words. It`s just a fair trade. :-)
I wouldn't worry, we stole half our language from you guys ;)

But spiel is used reasonably often, mostly in the context of 'marketing spiel' or similar.
avatar
Maxvorstadt: Ah, thanks for the answer. Interesting. But now I have a bit Angst that the Brits take over our beautiful language, but I guess this is the Zeitgeist nowadays.
But I guess it`s just fair. We have taken over many english words, so it`s time that you take over some german words. It`s just a fair trade. :-)
avatar
adaliabooks: I wouldn't worry, we stole half our language from you guys ;)

But spiel is used reasonably often, mostly in the context of 'marketing spiel' or similar.
Spiel means game in german or match.
Computerspiel (Computergame) Tennisspiel (Tennismatch), for example.