Windows calculator precision

[RedFox]

A few days ago, I noticed that the Windows calculator could calculate really big numbers with powers of hundreds of thousands. If a calculation takes a long time, it asks if you want to continue or stop. What was the first version of the calculator to do this? Before, it would say that the result was too large to display. Maybe calculator.exe got updated in one of the service packs. Is it using something like the GMP library?

[viscousmemories]

I actually spent a long time searching the 'net for some kind of history of the calc.exe and came up completely empty. Some technical researcher around here oughta write the story and make a million! Maybe expand it to cover the history of all the basic windows tools. Notepad, calculator, paint, etc.

[Ymir's blood]

A few days ago, I noticed that the Windows calculator could calculate really big numbers with powers of hundreds of thousands. If a calculation takes a long time, it asks if you want to continue or stop. What was the first version of the calculator to do this? Before, it would say that the result was too large to display. Maybe calculator.exe got updated in one of the service packs. Is it using something like the GMP library?
I believe it is based on technology designed for vending machines as a failsafe should some idiot ask for tea.

:popcorn:

[JoeP]

I believe it is based on technology designed for vending machines as a failsafe should some idiot ask for tea.

:popcorn:
Almost entirely, but not quite, unlike a desk calculator?

[Ensign Steve]

I believe it is based on technology designed for vending machines as a failsafe should some idiot ask for tea.

:popcorn:
Almost entirely, but not quite, unlike a desk calculator?

:roflmao:

OT: I noticed this change when I got XP home edition, say a year or two ago? No new service packs installed.

[viscousmemories]

Man I don't get this thread at all. :(

[Ensign Steve]

The calc stuff or the funny stuff? The funny stuff is funny if you've read Hitchhiker's Guide. Which they're making a movie of, btw! Eeek!

[viscousmemories]

Ohhh... that's why it's not funny. I haven't.

[Shake]

The calc stuff or the funny stuff? The funny stuff is funny if you've read Hitchhiker's Guide. Which they're making a movie of, btw! Eeek!
Ahh, thank you! Now, it all makes sense.

"Why does the ape man want leaves boiled in water?"