The second type or medium-sized computer combines the 

 ability to interconnect with scientific apparatus and yet provide 

 the seagoing scientist with a general-purpose analysis facility. 

 Such computers cost between $20,000 and $100,000 depending on the 

 flexibility of the input-output. Such computers are easily 

 programmed by scientists. Applications of this kind of computer 

 include those cases where data analysis techniques will vary 

 depending on the outcome of the experiments or where sophisti- 

 cated computations are required before one can proceed with 

 further experimentation. 



The third type is a general-purpose, time-shared system 

 capable of data acquisition simultaneously with scientific 

 analysis and program compilation. Such systems generally 

 cost in excess of $100,000. Some of these systems can even 

 include the capability of partial operation of the ship. Such 

 systems represent a computer center facility at sea. 



The dedicated computer is basically integrated with one or 

 more problems to which the attention of the computer is devoted 

 entirely. The scientist and a programmer write in basic 

 machine language a program dedicated to their specific task. On 

 a particular cruise many scientists can use the same computer, 

 but only in their turn. This type of computer is poorly suited to 

 data analysis problems requiring large storage, sophisticated 

 analysis or large volume input-output. 



The medium-sized computer generally has a more advanced 

 compiler. Its connection to the scientific apparatus can be more 

 easily programmed if systems are developed in the secondary 

 language. Usually one systems programmer and one technician are 

 required for operation. Scientists can more easily incorporate 

 this type of system in their experiments, and with this greater 

 flexibility in input-output the scientist can easily change the 

 operation at sea. 



The computer center facility requires a highly trained staff 

 of two or three to operate and perform system maintenance. It 

 can, of course, perform any of the functions of the other two 

 types . 



Administratively, the first type should be considered quite 

 separately from the last two. The cost of a dedicated computer is 

 small in relation to the cost of experiments and ship time. No 

 more justification should be required for this type of computer 

 than for any other scientific apparatus which is incorporated into 

 experiments. Compare, for example, the cost of an STD probe or a 

 PGR to that of a small computer. 



37 



