August 18th, 2010
Unless you own a house, your vehicle is likely your most precious belonging. In 2004, a study from the University of California found that people spent five times the amount of time in their cars than exercising and paying sports. Because your vehicle is such an integral part of your life, it’s important that you ensure it meets your standards for reliability, comfort, price and environmental cleanliness. If you’re concerned that your current car may be coming to the end of the road, it may be time to consider buying a new one that better fits your personal needs. Here are 10 indicators that you should take that step.
- Repair costs exceed Blue Book value
If you’re driving a car that’s more than 10-years-old, has driven more than a hundred thousand miles and now needs a new transmission – which aren’t cheap – it may be time to fork over the cash for a new car. Many people make the mistake of continuously pouring money into their old jalopies because they’re afraid of making the commitment that comes with purchasing a new vehicle.
- The prospect of an impending breakdown
Keep in mind that purchasing a new and more reliable car will save you the trouble of dealing with breakdowns. If your service engine light in constantly on, your transmission is weakening, and you know that your car is on its last legs, don’t wait until after you’ve been stranded alongside a highway to make the leap. With a new and reliable car, you won’t constantly be without your main mode of transportation while paying out the wazoo for repairs.
- Your car’s model is being discontinued
For example, if you drive a Saturn, it may be difficult to find replacement parts in the future because of the uniqueness of the brand. Additionally, consider the reasons why the brand was discontinued – why weren’t people buying its cars? A lack of reliability may have been a factor, and you may incur the same problems that other drivers of the car experienced.
- Your car is fuel-inefficient
Cars that guzzle gas are money pits, especially if they’re used for long daily commutes. What’s more, cars with poor miles per gallon ratios are bad for the environment because they emit larger quantities of CO2 into the environment. Fortunately, both foreign and domestic automakers have designed and released a myriad of vehicle models in varying sizes that are fuel efficient.
- You’re starting a family
It’s difficult to tote around a little one and all of their belongings – stroller, baby bag, bottle, etc. – in the same sports car that you’ve been driving since you were a teenager. Room is a major factor that must be taken into consideration by car buyers who have burgeoning families. Full-size cars, minivans and SUVs usually fit the bill, and as previously mentioned, they come in fuel-efficient models.
- You have the money
If your job is secure, you aren’t living month-to-month, you have money saved for a down payment, and you know you can afford the monthly bill and accompanying insurance, then you’re ready to buy a new ride. Whether you’re upgrading your car for practical purposes or to keep up with the Joneses, you must be financially prepared for the commitment that comes with such a big purchase.
- You have good credit
In order to buy a car, you’ll have to take out a loan – unless you pay for it with cash. Your credit affects your ability to receive a loan, the amount you’re given and the interest rate. If you have a good credit score, you’re more likely to qualify for larger loans and lower interest rates. Paying lower interest rates means that you’ll save money long-term.
- The deal is too sweet to pass up
There are almost always good deals to be had when car shopping, especially if you pick the right time to visit the lot. Experts advise car shoppers to look for deals at the end of the month, when dealers are looking to make their quotas, and at the end of the year, when dealers are attempting to make room for new models. Also, if you visit the lot during the beginning of the week or on a rainy day when no other potential customers are present, you receive more personal attention from the salesman and thus you’ll be more likely to negotiate until the price is right.
- Your car is an aesthetic disaster
Is your bumper half-detached from your car? Have you scrounged around the junkyard for new parts? Do unsightly dents and scratches adorn the side of your car? Have people pointed and laughed as you drove by? If so, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer model. Sleeker and more appealing cars come out each year, and even the least expensive ones are visually attractive.
- Your car has a cassette deck
It may seem minor, but your car having a cassette deck is indicative of a greater issue – you’re missing out on the creature comforts included in modern vehicles. Recent car options range from iPod connectivity to power settings that enable drivers to save their mirror and seat adjustments. Each option will make your long daily commutes a bit more bearable.
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July 13th, 2010
Computer science students have the keys to expand their knowledge and skills and better understand difficult computing lessons — and it’s all on their trusty computer. These keys are online tutorials, which offer an alternative way to study, learn and teach challenging computer science topics. Best of all, many of these online tutorials are college approved and don’t cost a thing. Here are 10 free tutorials for computer science students:
- Algorithm and Data Structure Tutorials
If algorithms and data structures are a problem area for you, let this site, Algorithm and Data Structure Tutorials (with Java and C++ implementations), help solve your confusion. Students have a great deal of help here, thanks to the free tutorials in algorithms, data structures and programming principles, in addition to the practice exercises, forums and book guides.
