Goodbye, Microsoft: Schleswig-Holstein Relies on Open Source and Saves Millions
from heise.de
97
by
doener
1h ago
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Article:
9 min
The state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany is transitioning from proprietary Microsoft software to open-source alternatives, saving over 15 million euros in license costs for Windows and Office products. The move aims at reducing dependence on large providers and promoting digital sovereignty.
- 80% of state administration workplaces have already switched to LibreOffice.
- 20% are still dependent on Microsoft programs due to technical dependencies in specialized applications.
- Annual savings from license costs will pay for one-time investments within a year.
Quality:
The article provides factual information and quotes from officials, with a balanced view of the transition's challenges and benefits.
Discussion (39):
12 min
The comment thread discusses the idea of national governments transitioning from Windows/macOS to Linux for strategic sovereignty, with opinions on the benefits and challenges of open source software adoption. The conversation touches on issues like training, lobbying by technology giants, and the feasibility of such a switch.
- Linux should replace Windows/macOS in national governments for strategic sovereignty.
- Open Source Software could improve with collective funding from nations.
Counterarguments:
- Major OSS projects controlled by governments could lead to issues similar to Goliath vs. David.
- There is skepticism about the feasibility and benefits of switching to open source software.
Government & Politics
Public Sector IT
Google Titans architecture, helping AI have long-term memory
from research.google
36
by
Alifatisk
2h ago
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Article:
16 min
Google Titans architecture introduces an innovative approach to help AI systems maintain long-term memory by combining the speed of RNNs with the accuracy of transformers, using a novel neural long-term memory module and a 'surprise metric' mechanism.
The advancement in AI long-term memory could lead to more efficient and accurate AI systems, potentially improving various applications such as language understanding, document analysis, and time-series forecasting.
- Uses a neural long-term memory module to maintain context without losing important information
- Incorporates 'surprise metric' mechanism for selective learning and updating
Discussion (10):
The comment thread discusses the openness of Google and Meta in publishing AI research, with a question about an analogy between LoRA and another technique. There is also a discussion on frontier research shared by Meta.
- Google is openly publishing their research on AI at this level
Counterarguments:
- I don't think that's a great analogy
- LoRAs tend to be adapters bolted onto systems by people other than the system designers, and they are low rank factorizations.
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning, Deep Learning
Using LLMs at Oxide
from rfd.shared.oxide.computer
509
by
steveklabnik
13h ago
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Article:
18 min
The article discusses the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) at Oxide, focusing on their potential impact and guidelines for responsible usage based on company values.
LLMs can influence trust in human-generated content and may require changes to social norms around authorship and responsibility.
- LLMs are powerful tools but should be used responsibly.
- Human judgement remains crucial in LLM-generated artifacts.
- Promote rigor by using LLMs to sharpen thinking, not replace it.
- Maintain empathy for the human audience consuming content.
- Ensure teamwork is not undermined through LLM usage.
- Balance urgency with responsibility, rigor, empathy, and teamwork.
Quality:
The article provides a balanced view on the use of LLMs, emphasizing both potential benefits and risks.
Discussion (201):
1 hr 8 min
The discussion revolves around the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in software development, emphasizing their potential benefits and drawbacks. Opinions range from viewing LLMs as valuable tools for various tasks to concerns about authenticity, accountability, and ethical implications. The community largely agrees on the importance of maintaining responsibility, rigor, empathy, teamwork, and urgency when using AI-generated content.
- LLMs can be effective in various tasks but require careful use and responsibility.
- The use of LLMs should align with company values such as responsibility, rigor, empathy, teamwork, and urgency.
Counterarguments:
- The use of LLMs for writing undermines the authenticity of one's work and thinking process.
- LLMs can produce text that shows it was made by a machine, potentially affecting reader trust.
AI
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics in AI
At least 50 hallucinated citations found in ICLR 2026 submissions
from gptzero.me
12
by
puttycat
1h ago
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Article:
42 min
An article discussing an analysis conducted by GPTZero's Citation Check tool on 300 papers submitted to ICLR (International Conference on Learning Representations) in 2026. The analysis revealed that at least 50 of these submissions contained hallucinated citations, which are citations that appear to not exist online and seem to be generated using AI or other automated processes.
potentially negative
- Hallucinations are defined as citations that seem to be AI-generated, combining or paraphrasing titles, authors, and metadata from real sources.
- The analysis highlights the growing issue of AI-generated content in academic publications and its potential impact on scientific integrity.
Quality:
The article provides factual information about the analysis conducted by GPTZero's Citation Check tool, without expressing any personal opinions or biases.
Discussion (4):
The discussion revolves around the legal implications and ethical considerations of AI, particularly in writing contexts. Opinions differ on how to categorize AI-generated content and its potential impact on liability.
- The enthusiasm for AI will start to wane as its liability increases.
Counterarguments:
- Can we just call them 'lies' and 'fabrications' which is what they are?
AI
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
Z2 – Lithographically fabricated IC in a garage fab
from sam.zeloof.xyz
231
by
embedding-shape
11h ago
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Article:
15 min
A high school senior turned college student has successfully fabricated a 1,200-transistor integrated circuit in their garage using a lithographically fabricated process similar to Intel's first processor. The chip features a simple 10×10 array of transistors and demonstrates significant improvements over previous metal gate processes, including lower threshold voltage, better performance characteristics, and compatibility with 2.5V and 3.3V logic levels.
The DIY approach to semiconductor fabrication could democratize access to cutting-edge technology, fostering innovation and education in the field of electronics.
- 1,200 transistors on 10µm polysilicon gate process
- Lower threshold voltage and improved performance characteristics
Discussion (50):
7 min
The comment thread discusses various aspects of the semiconductor industry, including innovation, regulations, and environmental concerns. There is appreciation for hobbyist-scale projects and admiration for successful individuals in the field. The discussion also touches on the contrast between US and European regulations and their impact on innovation.
- US is great at building things due to less regulation
Counterarguments:
- mention of environmental disasters caused by former chip fabs in the US
- criticism of potential grifter problem in the US semiconductor industry
Advanced Materials
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Screenshots from developers: 2002 vs. 2015 (2015)
from anders.unix.se
355
by
turrini
16h ago
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Article:
11 min
This article presents a comparison of the desktop environments and tools used by various developers and Unix enthusiasts from 2002 to 2015, showcasing significant changes in technology over time.
This article highlights the evolution of desktop environments and tools, which can influence future software development practices and user preferences.
- Brian Kernighan's transition from using an x terminal to a more complex setup with X and GNOME.
- Richard Stallman's continued use of the command line, emphasizing his preference for Emacs and console-based environments.
- Bram Moolenaar's shift in focus from KDE to Chrome browser usage while maintaining Vim as his primary editor.
- Rasmus Lerdorf's persistence in using Linux with a mix of terminals and a single web browser window.
- Warren Toomey's move from FreeBSD to Linux, adopting LXDE as his new desktop environment.
- Jordan Hubbard's adaptation to OS X with multiple virtual desktops for different applications.
Discussion (148):
24 min
The comment thread discusses preferences and experiences with terminal editors versus GUI tools, highlighting the perceived benefits of terminal environments such as accessibility, keyboard navigation, and integration with shell commands. The conversation also touches on RMS's computing practices and his stance on software freedom, with some users appreciating his contributions while others view him as extreme or outdated.
- Tiled layout and terminals are optimal
- GUI tools offer more features
- Terminal editors provide better accessibility and integration
Counterarguments:
- GUI tools are preferred for ease of use
- Terminal editors can be less efficient for certain tasks
- RMS's approach is seen as extreme or unnecessary by some
Computer Science
History of Computing, Software Development
GrapheneOS is the only Android OS providing full security patches
from grapheneos.social
661
by
akyuu
1d ago
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Article:
The article discusses how GrapheneOS stands out as the only Android operating system that provides full security patches, emphasizing its role in preventing malware and ensuring device safety.
, as it highlights the importance of security in mobile devices and encourages users to take proactive measures against malware.
- GrapheneOS offers comprehensive security patches.
- It is the only Android OS with such robust protection.
- Users can prevent malware by ensuring their device is not infected and looking for misconfigured or infected devices on shared networks.
Quality:
The article provides factual information without overly sensationalizing the topic.
Discussion (300):
1 hr 19 min
The discussion revolves around GrapheneOS, an open-source Android fork known for its strong security features and privacy focus. Users appreciate its suitability for those prioritizing device security over convenience or compatibility with mainstream apps. However, the conversation also highlights challenges in creating a diverse ecosystem of alternative operating systems due to proprietary hardware and software ecosystems controlled by major manufacturers. The debate touches on market incentives, user preferences, and the role of hardware manufacturers in limiting device customization.
- GrapheneOS offers superior security and privacy compared to other Android forks.
- Alternative OSes face significant barriers in gaining market traction due to proprietary ecosystems.
Counterarguments:
- Alternative OSes often lack the resources or incentives to compete with established platforms like Android.
- Users may face compatibility issues when trying to use apps not designed for alternative operating systems.
Security
Mobile Security, Operating Systems
The past was not that cute
from juliawise.net
281
by
mhb
16h ago
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Article:
6 min
The article discusses the author's realization about the romanticized view of past times, particularly in relation to cottagecore aesthetics, and how it contrasts with reality.
- The author's initial excitement about cottagecore and its association with retro clothes, handicrafts, and old-fashioned vibes.
- Critique of the romanticized view of past times, particularly in relation to problematic figures like Laura Ingalls Wilder and her portrayal of pioneer life.
- Realization that people's personalities and societal norms have not significantly changed over time, debunking the idea that dating or relationships were simpler in the past.
- Comparison between the author's expectations about past times and reality, highlighting the contrast between romanticized aesthetics and practical realities.
Quality:
The article presents a personal reflection with balanced viewpoints and factual information.
Discussion (342):
1 hr 46 min
The discussion revolves around contrasting the perceived qualities of life in the past with those of today, highlighting both the hardships and improvements across different aspects. Participants debate nostalgia for authenticity versus modern conveniences, the value of historical traditions, and environmental impacts of past practices compared to contemporary sustainability efforts.
- The past was not a golden age, but it had its own struggles and hardships.
- Modern materials are superior in durability and cost-efficiency compared to historical alternatives.
Counterarguments:
- The past was not as idyllic as often portrayed, with issues like child mortality and lack of technological conveniences.
- Modern society has its own challenges, such as environmental concerns and the loss of community values.
Culture
History, Social Sciences