Dismissed Discussion on Discrete Circuitry

[STRATCOM]

From my understanding, vacuum tubes are considered a discrete component. Or, at least, can be a discrete component. I don't think he was claiming that he build alternative PCs that rivaled modern PCs in scale and speed, but room-sized PCs using updated legacy technology that is nearly invulnerable to EMP attack...but slower. And likely requiring more maintenance.

The article you linked to about miniaturizing the vacuum tube is definitely helpful. I was wondering how small he could go and 150nm seems to be it. So his government and military's  central computers would still be at least ten times larger than commercial alternatives.

What I'm more concerned about is whether or not these legacytech computers can handle modern OS and software/GUIs,or if they're stuck in the age of punch cards and code screens and junk? Can someone dig up something on that?

Esteemed technologist Azyek, you are correct on all counts. Mandate mainframe computers trade a large size cost and significantly lower processing power for EM resistance. These computers are maintained through a proprietary programming language and are not connected to the International Internet. Direct keyboard input is encouraged where resources allow, but some legacy systems maintain instruction punch card backups in case of emergency. Mandate computing centers are well staffed to ensure mainframe computing can handle emergency state needs like ballistic trajectories even through the EMP interference of a nuclear exchange.