- Animated Computer Science Tutorials
If you are a visual learner, then you will find the animated computer science lessons from Virginia Tech, a big help. This site offers several multimedia tutorials in algorithms, artificial intelligence, data structures, operating systems and other important topics. The animated diagrams, pictures and videos are intended to enhance student learning and clarify complex topics.
- Beginners.co.uk Tutorials
This site is dedicated to teaching students about the latest information technology lessons. Students can choose from hundreds of free online tutorials and guides in a variety of topics, such as programming, PC support and Web development.
- TechOnline
TechOnline is a comprehensive education resource for computer science and engineering students who are interested in design. This online network offers a variety of free tutorials, online courses and Webinars in networking, programmable logic and other computing topics.
- Codango
If you are interested in Web development, Codango is the tutorial site for you. Students can browse through hundreds of tutorials about making applications, scripting, HTML processing, web design and much more. There are reviews and guides for PHP, JSP, ASP and ASP.NET.
- ISU-Computer Architecture Tutorial
You don’t have to go to Iowa State University to get computer science tutoring. The university’s computer architecture tutorials are available to anyone who needs help in computer performance, memory hierarchy design, pipelining and other topics of interest.
- UNH-IOL Training Documents and Tutorials
The InterOperability Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire offers several tutorials in operating systems, PC guides, programming languages and other computer science topics to expand your computer science knowledge.
- TutorialFind
TutorialFind has a large database of computing tutorials, ranging from computer hardware, networking, macromedia to graphics design lessons. If you’re looking for a particular online tutorial, you can search by keywords or categories.
- Web Developer’s Virtual Library
Prospective web developers will get their fill from Web Developer’s Virtual Library, which offers an encyclopedia, detailed tutorials and magazine articles about Web development. You can also find insiders’ tips and open-source software to take your Web development skills to the next level.
- EROS: The Extremely Reliable Operating System
EROs is an operating system of Johns Hopkins University that offers tutorials, installation instructions, source codes and programming manuals in number of information technology subjects, such as performance and resource management.
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July 11th, 2010
Sometimes you just need a break. Classwork piles up, tests stress you out, and work can feel like a grind. But thanks to the wonders of the Internet, you can kill some time with these online gaming sites whenever you need a break. If you’re in class, visit at your own risk:
1. Shockwave
Shockwave is free to join, and you can either create a new account or sign in via Facebook. (And if you don’t have a Facebook account, you’re probably not even reading this right now.) Games are divided by category, including strategy games and daily jigsaw puzzles and memory quizzes.
2. TeaGames
TeaGames’ offerings mostly fall in the sports or shooter categories, but they’re simple and clean enough to be easily understood and played by everyone. The mini golf game is extremely addicting, so be warned.
3. Kongregate
You don’t need an account to play, but if you sign up for one (they’re free), you can track your scores and accomplishments over time. One of their most popular offerings is “Cursed Treasure: Don’t Touch My Gems!”, a tower defense game that’s racked up more than 2.4 million plays.
4. Pogo
Pogo offers a variety of free games to users, but you can also buy a Club Pogo account by the month or year that gives you access to premium games as well as eliminating the ads from the games you play. If you’re a regular gamer, it’s a good choice.
5. Newgrounds
Newgrounds hosts videos as well as games, and their ranks are divided by genre, including multiplayer, shooters, and driving games. A great way to take a break and shift your brain away from work.
6. Bored.com
The name says it all. If your bored with whatever you’re working on and need to let off some steam, head to Bored and enjoy a variety of simple but fun games and videos.
7. Games.com
Simple but still effective, Games.com focuses on word games, casino games, and puzzle and arcade games. Good if you want to zone out for a while.
8. Evony
Evony is an empire-building game in which players manage a city and its inhabitants by adding and maintaining inns, mills, mines, and more. Unlike other online multiplayer games, Evony is “free forever,” making it a bit more inviting to casual players.
9. Gamesville
Gamesville is different from other online gaming sites in that it’s built on the concept of online game shows in which users all play a game together in real time to compete for prizes. Free to join.
10. Yahoo Games
One of the most popular online portals for news and e-mail is also a great destination for web-based games. The main page features a constantly updated list of the popular games of the moment, as well as staff
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July 1st, 2010
Computer scientists are the masterminds behind the development and success of computers and the Internet. Throughout their education and research, computer science grads have made major contributions to the field of computer science and information technology. Some of their creations may ring a bell, while others are often overlooked, but either way, they deserve acknowledgement for their important contributions. Here are 10 famous computer science grads:
- Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin is one of the most influential and wealthiest computer scientists of all time. He is co-founder of the search engine giant, Google Inc., and currently serves as its president of technology. Brin, a Russian immigrant, earned his bachelor of science degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Maryland at College Park, and received his master’s degree in computer science from Stanford University. It was there that Brin dropped out of the computer science Ph.D. program and begun creating Google with fellow classmate, Larry Page.
