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Best Single Board Computer (SBC) for education

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Tags robotics ai data-science learning machine-learning

Single-board computers (SBCs) can be a powerful tool for education. Here are some of the things that SBCs can do for education. SBCs can promote various subjects and topics for educators. SBCs can be a powerful tool for education, helping to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century, such as collaborative learning, creativity and innovation, technical skills, etc. By DFRobot.

When choosing a single-board computer (SBC) for education, here are some factors to consider: price, ease of use, performance, detailed documentation and tutorials, offer easily expandable hardware interfaces, integrate cloud services, stability, flexibility.

The article then lists these:

  • The most popular SBC - Raspberry Pi
  • The powerful SBC - BeagleBone Black
  • IoT Python Single Board Computer with Touchscreen - UNIHIKER
  • The smallest x86 windows SBC - LattePanda
  • The entry-level AI SBC - NVIDIA Jetson Nano

If you wish to purchase a board solely for teaching basic entry-level programming subjects, then the Raspberry Pi will suffice. If you intend to use it for building more complex projects such as robots or IoT devices with your students, Lattepanda with its onboard Arduino support would be more convenient. If you plan to guide your students in studying the field of AI, then Jetson Nano would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, your choice of SBC should be based on your budget and requirements. Nice one!

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How did the invention of the microprocessor change the course of computing history?

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Tags robotics ai performance miscellaneous machine-learning

From the humble beginnings of a single microchip, the microprocessor emerged as a catalyst for technological advancement and a key driver of computing evolution. Its invention marked a turning point in the history of computing, igniting a revolution that continues to shape our digital world today. By Marcin Wieclaw.

The significance of microprocessors cannot be overstated. These innovative chips, also known as CPUs (central processing units), have transformed the way we interact with computers and electronic devices across all scales. From the smallest consumer appliances to the most powerful supercomputers, microprocessors have revolutionized the way we live, work, and connect with the world.

The article also deals with:

  • A brief history of the microprocessor
  • Advantages of microprocessors
  • Disadvantages of microprocessors
  • Transformation of computing through microprocessors
  • The future of microprocessors: Unlocking infinite possibilities

As we enter the next era of computing, the future of microprocessors is poised to redefine the limits of technology. One of the most exciting advancements on the horizon is quantum computing. Quantum microprocessors, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, have the potential to revolutionize computing power by performing computations at speeds exponentially faster than traditional processors. These quantum machines can tackle complex problems that were once thought to be unsolvable, opening doors to breakthroughs in cryptography, optimization, and scientific research. Good read!

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The current state of quantum computing in 2023

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Tags robotics ai open-source frameworks machine-learning

In June 2023 an IBM computing executive claimed quantum computers were entering the “utility” phase, in which high-tech experimental devices become useful. In September, Australia’s Chief Scientist Cathy Foley went so far as to declare “the dawn of the quantum era”. Obviously, quantum computers are having a moment. But – to step back a little – what exactly are they? By Christopher Ferrie.

In the 1990s, physics and computer science collided when it was discovered that some problems could be solved much faster with algorithms that work directly with complex numbers as encoded in quantum physics. The next logical step was to build devices that work with light and matter to do those calculations for us automatically. This was the birth of quantum computing.

The article explains:

  • What is a quantum computer?
  • Why does quantum computing matter?
  • What is the current landscape?
  • Superconductors, ions, silicon, photons
  • Where will the quantum future take us?

Commercial spin-offs of technology such as quantum sensing are also on the horizon. The demonstration of a genuine “quantum advantage” will also be a likely development. This means a compelling application where a quantum device is unarguably superior to the digital alternative. Super interesting read!

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Intel launches industry's first AI PC acceleration program

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Tags miscellaneous startups big-data app-development cio cloud

Building on the AI PC use cases shared at Innovation 2023, Intel recently launched the AI PC Acceleration Program, a global innovation initiative designed to accelerate the pace of AI development across the PC industry. By Intel PR.

Intel’s AI PC Acceleration Program will enable artificial intelligence (AI) on more than 100 million PCs through 2025, propelled by the upcoming launch of Intel® Core™ Ultra processors on Dec. 14. The AI PC Acceleration program will provide access to Intel’s deep bench of engineering talent for targeted software optimizations and tuning based on ISV needs, core development tools and software developer kits like OpenVINO™, and go-to-market opportunities.

Working with more than 100 ISVs and more than 300 AI-accelerated features, Intel will enhance PC experiences across audio effects, content creation, gaming, security, streaming, video collaboration and more.

Program includes Adobe, Audacity, BlackMagic, BufferZone, CyberLink, DeepRender, Fortemedia, MAGIX, Rewind AI, Skylum, Topaz, VideoCom, Webex, Wondershare Filmora, XSplit and Zoom. Interesting read!

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Using JWTs to authenticate services unravels API gateways

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Tags apis infosec java web-development app-development

The API gateway component in a cloud native architecture is critical because it offloads critical API security and policy functionality to a common place, allowing the backend APIs and services to focus on business logic. API authentication, authorization, audit, throttling and similar tasks can be complex and difficult to get right, so many organizations choose an API gateway to handle them. By Christian Posta and Peter Jausovec.

