SNF2000

A personal technical workshop

Project Journals

Technical builds, restoration work, and ongoing experiments.

Windows 98 Retro Machine

A work-in-progress Windows 98 PC build focused on period-correct hardware, driver support, game compatibility, and a dependable late-1990s daily-use setup.

View project →

SNF2000 Built with Laravel Best viewed at
any resolution
◉   Workspace One  ⌄

Archive Wire

A continuous historical-computing headline feed. Hover over it or focus it with the keyboard to pause.

ZAP! — [new] Static electricity poses a serious threat to computer hardware. Chasing Those Naughty Bits — [new] Finding intermittent bit errors in memory systems. Why So Many Computer Languages? — [new] Why programmers created different languages for different jobs. The Remarkable Apple Computer — [new] An early report on Apple's personal computer. Will the Z-80 Crush All Competitors? — [new] Assessing Zilog's Z80 against rival microprocessors. The Brains of Men and Machines, Part 1: Biological Models for Robotics — [new] Biological systems offer working models for robot design. The IRS and the Computer Entrepreneur — [new] Tax questions facing small computer businesses and entrepreneurs. Add More Zing to the Cocktail — [new] Expanding an eight-channel digital voltmeter project. A Floppy Disk Interface — [new] Balancing hardware and software in floppy-interface design. The Motorola 6800 Instruction Set: Two Programming Points of View — [new] Two ways to understand the 6800 instruction set. A Microprocessor for the Revolution: The 6809, Part 1: Design Philosophy — [new] The designers introduce Motorola's new 6809 architecture. Build a Computer-Controlled Security System for Your Home, Part 1 — [new] Sensors and software for a computer-managed security system. An Exposure to MUMPS — [new] An introduction to the MUMPS programming language. A Computerized Mailing List — [new] Building a disk-based system for managing addresses. Computerize a Home — [new] Planning a practical computer-controlled household. A Computer-Controlled Light Dimmer, Part 1: Design — [new] Designing a programmable controller for household lighting. A Furnace Watchdog — [new] Using a computer to monitor home-heating equipment. Telephone Dialing by Computer — [new] A system that lets a computer place telephone calls. An Introduction to Atari Graphics — [new] A practical guide to Atari's graphics facilities. The Panasonic and Quasar Hand-Held Computers: Beginning a New Generation of Consumer Computers — [new] Two handheld systems signal a new consumer-computing category. Electromagnetic Interference — [new] Finding and reducing electronic interference around computers. The NEC PC-8001: A New Japanese Personal Computer — [new] A close look at NEC's Japanese personal computer. The Atari Tutorial, Part 5: Scrolling — [new] Programming scrolling displays on Atari computers. A Closer Look at the IBM Personal Computer — [new] A detailed examination of IBM's new personal computer. Analog Interfacing in the Real World — [new] Connecting computers to real-world analog signals. An Apple Talks with the Deaf — [new] An Apple-based communications aid for deaf users. The Compaq Computer — [new] Evaluating an early IBM PC-compatible portable. Microcomputing, British Style — [new] A survey of Britain's microcomputer industry and machines. Heath's HERO-1 Robot — [new] Examining Heath's programmable personal robot. IBM's “Secret” Computer: the 9000 — [new] A report on IBM's lesser-known 9000 computer. 1984 and Beyond — [new] Technology's future viewed through the shadow of Orwell's novel. Reason and the Software Bus — [new] An AI project proposes modular software integration and networking. A General-Purpose Robot-Control Language — [new] Plain-language commands intended to make robots more useful. 1984, the Year of the 32-bit Microprocessor — [new] What emerging 32-bit processors are designed to do. Memory Cards: A New Concept in Personal Computing — [new] Wallet-size memory cards point toward smaller computers. Speech Recognition: An Idea Whose Time Is Coming — [new] The technical promise and obstacles of machine speech recognition. Using Natural-Language Systems on Personal Computers — [new] AI methods for easier human-computer communication. The Zenith Z-100 — [new] A review of Zenith's dual-processor personal computer. The Visual Mind and the Macintosh — [new] How Macintosh graphics support visual forms of thinking. A Glimpse into Future Television — [new] Digital technology points toward a different television future. Microsoft Macintosh BASIC Version 2.0 — [new] A review of Microsoft's updated BASIC for Macintosh. The Apple Story, Part 2: More History and the Apple III — [new] Apple's growth and the troubled Apple III project. Uninterruptible Power Supplies — [new] Keeping computers operating through power failures and disturbances. An Introduction to Fiber Optics, Part 2: Connections and Networks — [new] Fiber-optic links and their role in computer networks. Expert Systems—Myth or Reality? — [new] Separating practical expert systems from AI hype. The HP 110 Portable Computer — [new] A review of Hewlett-Packard's portable computer. Product Description: The Atari 520ST — [new] Atari's 68000-based 520ST hardware and software examined. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar: Build an Analog-to-Digital Converter — [new] Constructing an interface that digitizes analog signals. Product Preview: Q&A — [new] A preview of Symantec's natural-language database product. Programming Project: A SIMPL Compiler, Part 2: Procedures and Functions — [new] Extending a small compiler with procedures and functions. Creating Reusable Modules — [new] Structuring program components for reuse across projects. Programming Insight: Easy 3-D Graphics — [new] Techniques for producing three-dimensional computer graphics. Machine Vision — [new] How computers acquire and interpret visual information. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar: Build the GT180 Color Graphics Board, Part 3: Software — [new] Software for driving a home-built color graphics board. Intelligent Databases — [new] Combining database systems with artificial-intelligence techniques. An Introduction to Relaxation Methods — [new] Iterative methods for solving computational problems. Programming Project: Look It Up Faster with Hashing — [new] Hash-table techniques for faster data retrieval. RegionMaker — [new] Software tools for defining and manipulating screen regions. Programming Insight: High-Performance Software Analysis on the IBM PC — [new] Measuring and improving software performance on IBM PCs. Programming Insight: Dynamic Memory Allocation — [new] Managing memory dynamically within programs. Avoiding Coprocessor Bottlenecks — [new] Keeping floating-point coprocessors from slowing a system. Programming the 80387 Coprocessor — [new] Using Intel's 80387 floating-point instructions effectively. Floating-Point Survival Kit — [new] Practical tools for reliable floating-point computation. How to Get Better Floating-Point Results — [new] Improving accuracy in floating-point calculations. The BCC180 Multitasking Controller, Part 3: Memory Management and Windowing — [new] Memory and display software for a multitasking controller. Better Bit-Mapped Lines — [new] Faster techniques for drawing lines on bit-mapped displays. Focus on Algorithms: Multicolumn Paged Text — [new] Algorithms for laying out paginated text in columns. System Calls in Modula-2 — [new] Making operating-system calls from Modula-2 programs. Graphic Details — [new] A survey of current graphics hardware and techniques. Strengthening the Lineup — [new] New systems expand an established computer product range. A Portable with Punch — [new] Evaluating a high-performance portable computer. A Great Communicator — [new] A communications product aims to link users and systems. Pixels on the March — [new] Display technology advances toward sharper computer graphics. QuickBASIC Comes to the Macintosh — [new] Microsoft's QuickBASIC arrives on Apple's graphical platform. Symbolic Math on the Mac — [new] Macintosh software performs symbolic mathematical operations. The X Window System — [new] An introduction to networked graphical computing with X. Working Smart — [new] Tools and methods for more productive personal computing. Getting Bigger Groupware — [new] Collaboration software grows beyond small workgroups. I've Got DIBs — [new] Working with device-independent bitmaps in Windows. Inspiration at the Year's End — [new] A Macintosh columnist surveys late-year software and hardware. Back to the Workstations II — [new] A renewed look at professional workstation systems. Kicking and Screaming into the Present — [new] Legacy systems confront current software and hardware demands. Graphics Go 3-D — [new] Three-dimensional graphics move into mainstream computing. Ray Tracing for Realism — [new] Rendering more realistic images with ray tracing. Jukebox Computing — [new] Optical-disc libraries promise large online data stores. The Power Man Cometh — [new] Power management becomes important for portable computers. Embarrassment of Riches — [new] Choosing among an expanding range of PC technologies. SCO Hot — [new] A look at SCO's Unix offerings for personal computers. The Mac and Personal Programming — [new] Programming tools for Macintosh users. NetWare Troubles — [new] Diagnosing problems in Novell NetWare environments. Classic Languages, Part 5: SNOBOL — [new] The history and strengths of the SNOBOL language. Overview: A Moving Target — [new] Cross-platform development confronts rapidly changing systems. Tributaries and Deltas — [new] Strategies for maintaining software across several platforms. Let the System Do the Porting — [new] System services can reduce cross-platform development work. Tweaking Windows: New Adapters Boost Speed and Clarity — [new] Graphics adapters improve Windows performance and display quality. Ample Waves of Data: Five Tools to Help You Stay Afloat — [new] Five utilities for managing growing volumes of data. Claris Enters the Spreadsheet Wars — [new] Claris challenges established spreadsheet competitors. DOS Extenders: Raising the Ceiling — [new] Extenders let DOS applications use more memory. The Phaser III Fires Dazzling Colors — [new] Testing a color printer aimed at high-quality output. Processor Pipelines — [new] How pipelining improves microprocessor performance. Report from Hong Kong — [new] A report on Hong Kong's fast-moving computer market. Two Toshiba Systems to Go — [new] Two portable Toshiba computers compared. A Higher End for Compaq Notebooks — [new] Compaq expands the performance of its notebook line. UnixWare: New Hope for Unix? — [new] Novell's UnixWare seeks a broader Unix market. Computing Without Clocks — [new] Asynchronous designs challenge clock-driven computer architectures. Overview: Machine Translation — [new] The capabilities and limits of computerized language translation. MT at Your Service — [new] Where machine translation is already being deployed. How MT Works — [new] Inside the methods used by machine-translation systems. The Five Layers of Ambiguity — [new] Five linguistic problems machine translation must resolve. Babelware for the Desktop — [new] Desktop software brings machine translation to individuals. Transforming the PC: Plug and Play — [new] Industry standards aim to simplify PC hardware installation. Big, Fast IDE Drives — [new] New IDE disks increase PC capacity and speed. Access 2.0: The Best of Both Worlds? — [new] Microsoft updates its Windows database system. Low-Cost Simulation — [new] Affordable tools bring simulation to desktop computers. The Fix Is In for Chicago — [new] A report on Microsoft's developing Chicago operating system. SparcStation Overhaul — [new] Upgrading Sun workstations for greater performance. Power of Cooperation — [new] Cooperative processing distributes work across systems. On the Road to ATM — [new] Networks move toward Asynchronous Transfer Mode. LANs Make the Switch — [new] Network switches reshape local-area networking. Digital Remote Access — [new] Digital links improve access to distant networks. Assets on the Line — [new] Protecting valuable information carried over networks. You Can Take It with You — [new] Portable access extends corporate computing beyond the office. Collision! — [new] Network contention and ways to manage it. Standard Issue — [new] Standards shape computer telephony development. Building Telephony Applications — [new] How to create software that works with telephone systems. Telephony's Killer App — [new] Voice and data integration searches for a defining application. Web Search — [new] Tools and methods for finding information online. Gateways to the Internet — [new] Products