CORVALLIS, Ore. – “Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid. Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant. Together they are powerful beyond imagination,” wrote Albert Einstein before his death on April 18, 1955, at age 76; while, a new IBM computer named “Watson” is touted to be the new Einstein because it can compute and even read at an incredible rate.
Einstein's brain better than Watson's, say experts
“Watson” is a super computer that’s about the size of “10 refrigerators,” stated its “official biography” issued at the IBM Research headquarters in Yorktown Heights, New York. IBM showcased “Watson” to the world during a recent Jeopardy TV game show program when the machine beat contestants in a duel of trivia. IBM describes Watson’s avatar as “a global map projection with a halo of ‘thought rays’ that flicker and flash when it’s thinking.”
Unlike Einstein, the legendary physics professor and brilliant scientist who played a crucial role in the discovery of nuclear fission – and who was a passionate pacifist who spent the later years of his life agonizing over his part in the creation of the nuclear age – Watson is simply a big computer that turned green when it answered a Jeopardy trivia questions correctly, then orange when it got the answer wrong.
When asked about the coming age of computers, Einstein simply answered “it’s a machine,” and nothing more.
Unlike the human brain that uses chemicals to transmit information, Watson uses massive amounts of electricity through electrical signals. IBM”s biography of Watson states it uses “15 terabytes of RAM, and 2,880 processor cores and can operate at 80 teraflops for 80 trillion operations per second.”
Moreover, Watson can scan the “2 million pages of content in its ‘brain’ in less than three seconds. The system is not connected to the Internet, but totally self-contained,” states IBM.
According to IBM’s senior vice president and director of IBM research, Dr. John E. Kelly III, “We are at a moment where computers and computer technology now have approached humans. We have created a computer system that has the ability to understand natural human language, which is a very difficult thing for computers to do.”
Watson is named for IBM founder Thomas J. Watson. IBM also touts this supercomputer as “one of the most advanced systems on Earth and was programmed by 25 IBM scientists over the last four years.”
Watson’s “brain” contains more than 200 million pages of content, or equal to one million books that were “scanned” into its memory banks.
As for the price tag, IBM states that a “Power 750 server retails for $34,500, and that the 90 Power 750 servers that make up Watson would cost $3 million.”
Watson vs. Albert Einstein
While all this information about IBM's new super computer may sound impressive, a retired computer science professor here at the University of Oregon in Corvallis thinks Watson or any current artificial intelligence machine “could never be another Einstein.”
“First, you have to understand that Watson is not anywhere as complex as a human brain, and certainly not par with Einstein’s brain,” explained Professor Larry Welton. “Also, Watson has no imagination. And, one of Einstein’s most famous quote is: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.’”
Moreover, Watson and the next generation of “thinking computers” can’t solve problems, in the same way as Einstein solved them.
"We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them,” explained Einstein during a Princeton University lecture in 1952.
Welton points out that Einstein should know something about Watson and computers in general "since his work helped to make quantum physics possible, and without such work today’s modern technology – to include computers and even Watson – might still be unknown today."
It was in 1905 that Einstein made his famous equation: E=mc2 without the aid of computers, said Welton.
In turn, “Einstein feared these super computers because a machine would not stop to think if it was ordered or programmed to drop a nuclear bomb," he added.
Towards the end of his life, Einstein was also reflective about God as the “plus” in life, and the devil or evil as the “minus.” Einstein also wrote about love and his passion for Nature that he could touch, feel and even smell. Even the powerful supercomputer Watson can do none of these things, state a host of international computer experts about the merits of Einstein "thinking" over what a computer today can achieve.
“When men are engaged in war and conquest,” said Einstein, “the tools of science become as dangerous as a razor in the hands of a child.”
“The fate of mankind,” he said, “depends entirely on our sense of morality.”
It’s clear that super computers such as Watson have no concept of morality or love. They are not human, but, as Einstein warned, they can harm humans.
Read also:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/diet-blogs/dernen/2011/02/22/accelerate-the-computer-for-the-benefit-of-doing-your-daily-projects-effectively/
вівторок, 22 лютого 2011 р.
четвер, 10 лютого 2011 р.
Iomega eGo BlackBelt Mac Edition 1TB
Last year, the Iomega eGo Mac Edition 500GB line really stood out amongst an increasingly crowded market of inexpensive portable hard drives.
However, the slick design of their products proved to be more show than substance, as their slow copy and duplication speeds didn't hold up against the rest of the competition at the time. Since then, Iomega's portable HDs have increased their data transfer speeds across the board while keeping their trademark look intact.
