Quantum Computers

Scientists and mathematicians have long theorized about the seemingly vast powers of quantum computers once they become a reality, allowing, among other things, cryptographers a chance to break down complex codes like the RSA. Work is currently going on at multiple locations across the world in both the practical and theoretical spheres, to try to bring these computers as closer to reality as possible.

Quantum computers are so called because they make use of some specific quantum mechanical properties and phenomenon for computational purposes. These computers can solve complex problems rather easily, considering the fact that a similar level of complexity in problems might be simply too much for current generation of conventional computers. Quantum computers feature qubits (quantum bits) as the equivalent of conventional bits, but are vastly different. Bits can either take a value of zero or one. Qubits on the other hand can take on a value of zero, one or a complex composite of both these values, all at the same time, courtesy a strange quantum mechanical property called superposition. This means the qubit can correspond to both ‘on’ and ‘off’ states simultaneously. Thus, quantum computers can skip several steps taken by conventional computers that require them to take on each possible value one by one.

Unlike bits which are basically electrical currents in a circuit, qubits are very much physical in nature, consisting of controllable particles like individual atoms, and quantum computers work by manipulating them by means of magnetic fields. But thanks to stranger quantum mechanical properties, exposure to external magnetic fields will destroy a qubit’s ability to be in the on and off states simultaneously, defeating the entire purpose. Neighbouring qubits will also be affected.

But physicists and researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. have now come up with a new technique that allows qubits to be manipulated individually, without destroying any of their properties or disturbing neighbouring qubits. The new method uses polarized laser light to pinpoint target atoms, and microwaves are used to manipulate them. Isolated Rubidium atoms are used as qubits. Individual atoms are held in place by an optical lattice of laser beams.

These individual atoms can exist in eight different energy states, and the new method assigns two different values to pairs of energy states. The “memory” function is assigned to two states, representing ‘on’ and ‘off’, while another pair of states is given the “compute” function. These pairs themselves are insensitive to fields, but transitions between memory and computing states are field-sensitive. Microwaves can convert a memory function to a working or computing one, thus enabling both reading and writing.

As of now, small scale quantum computers concentrating on computing upon few qubits are in use in labs, but continuing research like this is bound to speed up and scale up these future machines.

I am just thinking what to do right now after watching the movie 'the social network'. Mark Zuckerberg had made theFacebook, what else is left for me to do? any idea? :)

Final Year project

Hi guys
well am here just for some time to ask for some help from anyone.
I've got my final year grad project to do but am not getting any project topic to work upon. Any one have any idea or something? kindly revert me at elton2jain@yahoo.com

thank you

its been so long....

Well, hello guys, hope you doing all fine,
So I finally ended up here today after writing about some months of posting on blogger and a Semi-annul vacation. Actually my college and the studies and the examination just kept me completely busy over time. I hardly got time to go out and play. Moreover, had a bucketful of freelance projects to work upon. Seriously, working with the Databases and the Security together is a mind-freaking task. At times, I even felt like giving up the projects itself (thought I didn't do that.). So finally will start with some research work upon new technologies, and hopefully will be starting some good'ol projects. Basically, many of the modules are already being used in the market, but am still willing to make a different logic & concept of my own, thus giving the project more reliability and functionality. Though anyhow, I just concentrate on the design and the UI of the application (b'coz that's what I'm really really good in....).

Lets see when I get time, the next time, so can come up here and press the keyboard for this blog.

NVTouch Surface Computer gets you into the multitouch table game for a scant $70k

Want to get all multitouchy with a large-screened table without buying into the Microsoft Surface ecosystem? Are you independently wealthy and a bit of a bring-your-own-x nerd type? Oh, good. The folks at NVision Solutions and Intuilab have teamed up to build the "durable" rear projection NVTouch Surface Computer, which retails for around $70,000. The unit is built around off-the-shelf components like a projector, desktop PC and standard video card, and can be upgraded and customized by NVision or the buyer. Obviously this is centered around commercial applications where buyers are going to be building highly custom apps, but Intuilab has some pretty great concept apps already built for the table as a bit of a jumping off point.

Google executives found guilty of violating privacy of student bullied on video

Hold tight kids, internet privacy laws just got flipped upside down. An Italian judge found three Google executives guilty of violating the privacy of an Italian student who was bullied in a 2006 video posted on Google Video. The video resided on the site for two months before it was brought to Google's attention and pulled. None of the executives were involved in any way in the making of the abhorrent video. Nevertheless, Italian judge Oscar Magi sentenced the execs to a six-month prison sentence but cleared them of defamation charges. No jail time is expected, however, since any sentence of less than 3 years is typically commuted in Italy for those without a criminal record.

As you can imagine, Google has responded with vigor. In a post on Google's official blog, Google calls the decision "astonishing" citing the assistance it provided to local police in helping bring those who uploaded the video (and bullied the autistic child) to justice. More importantly, Google says that the decision "attacks the very principles of freedom on which the Internet is built." On the surface, we have to agree. Here's how Google describes the dystopian knock-on effect should this ruling take precedent:

"European Union law was drafted specifically to give hosting providers a safe harbor from liability so long as they remove illegal content once they are notified of its existence. The belief, rightly in our opinion, was that a notice and take down regime of this kind would help creativity flourish and support free speech while protecting personal privacy. If that principle is swept aside and sites like Blogger, YouTube and indeed every social network and any community bulletin board, are held responsible for vetting every single piece of content that is uploaded to them - every piece of text, every photo, every file, every video - then the Web as we know it will cease to exist, and many of the economic, social, political and technological benefits it brings could disappear."

Google will, of course, appeal.

Activision says "Call of Duty" series tops $3 billion

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Activision Blizzard Inc said on Friday its "Call of Duty" video game franchise pushed past the $3 billion mark in global retail sales.

Overall, the "Call of Duty" series has sold more than 55 million units since its launch in 2003, Activision said, citing data compiled by NPD Group, Charttrack, GfK and internal company estimates.

The company released the sixth title in the series, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," earlier this month to record-breaking results.

The first-person shooter game recorded an estimated $550 million in sales in its first five days on the market. It sold 4.7 million copies on the first day in the United States and United Kingdom alone.

"If you consider the number of hours our audiences are engaged in playing Call of Duty games, it is likely to be one of the most viewed of all entertainment experiences in modern history," Activision Chief Executive Bobby Kotick said in a company release.

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3-5 Acer Android Phones In 2010

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Acer is known mostly as a computer maker but this year they produced 10 mobile phones. Nine of those ten phones ran Windows Mobile and the latter – the Acer A1 – is an Android Phone expected to launch this week. With the company’s cost conscious approach to mobile phone manufacturing it is a REALLY good thing that we’ll be seeing many more Acer Android’s in 2010:

“Next year it will be much more balanced,” Aymar de Lencquesaing told Reuters in an interview.

“There is definitely momentum behind Android. The pace is faster than most would have anticipated one year ago,” he said, adding that the company had no plans to use other operating systems.

Don’t expect a FLOOD of phones but you can bet that Acer will have anywhere from 3 to 5 Android Phones in 2010:

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Dell Releases Latitude Z With Wireless Charging

The ultra-thin laptop can wirelessly access power, USB ports, audio jacks, and a DVI video link.

Dell on Tuesday unveiled its ultra-thin personal computer -- the Latitude Z600 -- with its long-awaited "inductive charging" feature.
The $1,999 PC appears to be aimed at Apple's Air laptop computer, as both are very thin and very light. The Latitude Z weighs 4.5 pounds and is just 0.55 inches thick. Its distinguishing feature is its ability to charge the device simply by placing the notebook computer on a custom stand with inductive charging that powers the PC in the same way that many electric toothbrushes are charged.

The optional custom docking station lets the Latitude Z wirelessly access USB ports, audio jacks, and a DVI video link, provided that the docking station is situated within 9 feet of the PC. The additional stand and docking station add about $400 to the base price of the Latitude Z.

The Latitude Z's 16-inch 1600x900 resolution widescreen represents the high end of the Latitude family.

While Dell has successfully produced a sleek and elegant design, the casing still hides a ruggedized magnesium alloy chassis that covers a large 8-cell battery. On close examination, users will find a full-sized keyboard with scalloped keys.

The Latitude Z comes with two central processing unit options from Intel. The ultra-low-voltage Core 2 Duo SU9600 delivers 1.6 GHz while the ULV SU9400 hits 1.4 GHz. The computer is shipping now with Windows Vista.

Quantum Computers

Scientists and mathematicians have long theorized about the seemingly vast powers of quantum computers once they become a reality, allowing, among other things, cryptographers a chance to break down complex codes like the RSA. Work is currently going on at multiple locations across the world in both the practical and theoretical spheres, to try to bring these computers as closer to reality as possible.

Quantum computers are so called because they make use of some specific quantum mechanical properties and phenomenon for computational purposes. These computers can solve complex problems rather easily, considering the fact that a similar level of complexity in problems might be simply too much for current generation of conventional computers. Quantum computers feature qubits (quantum bits) as the equivalent of conventional bits, but are vastly different. Bits can either take a value of zero or one. Qubits on the other hand can take on a value of zero, one or a complex composite of both these values, all at the same time, courtesy a strange quantum mechanical property called superposition. This means the qubit can correspond to both ‘on’ and ‘off’ states simultaneously. Thus, quantum computers can skip several steps taken by conventional computers that require them to take on each possible value one by one.

Unlike bits which are basically electrical currents in a circuit, qubits are very much physical in nature, consisting of controllable particles like individual atoms, and quantum computers work by manipulating them by means of magnetic fields. But thanks to stranger quantum mechanical properties, exposure to external magnetic fields will destroy a qubit’s ability to be in the on and off states simultaneously, defeating the entire purpose. Neighbouring qubits will also be affected.

But physicists and researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. have now come up with a new technique that allows qubits to be manipulated individually, without destroying any of their properties or disturbing neighbouring qubits. The new method uses polarized laser light to pinpoint target atoms, and microwaves are used to manipulate them. Isolated Rubidium atoms are used as qubits. Individual atoms are held in place by an optical lattice of laser beams.

These individual atoms can exist in eight different energy states, and the new method assigns two different values to pairs of energy states. The “memory” function is assigned to two states, representing ‘on’ and ‘off’, while another pair of states is given the “compute” function. These pairs themselves are insensitive to fields, but transitions between memory and computing states are field-sensitive. Microwaves can convert a memory function to a working or computing one, thus enabling both reading and writing.

As of now, small scale quantum computers concentrating on computing upon few qubits are in use in labs, but continuing research like this is bound to speed up and scale up these future machines.

Information Courtesy - Zordha