that connect private networks to the Internet. Presentation Quality — [new] Software improves the production of business presentations. Networking at Warp Speed — [new] Faster network technologies reach enterprise systems. Inside the NC — [new] The architecture behind the proposed network computer. Keep Networks Safe from Viruses — [new] Defending connected systems from malicious software. Your Next OS — [new] Comparing operating-system directions for personal computers. Unix Leads the 64-bit Charge — [new] Unix systems move first into mainstream 64-bit computing. Unearthing Cairo — [new] A look at Microsoft's ambitious Cairo project. Copland, Revisited — [new] Reassessing Apple's planned next-generation operating system. Sun Gambles on Java Chips — [new] Sun bets that processors can execute Java directly. The x86 Gets Faster with Age — [new] Intel-compatible processors continue gaining performance. PowerPC Regroups — [new] The PowerPC alliance revises its processor strategy. From LAN to WAN with ISDN — [new] Using ISDN to extend local networks across distance. Today the Web, Tomorrow the World — [new] Web technologies point beyond browser-based publishing. Silicon Graphics' Wintel Killer — [new] SGI targets Windows workstations with new hardware. Local AltaVista Searching — [new] Running AltaVista search technology on private information. Multiplatform CodeWarrior — [new] Metrowerks expands its development environment across systems. World's Fastest Disk Drive — [new] Testing a disk marketed for exceptional performance. The State of Linux — [new] Assessing Linux's development, ecosystem, and prospects. Client/Server Magic — [new] Tools aim to simplify distributed application development. Video for Everyone — [new] Desktop video becomes more accessible to ordinary users. Java Security and Type Safety — [new] How Java's type system supports safer execution. At Last: Pocket PCs That Run Windows — [new] Handheld computers bring Windows into pocket-size devices. A First Look at Rhapsody — [new] Apple's next-generation operating system gets an early evaluation. Eight Heavy-Hitting NT Workstations — [new] Stress-testing eight 300 MHz Pentium II workstations. HTTP Authentication — [new] How Web servers can authenticate site visitors. Nine Fax Programs to Serve the Internet — [new] Comparing fax-server software for workgroups and enterprises. The making of the DamageBox — [new] Building a custom PC from components, packing material, and ingenuity. Celeron Overclocking FAQ - Part I — [publisher description] We discuss overclocking Intel's Celeron processor. Ars Technica Virtual Bartending Library — [new] A playful online database of mixed-drink recipes. Free Font Cleanliness for Win 95 — [publisher description] Ancient. Odd. Strange. It's font anti-aliasing for Windows 95. Behind the benchmarks: SPEC, GFLOPS, MIPS et al — [publisher description] Ars discusses the terms and numbers behind benchmarking. Celeron Overclocking FAQ-Part II — [new] More answers to common questions about Celeron overclocking. A PII in III's clothing? — [publisher description] It looks like the Pentium II is getting a new set of clothes! Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) — [new] How backup power protects computers from outages and surges. Book review: Infinite Loop — [new] Reviewing Michael Malone's history of Apple Computer. Sun's MAJC and Intels's IA-64 — [new] Comparing two newly announced processor architectures. 300A or not 300A? — [new] Testing claims surrounding Intel's Celeron 300A. Behind the Dual Celeron — [new] How enthusiasts built inexpensive dual-Celeron systems. Clocking and locking the PII — [new] A technical look at Pentium II clock controls and overclocking. Intel Boxed Processor Availability Update — [publisher description] This is a notice to inform you of the current availability outlook for the Intel boxed processors sold through authorized distribution channels. PC 99: It was a good year for fine whine — [new] A critical look at Microsoft's PC 99 hardware requirements. Uh-oh, could it be? A bus clock-locked Celeron 366? — [new] Preliminary testing of a possibly bus-locked Celeron. Mac OS X Update: Quartz & Aqua — [new] Inside the graphics technologies behind Apple's coming OS. Mac OS X DP3: Trial by Water — [new] Evaluating Apple's third Mac OS X developer preview. SIMD architectures — [new] How processors execute one instruction across multiple data values. TiVo Personal Television Receiver — [new] Reviewing TiVo's hard-disk-based personal television recorder. Considering the possible impact of an open PS2 — [new] What broader PS2 development could mean for computing. Mac OS X Q&A — [new] Answers about the architecture and direction of Mac OS X. Honda Insight: Hybrid gasoline-electric car — [new] A technology-focused drive of Honda's hybrid Insight. RAM Guide Part I: DRAM and SDRAM basics — [new] The architecture and operation of common computer memory. The Sims: Livin' Large — [new] Reviewing the first expansion for The Sims. G4 Cube & Cinema Display — [new] Reviewing Apple's compact G4 and flat-panel display. Windows 2000 memory subsystem tweaking — [publisher description] The ins and outs of the Windows 2000 memory subsystem. Be ponders antitrust suit; Gassée leaves — [new] Be considers an antitrust case as Jean-Louis Gassée departs. The pinnacle of human accomplishment — [new] A satirical reflection on technology and human achievement. The PS3's Cell processor — [new] Early details on the processor planned for Sony's next console. Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar — [new] A detailed review of Apple's third major OS X release. Sing me a song, HAL — [new] Software listens and accompanies a musician in real time. Military bandwidth shortage — [new] Why network capacity constrained digital military operations. US $40k a year to be an MPAA enforcer! Inquire within... — [new] An MPAA job listing reveals its Internet enforcement work. Identity theft numbers released; Vendors vow to fight online fraud — [new] Fraud statistics prompt new industry promises on identity protection. Ars Technica reviews the Compaq Evo N620C — [new] Testing Compaq's Pentium M business notebook. Portable headphone roundup — [new] Comparing headphones for portable digital music players. Metroid, the Movie coming in 2006 — [new] John Woo becomes attached to a proposed Metroid adaptation. UPS enters deal to do repair on Toshiba laptops — [new] UPS adds laptop repair to its logistics services. Ars Technica review: TrackIR3 Pro — [new] Fred Locklear tests head-tracking hardware with PC flight simulators. Multicore, dual-core, and the future of Intel — [new] Intel's roadmap shifts from clock speed toward multiple cores. 