- Larry Page
Lawrence “Larry” Page is the other Google guy, who co-founded Google Inc., along with Sergey Brin. Page currently serves as Google’s president of products. Page earned a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering from the University of Michigan, where he demonstrated his engineering talents when he built an inkjet printer our of Lego bricks. Page went on to earn his master’s degree in computer science from Stanford University, but also dropped out of the computer science Ph.D. program to create Google.
- Ronald Linn Rivest
Computer scientist and MIT professor Ronald Linn Rivest, has accomplished a great deal in the areas of cryptography, computer and network security, electronic voting systems and algorithms. Rivest is the founder of RSA Security, formerly known as RSA Data Security, as well as co-founder of Verisign and Peppercoin. Rivest received a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University.
- Barbara Liskov
Barbara Liskov is a computer scientist, an engineering professor at MIT and major contributor to the field of computer science. Throughout her career, Liskov has led several research projects, such as the Venus operating system, initiating the design and implementation of CLU Argus and the object-oriented database system, Thor. Liskov made history as the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in computer science. She completed her Ph.D. program at Stanford University, and the topic of her thesis was about computer games for playing chess end games.
- Ken Thompson
Ken Thompson has brought several valuable creations to the field of computer science. He is most well known for his contributions to the B programming language, leading Unix and Plan 9 operating systems, as well as being the co-creator of Google’s programming language, Go. Thompson has his master’s degree in both electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley.
- Ray Ozzie
Ray Ozzie succeeded Bill Gates as the current chief software architect at Microsoft, in addition to creating Lotus Notes. Ozzie earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Linus Torvalds
Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, has many notable accomplishments in the field of computer science. Torvalds is the creator and developer of the operating system, Linux kernel, and git, a revision control system. He received a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Helsinki and its NODES research group.
- David Chaum
David Chaum is a pioneer in cryptography, the study of encoding, specifically within the areas of blind signature schemes, commitment schemes and digital cash. Chaum is the founder of DigiCash Inc., an electronic cash organization, and remains a member of the Board of Directors. This well-published computer scientist has more than 45 published technical articles and has received more than 17 U.S. patents. Chaum earned his Ph.D. in computer science, and a minor in business administration, from the University of California, Berkeley.
- Alan T. Sherman
Alan T. Sherman has shared his knowledge of computer science and his research on security of voting systems, cryptology, information assurance and discrete algorithms, as an accomplished computer science professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Sherman serves as the director of UMBC’s Center for Information Security and Assurance (CISA). He received his Ph.D. in computer science from MIT.
- Radia Perlman
Software designer Radia Perlman is another major contributor to the field of computer science, specifically for her invention of the spanning tree protocol, a necessary component for the function of network bridges. Perlman’s innovations have contributed to many areas of network design and standardization. Perlman earned a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT, in which she focused on routing issues during network failures.
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June 17th, 2010
Wherever there’s a computer, there’s a way to hack. Computer criminals have jumped through virtual loopholes to steal identities and authorized government information, as well as infect computers and expose personal information. Although some computer criminals hack for experimental or learning purposes, most do it for personal wealth and gain. Either way, computer criminals teach us a great deal about computer security and keep us on our toes. Here are 10 convicted computer criminals:
- Robert Tappan Morris
Robert Tappan Morris was convicted of intentionally accessing Federal interest computers without authorization, therefore, preventing authorized access that caused $1,000 in losses. He did so by creating the first worm, a computer virus, which was released on the Internet and drastically slowed down computers and crippled the Internet. Morris was fined, placed on probation for three years and had to complete 400 community service hours. This case was the first prosecution under the United States Code: Title 18, 1030, which involves fraud and related activity in connection with computers.
- Jeanson James Ancheta
Jeanson James Ancheta, a member of the infamous “botmaster underground” group, was arrested for selling armies of infected computers to hackers, with the intention of sending large quantities of spam across the Internet, causing damage to protected computers, causing damage to computers used by the federal government in national defense and hacking protected computers without authorization to commit fraud and money laundering. Ancheta was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and required to pay $15,000 in restitution for the damages he caused to national defense networks.
