Plotting

Software


The Real Stakes of the Google Antitrust Trial

The New Yorker

The year 1998 was a pivotal one in the history of technology: Apple's introduction of the iMac helped set the company back on the path to success after it nearly went bankrupt earlier in the decade; Google was founded by two Stanford students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin; and Microsoft introduced Windows 98, an improved version of its popular computer operating system. That May, Microsoft also became the target of a historic antitrust lawsuit lodged by the Department of Justice and twenty states, accusing it of anticompetitive behavior in two domains: attempting to maintain its monopoly in computer operating systems and trying to monopolize a new market, that of Internet browsers. At the time, residential Wi-Fi connectivity was rapidly expanding across America, and, in the quaintly titled "browser wars," Netscape Navigator, a popular browser released by Mosaic Communications Corporation in 1994, fought Microsoft's Internet Explorer for the growing class of Web-connected consumers. Microsoft, the D.O.J. alleged, had attempted to crush Netscape by making deals with Internet-service providers that prioritized Explorer access at Netscape users' expense. The trial began that fall, and included seventy-six days of testimony that took place over more than eight months, during which a government witness alleged that a Microsoft executive had pledged to "cut off Netscape's air supply" (which a Microsoft attorney denied).


This expert-led Python bootcamp bundle is on sale for 76% off

Mashable

TL;DR: The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle is on sale for £15.93, saving you 76% on list price. Anyone looking to get into computer programming needs to know about Python. This computer programming language has many uses, from building websites and software to conducting data analysis and more. A recent article in Forbes explains that "Python is expected to be the most popular programming language in [2023]." With that in mind, this 12-course Python bundle could be a convenient way to get a comprehensive class in Python in preparation for the PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification Exam.


Chromebooks are getting RGB controls, better file search, and PDF readers

PCWorld

Google has begun testing new features such as autocorrect, improved file search, and even adaptive charging within the latest version of Chrome OS, meaning those features will arrive on the stable versions of Chromebooks soon. The new features are part of Chrome OS M116, available now for download and testing. Autocorrect: Autocorrect is now enabled by default for those apps that use English as a primary language, automatically fixing typos, spelling, and other errors. Grammar, however, is not affected. Improved search within the Files app: You can now search across both your local files as well as Google Drive at the same time.


The Download: open source's future, and cancer drugs shortages

MIT Technology Review

Alán Aspuru-Guzik, a Mexico City–born, Toronto-based chemist, has devoted much of his life to contemplating worst-case scenarios. What if climate change proceeds as expected, or gets significantly worse? Could we quickly come up with the materials we'll need to cheaply capture carbon, or make batteries from something other than costly lithium? Materials discovery--the science of creating and developing useful new substances--often moves at a frustratingly slow pace. The typical trial-and-error approach takes an average of two decades, making it too expensive and risky for most companies to pursue.


This expert-led Python bootcamp bundle is on sale for 82% off

Mashable

TL;DR: The 2023 Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle is on sale for £11.80, saving you 82% on list price. Anyone looking to get into computer programming needs to know about Python. This computer programming language has many uses, from building websites and software to conducting data analysis and more. A recent article in Forbes explains that "Python is expected to be the most popular programming language in [2023]." With that in mind, this 12-course Python bundle could be a convenient way to get a comprehensive class in Python in preparation for the PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification Exam.


Google is using AI to make multiplatform programming easier with Project IDX

ZDNet

Imagine an all-in-one tool for software development that you can access from your web browser, wherever you are, even on your tablet. The tool would feature cross-device syncing, built-in artificial intelligence code support, and integrated Firebase Hosting support for easy deployments. You don't have to imagine it much longer: Google just unveiled Project IDX, a platform that centralizes configurations in a browser-based environment to streamline the programming process. Also: How to block OpenAI's new AI-training web crawler from ingesting your data Built on Google Cloud, Project IDX leverages the foundational model Codey to work as a text-to-code AI assistant, helping developers generate and complete code quickly for higher-quality output in less time. Developers will also be able to request contextual code actions from the built-in chatbot.


Get 130 hours of Python training for under £20

Mashable

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Learn Python from home with this $20 expert-led bundle

Mashable

TL;DR: As of July 21, get The 2023 Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle for just $19.99 -- that's 76% off. Anyone looking to get into computer programming needs to know about Python. This computer programming language has many uses, from building websites and software to conducting data analysis and more. A recent article in Forbes explains that "Python is expected to be the most popular programming language in [2023]." With that in mind, this 12-course Python bundle could be a convenient way to get a comprehensive class in Python in preparation for the PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification Exam.


35 of the best free Harvard University courses you can take this month

Mashable

CS50's Introduction to Game Development(opens in a new tab) CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python(opens in a new tab) CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript(opens in a new tab)


Sustainable smartphones calling? The eco-friendly new design rules to extend the life of your handset

The Guardian

The current status quo of smartphone design, repair and longevity could finally be upended in favour of users – and the planet. That is the message from campaign groups on the landmark overhaul of rules concerning batteries and eco-sensitive design working their way through the various legislative bodies of the European Union – a market big enough to force manufacturers to change, even if EU rules don't directly apply to other regions. MEPs voted on 14 June to accept new battery regulations, elements of which look to ensure cells in smartphones and gadgets can be replaced with parts available for five years after the device is discontinued. In many cases, the rules say, batteries should be user-replaceable "without requiring the use of specialised tools" and without the heat or solvents typically required to unglue components today. Manufacturers also won't be able to use software to stop batteries installed by third parties from working.