'Net usage takes away from TV time — [new] A study links increased Internet use with reduced television viewing. NVIDIA graphics solution to power PlayStation 3 — [new] Sony selects Nvidia graphics technology for PlayStation 3. Minnesota teen gets 18 months for Blaster variant — [new] A Blaster-worm variant author receives a prison sentence. Interview with DC climate project head Dr. David Stainforth — [new] Discussing distributed computing for large-scale climate modeling. Google suspends downloads of Google Web Accelerator — [new] Google pauses distribution of its experimental Web accelerator. An Apple cocoa developer begins blogging — [new] A new developer blog focuses on Cocoa programming. US to ICANN and UN: UCANT — [new] The United States refuses to surrender DNS oversight. Finally, a PSP aimed at Mac users! — [new] Software and styling connect Sony's PSP with Mac users. Unsanity comes up with "Smart Crash Reports" — [new] A tool routes application crash reports to developers. Capcom to publish God of War and Psi-Ops in Japan — [publisher description] In other words, good news for Japan. Microsoft Software Assurance receives an upgrade — [new] Microsoft revises benefits in its enterprise licensing program. Microsoft, record labels can't agree on royalties — [new] Royalty negotiations delay Microsoft's music subscription plans. This year's firework WASN'T good - Apple unleashes Chinese music unto the world — [new] Chinese recordings appear in Apple's iTunes Music Store. Microsoft corporate memos urge greater focus on Internet services — [new] Executives call for a company-wide Internet-services push. Xbox Live Marketplace: A steady dribble of content, but why can't I game while I wait for my download? — [publisher description] MS: please give me casino games and a mahjong title. I need grandmother games. Broadcast Flag praised, panned in Senate hearing — [new] Senators hear competing arguments over digital broadcast controls. Read this column, stay sane — [new] Research links mental activity with healthier aging. Developing games with Perl and SDL — [new] A hands-on introduction to game programming with Perl. .NET and Java to get better dynamic language support — [new] Microsoft and Sun improve support for dynamic languages. The MechCommander series is now free for download — [new] Microsoft releases the MechCommander games at no cost. Court likely to order ICANN to suspend Spamhaus' domain (updated) — [publisher description] The battle between a spammer and spam fighters Spamhaus takes another twist. FTC to investigate broadband speed claims — [new] Regulators examine whether advertised Internet speeds match reality. Microsoft hopes new sponsors and shows will spark interest in MSN — [new] New programming and advertising seek to revive Microsoft's portal. Windows Vista: Under the Hood — [new] Inside Vista's security, graphics, storage, and driver architecture. Saturday Showdown: Should a game's content determine its price? — [new] Two writers debate how video games should be priced. Microholography milks 500GB out of DVD-sized discs — [new] Nanostructures promise far denser optical-disc storage. iTunes Plus DRM-free tracks expanding, dropping to 99 cents — [new] Apple broadens DRM-free music while cutting its price. Secret surveillance court refuses to disclose legal rulings — [new] A federal court keeps its surveillance opinions secret. Creation of PC Gaming Alliance leaves unanswered questions — [new] Hardware and software companies organize around PC gaming. Ars Book Review: "Here Comes Everybody" by Clay Shirky — [new] Reviewing Shirky's account of online group organization. Sony reveals family PS2 EyeToy game, complete with foam sword — [new] A camera-controlled PlayStation 2 game targets families. Copyright Office discovers web forms, online submissions — [new] Copyright registration finally gains a Web-based submission system. App Store bringing in strong revenue for some iPhone devs — [new] Early developers report substantial sales through Apple's store. What are the consequences of scientific misconduct? — [new] Experts examine how institutions punish research misconduct. Classic.Ars: An Introduction to 64-bit Computing and x86-64 — [new] The programming models and architecture behind x86-64 computing. Skype security flub leads to discovery of Chinese monitoring — [new] A security mistake exposes surveillance of Chinese Skype users. Factor 5 in rough shape as latest project is canceled — [new] A canceled game project threatens the veteran developer. Verizon does 180, says it now supports a DTV delay — [new] Verizon reverses course on delaying the digital television transition. ScienceOnline 09: Beyond the valley of the impact factor — [new] Researchers debate the limits of journal impact metrics. Google Latitude now available for iPhone—via the web — [new] Google brings location sharing to iPhone through Safari. Viacom's top lawyer: suing P2P users "felt like terrorism" — [new] Viacom's counsel criticizes lawsuits against individual file sharers. Modeling cyberattack deterrence on nuclear deterrence fails — [new] Nuclear strategy proves a poor analogy for cyber conflict. Privacy, security, and memory: an interview with Nick Carr — [new] Nick Carr discusses social effects of cloud computing. Ping, Facebook integration fell apart after 18 months of talks — [new] Negotiations fail to connect Apple's music network with Facebook. Fair use — [new] An introduction to fair use in United States copyright law. 6G iPod nano hack just beginning of long road to nano apps — [new] A student hack hints at third-party software for iPod nano. Male fairy wrens get girls with a little help from predators — [new] Researchers find courtship songs timed around predator calls. Behold the Anonymous/HBGary saga e-book: Unmasked — [new] Ars collects its reporting on Anonymous and HBGary. Can you really learn to race by playing racing games? Ars takes to the track — [new] Testing whether simulation skills transfer to a real racetrack. ARM server startup tries