[extropy-chat] Self replicating computer programs ?

[Emlyn O'regan]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brett Paatsch [mailto:bpaatsch at bigpond.net.au]
> Sent: Thursday, 13 November 2003 10:34 AM
> To: ExI chat list
> Subject: Re: [extropy-chat] Self replicating computer programs ?
> 
> 
> Chris Phoenix wrote:
> 
> Thursday, November 13, 2003 11:47 AM
> Re: [extropy-chat] Social Implications of Nanotech
> 
> 
> > Self-replicating computer programs are trivial
> 
> Hmm. Maybe I am overlooking the bleeding obvious
> but I can't think of a single fully self-replicating 
> computer program - one that does not require
> impute from outside itself to kick off the duplication. 
> 
> Can anyone?
> 
> Regards,
> Brett

I don't know why that would be a requirement for anything; someone always
needs to press the "go" button, if that's what you mean.

What about the various viruses & worms? Don't these count?

Emlyn