Chapter 2791
Programmer, Brother-in-law
Chapter 2791 Programmer, Brother-in-law
On the other side, after buying the meat, Yang Xiaotao and Lu Tao walked back together after leaving the supply and marketing cooperative.
On the way, the two talked about work again.
"By the way, you made a huge breakthrough last time?"
Yang Xiaotao stamped his foot to inquire about the situation. He had been so busy these past few days that he hadn't been able to leave the office, so this was a good opportunity to ask.
Lu Tao nodded immediately.
After the CNC machine tool was designed and completed, he returned to the computer research institute to work together to tackle the task assigned to the institute by Yang Xiaotao.
An 8-bit microprocessor.
"Yes, we've already designed it and it's in production."
"However, the size may differ slightly from the design requirements. You requested a size of 5 cm by 5 cm, but we can only make 7 cm by 7 cm at the moment."
As Lu Tao described the research progress, Yang Xiaotao nodded and asked, "Are there any directions for improvement?"
Lu Tao nodded, "Yes, the transistors used in our circuit boards are our silicon transistors, so there's no problem with that."
"We've only partially digested the copper interconnect technology you provided, and there are still many issues to address in its implementation. If we can make further breakthroughs and refine it, it can fully meet your requirements."
Lu Tao explained carefully, and Yang Xiaotao could tell that he had indeed done research in this area and was a thoughtful person.
After Lu Tao finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao did not continue talking about chips. Instead, he changed the subject, "Lu Tao, have you ever thought about using this eight-bit microprocessor as the core, as a memory chip, to make a computer?"
"Huh? What, what computer?"
Lu Tao looked completely bewildered.
"I mean, using this processor as the core, we'll build a small computer, which is another task of the research institute: a small computer."
Yang Xiaotao explained it again, but Lu Tao was still a little confused.
"Small computer, um, Director Yang, what size computer is considered small?"
"Is it as big as a box?"
"Or is it a little smaller than ours now?"
Seeing Lu Tao's curious expression, Yang Xiaotao was a little unsure of what to say.
He couldn't very well talk about those bulky, old-fashioned computers from later generations.
"You didn't discuss this?"
Lu Tao scratched his head. "We've discussed it, but we haven't reached a consensus on some things, like the size."
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao nodded, thinking to himself that he should hold a meeting with the people at the research institute another day, so that they could at least have an overall impression of the institute.
Moreover, minicomputers are not just about reducing size; they also need to achieve corresponding processing speeds.
Yang Xiaotao thought that was at least 100,000 times per second.
The two parted ways at the intersection.
It was quite late when Yang Xiaotao returned to the courtyard with the pork. Ran Qiuye had left breakfast for him, and after eating, Yang Xiaotao drove to the Ninth Department.
Upon arriving at the Ninth Department, Yang Xiaotao headed towards the research institute.
Upon arriving at the Computer Research Institute, Han Sanfeng was having a meeting with her team members.
The reason, of course, was that Lu Tao had told him about what happened this morning.
They made many ideas and proposed many solutions regarding computer research, but there were always various problems. Either this wouldn't work, or that wasn't good, but they couldn't explain exactly what was wrong or why it wasn't good.
Over time, this has led to the current awkward situation.
When Yang Xiaotao knocked on the door and came in, Han Sanfeng was sitting to the side listening to everyone explain their meaning.
"Minister Yang!"
Yang Xiaotao waved his hand, "You guys continue, I'll come over and listen!"
After saying that, he sat down next to Han Sanfeng, and the others continued to offer their opinions.
"Director Yang, Lu Tao has talked to me about computers."
"To be honest, we haven't really figured out what a computer should look like yet!"
Han Sanfeng said with a hint of helplessness, "It's good to have a photo to compare with!"
Yang Xiaotao nodded. "This was my oversight. I came here today to discuss it with everyone."
Han Sanfeng looked at Yang Xiaotao in surprise, "You have a plan?"
Yang Xiaotao nodded, "I have some ideas."
Han Sanfeng's hands clenched involuntarily, a sense of dread creeping into her heart.
It seems like there's nothing Yang Xiaotao doesn't understand.
They even seemed to know more than I, a computer researcher with over ten years of experience.
At this moment, someone on the podium is sharing their insights.
"I think the most important thing about minicomputers is that they are 'small'!"
"Personally, I think it should be bigger than a game console, but not bigger than a TV."
"Of course, the size here also depends on the internal structure of the computer."
As soon as this person finished speaking, someone else stood up and said, "I have a different opinion."
Seeing that the person was unfamiliar, Yang Xiaotao turned his head to look at Han Sanfeng.
Han Sanfeng explained in a low voice, "This is a college student who just joined this year. He used to do computer research in college, so I let him in."
At this point, Han Sanfeng added, "It wasn't just him; there were seven other people who came with him."
Yang Xiaotao nodded. "We must ensure the integrity of our personnel, especially those from the research institute. There are many confidential matters here, and we cannot afford any problems."