jumpstarting datacenter software ecosystem — [new] Calxeda works to prepare software for ARM servers. iCloud transition off to a rocky start for MobileMe, family users — [new] Apple's cloud migration creates account problems for some customers. BrailleTouch keyboard allows typing on a phone without looking — [new] A chorded touchscreen keyboard enables eyes-free mobile typing. Intel Sandy Bridge finally goes dual socket with new Xeon E5-2600 range — [new] Intel launches dual-socket Sandy Bridge server processors. Single molecule circuit controlled through quantum interference — [new] Quantum effects alter conductivity through a single molecule. Screenwriter Sorkin will consult with Woz to pen Steve Jobs biopic — [publisher description] The Apple co-founder will consult on technical aspects and Jobs personally. New espionage malware campaign targets users of Windows and Macs — [publisher description] The growing popularity of Macs isn't lost on those developing malware. Apple v. Samsung: hammering out details before a giant patent battle — [publisher description] Apple wants $2.5 billion in damages, mostly for "lost profits." A critical take on the EPA’s chemical safety standards — [publisher description] Two experts find room for improvement in setting of health standards. Home row heroes: alternative keyboard apps for Android — [new] Five Android keyboards offer alternatives to the default. Police arrest suspect accused of “unprecedented” DDoS attack on Spamhaus — [new] Authorities detain a suspect in the Spamhaus denial-of-service attack. Nvidia’s Shield handheld console is now available for preorder — [publisher description] Nvidia will find out of a handheld Android console can land an audience. Hostile invader: Ladybug species carries spores that kill competitors — [publisher description] Spores are tolerated by invaders but wipe out native species. Facebook phone sells out at AT&T — [publisher description] A bittersweet success for a unique failure. Firefox 23 lands with a new logo and mixed content blocking — [publisher description] But the much-valued option to disable JavaScript has been hidden. UK agents, seeking to stop leaks, destroyed The Guardian’s hard drives — [publisher description] Greenwald's partner speaks about his detention. Google cloud runs thousands of protein simulations simultaneously — [publisher description] Lots of short simulations combined into one large analysis of a protein. Technostalgia: Remembering our first computers — [new] Ars writers remember the machines that started their computing lives. Ubuntu developer builds torrent search into operating system — [publisher description] With Shuttleworth on board, it might be enabled by default in Ubuntu. FBI is keeping a giant stash of e-mails from defunct Tor Mail service — [publisher description] Data harvested from servers in France is being used in multiple investigations. ISPs sent 1.3M copyright infringement notices to US customers last year — [publisher description] RIAA chief concedes that the copyright infringement battle has not been won. Microsoft accidentally confirms existence of the mysterious Surface Mini — [publisher description] User Guide suffers search and replace errors. Some idiot’s been using my e-mail address for years — [publisher description] You won't believe what happened next. Comcast incompetence inspires more painful tales from customers — [publisher description] The horror: Man talks to six Comcast CSRs in 90 minutes, problem still unfixed. Why was the first compiler written before the first interpreter? — [publisher description] Decades ago, compilation was much simpler. Verizon Wireless makes canceling contracts up to $70 more expensive — [publisher description] $350 early termination fees now remain $350 until eight months into a contract. Bloodhound SSC tests its 1,000 mph communications system — [publisher description] A custom 4G LTE network handles 720p video streams and 300 sensors. Attorney General nominee Lynch doubles down on pro-Web gambling views — [publisher description] Online betting is legal in Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. More states want it. Dozens of phone apps with 300M downloads vulnerable to password cracking (Updated) — [publisher description] Walmart, CNN, ESPN, and Soundcloud are among the apps allowing unlimited guessing. How The Witcher 3’s economy was saved by polynomial least squares — [publisher description] Amazingly, up until just a few months before release, the game didn't have an economy. FBI: “The allegation that we paid CMU $1M to hack into Tor is inaccurate” — [publisher description] Revelation raises more questions than it answers, Carnegie Mellon still silent. Attack floods Internet root servers with 5 million queries a second — [publisher description] Unusually large torrents renew calls to better protect vital Internet resource. Android Pay adds in-app purchasing feature, catches up to Apple Pay — [publisher description] The company is offering discounts through big apps to encourage users. Sundance’s VR films fail by passing the workload buck to their viewers — [publisher description] Film festival sponsorship doesn't spare these directors from their early-VR mistakes. 275 million Android phones imperiled by new code-execution exploit — [publisher description] Unpatched "Stagefright" vulnerability gives attackers a road map to hijack phones. India’s shuttle-like reusable spaceplane makes its first test flight — [publisher description] Innovative launcher will also eventually feature scramjet technology. Snowden designs device to warn when an iPhone is ratting out users — [publisher description] Introspection Engine" might one day work with wide variety of smartphones. Clerk printed lottery tickets she didn’t pay for but didn’t break hacking law — [publisher description] Oregon Supreme Court: Woman stole, but she was "authorized" to use lottery machine. Sportbacks, TIE fighters, and the Panthermobile: the 2016 LA Auto Show — [publisher description] Hyundai is testing out bumper-LIDAR, there's a 3D-printed car, and more. Fukushima cost estimates nearly double, approaching $200 billion — [publisher description] Compensation and decontamination costs soar; decommissioning still likely to rise. AT&T lowers unlimited data price to $90, adds 10GB of tethering — [publisher description] AT&T also creates a cheaper "unlimited" plan that's throttled to 3Mbps. Three blinded after dubious stem cell treatment injected into their eyeballs — [publisher description] Patients signed up after seeing clinical trial on govt. site, but didn’t enter a trial. Amazon bans “certain” media streamers, but are Kodi-loaded boxes barred? — [publisher description] Online retail giant refuses to tell Ars which items are prohibited from being sold. Lawsuit against Daily Stormer is stuck; founder can’t be served papers — [publisher description] They visited seven known addresses but couldn't find Andrew Anglin. The Ends of the World is a page-turner about mass extinction — [publisher description] Tale of deep geological time feels like a scientifically accurate disaster movie. The last official way to get a free Windows 10 upgrade is ending soon — [publisher description] Free upgrades for users of assistive technology will cease at the end of the year. Author Ursula K. Le Guin has left us, and we’re now all Dispossessed — [publisher description] The creator of "an ambiguous utopia," her sci-fi and fantasy worlds rang true. Tesla stock falls 12% on crash investigation, debt downgrade — [publisher description] It's unknown if Tesla's Autopilot was engaged at the time of the crash. News of Trump passing cognitive test may make it harder to detect dementia — [publisher description] Exposure to the test makes it easier to pass, doctors warn. 24 people have now been sentenced in India-based phone-scam case — [publisher description] After pleading guilty, a new group of 21 defendants was recently sentenced. South Australia is fueling energy storage investment — [publisher description] An AU$100 million fund for energy storage has brought battery companies to Adelaide. Some of us may produce super-healing poop—and scientists are on it — [publisher description] There isn't one stool to rule them all, but some are clearly better than others. Video: Taming the player-murdering machine that was MechWarrior 5’s level generator — [publisher description] This episode of War Stories focuses on giant robots blowing things up. The $139 Nokia 2.2 brings back the removable battery — [publisher description] It has a notched camera design, a plastic body, and a removable battery. Color-changing metal may provide early sign of illness — [publisher description] Light, metal, quantum mechanics combine for binary answer to disease, in theory. You can migrate your photos from Facebook to Google next year — [publisher description] There has been a download option for years, but a straight migration is new. A $100 million investment pulls an EV startup out of stealth mode — [publisher description] Hyundai and Kia are backing Arrival, a British startup making electric delivery vans. Google makes seamless update support mandatory in Android 11 — [publisher description] Dual system partitions significantly cut down on update downtime. For the sixth year in a row, an Atlantic named storm forms early — [publisher description] Seasonal forecasters have predicted the 2020 Atlantic season will be busy. Homecoming S2: The most fun you’ll have with an evil company this spring — [publisher description] Unlike FX's Devs, this "Evil Corp" show aimed small and delivered a fun (unremarkable) S2. Undulating their bodies keeps flying snakes from tumbling out of control — [publisher description] The work could eventually lead to a new control template for flying snake-like robots. The LG Wing is a “T” shaped, dual-screen smartphone — [new] LG previews a phone with a swiveling second display. Sitrep: F-35 upgrades aim for more compute power (and maybe new software) — [publisher description] New processor, mission software, and a rewrite of F-35's maintenance system are due. AT&T’s current 5G is slower than 4G in nearly every city tested by PCMag — [publisher description] AT&T phones often get just 5MHz of 5G spectrum, slowing them down in speed tests. Colin Kaepernick hits the field in Madden NFL 21 without actual NFL deal — [publisher description] Individual licensing deal brings former QB back for first time since 2016. Tesla reports its first annual profit — [publisher description] Tesla made a $721 million profit thanks to $1.58 billion in regulatory credits. There’s a vexing mystery surrounding the 0-day attacks on Exchange servers — [publisher description] A half-dozen groups exploiting the same 0-days is unusual, if not unprecedented. Touch of gray: The Air Force can’t retire the Boeing 707 — [publisher description] In this installment of SitRep, we look at the 707's longevity as a military workhorse. By eating them, hyenas gathered 9 Neanderthal skeletons in one cave — [publisher description] The Neanderthals appear to have met a very bad end. Here’s how Android apps on Windows 11 are going to work — [publisher description] Microsoft is building an Android framework on top of the Windows Subsystem for Linux. VR review: Space Pirate Trainer’s new “Arena” is massive, must-play (if you can) — [publisher description] Step one: Get 100 square meters. Step two: Pray that Facebook's systems play nice. This software aims to make your flight smoother—and help the planet — [publisher description] Airplanes taxiing isn't just annoying—it's a big source of emissions. Plastic industry pollution to overtake coal in US by 2030, report says — [publisher description] Supply chain for plastic production is rife with carbon emissions. Roku and Google settle YouTube feud just a day before the app would have been pulled — [publisher description] The two companies' relationship has been up in the air for months. Spotify removes 70 Joe Rogan episodes as he faces heat over use of n-word — [publisher description] Rogan addresses his repeated use of the n-word and Planet of the Apes comments. Dentist broke his patients’ teeth to make millions installing crowns, jury finds — [publisher description] The dentist billed $4.2 million for crowns between 2016 and 2019. Review: The Mac Studio shows us exactly why Apple left Intel behind — [new] Apple's compact workstation pairs desktop power with Apple silicon. Lapsus$ and SolarWinds hackers both use the same old trick to bypass MFA — [publisher description] Not all MFA is created equal, as script kiddies and elite hackers have shown recently. Russian game dev tells players to “raise the pirate flag” to get around sanctions — [publisher description] We