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[edit] Name Derivation
Why is this sort of device called a "pen register"? Where is the name derived from? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 35.10.230.213 (talk • contribs) 22:45, 26 February 2007
- I was wondering the exact same thing. Quickly googled around but couldn't get a fix on the origin. Definitely something to add to the article, though. --jibun≈παντα ρει≈ (keskustele!) 04:26, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
- I came here looking for the same thing. The article needs an etymology section. Sadly, I too don't know the origin of the term myself. 86.56.40.172 (talk) 05:31, 5 March 2008 (UTC)
- I googled and I've found it! According to http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2001/1003terrorism_swire.aspx:
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The term "pen register" comes from the old style for tracking all of the calls originating from a single telephone. At one point, the surveillance technology for wiretapped phones was based on the fact that rotary clicks would trigger movements of a pen on a piece of paper. Police could then read off the numbers dialed on the phone. Although technology has changed, we still call the list of phone numbers dialed a "pen register." |
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- Is it ok to just add that sourced quote to the article or should one entirely write new sentences that contain the same information? 86.56.40.172 (talk) 05:44, 5 March 2008 (UTC)