Iomega's eGo BlackBelt plays up its namesake right out of the box. Instead of a variety of color schemes, this model only comes in jet black, with a removable Power Grip Band wrapped around the shell of the drive. On the rear of the device, there's a single USB port complemented by two FireWire 800 ports, rather than the FireWire 400/FireWire 800 split from last year. If you're running a Mac with a FireWire 400 port, you can still use an adapter cable and a FireWire 800 port to achieve FireWire 400 speeds. Since Iomega touts the BlackBelt's new Drop Guard Xtreme feature, we put the drive through its paces in a series of stress tests. We dropped it from a seven-foot height, kicked it down a flight of stairs, and nonchalantly knocked it off our workbench more than a few times over the course of a week. After all that, the drive still worked just fine. So far, the only thing we don't recommend doing is crushing the drive--if you put too much weight (150 pounds or more) on and accidentally smash it, you'll have a problem getting the drive to stay powered up.
The safety features and rubber guard do their job quite well. Of course, if you're more concerned about being able to slip it in and out of your pocket at a moment's notice, you'll want to remove the Power Grip Band. It adds a considerable amount of girth to the BlackBelt, which is kind of thick--not nearly as small as the G-Drive Slim (Macworld rated 3.5 out of 5 mice ) or the Iomega Skin (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice).
USB 2.0
Of course, all that safe design doesn't mean much without speed, but Iomega has also improved in that area as well. To see our complete list of benchmark test results, check here. On copy speeds alone, the BlackBelt is one of the faster portable hard drives we've tested, posting improved read/write speeds in most of our results. Fastest of the USB 2.0 tests was the drive's read speed when copying a 2GB folder, clocking in at 31.3 MBps, a record that the BlackBelt now shares with the Iomega Skin and the G-Drive Slim 320GB. All the other test results for the BlackBelt were decent, but not record-breaking. Its write speed for a 2GB folder over USB 2.0 was 35.7MBps, matching the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 500GB (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice) and the previous Iomega eGo 500GB (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice), lagging behind the faster G-Drive HD line in general.
Read and write speeds via USB 2.0 for our 2GB ZIP file tests were slightly better--the BlackBelt's 32.8MBps result was a hair faster than the G-Drive Mobile USB (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice) 500GB and G-Drive Slim 320GB, but only slightly slower than the Iomega Skin 500GB. Its write test clocked in at 37.7MBps, once again lagging a few seconds behind the G-Drive HDs. Least impressive was the BlackBelt's USB 2.0 result in our Photoshop test, clocking in at 70 seconds--a mid-level score in our chart.
Source http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=61248
Read more
http://basicmac.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/basic-mac-efficacy-tips/
http://basicmactips.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/macintosh-programs-uninstallation/
http://vitaltips.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/in-order-to-speed-up-your-machine/
However, the slick design of their products proved to be more show than substance, as their slow copy and duplication speeds didn't hold up against the rest of the competition at the time. Since then, Iomega's portable HDs have increased their data transfer speeds across the board while keeping their trademark look intact.
Iomega's eGo BlackBelt plays up its namesake right out of the box. Instead of a variety of color schemes, this model only comes in jet black, with a removable Power Grip Band wrapped around the shell of the drive. On the rear of the device, there's a single USB port complemented by two FireWire 800 ports, rather than the FireWire 400/FireWire 800 split from last year. If you're running a Mac with a FireWire 400 port, you can still use an adapter cable and a FireWire 800 port to achieve FireWire 400 speeds. Since Iomega touts the BlackBelt's new Drop Guard Xtreme feature, we put the drive through its paces in a series of stress tests. We dropped it from a seven-foot height, kicked it down a flight of stairs, and nonchalantly knocked it off our workbench more than a few times over the course of a week. After all that, the drive still worked just fine. So far, the only thing we don't recommend doing is crushing the drive--if you put too much weight (150 pounds or more) on and accidentally smash it, you'll have a problem getting the drive to stay powered up.
The safety features and rubber guard do their job quite well. Of course, if you're more concerned about being able to slip it in and out of your pocket at a moment's notice, you'll want to remove the Power Grip Band. It adds a considerable amount of girth to the BlackBelt, which is kind of thick--not nearly as small as the G-Drive Slim (Macworld rated 3.5 out of 5 mice ) or the Iomega Skin (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice).