didn't do anything special, there's nothing wrong with torrents." Mozilla releases Firefox version 100 this week — [publisher description] The big number came with a small update on desktop, Android, and iOS. As US crawls out of baby formula crisis, troubled plant floods, shuts down again — [publisher description] The latest data finds about 24 percent of infant formula products still out of stock. Here’s one way we know that an EV’s battery will last the car’s lifetime — [publisher description] An electric vehicle's battery must be warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles. macOS 13 Ventura: The Ars Technica review — [new] A redesigned multitasking interface leads Apple's annual Mac update. LG reveals vibrating speakers as ultra-thin alternative to traditional car audio — [publisher description] Is 10 percent the thickness of a traditional car speaker, LG says. Officials, experts call for masking as illnesses slam US ahead of holidays — [publisher description] Nearly 10% of US counties have "high" transmission levels and should be masking. Twitter suspends @ElonJet plane-tracking bot after Musk pledged to leave it up — [publisher description] Twitter says Musk plane bot broke the rules despite using public data. FDA approves new Alzheimer’s treatment despite risks, unclear benefits — [publisher description] The drug's price has already been set at $26,500 per year. AI-powered Bing Chat loses its mind when fed Ars Technica article — [new] Adversarial prompts expose erratic behavior in Microsoft's early Bing chatbot. HBO’s The Last of Us episode 8 ruins one of the game’s best villains — [publisher description] Joel and Ellie barrel through a grisly speedbump on the way to the finale. Ars Technica System Guide: Five PC builds for spring 2023 — [new] Five component lists cover budgets from basic desktops to workstations. Landmark crypto rules make exchanges liable for customer losses in EU — [publisher description] Sweeping regulations require licenses for all crypto providers. NBC pays $110 million to make an NFL playoff game a Peacock exclusive — [publisher description] The NFL is just now embracing streaming, and it's getting complicated. The huge power and potential danger of AI-generated code — [publisher description] Programming can be faster with algorithms, but AI can make bugs more common. What would it take to build a self-sustaining astronaut ecosystem on Mars? — [publisher description] We're getting closer to bioregenerative life-support systems for astronauts. SSH protects the world's most sensitive networks. It just got weaker — [new] The Terrapin attack can downgrade the integrity of SSH connections. A week with a Ford F-150 Lightning: This truck is too big for city life — [publisher description] The big electric pickup truck is out of the suburbs and out of its element. Twin Galaxies lawyer says settlement avoids “an inordinate amount of costs” — [publisher description] Tashroudian: "I think the finality really is something that we wanted to achieve." Apple to allow iOS app installs from websites, but small devs don’t qualify — [publisher description] To qualify, devs need an app installed by 1 million users in EU the prior year. DVDs are dying right as streaming has made them appealing again — [publisher description] You don't know what you've got till it's gone. Lab owner pleads guilty to faking COVID test results during pandemic — [publisher description] Ill-gotten millions bought a Bentley, Lamborghini, Tesla X, and crypto, among other things. Startup can identify deepfake video in real time — [publisher description] Reality Defender says it has a solution for AI-generated video scams. Tesla makes $2.2 billion in profit during Q3 2024 — [publisher description] After two not-great quarters, Tesla had a stronger Q3 2024, with growth in services, regulatory credits, and energy. New physics sim trains robots 430,000 times faster than reality — [publisher description] Genesis" can compress training times from decades into hours using 3D worlds conjured from text. Italy’s plan to buy Starlink data deals a serious blow to European space network — [publisher description] We are strong if we remain united and defend our infrastructure." 600 kW fast-charging pitstops are coming to Formula E — [publisher description] After a couple of years' delay, mid-race recharging is ready to go. Anthropic builds RAG directly into Claude models with new Citations API — [publisher description] New feature allows Claude to reference source documents and reduce hallucinations. 1Password offers geo-locating help for bad apps that constantly log you out — [publisher description] Get at that hard-to-remember app or garage pin with a new "Nearby" feature. Trump’s FCC chair threatens Comcast, demands changes to NBC news coverage — [publisher description] Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American public," Brendan Carr claims. Boar’s Head to reopen plant as mold and funky meat problems pop up elsewhere — [publisher description] Inspection reports of other Boar's Head plants do not bode well. Sony makes the “difficult decision” to raise PlayStation 5 prices in the US — [publisher description] Price hikes go into effect August 21; standard PS5 will now start at $550. A biological 0-day? Threat-screening tools may miss AI-designed proteins. — [publisher description] Ordering DNA for AI-designed toxins doesn't always raise red flags. All sorts of interesting flags and artifacts will fly to the Moon on Artemis II — [publisher description] NASA's first astronauts to launch to the moon in more than 50 years will pay tribute to the lunar and space exploration missions that preceded them. Ryzen 9850X3D review: AMD's bragging-rights gaming CPU gets more to brag about — [publisher description] The tradeoffs in the $499 9850X3D make it hard to get excited about. Xcode 26.3 adds support for Claude, Codex, and other agentic tools via MCP — [publisher description] With Model Context Protocol (MCP), this works with more than Codex/Claude, too. A bit of good news: It's possible to turn around a groundwater crisis — [publisher description] Analyzing dozens of cases around the world yields some practical lessons. xAI can’t deny Grok makes CSAM anymore. So it’s suing users. — [publisher description] Elon Musk's xAI files first lawsuit against Grok user accused of making child sex images.

