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Walmart Black Friday Deal Offers HP Deskjet Wireless Printer and 3-Months of Free Ink for Less Than $40

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:51am
Black Friday is now underway, so beat the crowds and get HP printer before stock runs out.
Categories: CNET

Score a New Blackstone Electric Griddle for Less Than $200 For Black Friday

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:46am
This two burner griddle is now $50 off at Walmart and it even comes with a prep cart for all kinds of cooking needs.
Categories: CNET

Nanoleaf's Smart Skylight Kit Is Down to a New Low Price at Amazon for Black Friday

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:43am
Customize the ambience of your space with this 3-pack starter kit at $50 off.
Categories: CNET

Privacy Laws May Usher In 'Defensive DP': Hopper - 1976

Hacker News - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:39am

*Privacy Laws May Usher In 'Defensive DP': Hopper* By Esther Surden Of the CW Staff

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – Faced with state and federal privacy laws, DP managers may be entering an era of "defensive computing," Capt. Grace M. Hopper recently warned a joint meeting of the Hartford, Conn., and Springfield, Mass., Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) chapters.

Hopper is head of the Navy's Programming Languages Section and a former DPMA "Man of the Year."

DP managers are suddenly finding the privacy laws require them to notify every individual on file there is a record on him, send him the content and permit him to make corrections.

They are also obliged to keep the files "accurate, complete and current," she had asked. "What does 'accurate, complete and current' mean?"

Many of these questions require management decisions. Management must decide such things as what is current and how often a file must be updated. It is up to computer people to warn management.

"All the privacy laws sound like rights the individual deserved," she continued, "and everyone will vote for them. They're the dangerous thing about them."

The privacy laws may triple the cost of maintaining all personnel files, she added.

"This probably means that, for the next five years, we will be doing defensive computing just as doctors are practicing defensive medicine in response to malpractice suits," Hopper said.

*Dangerous Saying*

On the future of data processing, Hopper said the most dangerous phrase a DP manager can use is "We've always done it that way."

In the past "we have failed to look into the future for all possible 'enemy actions,'" she said. "If we base our plans on the present, we fall behind and the cost of carrying out something may be more costly than not implementing it."

But "there is a line," she cautioned. "If you step over it, you don't get the budget."

DP managers, however, must come as close to it as they can, and they have a second responsibility. "You must keep pushing the line out further," she said.

"We must not only accept new concepts," Hopper told the managers, "we must manage their development and growth."

*More Computer Power*

Faster machines are needed to manage complex problems, she told the group. The Mark I added in 333 msec, she continued, and the today's machines can add in 300 nsec, but a machine that will add in 300 picoseconds is needed.

"This, however, is pushing the velocity of light," she said.

"We live in a world of increasing population and we must increase food supplies," Hopper said. "One way to do this would be with better weather forecasting.

The technology to do the forecasting exists," she continued, "but on today's machines it is costly and takes too long. More powerful computers could give more information on the economy, ecology and pollution," she said.

"To get more computer power, we don't need bigger computers, we should get a system of computers," she said.

Looking at the group, Hopper said, "You can immediately say it would cost too much, but the price of computing power is coming down."

Pointing to several microprocessor chips, she told the managers "we have to change an awful lot of people's minds."

"Can you imagine telling a DP room this will do the job? It will be difficult to tell people they have that power and can buy it for $250."

Interesting outgrowths of the computers on a chip are clubs for young people who pool their money to buy a computer, she said. Software for the micros is being developed by some of the best programmers in the country, spurred by contests for prizes, she noted.

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Categories: Hacker News

Black Friday Just Knocked Over 50% Off These Skullcandy ANC Headphones

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:07am
Black Friday at Walmart is already rolling out with doorbusters, like these Skullcandy headphones, for just $99.
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Score These $349 Bose Headphones for Just $143 With This Black Friday Refurb Deal

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:05am
Available in three different colors, you can save over $200 in comparison to a new pair.
Categories: CNET

Best Internet Providers in Orange, California

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:00am
Shopping for broadband in Orange? Our experts have compiled the best internet providers in the area to help you find the fastest speeds and cheapest internet plans.
Categories: CNET

Keep Your Home Protected During Your Holiday Travel With Up to 60% Off Blink Outdoor 4 Cams

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:47am
Just because you're not home doesn't mean you can't keep an eye on your property, especially with big discounts on Blink security cameras.
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'Generative AI Is Still Just a Prediction Machine'

SlashDot - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:45am
Categories: SlashDot

The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online

CNET Feed - Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:44am
It's never been easier to buy a mattress that fits your needs. To help you choose the best one, our team has tested and reviewed all the top brands.
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