USB 2.0
Of course, all that safe design doesn't mean much without speed, but Iomega has also improved in that area as well. To see our complete list of benchmark test results, check here. On copy speeds alone, the BlackBelt is one of the faster portable hard drives we've tested, posting improved read/write speeds in most of our results. Fastest of the USB 2.0 tests was the drive's read speed when copying a 2GB folder, clocking in at 31.3 MBps, a record that the BlackBelt now shares with the Iomega Skin and the G-Drive Slim 320GB. All the other test results for the BlackBelt were decent, but not record-breaking. Its write speed for a 2GB folder over USB 2.0 was 35.7MBps, matching the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 500GB (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice) and the previous Iomega eGo 500GB (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice), lagging behind the faster G-Drive HD line in general.
Read and write speeds via USB 2.0 for our 2GB ZIP file tests were slightly better--the BlackBelt's 32.8MBps result was a hair faster than the G-Drive Mobile USB (Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice) 500GB and G-Drive Slim 320GB, but only slightly slower than the Iomega Skin 500GB. Its write test clocked in at 37.7MBps, once again lagging a few seconds behind the G-Drive HDs. Least impressive was the BlackBelt's USB 2.0 result in our Photoshop test, clocking in at 70 seconds--a mid-level score in our chart.
Source http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=61248
Read more
http://basicmac.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/basic-mac-efficacy-tips/
http://basicmactips.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/macintosh-programs-uninstallation/
http://vitaltips.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/in-order-to-speed-up-your-machine/
Intel AppUp vs Mac App Store
You may think that Apple beat the PC world to the punch when it comes to desktop app stores, with the January launch of the Mac App Store. However, Intel actually unveiled its own AppUp store last year, although you’d be forgiven for missing its less dramatic arrival.
To help raise the Intel app platform’s profile, PC World and Currys are giving away free copies of Angry Birds. As I own the lovely but limited HTC Wildfire, I’m yet to play the game, so figured now’s my chance — and when deputy editor Barry Collins looks over at my screen and sees me faffing about with furious cartoon birds, I can genuinely say it’s for a news story.
But it wasn’t to be.
Back when the Mac App Store launched, I borrowed a MacBook from a colleague, installed the store and started downloading. It was so stupidly easy I accidentally downloaded a paid-for app I didn’t even want.
Compare that to today. I installed AppUp, signed up for an account, and handed over my credit card details. After clicking the “download” button, I was sent to a login page, which keeps bringing up this error:
Intel AppUp
No matter what I try, I can’t even log in, let alone download an app: the only angry bird here is me.
Read more:
http://basictips.6ra.org/
http://denisrondan.6ra.org/2011/02/03/basic-mac-efficacy-tips/
To help raise the Intel app platform’s profile, PC World and Currys are giving away free copies of Angry Birds. As I own the lovely but limited HTC Wildfire, I’m yet to play the game, so figured now’s my chance — and when deputy editor Barry Collins looks over at my screen and sees me faffing about with furious cartoon birds, I can genuinely say it’s for a news story.
But it wasn’t to be.
Back when the Mac App Store launched, I borrowed a MacBook from a colleague, installed the store and started downloading. It was so stupidly easy I accidentally downloaded a paid-for app I didn’t even want.
Compare that to today. I installed AppUp, signed up for an account, and handed over my credit card details. After clicking the “download” button, I was sent to a login page, which keeps bringing up this error:
Intel AppUp
No matter what I try, I can’t even log in, let alone download an app: the only angry bird here is me.
Read more:
http://basictips.6ra.org/
http://denisrondan.6ra.org/2011/02/03/basic-mac-efficacy-tips/
HP Redesigns the TouchSmart Consumer PC Experience
HP TouchSmart Consumer PCs offer high style and performance with reclining display for exceptional comfort
HP today unveiled its first touchscreen desktop PC which features a 60-degree reclining display, enabling users to adjust the display’s position for a comfortable user experience.
With a sleek, clean appearance, the new HP TouchSmart Consumer PC reclines from upright to almost flat, providing increased comfort for longer-term use and the freedom to position the TouchSmart Consumer PC on a kitchen counter, or anywhere the family gathers.
Ergonomic design enables users to do more and share more
From creating art projects to playing games, the new HP TouchSmart Consumer PC offers users increased range of motion, greater comfort when pointing and dragging on the display, superior viewing and an intuitive touch experience.
The TouchSmart Consumer PC features a 23-inch diagonal HD display that reclines up to 60 degrees and tilts forward up to five degrees.