- Kevin David Mitnick
Mitnick was convicted of phone fraud, computer fraud and hacking into networks to steal computer software. Mitnick was most well known for his cell phone hacking spree, specifically the hacking of Digital Equipment Corporation’s network to steal their software, in addition to hacking major cell phone companies, Nokia and Motorola. He was considered one of the most wanted computer hackers in the U.S., but his arrest came after he cracked into fellow hacker Tsutomu Shimomura’s computer and was discovered by the FBI in 1995. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
- Gary McKinnon
Gary McKinnon, a British hacker, was convicted of breaking into U.S. military computers, in an attempt to find hidden alien technology that he thought would be the key to solving the global energy crisis. While hacking, McKinnon admitted to deleting files, hard drives and other materials that cost the government $700,000 to fix. McKinnon suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, which his attorneys have used in his defense, while the U.S. government argues his hack jobs were intended to breach American defense systems.
- Kevin Poulsen
Kevin Poulsen, also known as the “Dark Dante,” was convicted of wire fraud and money laundering. Considered one of the smartest and sneakiest hackers, Poulsen managed to break-in to the FBI’s database, as well as hacked the phone lines to Los Angeles radio station KIIS, making him the 102nd caller and winner of a Porsche and a Hawaii trip. Poulsen was sentenced to five years in prison.
- Gerald Wondra
Gerald Wondra was one the six men involved in a 1983 computer hacking case, called The 414s, in which hackers broke into a number of secured computer systems at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Security Pacific Bank. Wondra was placed on probation for two years.
- Raphael Gray
The Wales teenager, Raphael Gray, was arrested for hacking the databases of e-commerce sites to steal credit card numbers and personal information of 26,000 American, British and credit card holders. Gray, who was also known as the “Curador,” admitted to downloading the credit card numbers, but claimed he didn’t do it for personal gain and was instead trying to help the e-commerce sites. Gray’s penalty was three years of psychiatric treatment.
- Cameron Lacroix
Cameron Lacroix was convicted of illegally accessing celebrity Paris Hilton’s cell phone account, and hacking into consumer data giant LexisNexis Inc., which made the personal records of more than 300,000 consumers public. Because Lacroix was a juvenile when the crime occurred, he had to spend 11 months in a juvenile detention facility, and was not allowed to use or own a cell phone, computer or any electronic device that has access to the Internet.
- Jeffrey Lee Parson
Jeffrey Lee Parson was convicted of intentionally causing and attempting to cause damage to a protected computer with his version of the Blaster worm, called Blaster.B worm. He released the worm from his house, and it spread to computers using the Microsoft operating systems. Parson’s house was searched by federal agents on suspicion of writing and releasing malicious computer programs. He was arrested at 18 years old and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, as well as community service hours and restitution.
- Adrian Lamo
Adrian Lamo, also known as “the homeless hacker,” would sleep in abandoned buildings and hack computers at Internet cafes and public libraries. He was arrested for breaking into the databases of high-profile organizations, such as Microsoft, Yahoo and the New York Times. Lamo was placed on probation for two years.
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June 7th, 2010
Fake Twitter accounts started rolling out almost as soon the company began to pick up steam in 2007. Some are meant to be taken as broad jokes, like those from a fictional character, while others are designed to be more satirical, such as the ones tweeting as major corporations or public figures. However they’re played, they make for some of the funniest and most entertaining reading on the site. Here are ten of the best:
1. Drunk Hulk
Because why not? With the Caps Lock key jammed down and a penchant for pop culture commentary, Drunk Hulk mixes the clipped shouts of the Incredible Hulk with often absurd but frequently hilarious opinions.
2. Fake AP Stylebook
Poking a hole in the stodgy ramblings of the real AP Stylebook, this fake version offers joke advice for journalists and writers.
3. Nick_Nolte
Like the best fake celebrity Twitter accounts (including the others on this list), the fake Nick Nolte gets its laughs by creating an insane persona based on Nolte’s film work and personal troubles. Imagine him reciting them in the voice of his character in Tropic Thunder for maximum Nolte-ness.
4. Fake Michael Bay
The phony version of Michael Bay is a hilariously puffed-up nutjob with a penchant for special effects and expensive toys. (Which, well, seems like it could be accurate.) Get a load for yourself:
5. Abe Vigoda
The gag here is that every tweet ends with a stubborn declaration that Vigoda is, indeed, alive.
6. Dr. Tobias Funke
The short-lived “Arrested Development” may be gone, but thanks to Twitter, Tobias Funke’s neuroses live on. Long live the never-nudes.
7. Darth Vader
Because even a dark lord of the Sith needs to blow off some steam online.
8. Fake Paramount
A spoof of Paramount Films, this account mercilessly lampoons Hollywood culture and bloated gimmicks.
9. Fake Rahm Emanuel
Playing off the legendary harsh language of the president’s chief of staff, Fake Rahm is a fantastic mix of shock humor and general jerkiness. It’s awesome.
