The most basic definition of a computer is a programmable machine that is able to respond to a set of instructions and be able to execute computations based on the instructions it has been fed. The computer’s capability to use instructions (or programs) and execute it to perform a set of steps...
As computer devices grow in speed and capacity, the problem of overheating becomes more and more apparent. The energy dissipated by the device must stay within a particular limit, or it may need a more powerful cooling apparatus—which entails extra cost, and extra space. To understand the problem,...
Genetic Algorithm: A heuristic search technique used in computing and Artificial Intelligence to find optimized solutions to search problems using techniques inspired by evolutionary biology: mutation, selection, reproduction [inheritance] and recombination. 1. Automotive DesignUsing Genetic...
When most people hear the word hacker, they remember the glorified images of rebel geniuses – such as those in movies like “War Games” – that break into security systems. Real hackers lead much less exciting lives. In the computing world, hackers are expert computer programmers. Their job is to...
Carnegie Mellon University was established in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie as a small technical school. Today, Carnegie Mellon operates from a 140-acre campus three miles from downtown Pittsburgh. It also owns and maintains 81 buildings in the Oakland and Squirrel Hill...
Linguistics is a social science which endeavors to find the commonality of languages. The study of linguistics doesn’t focus on the specifics of a language; the rules regarding proper usage such as grammar. Instead, linguistics is a cognitive science similar to psychology and philosophy. Each...
Atheism is generating quite a lot of attention these days. Prominent atheists are getting the word out about their views in increasing numbers and generating lots of public debate on the proper place of religion in governments and societies in the modern world. And now more than ever, atheists...
For those of us who grew up in a time when personal computers (PCs) were the "in" thing, computer games played a significant role in our childhoods. Many of us would spend hours shooting aliens, questing for lost jewels, or solving mind-boggling puzzles.
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit or processor, is considered the brains of a computer. The CPU is comprised of the internal components that can be found inside the computer. The earliest CPUs were developed and used during the 1960s. These CPUs were designed to work as a part of a larger...
Ethernet is a standard communications protocol that was designed by Bob Metcalfe in 1973. This protocol is included in many software and hardware devices and its purpose is to build a local area network or LAN. Metcalfe developed Ethernet with the help of Digital, Intel and Xerox, companies for...