The wide-angle, LED backlit LCD screen provides optimal viewing angles, even when reclined, while advanced multi-touch technology allows for an accurate response.
The TouchSmart Consumer PC’s simple one-cord setup and slim, all-in-one design save space and allow them to fit into any room or business environment. For a clean and uncluttered appearance, control features are conveniently located on the right and left sides of the display.
Intuitive software, Beats Audio for immersive, personalized entertainment
With its refined industrial design and the latest version of HP TouchSmart 4.0 software, the TouchSmart Consumer PC creates an immersive touch experience to enjoy personal and premium media, and makes it easier and more comfortable than ever to surf the web, edit photos or access social networks.
In addition to touch-optimized applications from Facebook and Twitter, as well as HP’s exclusive RecipeBox and webcam applications, users can add new applications via the TouchSmart Apps Center. The TouchSmart610 also features Beats Audio. A high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre, Beats Audio allows listeners to hear music the way the artist intended it – just as it sounds in the studio.
For the gaming enthusiast, select models of the TouchSmart Consumer PC are available with an exclusive HP touch enabled version of Ubisoft’s real-time strategy game, R.U.S.E. - which has a RRP of $49.99. Users will enjoy using multitouch navigation to deceive and manipulate enemies as they lead their nation to victory.
The TouchSmart Consumer PC also features the new HP LinkUp application, which allows users to wirelessly link a notebook PC to the TouchSmart using a home network. Accessing and viewing applications, files and content from a notebook on the TouchSmart’s large HD screen creates a more comfortable and productive experience . Changes are saved directly to the notebook so there are no file transfer hassles.
Pricing and availability
The pricing and availability of the HP TouchSmart Consumer PC will be announced on February 23, 2011 along with additional product information.
Also see
http://denisrondan.glowindia.com/
http://lovetips.6ra.org/
http://basictips.6ra.org/
HP today unveiled its first touchscreen desktop PC which features a 60-degree reclining display, enabling users to adjust the display’s position for a comfortable user experience.
With a sleek, clean appearance, the new HP TouchSmart Consumer PC reclines from upright to almost flat, providing increased comfort for longer-term use and the freedom to position the TouchSmart Consumer PC on a kitchen counter, or anywhere the family gathers.
Ergonomic design enables users to do more and share more
From creating art projects to playing games, the new HP TouchSmart Consumer PC offers users increased range of motion, greater comfort when pointing and dragging on the display, superior viewing and an intuitive touch experience.
The TouchSmart Consumer PC features a 23-inch diagonal HD display that reclines up to 60 degrees and tilts forward up to five degrees.
The wide-angle, LED backlit LCD screen provides optimal viewing angles, even when reclined, while advanced multi-touch technology allows for an accurate response.
The TouchSmart Consumer PC’s simple one-cord setup and slim, all-in-one design save space and allow them to fit into any room or business environment. For a clean and uncluttered appearance, control features are conveniently located on the right and left sides of the display.
Intuitive software, Beats Audio for immersive, personalized entertainment
With its refined industrial design and the latest version of HP TouchSmart 4.0 software, the TouchSmart Consumer PC creates an immersive touch experience to enjoy personal and premium media, and makes it easier and more comfortable than ever to surf the web, edit photos or access social networks.
In addition to touch-optimized applications from Facebook and Twitter, as well as HP’s exclusive RecipeBox and webcam applications, users can add new applications via the TouchSmart Apps Center. The TouchSmart610 also features Beats Audio. A high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre, Beats Audio allows listeners to hear music the way the artist intended it – just as it sounds in the studio.
For the gaming enthusiast, select models of the TouchSmart Consumer PC are available with an exclusive HP touch enabled version of Ubisoft’s real-time strategy game, R.U.S.E. - which has a RRP of $49.99. Users will enjoy using multitouch navigation to deceive and manipulate enemies as they lead their nation to victory.
The TouchSmart Consumer PC also features the new HP LinkUp application, which allows users to wirelessly link a notebook PC to the TouchSmart using a home network. Accessing and viewing applications, files and content from a notebook on the TouchSmart’s large HD screen creates a more comfortable and productive experience . Changes are saved directly to the notebook so there are no file transfer hassles.
Pricing and availability
The pricing and availability of the HP TouchSmart Consumer PC will be announced on February 23, 2011 along with additional product information.
Also see
http://denisrondan.glowindia.com/
http://lovetips.6ra.org/
http://basictips.6ra.org/
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