After saying that, Yang Xiaotao added, "I'll have Chen Mingli keep an eye on this matter. You'll have to cooperate properly."
Han Sanfeng nodded. He had experienced similar things before and didn't find anything wrong with it.
Especially given that certain foreign forces still harbor ulterior motives, this kind of protection is necessary.
It is necessary for individuals, families, and the revolution.
As the two were talking, the opponents began to voice their opinions: "First of all, I think this size is relative."
"Compared to the computers we make now, anything smaller is smaller."
"So I think small doesn't necessarily mean the TV set has to be small."
"Secondly, whether to expand or shrink depends on our current situation."
"With the components that our research institute can currently produce, it would be difficult to make them as large as a television, let alone smaller."
After the person finished speaking, everyone was silent for a moment. Suddenly, a girl stood up and said, "I think that the design of a computer needs to take its functionality into account."
"Just like our mainframe computers today, although they use some integrated circuit technology, a large part of them are still transistors. However, our computing speed has reached 100,000 times per second. Such computing power is sufficient to meet the needs of ballistic calculations and weather forecasting."
"If there's no need for higher performance, then we can simply replace transistors with integrated circuits step by step, making small computers completely unnecessary."
After the girl finished speaking, she glanced at Yang Xiaotao before sitting down.
The crowd began whispering amongst themselves again.
Indeed, they didn't think small computers needed to do anything.
If large computers can do it, why make small computers?
Seeing that everyone was saying this, Lu Tao stood up and said, "I'd like to share my opinion."
When Lu Tao stood up, everyone quieted down.
"Personally, I think that computer technology is not just about measuring ballistics and inputting wind speed, cloud cover, water vapor and other data to measure the weather."
"I believe that computers can realize their value in various fields."
“In that case, a mainframe computer would not be suitable. After all, it is so big that it would not only require a building but also consume more electricity. This is where a minicomputer comes in.”
"Therefore, it is still necessary to study minicomputers."
After Lu Tao finished speaking, he touched the temple of his glasses again, "But it's hard to say what a small computer actually looks like."
After speaking, he looked at Yang Xiaotao.
Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, Yang Xiaotao calmly stood up from his seat, and the people around him immediately looked at him carefully.
The older staff at the computer research institute were familiar with Yang Xiaotao, but the newcomers had only seen him from afar and this was their first time getting up close.
Yang Xiaotao nodded to Lu Tao, then walked to the podium and glanced at everyone present.
"Just now, Team Leader Lu Tao said that computers can realize their value in various fields, and I think that's very well said, and he's right."
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Lu Tao smiled.
“But what should this field include, and what about the size of this computer, what functions it has, and what service directions it provides? Are these important?” Yang Xiaotao looked at everyone with a serious expression. “There are many questions, many directions, and even many disputes.”
"It's okay. Research is a process of trial and error, finding the most suitable path so that it can be easier for those who come after."
Everyone present nodded, and their expressions became serious.
Yang Xiaotao looked at everyone and said, "Then I'll point you in a direction."
Everyone held their breath and listened intently, eager to hear what this minicomputer was like, what it was for, and how big it was.
"In the future, minicomputers will be as common as televisions in every household."
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, everyone was stunned.
Entering every household—what direction is this heading?
But upon closer reflection, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.
First, when entering a home, the computer cannot be too big.
Secondly, if family members can use it, then the computer cannot be too complicated; otherwise, who would use it?
Finally, there's the functionality. What do family members use computers for?
Calculate ballistic data?
Just kidding.
What can it do?
Listen to the radio, watch TV.
Everyone had already made their own choice.
"Everyone can think about it, try to think in this direction, and get your minds working."
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, he felt that these future computer elites needed some time to digest what he had said.
As soon as Yang Xiaotao left the research institute, the people in the room immediately gathered in twos and threes to have a lively discussion.
Han Sanfeng and Lu Tao, however, sat together with furrowed brows.
"During our conversation just now, Director Yang mentioned it."
"We need to develop both mainframe computers and small-scale computers."
"The task is arduous."
Lu Tao nodded in agreement. "It's not just difficult, it's extremely difficult."
Han Sanfeng looked over, and Lu Tao smiled wryly, "I originally thought making CNC machine tools would be easy, but actually making them is so painful."
"This is just a CNC machine tool; if it were a computer, then..."
"I think we need to recharge ourselves."
Han Sanfeng looked up at the ceiling. "Charging?"
Where do you think I can recharge my phone?
Lu Tao opened his mouth, then thought of a direction, "Why don't we go find Director Yang? I feel like he knows a lot."
Han Sanfeng laughed, "You know, ever since the steel rolling mill, there have always been people who wanted to become Director Yang's apprentice, but have you ever heard of anyone?"
Lu Tao shook his head. Anyone who became Yang's apprentice would probably be famous by now.
