Messages in this thread | ![/](/images/icornerl.gif) | | Date | Tue, 23 Apr 1996 15:09:46 +0100 (BST) | From | Bryn Paul Arnold Jones <> | Subject | Re: memtest86, built into kernel |
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On Mon, 22 Apr 1996, Andreas Kostyrka wrote:
> >Even good RAM has some single-bit errors after a few weeks. It can be > >caused by radioactivity (alpha particles) for example. > Hmmm, where is your alpha particle producer in a closed computer box? > When I remember my physics examination right, alpha particles are stopped > even by paper, beta and especially gamma radiation are the ``difficult to > limit'' ones. So I assume that the plastic cover on the RAM chips is > protection enough, right? > And the source, rember that everything is a little radioactive, though not much is actually produced. the beta radiation won't get much further than the metal case, and the gamma will proberbly pass strate through unnoticed. The only other type of radiation that's likely to cause problems is heavy ion (and it will cause problems), but your unlikely to ever see that unless your sitting by a particle accelerator (and I mean in the lab, in line with the beam).
> Andreas > Bryn -- PGP key pass phrase forgotten, \ Overload -- core meltdown sequence again :( | initiated. / This space is intentionally left | blank, apart from this text ;-) \____________________________________
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