10. AC180
Making a joke out of “Anderson Cooper 360,” this fake Twitter account tracks the inner thoughts of the CNN anchor.
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June 2nd, 2010
Ah, the joys of dealing with tech support. Ever since computers became an integral part of the modern work place, we’ve all gotten used to dealing with digital frustrations that lead to the inevitable call for help from someone smarter and usually younger. However, most of these complaints are legit tech issues that need assistance from somebody with special skills, so there’s no shame in the call. There are, though, some people whose lack of common sense is so pervasive that their IT calls are just plain ludicrous. Here, with research from groups including Robert Half Technology, are the 20 dumbest tech support questions and calls ever made. They are all, distressingly, true:
1. “Why isn’t my wireless mouse connected to the computer?”
2. “How do I read my e-mail?”
3. “Can you reset the Internet for me?”
4. “My computer is telling me to press any key to continue. Where is the ‘any’ key?”
5. “Is it possible to block all e-mail messages from my manager?”
6. “How do I get my computer’s coffee cup holder to come out again?”
7. “Can you install cable TV on my PC?”
8. “Can you fix my typewriter?”
9. “A server went down, and I found a lizard had crawled into it and it died.”
10. “Can I open the bank safe using my computer?”
11. “There are animal crackers in my CD-ROM drive.”
12. “Can you rearrange the keyboard alphabetically?”
13. “Can you build me a robot?”
14. “My laptop was run over by a truck. What should I do?”
15. “Can I open a document with Microsoft Word before I install Microsoft Office?”
16. “Where can I get software to track UFOs?”
17. “A skunk at my cable.”
18. “I’d like to stop receiving e-mail on Fridays.”
19. “Can you order joysticks so that we can play videogames?”
And perhaps the dumbest question of all, earning bonus points for sheer randomness:
20. “Where can I locate dry ice?”
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May 26th, 2010
Sci-fi gets a bad rap for a lot of its cornier stories, so it’s easy to forget just how prescient the genre can be. Science fiction is all about extrapolating a future based on technology only slightly beyond imagination, and sci-fi storytellers have in many ways acted as leading voices in the development of the tech and ideas we all take for granted. Here are 15 devices that sounded outlandish when people first read about them but are now such an integral part of our lives that we wouldn’t know what to do without them. These are just a few of the many sci-fi predictions that came true:
1. Scuba Diving
First mentioned: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne, 1875
Although diving suits existed when Jules Verne’s novel was published, they were the stiff, clumsy ones that limited the user’s movement and connected them via a long tube to an air supply above. But in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, characters use a backpack-sized breathing apparatus that presaged modern divers’ tanks decades before they were used.
2. Credit Cards
First mentioned: Looking Backward, Edward Bellamy, 1888
Edward Bellamy’s novel envisioned a 21st century in which money was eliminated and people carried cards that held a certain amount of capital that could be spent. The idea’s a little closer to debit cards than credit cards, though the principle is the same.
3. Automatic Doors
First mentioned: The Sleeper Awakes, H.G. Wells, 1899
Originally published as When the Sleeper Wakes but given a title tweak when Wells polished it in 1910, this novel was the earliest depiction of the kinds of automatic doors that are now used in everything from banks to convenience stores. Wells’ device rolled up like a desktop rather than slide vertically, though it’s the same core idea.
4. The Rotating Space Station
First mentioned: The Prince of Space, Jack Williamson, 1931
Although many people first took notice of the idea of rotating space stations in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, the concept was first popularized in 1931 in Jack Williamson’s novel The Prince of Space. The story’s City of Space was a large metal cylinder that rotated to simulate gravity through outward force. Modern space flight uses this same idea.
5. Artificial Womb
First mentioned: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, 1932
Aldous Huxley’s dystopian Brave New World was the first sci-fi story to describe a world in which children are grown in artificial wombs outside the mother. The tech now has very real implications.
6. Geosynchronous Satellites
First mentioned: “Extra-Terrestrial Relays,” Arthur C. Clarke, 1945 (Wireless World magazine)
Arthur C. Clarke makes repeat appearances on this list, thanks to his inventiveness and method for conjuring seemingly magical new devices that would soon be commonplace. In 1945, he published an article titled “Extra-Terrestrial Relays: Can Rocket Stations Give Worldwide Radio Coverage?” that posited the idea of satellites that orbited the Earth in such a way that they were always over the same spot on the planet. Because of his forward thinking, geosynchronous orbits are now often referred to as “Clarke orbits.”
7. Television Surveillance
First mentioned: 1984, George Orwell, 1949
George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel about totalitarianism spawned a number of phrases and ideas, from Big Brother to doublethink. It was the concept of omnipresent telescreens that foreshadowed the real-world rise of security cameras and closed-circuit television as a criminal deterrent. We now deal every day with cameras and monitors that seemed farfetched 60 years ago.
