TL;DR summary of stories on the internet
D. Hofstadter recalls his early understanding of computers and their rigidity. He believed that artificial intelligence was a fascinating but distant goal of making rigid systems act fluid. He never anticipated computers surpassing human intelligence, thinking it would take hundreds of years for them to even approach human capabilities. However, in recent decades, systems emerged […]
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A new study from the University of Copenhagen and Roskilde University reveals that computers still malfunction 11% to 20% of the time, despite their advancements over the past 15 years. This high rate of malfunctioning indicates that there is significant room for improvement in the design and development of computer systems. The study found that […]
Goodreads, the popular book review site owned by Amazon, is facing criticism for its outdated infrastructure and lack of protective features against targeted harassment. Former employees have revealed that Amazon was reluctant to invest in updating the site, instead content to mine it for user data. The absence of moderation has allowed “review bombing,” where […]
This paper discusses the use of memory-mapped (MMAP) file I/O in database management systems (DBMS). MMAP allows files on secondary storage to be accessed as if they were entirely in memory, with the operating system handling the loading and eviction of pages. While MMAP has been a popular choice for managing large databases, there are […]
Simula, a programming language designed in 1962, has had a significant impact on the development of other languages such as C++ and Java. However, it never gained the same popularity as older languages like Fortran and COBOL. Despite this, the author was determined to find a way to run Simula and after some searching, came […]
The author discusses the patterns and challenges of commuter rail ridership in North America compared to Europe. They highlight the observation that rail riders are more likely to make the trip if the transfer is closer to their home than to their destination. This is relevant as rail reformers in America look for new markets […]
The author explores the origins of object-oriented programming and design patterns, specifically focusing on Smalltalk-80. While modern Smalltalk variations exist, they do not capture the original essence. The author discovered an “by the Bluebook” implementation of Smalltalk-80 on GitHub, which provided a nostalgic desktop reminiscent of the Apple Lisa or early Mac OS. However, the […]
Annotating texts has been done for centuries, but it is a challenge when it comes to digital content. However, the potential for capturing and sharing annotations in a digital environment makes them more valuable. Annotation was actually a critical component of the World Wide Web’s foundation, and it was even a feature in the first […]
Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and ChatGPT are seen as a transformative change in the world of technology and automation. While there is much debate about LLMs and their impact, it is widely agreed that automation will continue to grow, leading to new types of jobs. The rapid growth of ChatGPT and its user […]
For over 30 years, a collection of 2,200 new and unused computers sat untouched in a barn in Massachusetts. These computers were part of an AOL-like service called NABU, which was launched in 1983. The machines were essentially a forgotten relic, until they were listed on eBay for the low price of $59.99 each. The […]