i18n@... wrote:

>Nicholas Bodley wrote:
>
>
>
>>Indeed. While I don't know of specific instances, it's more than likely
>>that a few computer users have set up a home machine as an e-mail server,
>>or to include such a function.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>A particular machine may serve as both a client and a server machine,
>depending on its software configuration.
>
>In my mind, the status as "client" or "server" is strictly a software
>one. Using the terms to refer to a box (hardware) is merely a
>convenience, but subject to misinterpretation depending on the context.
>that is why I agree with Richard's comment above.
>

Yes; serving or using services is something you do, not something you
are. Depending on the service in question, many computers are in both
capacities simultaneously. I've also heard the unfortunate and probably
short-lived neologism "servent" [sic] as a portemanteau of "server" and
"client", referring to programs that do both (like many peer-to-peer
systems). It's so close to servant, though, and you have to be so
specific in the pronunciation, and generally it's very opaque.

But waitasec, weren't we supposed to be talking about writing systems?
In which vein...


(To the tune of "Old Time Religion")

Gimme that old time linguistics (x3)

It's good enough for me.


In decoding Mycenean,

Good old Ventris used his be-an.

It was _Greek_ that he was seein'!

Written in Linear B.

Gimme that old time...


~mark