8. The Pocket Calculator
First mentioned: Foundation, Isaac Asimov, 1951
Isaac Asimov’s multi-volume Foundation series has won numerous awards, and it was in the first novel that he introduced a concept that would later be recognizable to school children around the world. Calculators in 1951 weren’t remotely pocket-sized, and computers spanned desks and entire rooms, but Asimov was already writing about a world where handheld computational devices were the norm.
9. The Inflatable Air Lock
First mentioned: Space Tug, Murray Leinster, 1953
This reference to inflatable air locks, a more compact alternative to fixed ones, appeared in print 12 years before the Soviet space vehicle Voskhod 2 used the same technology. That voyage was the first space walk in history.
10. Computer-Aided Design
First mentioned: The Door Into Summer, Robert Heinlein, 1956
Drafting programs that use computer software to create schematics and designs are now standard in the industry, but Robert Heinlein’s 1956 imagining of a computer-aided design system was a few years ahead of its real-world adoption. Real CAD use didn’t explode until the 1960s.
11. The Light Sail
First mentioned: The Lady Who Sailed the Soul, Cordwainer Smith, 1960
Light sails, also known as solar sails, use radiation pressure emanating from stars to push an object’s sails, which are made of thin mirrors. The first major use of the idea appeared in this 1960 novel, with the fictional sail stretching 20,000 miles to catch an enormous amount of energy and propel its craft at high speeds. Real solar sails are now being tested in vacuums, and minor deployment tests have taken place on space stations.
12. Digital Books
First mentioned: Return From the Stars, Stanislaw Lem, 1961
Digital readers like Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad have helped popularize the idea of reading electronic copies of books and shopping for them via a digital store, but it was Stanislaw Lem’s 1961 novel Return From the Stars that first tested the waters with the concept. The story tells of how books have been turned into “crystals with recorded contents” that are read and navigated using touch-screen technology. Fifty years later, you can buy something that does the same thing.
13. Online Newspapers
First mentioned: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke, 1968
Clarke’s seminal sci-fi novel, paired with Stanley Kubrick’s film of the same name, was the first to popularize the notion of reading newspapers online. The book’s descriptions of being able to scan through the world’s daily papers sounds a lot like the now-common practice of visiting news sites and aggregators to get the latest headlines.
14. PDAs
First mentioned: The Mote in God’s Eye, Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, 1974
Niven was noted for his prominence in the field of hard sci-fi, the subgenre that pays a closer attention to technical details than other stories do, and this 1974 work with Jerry Pournelle was the first appearance of what modern readers recognize as a personal data assistant, or pocket computer. The book’s device even uses a stylus, much like the popular PalmPilot would in the late 1990s.
15. Laptop Computers
First mentioned: Inherit the Stars, James P. Hogan, 1977
Although computing had made great strides by 1977, the idea of a portable computer was still largely fictional, especially if the computer in question was supposed to be small enough to fit on someone’s lap. But that’s just what James P. Hogan had in mind when he wrote of powerful personal computers small enough to fit inside briefcases. It’s a little head-spinning to realize that you’re probably reading this on a machine that most people hadn’t conceived of 30 years ago. Science fiction has a funny way of working out like that.
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May 24th, 2010
The nature of technology is its constant disappearance into the background of our lives. The things that once seemed so new and outlandish that they might as well be magical are now old hat, and have become the inventions and innovations we rely on without a second thought. The following tech milestones changed the world by making everything from communications to health different than it used to be, and they’re now a part of our everyday lives.
1. The first car patent: January 29, 1886
Karl Benz, the founder of Mercedes-Benz, is typically thought of as the father of modern automobiles thanks to his pioneering work in engine and car design. In 1885, he created the Benz Patent Motorwagen, the first automobile created to generate its own power. It was patented early the next year, and models began selling in 1888, making Benz’s automobile the first to be sold in history.
2. Human flight: December 17, 1903
Every school child learns the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the Ohio-born brothers responsible for the first successful heavier-than-air manned flight at the dawn of the 20th century. They also developed the technology and controls that would make fixed-wing aircraft flight a reality. The first flight lasted only 12 seconds and spanned just 120 feet, but it was enough to begin the revolution that would affect travel, economy, and militaries forever.
3. Open-heart surgery: September 2, 1952
Although methods have surgery have since changed drastically, this operation at the University of Minnesota the first successful attempt to perform surgery on a heart by stopping it (in this instance, using hyopthermia). Later machines would be able to continue circulating blood and oxygen in the patient by bypassing the heart, but this early method was still the first instance in which surgeons realized how effective their new techniques could be.
4. Sputnik 1: October 4, 1957
Taking an early lead in the space race of the mid-20th century, the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 was the first man-made object to orbit the planet. In addition to technological data gathered about the ionosphere and other Earth conditions, the device heated the competition between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to explore space, leading eventually to the United States’ successful Apollo missions to the Moon.
5. Microchips: September 12, 1958
Jack Kilby, a Texas Instruments engineer, is often credited with inventing the modern microchip. His integrated chip, made of germanium, was a huge breakthrough in computing technology that would allow electronic circuits to be miniaturized. Robert Noyce of Fairchild Semiconductor is cited as the co-inventor for having a similar idea but using silicon instead of germanium. That single idea won him the Nobel Prize in physics in 2000, and the integrated chip is now responsible for running just about everything in your life, including the computer you’re using right now.
6. Cell phones: 1973
Before they responded to touch and voice commands, cell phones were brick-like monsters just beginning to take advantage of the power of mobile communications. There were models as early as the 1950s, though they were inhibited by enormous size and lack of power. It wasn’t until 1973 that Motorola put out the first cell phone to be commercialized for use outside of vehicles. The first cellular phone call occured in April of that year, when Motorola’s Martin Cooper, the phone’s chief inventor, placed a call to his rival at Bell Labs. After advances in the 1980s and 1990s led to explosive growth and shrinking phones, the cell phone became a necessary tool for everyone, capable of storing numbers and personal data and acting as a portable personal computer.
7. Laptops: September 1981
Although there were many different machines and tech milestones along the way in the development of portable computers, the Osborne 1 is generally considered to be the first major portable computer. Released in 1981, the Osborne Corporation’s machine had a 5-inch screen and single-sided floppy disk drives. Inspired by the Xerox NoteTaker, a portable computer that never went into production but for which some prototyps were made, the Osborne retailed for $1,795 (about $4,200 in today’s dollars) and sold relatively well until it was passed by the Kaypro II. Still, the “luggable” computer would help pave the way for smaller, sleeker, and more powerful models that would truly be laptops. The latest wave of small netbooks are a dream made possible only by the work put in 30 years ago.
8. Compact discs: October 1982
Compact discs were a true tech milestone and revolution in music distribution and consumption: Much stronger and longer-lasting than LPs or casettes, the new format raised the bar with a digital standard that has yet to be passed in terms of popularity. The first album to be released on CD was Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52nd Street, which hit shelves in Japan along with Sony’s CD player on October 1, 1982. The overwhelming success of the format led to new uses for compact discs, including data storage and personal CD creation for consumers.
9. Napster: 1999
The heady days of 1999-2001 were the peak of Napster and the dawn of digital piracy. The peer-to-peer music-sharing service changed the way consumers think about music (and paying for it) so quickly that it took regulators a while to catch up. Although Napster has since converted to a legal, pay-based service, the spirit of free media and copyright-skirting lives on and has become a key part of online culture.
10. Apple’s iPod: 2001
Appearing in October 2001, Apple’s iPod would eventually become the most popular portable media player on the market. Sales picked up speed in 2004 and exploded in 2005, making the iPod the default mp3 player and one of the most famous tech devices in the world. By radically simplifying the interface and making the experience as user-friendly as possible, iPods have become the aesthetic and technological standard for portable music.
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May 17th, 2010
There’s too much information online, plain and simple. It’s impossible to wade through all of it without having a great set of filters that bring you the best content available, especially when it comes to information about the web itself, technology, and online culture. The tech blog community is also full of cross-promotions and burgeoning working relationships, so it’s not uncommon for the sites listed below to reference or link to each other. Together, these are the 20 best tech blogs around, the ones that will keep you informed and let you know what’s coming so you can stay ahead of the curve:
1. Gizmodo
Gizmodo is part of the sprawling Gawker Media empire, and its focus on tech and innovation has made it a great resource for the latest news and reviews about everything from smart phones to HDTVs. The blog gained even more notoriety with its scoop of Apple’s new iPhone prototype.
2. TechCrunch
A member of the Crunch network (which appears again on this list), TechCrunch has been around since 2005, which is eons in the tech world. One of the better news resources available.
3. Mashable
Mashable bills itself as “The Social Media Guide,” and that’s exactly what they’ve become. The site updates constantly with news, reviews, and links in a wide variety of categories, from social media to computing to business. They’re also a great place to go for job seekers looking to find a niche in new media.
