I think Stephenson misunderstands his metaphor. The "UNIX" of drills is the ratchet/wheel feed mechanism which translates your motion into drill rotation. You crank slow with a lever advantage and it turns fast.
The motor is just the modern upgrade. The Hole Hawg is is his preferred 11/70 or Vax 750 or Sun workstation.
I think Stephenson misunderstands his metaphor. The "UNIX" of drills is the ratchet/wheel feed mechanism which translates your motion into drill rotation. You crank slow with a lever advantage and it turns fast.
The motor is just the modern upgrade. The Hole Hawg is is his preferred 11/70 or Vax 750 or Sun workstation.
UNIX is the invention of the gearwheel.