"What does this have to do with us going to charge our devices?"
Lu Tao still didn't quite understand, and Han Sanfeng shook her head, "Our Minister Yang here is lazy."
After saying that, he stood up and left.
Lu Tao was taken aback, then shook his head, somewhat disbelieving.
Is Yang Bu lazy?
After leaving the research institute, Yang Xiaotao returned to his office and pondered for a moment before putting the matter out of his mind.
The most important thing right now is to earn credits and activate the sub-skills you're proficient in using computers.
Once the computer sub-skill is activated, it can provide guidance on its own!
Therefore, the most important thing right now is to read books.
He took a book out of his backpack; it was an old book on artillery reconnaissance radar.
Previously, when researching artillery reconnaissance radar, computers were needed to calculate and process data, but at that time, computer technology was not advanced enough, so the research was meaningless.
But now that 8-bit microprocessors are almost ready to be developed, Yang Xiaotao feels it's time to put it on the agenda.
If possible, this will be the thirteenth project of the Ninth Division.
So Yang Xiaotao started reading a book in his office.
Liu Lixue and Lou Xiao'e have gotten used to this.
As long as there's nothing urgent, it doesn't matter what Yang does.
Around noon, when Lu Tao came to the office to submit his application report, he saw Director Yang leisurely reading a book with his chin resting on his hand, and suddenly began to believe what Han Sanfeng had said.
After lunch, Yang Xiaotao walked into his office with light steps, ready to get a good night's sleep and refresh himself.
I'll continue reading in the afternoon.
I aim to master computer skills and unlock them before the end of the year.
Just as Yang Xiaotao lay down, Lou Xiao'e walked in from outside. "Minister Yang, your brother-in-law is at the gate. He said you sent him."
"Brother-in-law? Hongbing?"
Yang Xiaotao sat down, as if he had forgotten something.
"Let him in."
"By the way, has that kid eaten yet?"
"Never mind, just take your lunchbox and get a meal."
Lou Xiao'e nodded, then took the lunchbox and left.
A short while later, Ran Hongbing, carrying a canvas military satchel, followed Lou Xiao'e into the office with great curiosity.
"Brother-in-law."
As soon as he entered, Ran Hongbing called out, and then called Liu Lixue "Sister Xue" when he saw her.
The little guy often went to play in the courtyard house and got to know quite a few people, especially the workers from the Ninth Department, whom he was familiar with almost all of them.
Lou Xiao'e and Liu Lixue often interacted with Ran Qiuye and knew about Ran's second and third sons.
I've only heard that the second child is doing well in his studies and is being taught and guided by his father. Apparently, he's already showing promise.
As for the youngest of the three, I heard that he is not doing well in his studies, and every time he chats with Ran Qiuye, he is full of anxiety.
However, Liu Lixue didn't think it was a big deal. As long as she lived a down-to-earth life, given the current situation of the Ran family, she would have no problem living a peaceful and stable life.
Liu Lixue looked up, then walked to the side and poured the little guy a glass of water.
"Have you eaten yet?"
Ran Hongbing shook his head, "I haven't eaten yet."
Lou Xiao'e took the lunchbox directly from her, saying, "Your brother-in-law gave this to you."
Ran Hongbing immediately took the lunchbox and then politely said to Lou Xiao'e, "Thank you, Sister Xiao'e."
Yang Xiaotao rolled his eyes. He was the one who asked for the food to be served.
As I approached, I asked, "What brings you here?"
Ran Hongbing was happily preparing to eat, but upon hearing Yang Xiaotao's words, he immediately opened his mouth wide, looking heartbroken.
"Brother-in-law, no, didn't you tell me to come find you?"
As he spoke, he excitedly pulled a notebook out of his bag.
Upon seeing the notebook, Yang Xiaotao immediately remembered it, "Oh, this one."
"So, did you understand?"
Ran Hongbing immediately nodded, "I understand, no, I understand most of it."
"There's still a little bit I don't understand, but I can learn it."
"Oh, right, brother-in-law, I also made a little game based on what you wrote."
As he spoke, Ran Hongbing took out another notebook from his bag. It was clearly a notebook used for school, with ancient poems for dictation on the first two pages, but it had many crosses marked by teachers.
Ran Hongbing blushed and quickly flipped the page, then pointed to the 'program' he had written crookedly in pencil. Yang Xiaotao glanced at Ran Hongbing with some surprise.
"Is this your own idea?"
"Yes, it's a match-3 game. For example, if you follow this path, you can add a brick, and if you follow this path, you can eliminate a brick."
Ran Hongbing was very excited, and he spoke faster and faster, as if he wanted to do it on the spot.
Seeing the little guy like this, Yang Xiaotao was momentarily at a loss.
Could this kid's talent lie in this?
Programmer?
Are they even born that way?
Lou Xiao'e and Liu Lixue exchanged a glance and understood the meaning in each other's eyes.
None of this family members are simple.