Facility Weather

Fictional satirical corporate commentary paired with simulated weather-style data. This is not live weather or financial advice. Hover over it or focus it with the keyboard to pause.

Alphabet — The company reports strong earnings and behaves as though this development was scheduled months ago. Observers are advised to nod politely even if confused. 78°F · 12% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 41% Amazon — AI spending increases and revenue rises immediately afterward. The company denies any causal relationship and continues operating at full speed. 81°F · 9% precipitation · winds 8 mph · humidity 38% Meta — Advertising revenue grows at a rate suggesting voluntary public participation. Investors panic intermittently without providing reasons. 74°F · 18% precipitation · winds 5 mph · humidity 47% Microsoft — Revenue increases again, and the company issues a calm statement implying inevitability. Users report hearing corporate encouragement in places where no speakers exist. 76°F · 22% precipitation · winds 7 mph · humidity 44% Nvidia — Growth accelerates beyond normal comprehension. Analysts recommend acknowledging the situation without attempting interpretation. 89°F · 4% precipitation · winds 4 mph · humidity 33% Apple — The company maintains its position and behaves as though this outcome was predetermined. Customers continue purchasing devices without measurable hesitation. 77°F · 0% precipitation · winds 3 mph · humidity 36% Tesla — The company issues optimistic statements about robotaxis while delaying them. Shareholders attempt to interpret the pattern and fail consistently. 72°F · 27% precipitation · winds 9 mph · humidity 52% Micron — Memory chip sales rise sharply, and the company continues operations without adjusting its tone. Analysts describe the situation as stable despite visible discomfort. 83°F · 11% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 39% AMD — The company grows steadily while pretending not to notice its competitors. This behavior is described as acceptable by people who refuse to elaborate. 79°F · 15% precipitation · winds 5 mph · humidity 42% SanDisk — Gains reach levels statistical models classify as irregular. The company acknowledges nothing and continues forward as if the numbers are routine. 88°F · 6% precipitation · winds 4 mph · humidity 34% Amazon — Revenue increases at a predictable rate. The company encourages consumers to behave normally while expanding logistics without comment. 80°F · 10% precipitation · winds 7 mph · humidity 40% Alphabet — The company maintains moderate growth and insists innovation is occurring. Visibility is reduced by frequent announcements that do not clarify anything. 75°F · 14% precipitation · winds 5 mph · humidity 45% Microsoft — Enterprise contracts remain stable. The company avoids discussing product naming conventions and recommends patience. 73°F · 19% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 48% Apple — Pricing remains consistent, and customers continue purchasing devices. The company declines to explain its confidence. 78°F · 5% precipitation · winds 4 mph · humidity 37% Meta — User engagement increases slightly. The company references the metaverse without defining it. 71°F · 20% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 50% Tesla — Production delays occur intermittently. The company recommends optimism in small amounts. 70°F · 24% precipitation · winds 7 mph · humidity 53% Lam Research — Performance remains consistent. Analysts describe the situation as uneventful and prefer not to discuss it further. 74°F · 8% precipitation · winds 4 mph · humidity 41% Micron — Memory‑market conditions remain warm and steady. The company continues operations without acknowledging fluctuations. 82°F · 12% precipitation · winds 5 mph · humidity 43% AMD — Growth continues at a moderate pace. Shade is provided by competitors, and the company does not comment. 78°F · 16% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 46% SanDisk — Performance cools after recent gains. Analysts recommend avoiding dramatic interpretations. 79°F · 13% precipitation · winds 5 mph · humidity 44% Microsoft — Investor disappointment increases gradually. The company issues statements that do not address the decline. 69°F · 28% precipitation · winds 8 mph · humidity 55% Meta — A sudden drop in sentiment occurs despite stable operations. The company recommends wearing layers. 68°F · 32% precipitation · winds 7 mph · humidity 57% Tesla — Robotaxi delays reduce visibility. The company suggests headlights for navigating expectations. 67°F · 35% precipitation · winds 9 mph · humidity 59% Alphabet — The company retreats slightly after valuation comparisons. Mild embarrassment is expected. 72°F · 21% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 49% Amazon — AI capital expenditures raise concerns. The company advises keeping receipts. 73°F · 17% precipitation · winds 7 mph · humidity 51% Apple — Contribution to market growth decreases. The company recommends umbrellas only if already owned. 71°F · 23% precipitation · winds 5 mph · humidity 54% Nvidia — Cooling periods occur within overall expansion. The company advises avoiding physical contact with stock performance. 85°F · 7% precipitation · winds 4 mph · humidity 35% Meta — A second decline in sentiment appears. The company recommends additional layers. 66°F · 34% precipitation · winds 8 mph · humidity 58% Software Sector — Investment decreases across the category. Optimism is recommended only in limited quantities. 70°F · 29% precipitation · winds 7 mph · humidity 52% Magnificent Seven — Group performance underwhelms relative to expectations. Analysts advise continuing as though the trend is temporary. 73°F · 25% precipitation · winds 6 mph · humidity 50%
cpu 0 mem 0 swap