All 5 entries tagged Computers

BACS: The "C" is for "Crap"...

Here are two scenarios:

1. I use my computer to access my bank's computer-based Online Banking system. I log into their computer and the computer presents the interface. I have already passed the authentication process, so the computer should be happy that I am who I say I am. I tell the bank's computer to send some money to another computer to settle a bill. It does so, but it takes three fucking days.
2. I physically go to my bank (or the nearest cash point) and physically remove some physical money. I then get in the car and physically drive (let's approximate to a maximum of 8 hours, which it about how long it would take to travel the roughly 600 miles from the top of Scotland to the bottom of England at 70 mph in a straight line) to the physical headquarters of the company that issued the bill. I physically hand them the physical money to settle the bill.

How the hell can I get physical money across the country faster than the banks can send virtual money in the form of electricity!?

If we assume the electrical signal travels at the speed of light, then if it takes 3 days for the money to arrive, that means the signal has had to travel about 2 million times around the equator (I love Google) before it eventually reaches its destination...

I've already established my identity with my bank's computer by passing the log in screen, I have the money available in my account, I'm assuming it's just computers that are handling the transaction, so what takes them so long?!

It's ridiculous.

UPDATE: Just found this on Wikipedia:

The BACS system, and in particular the time taken for money to move between accounts, has been widely criticised by consumer groups as inefficient and archaic, especially as it is the system used for money transfers made by telephone or internet banking. This compares unfavourably with other developed countries, particularly in Scandinavia, where the "Elle" system ("Early Late / Late Early") allows money transferred before lunchtime to reach a payee's account on the same working day, or money transferred after lunchtime to reach the payee's account the following morning.

: 28 Feb 2008 15:01 |  Tags: Bacs Bank Computers Crap Irrational Irritating Money Randomness Rant Stupid Transfer |  Comments (10) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

A proper computer desktop

Follow-up to Multi–touch Interface from The randomness of tomorrow, today!

When it’s finished, I think this would go brilliantly with the Multi-Touch Interface…

: 13 Nov 2006 13:00 |  Tags: Computers Randomness Technology Video |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Multi–touch Interface

This looks like a lot of fun

: 25 Oct 2006 13:00 |  Tags: Computers Impressive Randomness Technology Touch Screen Video Wow |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Why Linux Is Better Than Windows

I want…

: 22 Oct 2006 13:00 |  Tags: 3D Desktop Computers Gnome Impressive Linux Randomness Technology Video Wow Xgl |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

There is no spoon…

For reasons best known to itself, my Desktop – while quite happy with the existance of Wireless Network Adapters – refuses to acknowledge that there are such things as Wireless Networks; apparently the wireless router that's been fine for the past 5 terms is now no longer in range…
So, if I want to get online I have to take my laptop (which also won't connect wirelessly; I always have trouble with it; it's Linux, so is more manual and I've never got the hang of the subtleties) downstairs and plug the cable into the router. The annoying this is they were both working fine with the wireless router at home on Friday…
Also, I've just lost at Monopoly; it was supposed to finish by 12, but got interesting and actually went on 'til nearer 2.
As an aside, any spelling mistakes are due to being tired…

: 17 Apr 2006 03:36 |  Tags: Computers Monopoly Networking Randomness Wifi Wireless |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem