Anything Everything

Maybe, it is just my stupidity. But after watching the following movies, I became greatly concerned about the growth of today's artificial intelligence development.

1. I, Robot

2. Artificial Intelligence – A.I

3. The Matrix

In addition to all these, came the news about a new robot having some basics of emotions, developed by some scientists. They adapt themselves with their masters such that, if two robots of the same make are brought by two very different individuals, they will soon differ in their behavior.

From basic robots that does monotonic works in industries, we have developed robots that have emotions. This pace of technology is somewhat alarming. So far, we've considered robots as machines that are programmed to do tasks that are either difficult for humans to perform, or to ease our work load. But now, the scenario has changed a bit. Now, robots are more and more human, both in structure & behavior.

Swarm intelligence is a developing area in robotic development. It is the collective intelligence of a group of robots. Robots team up together to do various chores in a collective way. This is no science fiction. Many prototypes are in the early stages of development. Of course, it has a lot of advantages. But, it is like a double edged sword. It can harm those who handle it.

We shouldn't discard these films as wild imaginations. They are more of a prophesy. We shouldn't let them happen. The 3 laws of robotics guarantee a safe future for us. But, what if the robots get more cunning than we expected and rebel against us? Will we be any match for them? Does intelligent man + un-intelligent machines be equal to intelligent machines?

In the pretext of making our lives more comfortable, we are making everything around us intelligent. And the alarming fact is that, they are also able to communicate, but now, with a server machine. What if the control system goes awry? Machines communicating among themselves. We can't hear them plotting against us. We can't eavesdrop, because, here too we need the help of machines. This sounds like total chaos. We are stranded, helpless in the midst of our own creations, looking for a way out.

Some thing is surely weird. Is it the technical brilliance that may suffocate us in the near future with it's sheer intelligence, or is it my random, but foolish thoughts about a coming face of technology that will brighten up our lives. Are my fears un-necessary? Or, did I just over react to the innovative ideas of some film makers? I don't know the answer now. But, soon we all will know!!

Most parents in India, especially in Kerala prefer to restrict the career preferences of their children to two options – Engineer or Doctor. These two are the most widely preferred career options now. Though, they both are considered equally respectable, a doctor gets more consideration from the general public and is treated with reverence. But, an engineer is just an engineer! This is partly due to the fact that, engineers outnumber doctors. Also, a doctor can save a valuable human life, while an engineer is incapable of doing so.

But, what bothers me is the attitude of the general public, who treats a mechanic as God, and God as a mechanic!

What does a doctor do? He helps people sustain life in their bodies by repairing their bodies, that are damaged by various internal or external factors.

What does an engineer do? He designs and develops new systems that are capable of doing improved tasks or improves the existing systems to cope with the current situations.

What does a mechanic do? He repairs the existing machinery, so that it can be used again without abandoning it as scrap.

And, God is the master designer, who designed and created the universe and all the living and non-living things in it.

From these above statements, we can be deduce the similarities between the doings of God and an engineer. Also, we can see how similar are the works of a doctor and a mechanic. But still, nobody accepts this. Repairing a living body of a man is not the work of a mechanic, it is that of God. Designing and creating new non-living technologies is the work of a mechanic, and not of God. Why?

Life is very, very important. That's the reason. That's the only reason. A machinery like a computer is quite similar to human brain in some aspects. If the processor is damaged due to a sudden voltage surge, the whole computer is dead. But, replacing the damaged one with a new one solves the problem and breathes new life into the machine. But a sudden surge in blood pressure can lead to hemorrhage in the brain which results in the death of a man. But, the dead man can't be brought to life by replacing the brain. That's the speciality of biological life. Once, there occurs a break in it's flow, then we can't do anything to resume it!

A burnt out fuse and a damaged kidney are not identical. Engineers do create new things, while doctors just repair existing stuff. But, the common man doesn't need the inside stories and the difficulties faced by an engineer while he develops a new technology. They just see a brilliant doctor rescuing a man in critical situation, with his skills and experience. For them, the stethoscope is a magic wand, that can make anything possible.

Developing a new system requires many sleepless nights and tons of brilliance put together. A designer must think of every possible situation the new system may face and must include all necessary safety features in it. And there lies the biggest difference. An engineer knows all about the system he has developed. He knows how it will react in a particular situation. Even if there arises a problem that he couldn't predict, he can identify it's cause and fix that bug.

But, no one knows everything about human body and mind. A doctor can't say for sure, if a surgery will correct a problem. He says there is a chance for failure. He knows, human body is unpredictable. He can't state a thing with 100% certainty.

There are flaws and accidents in the systems developed by man, that is known to him. But, engineers have two cases for everything he develops – an ideal case and a practical case. We know 100% about the ideal case, but we know only 99.99% of the practical case. This small percentage of ignorance can attribute to all those unfortunate incidents.

Ideally, 99.99% knowledge is not complete knowledge. But practically, it is complete knowledge.

The latest edition of the world's popular Linux distribution, Ubuntu was released on 29 April 2010. Codenamed Lucid Lynx, Ubuntu 10.04 is a long term service edition, unlike its predecessor. Desktop editions will get services and security updates for 3 years. Join the free software community by switching to Ubuntu 10.04. If you are not familiar with Linux, atleast give it a try. You'll surely love it. Visit the ubuntu site for more details

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Ubuntu 10.04 features

We all live in a technologically advanced world. The world is advancing at a very rapid pace. Technology, the youngest son of science is taking us forward. Every sunrise brings about new technologies, that may or may not have the potential to change the human race. The past decade saw technology influencing our lives in tremendous ways.

The most significant advances occured in information technology. The I.T boom was like a second industrial revolution. An electronic device that has the potential to do almost anything. The computer changed almost all walks of life. From household office works to corporate business works, a computer eased the effort of man. If a single computer can do so many things, then what will be the case, if a group of computers are connected together. This led to the world wide network of computers, alias, INTERNET. From static web pages at the beginning, to the interactive social networking sites today, internet's growth was simply marvellous. Now, it is used for banking, chatting, acquiring knowledge, shopping and a variety of other purposes. The world is getting more and more closer.

The internet has become an integral part of our lives today. We rely on it. This led to various innovations centred around the internet. Software and hardware developers across the world are developing systems that are based on the internet. More and more applications are being developed to bring almost every real worldly thing to the internet's virtual world. A new branch of technology, bio-informatics is trying to converge biology and information technology. Put simply, they are on the way of bringing life to the internet. We are being more and ore web-centric. Technologies, aimed at reducing the gap between real and virtual worlds are in their beta, or alpha states. They aim at integrating human beings into the web.

So, our future will be a virtual one. But, is it necessary? Or, is it what we really need? My answer is an emphatic NO. The reason is that, those who are developing such technologies are only interested in the advantages of the system. They cunningly try to cover up the problems associated with it. These technologies usually have a fun or fiction factor. They were the fantasies of which we once dreamed about. So, when we first see this technology, we will be instantly attracted to it. We will praise it. But, the problem is that, as technology grew bigger, so did the criminals. From crimes like theft or murder, criminals have migrated to cyber thefts, hacking, cyber-terrorism etc. The real shocking fact about such cyber crimes is that, the criminals are just teenagers, with a sharp digital brain. The new technologies are instantly analysed by them to exploit it's weaknesses to make profit out of it. They will resort to any method for their benefit.

Technology is supposed to be the friend of man, a true friend. He should not harm us in any way. It is the responsibility of the future engineers to develop technologies that benefit mankind. It should be for our benefit only. It should not in any case pose a threat to us. While developing newer technologies, some basic ethics should be kept in mind. Man is more important than machine. Develop technologies from a humanitarian point of view. It is not the entertainment or commercial value of technology, that is important. Be more human centric. Think of all possible pros and cons of the technology, while it is just an idea in your mind. It is rather good to kill an idea, than to kill the entire human race. For the future to be bright and shining, we must filter out all the evils in our technology. That's the only way out of this never-ending web of evil.

A computer in any form – desktop or laptop or netbook, needs an operating system to function. That is what makes all the difference. So many kinds of operating systems are available. Some are popular, some are gaining popularity and some are losing it. The following is an actual event.

*********

Scene 1 (A Computer Shop)

A man walks inside the shop. The sales executive smiles heartily.

Executive: Good Morning Sir. Please be seated.

Customer sits in a chair opposite him.

Customer: Thank you. Hmmm, I came to enquire about laptops.

Executive: Well, how much is your budget sir?

Customer: Around Rs.30,000

Executive searches his desk and produces a printed estimate.

Executive: Sir, this is the price list of laptops

Customer reads the list. He ponders for a minute. He then pushes the list to the executive and points to a particular brand.

Customer: How about this one?

Executive: Nice one sir. Total costs around Rs.29,000. Has got nice features. But, they don't provide O.S with it. But, we will install 'the popular O.S' for you.

Customer: No, no. I don't need it. Do you have linux? Ubuntu?

Executive: (slightly confused) I think we have it. What's the latest version?

Customer: 9.10

Executive: No, we don't have that. But we have 9.0

Customer: 9.04?

Executive: Yes, that one.

Customer: O.k, that's enough. I need it this weekend.

Executive: No problem sir.

Customer: O.k. Then I will buy it this weekend

Executive: Thank you

Scene 2 (Same Computer Shop, 3 days later)

Customer walks in. A warm smile wraps the lips of the executive. He politely asks the customer to sit, and goes inside. Customer sits an looks around. A moment later, the executive comes back with a new laptop. Customer examines it and nods.

Executive: We will install O.S in it. And you want Linux. Yes?

Customer: Yes, Linux.... only.

The Executive's expression changes from astonishment to horror. He looks at the customer as if asking 'how are you going to use this laptop?'. A computer operator comes and takes the laptop inside. Customer follows. He turns it on and slides a c.d inside and begins the installation process.

Operator: Not many people ask for linux here. Some have it installed along with 'the popular O.S', to avoid virus problems.

Customer: I use it at home. I loved it. No problem till now. I could get every need of mine from it's software library.

Operator: I've used Ubuntu while I was at Bangalore. It's a nice one. Easy to use too

Customer: No copyright problems and all.

Operator: No one has asked for linux here in a new system. Every one wants the 7^th instalment of 'the popular O.S'.

Customer: May be because, most people don't know other types of O.S exist. They are far more advantageous than what they use now.

Operator: Popular trend. For most people, 'the popular O.S' is synonymous to computers.

Customer: It has got it's own drawbacks.

Operator: Sure. Many school kids take new systems to play games and surf and load the system with viruses a week after they buy a new system. Every day, we've got atleast 2 systems to format. They don't understand.

Customer: Why don't you try to popularise Linux? Ask people to give it a try.

Operator: Most are still under the impression that Linux is still a command line O.S. They haven't cared to enquire about it.

Customer: Even computer engg. students are reluctant to embrace Linux. Let alone common people.

Operator: I haven't used Ubuntu much. Will it support integrated camera and bluetooth in this lap?

Customer: Sure, there are some softwares available. It will work. Just have to download it. Every application is available.

Operator: Oh! that's great.

As the conversation went on, the installation progressed. In about 25 minutes the laptop had Ubuntu installed in it. Customer examines the system. Feeling satisfied, he pays for it and leaves the shop.

Scene 3 (Customer's home, same day)

Customer installs the necessary libraries to compile C/C++ programs, a camera software, plugins to open music and video files. These new programs, installed with ease, plus the pre-installed photo editor, browser, office package, instant messenger, bluetooth, disc burning softwares makes the customer smile heartily.

***********

A computer installed with only open source softwares is like an unpoisoned coffee. You can trust it fully. You can use it. No side effects. But the proprietary softwares are taking advantage of it's customers by giving them drugged coffee. Once you drink it, you may become an addict and there will be no return.

The Internet is one of the most stunning and useful inventions of man. We use it to gather information about the world around us, the people around us, and the world beyond us. Now a days, it has become the primary source of information to mankind. It's not an exaggeration if I say, “we all live in a cyber world”. This cyber world almost make disappear the boundary between the real and virtual worlds. Though it is primarily a virtual world, we consider it almost as the real world. We spend our consciousness wandering about the cyber space. We are slowly transforming into cyber organisms.

Social networking sites were the miracles of the Internet, like e-mail, instant messenger etc. They help us keep in touch with almost every acquaintance and broadened our relationships. They helped us acquire new friends, retrieve lost ones etc. But, are we addicted to these sites? Sort of. Recently, social networking and micro blogging sites have made many controversies. Some sccuse them of stealing valuable time of professionals, while some are concerned of our negligence towards the real world, while we are immersed in the cyber space. They are making us more and more social. But, only virtually. They are actually mutilating the physical social relationships. We are being trapped in a virtual world, as in the film “The Matrix”. But are there sentinel programs running inside this world? Yes!

Almost everyone across the globe have realised the potential of the Internet. From school kids to professionals to governments to senior citizen, nearly every one depends on the Internet for something or the other. And that is exactly what they wanted. They are the sentinel programs. They are cyber terrorists. They are not cyber criminals. They don't hack into systems to steal money, they do cyber warfare. They target nations, not individuals. They are backed by extremist groups both financially and politically. They trick computing talents to hack into the vital functions of a country like power ,defence, telecommunications, railways etc. They manipulate them to create chaos and havoc inside the country to achieve their political motto – destabilise the government. They use the information highway to demolish a nation, it's people.

But, what does this have to do with social networking sites? They use them as a cover. They befriend the gullible to pave way for their ruthless activities. They use religious faith to motivate people. The proliferation of religious communities in such sites is a major concern. People fall in such pits without even knowing about it. These pits are so dark and so deep that, there is no return, once you fall. The impact of such a fall in our lives is very, very devastating. We will be left with nothing but memories – sweet memories of the good days, and bitter ones of those dark days. So, it's a good measure to watch each of your step in the cyber space.

I will brief the things in a nutshell. The cyber space is just a virtual world. Don't mistake it for, or mess with the real world. Being social is good, because man is a social being. But, we should live socially in the real world too. Be more realistic. If you see a man in distress, don't tweet about it to let the world know, but help him if you can. Sharing your thoughts is good. It relieves our pain, doubles up happiness. But, draw a line between what to share and what not to. Cyber space is not secret-proof. Eavesdropping is more intense there. Every thing you do is being recorded by some one. Keep it in mind! Be aware of the pitfalls and man-hunters, lurking at the dark corners of the web. Always be accompanied by light. It's the only preventive measure. Look at the bright sides of web, stick to these safe zones, and don't poke your nose into the dark.

The Internet is good. It helps us do a lot, ease our jobs, widens our horizons, etc. But don't rely it. No, no... you can rely on it. Don't lean on it too much. Stand on your own foot. Don't get the web control you. Don't be a cyber being.

P.S: For those of you who don't believe in evolution, here's the proof. There's an almost abrupt evolution of a new species of man, in the last 10 years. Homo sapiens have evolved to form Homo cyberus , who are slowly dominating the world!

The latest version of Ubuntu Linux, Ubuntu 9.10 codenamed Karmic Koala is ready from October 29th, 2009. Like it's predecessors, this one too is free and you can download it from the ubuntu website or request for a free c.d.

As I have earlier stated, using open source applications have many advantages over propreitary ones. The world is now embracing Linux and its companions. Our Kerala Government too promote open source applications. This reduces cost, increases efficiency and security. Please support open source applications by switching to Linux. Think free, Breathe free and Live free with Ubuntu.

UBUNTU means HUMANITY TO OTHERS

BE HUMANE; PROMOTE UBUNTU

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This is the alternate title of 2007 Hollywood film Diehard 4.0 starring Bruce Willis. But, in this technical world, it has got a different perspective. Either you can live (and think) freely using open source softwares or be a diehard user of proprietary softwares.

Open source softwares have many advantages over proprietary ones. The major one is the cost. Usually open source softwares are free of cost. One can download it from net and install in one's computer, and are encouraged to spread it. Operating systems like Ubuntu even ship you a c.d ABSOLUTELY FREE OF COST!!!! (Isn't it too tempting an offer?). Proprietary softwares, on the other hand, cost you money (and your freedom). Also, they are designed for a single use. You can't simply borrow your friend's software and install it in your system (legally). Ofcourse, they may design it for many users, but the cost too will be manifold (exponentially!!).

If you are well versed in programming, and you feel that your existing software doesn't have a feature you want (or it has a bug), then you can modify (or debug) it in open source softwares ONLY. Because, only they come to you with their source code. You can alter it, spread it. You can't get the source code of a proprietary software.

The major drawback of a Windows (a proprietary software) system is, it is prone to virus attacks. These harmful little programs can affect your valuable data. But Linux systems are unassailable to Windows viruses.

One major setback to the open source softwares is “THE COMMON MAN'S ATTITUDE”. For most people, Windows is synonymous to computer. Most people are under the impression that Linux is like a command line O.S, that is not user friendly, lacks technical perfection etc. Gone are those days. Modern Linus O.S are beautiful, user-friendly, technically advanced et al. There are various Linux distributions, like,

UBUNTU, REDHAT, SUSE, FEDORA, MANDRIVA and even LINSPIRE (which is not free though)

One more advantage of Linux O.S is that it comes with an office suite (openoffice.org), an image editinf software (GIMP). But in Windows, you have to buy these additional ones. Also, it has Firefox as it's browser (a major browser software and a major threat to I.E). Also, if you need a software for a particular purpose, you can simply download it, install in an instant, get going. (as simple as 1,... 2,.... 3)

Linux is not without some limitations. If you are looking forward to install Linux, sit back and enjoy some music, or watch a video, you may be disheartened at first, because the inbuilt media player can't play them. (due to proprietary limitations of formats like mp3, wav etc.) But you can (of course, you will) download the required codecs from the net , WITHOUT PAYMENT (of course, excluding the nominal data charges) and ROCK ON..... So in Linux, there is always a way. You just need to log into a community website, post the question, get the answer, implement it. Simple!!!

So, you have two options- to LIVE FREE or be DIEHARD. The choice is upto you....