Further in the article:

  • How to use JWTs to authenticate S2S communication
    • Option 1: Use an STS to issue tokens
    • Option 2: Have the service sign its own tokens
  • Where things can go wrong with JWT
  • JWT Complexity is where service mesh simplifies things

We’ve covered some ways JWTs can be used to represent service identity and suggested areas of concern. There are several areas to closely watch in your services architecture to avoid security holes. If these are not bulletproof, you will give attackers opportunities to compromise your system.

To guard against replaying the bearer token, you must limit exposure by setting brief expiration times, ideally just a couple of minutes. This puts more onus on the services to refresh their JWTs for their requests. Setting the expiration for hours, days, or months happens too often. This is a big security hole. Nice one!

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TLS vs SSL: What's the difference? Which one should you use?

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Tags miscellaneous infosec browsers web-development ssl

Both TLS and SSL are protocols that help you securely authenticate and transport data on the Internet. But what’s the difference between TLS vs SSL? And is it something you need to worry about? By kinsta.com.

In this article, you’ll learn the key differences between TLS vs SSL, as well as how both protocols connect to HTTPS. You’ll also learn why, as an end-user, you probably don’t need to worry too much about TLS vs SSL or whether you’re using an “SSL certificate” or a “TLS certificate”.

The content of the article:

  • What is the difference between TLS vs SSL?
  • How TLS and SSL work at a basic level
  • Why is it called an SSL certificate and not a TLS certificate?
  • Why you should use TLS and not SSL (and why you probably already are even if you don’t know it)

To sum everything up, TLS and SSL are both protocols to authenticate and encrypt the transfer of data on the Internet. The two are tightly linked and TLS is really just the more modern, secure version of SSL. Good read!

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Privacy vs. security: Exploring the differences & relationship

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Tags miscellaneous infosec browsers web-development cio

Learn how Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication combats data breaches, weak passwords, and phishing attacks. By okta.com.

Both security and privacy are important in the physical and digital worlds. Privacy is the right to control how your information is viewed and used, while security is protection against threats or danger. In the digital world, security generally refers to the unauthorized access of data, often involving protection against hackers or cyber criminals. Privacy involves your right to manage your personal information, and security is the protection of this information. Both are equally important aspects of cyber safety. You have privacy rights and should take measures to secure your personal information and data within the digital environment.

The article make a good job explaining:

  • Security & privacy explained
  • Definition of privacy
  • Importance of data privacy
  • Security defined
  • Need for security
  • Security vs. privacy
  • Laws regarding information privacy & security compliance
  • Tips for protecting your privacy & security

Once your data is online, it is no longer in your direct control. Be careful whom you share this information with. Be sure that you know exactly what they are collecting from you, how they intend to secure and protect your private information, and whom they are going to share this data with. Being informed and aware can help protect both your privacy and security. Super informative!

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Apache ZooKeeper: The perfect tool for configuration management

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Tags event-driven software-architecture management devops apache

Apache ZooKeeper is an open-source distributed coordination system that provides a platform for configuration management, process synchronization, and lock management. Originally developed by Yahoo, it is now maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. By datascientest.com.

Further in the article:

  • How does Zookeeper work?
  • What is a data model?
  • What are the different types of knot?

ZooKeeper uses a data model based on a hierarchy of nodes, similar to the structure of a file system. Therefore, each node is identified by a unique path within the tree. They can have children, which are essentially nodes placed under the parent node in the hierarchy. This tree-like structure allows for the creation of complex data structures to represent the information required for the coordination and synchronization of distributed applications.

Apache ZooKeeper is a distributed coordination system, which presents itself as a single entity, but conceals an entire complex system. It solves all the problems encountered by distributed applications thanks to its framework, which also provides a number of services, including configuration management and naming services. Excellent read!

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Building components for consumption, not complexity

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Tags ux css learning web-development frontend

Design systems are on the tip of every designer’s tongue, but the narrative in the industry mainly focuses on why you need a design system and its importance rather than the reality of endless maintenance and internal politics. The truth is that design teams spend years creating these systems only to find out that few people adhere to the guidelines or stay within the “guardrails”. By Luis Ouriach.

A concept that has been long-used in the developer world and loosely agreed upon in the design community is termed “component slots.” This approach allows the design system maintainers to ship component containers with agreed properties — sizing, padding, and styles — whilst allowing for a flexible arrangement of components inside it Ultimately, all we want are components which are:

  • Flexible
  • Repeatable
  • Adoptable
  • Indexable
  • Logical
  • Specific

Components are inherently part of a system that spans design and engineering — and often brand and marketing, too. We, as designers, are seemingly on a mission to call this a design system, but author’d much prefer for us as an industry to steer away from applying the word “design” to activities that are cross-functional by nature. Good read!

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Revamping your code: Masterful techniques for effective code refactoring

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Tags oop learning code-refactoring programming performance

Enhance code quality, reduce technical debt, and boost software reliability with essential code refactoring techniques. By Shivali Maheshwari.

In the dynamic world of software development, change is the only constant. As projects evolve and requirements shift, it’s easy for codebases to become tangled, complex, and hard to maintain. That’s where the art of code refactoring comes into play.

Author then focuses on:

  • Clean code
  • Code smells
  • Refactoring techniques

Clean code is easy to understand, with clear and descriptive variable and method names, consistent formatting, and a well-organized structure. It also code minimizes dependencies, reduces the risk of errors, and simplifies maintenance.

By making code refactoring a continuous process, you can ensure long-term project success and increased team satisfaction. So, embark on this journey of code improvement, and watch your codebase evolve into a masterpiece of clean, maintainable software. Happy coding!

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