4. ZDNet
Many of the blogs on this list are successes because of their intelligent, team-based approach to news, and ZDNet’s no different. Their homepage makes it easy to navigate stories by topic and author, so you can drill down into an area and learn more about, say, the business side of tech or the next wave of software. They’ve also got informative articles about computing safety.
5. Engadget
Engadget was co-founded by a former Gizmodo editor and is a part of Weblogs, Inc., which is now owned by AOL. The site actually has nine different versions in different languages devoted to tech news around the world. Their focus on consumer electronics keeps them a player in the tech blog world. They’ve even got a podcast.
6. Slashdot
This no-frills approach to the latest happenings in tech is subtitled “News for nerds. Stuff that matters.” The site is driven by user-submitted stories about science and technology news, and it’s been around since 1997, making it a member of the old guard. Users can rate and rank stories based on worth.
7. BoingBoing
BoingBoing began life as a magazine in 1988 and became a website in 1995. It’s a bit broader than some other tech blogs, but it’s main focuses are on science, technology, consumer electronics, intellectual property rights, cyberpunk, and basically whatever the editors think is fun and cool and geeky. It’s a good place to go to get broader opinions on modern tech issues.
8. Lifehacker
Although the term began with a more narrowly focused definition, at this point, a “life hack” is really anything that makes your day a little easier, especially if it does so in an innovative and clever way. Lifehacker is all about improving your tech life through a variety of tips and tricks, from streamlining your RSS reader to scoring points with customer service reps. The site is another member of the Gawker family.
9. Kuro5hin
Another reader-driven site, Kuro5hin (pronounced “corrosion”) emphasizes tech and culture with a collaborative approach to content generation that lets users create and submit articles for group approval.
10. O’Reilly
O’Reilly Media has a variety of publications, both in print and online, devoted to technology, and their home page is a great place to get tons of news, reviews, and videos about the latest developments in the field. They also offer Safari Books Online, a subscription-based service that grants users access to more than 7,000 technical books whose texts have been put online.
11. CNET
CNET’s online portal is loaded with stories and reviews designed to help you make the best choice possible before investing in a new piece of technology. They’ve been in the business since the online acceleration of the mid-1990s, and their product rundowns are fantastic.
12. Valleywag
Gawker Media’s an empire for a reason: Their site Valleywag is a news and gossip round-up of Silicon Valley players, and it mixes news and humor with admitted rumors to create a unique spin on tech. It’s not strong enough to be a main source of news, but if you’re looking for playful commentary on tech happenings, this is the place.
13. ReadWriteWeb
Launched in 2003, ReadWriteWeb focuses on web technology with an emphasis on Web 2.o, that loose association of services and ideas revolving around social networks, online communities, and the ability to use the web to share and create content instead of just disseminate text. It’s one of the most popular sites in the world, and offers in-depth features as well as user guides on topics like dealing with Facebook’s privacy policies.
14. Bits
The New York Times’ Bits blog (which stands for “business, innovation, technology, society”) uses the reporting muscle of the Times’ staff with smart opinion to provide incisive news and commentary on what’s happening right now in tech. The 11-member staff is spread across the country, and their site offers podcasts, video blogs, and constantly updated stories throughout the day.
15. CrunchGear
A more narrowly focused member of the Crunch Network, Crunch Gear is devoted to the latest gadgets and hardware available for consumers, as well as news and rumors about what’s coming around the bend. The news is mixed with fun features, like a week devoted to Gadgets of Days Gone By.
16. Gadget Lab
This blog from Wired magazine is all about hardware. They’ve got a lot of helpful how-to pieces about maximizing personal performance on phones and other gadgets, and they’ve been a great source for the latest development in the computer tablet battles between Apple and Adobe. Follow them here on Twitter.
17. Make
Owned by O’Reilly Media, Make magazine covers interesting and tech-oriented do-it-yourself projects, and the blog has a great round-up of tips and news revolving around creating unique and helpful things, whether it’s a new workbench for your home office or a specialized camera stand.
18. VentureBeat
VentureBeat takes a financial analysis approach to tech, examining how the latest trends and hardware affect national and global markets. The main site has a variety of micro-sites under its name, including MobileBeat, devoted to phone tech; GreenBeat, which deals with environmental issues; and GamesBeat, which follows video games and platforms.
19. GigaOM
GigaOM shoots for a broad but educated reader base with its Web 2.0 focus on business innovation, conferences, and news and reviews of the latest tech offerings. They also have a section for digital jobs, as well as information about clean tech and open-source tech.
20. Google Blog
Google is constantly updating its tech offerings, and the official Google Blog is the best way to stay up to date on the ones you use (GMail) and the ones that are still looking to succeed (Wave, Buzz). A handy place to check in and learn how to get the most out of the biggest search engine in the world.
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