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2023-11-27

Google Drive users alarmed as files vanish and revert to 2023

  • Users are experiencing a significant problem with Google Drive, as their files and folder structure have disappeared and reverted back to May 2023.
  • Despite following Google's recovery process, no solution has been found yet, leading to frustration and concern among users.
  • Google support is aware of the issue and is working with product engineers to investigate and resolve the problem, but the cause and timeline for a solution remain unknown.

Reactions

  • Users are complaining about the poor customer service provided by companies like Google and Microsoft.
  • The conversation revolves around data loss on cloud storage platforms and the need for backups.
  • Users discuss the limitations of relying solely on cloud storage and the benefits of diversifying backup strategies.

Switch to Firefox for Stronger Privacy and Protection Against Online Tracking

  • It is important to use private web browsers to protect personal privacy and prevent online tracking by advertising agencies.
  • Firefox is recommended as a preferred alternative to mainstream browsers due to its strong privacy features and wide range of extensions.
  • Other privacy-oriented browsers like DuckDuckGo and Mullvad are mentioned as well.
  • The Tor Browser is highlighted as providing the highest level of privacy and anonymity, although it may be slower due to routing processes.
  • The article discusses various features and concerns with different browsers, including ad-blocking, VPN services, and questionable business practices.
  • Collaboration is encouraged to improve internet safety.
  • The article also briefly touches on topics like email encryption and censorship.

Reactions

  • The main focus of the discussion is on web browsers, particularly Chrome and Firefox, and the issues with uBlock being blocked in Chrome.
  • Users suggest Firefox as an alternative due to concerns about performance, user experience, and advertising practices.
  • Other topics include tracking parameters, browser profiles, custom start pages, financial relationships between browsers and advertising companies, and alternative browsers like Edge, Vivaldi, and Brave.

Darling: Run macOS Software on Linux with a Translation Layer

  • Darling is a software translation layer that enables macOS software to run on Linux without the need for a hardware emulator.
  • It is an open-source project developed on GitHub and distributed under the GNU GPL license.
  • Darling aims to integrate macOS apps into the Linux desktop experience, similarly to how Wine allows running Windows software on Linux.

Reactions

  • Darling is a software that enables users to run macOS applications on Linux, but it has limitations and compatibility issues.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the ability of Darling to run on ARM architecture, especially in light of Apple's transition to Apple Silicon.
  • Running Apple software on non-Apple hardware raises legal implications, and different methods and tools for running macOS applications on non-macOS systems are discussed. However, porting all of Cocoa and its frameworks poses challenges.

Reflections on Reddit's Blackout: An Assessment of the Outcome

  • The speaker is seeking information about the outcome of the blackouts on Reddit.
  • They are interested in knowing whether Reddit agreed, compromised, or if the movement lost momentum.

Reactions

  • The Reddit blackout did not lead to policy changes, but it caused many content creators to leave, resulting in a decrease in popularity for major subreddits.
  • Despite issues related to restricted API usage, spam, and declining quality, Reddit is still experiencing growth in terms of users and traffic.
  • There is ongoing debate about the accuracy of subredditstats.com and speculation about the presence of fake accounts and content manipulation.

Understanding Deep Learning: A Comprehensive Guide to Neural Networks, Training Models, and Ethics

  • Simon J.D. Prince's book, "Understanding Deep Learning," will be released by MIT Press on December 5th, 2023.
  • The book explores a wide range of topics in deep learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, loss functions, training models, performance measurement, regularization, convolutional networks, transformers, reinforcement learning, and ethics.
  • Instructors can request an answer booklet and an exam/desk copy of the book, while students have access to selected question answers and Python notebooks to enhance hands-on learning.

Reactions

  • The discussion focuses on deep learning and its different aspects, including the distinction between ML engineers and ML scientists.
  • It highlights the importance of understanding deep learning techniques and the ongoing debate about the relevance of older machine learning algorithms.
  • The conversation also touches on the dominance of OpenAI, the value of expertise in specific algorithms, and the significance of LSTM and transformers in deep learning.

The Evolution of Data Display: From Tables to Lists

  • Different views, such as table view, expanded table view, groups view, and list view, are used to display data in various formats.
  • Each view has its own unique way of presenting information, allowing users to choose the most suitable format for their needs.
  • These views offer flexibility and customization options, enhancing the user experience and making it easier to navigate and analyze data.

Reactions

  • The article focuses on "The Periodic Table of Tools," a website that categorizes tools similar to the periodic table of elements.
  • The creator, Theodore Gray, defends his arrangement and explains the difficulties in categorizing tools based on their functions and properties.
  • The debate surrounding the website involves alternative categorization methods and whether the structure of the periodic table should be applied to other subjects.

VectorDB: Efficient Text Storage and Retrieval with Python Package

  • VectorDB is a Python package that makes it easy to store and retrieve text using techniques like chunking, embedding, and vector search.
  • It offers a user-friendly interface for managing text data with metadata and is optimized for low-latency scenarios.
  • Vector search and embeddings are crucial for working with large language models as they allow for efficient retrieval of relevant information from huge datasets.

Reactions

  • The discussion covers a range of topics including VectorDB as a vector database, the usage of Kagi for storage and persistence, and feedback on chunking and vector encoding.
  • There are debates comparing vector databases with question-and-answer databases, as well as discussions on the performance and effectiveness of various database options.
  • The discussions also touch on Python's performance and typing system, and compare different databases such as Chroma, LanceDB, and wallabag. However, one commenter dismisses the suggestion of using wallabag as a self-hosted solution as irrelevant.

Update on Rust Port Progress for Fish-Shell

  • The fish-shell public notifications fork is nearing completion of the rust port, with most translation work done but some components still needing translation, such as the reader and input system.
  • The C++ code will be removed from the port, and there are no plans for a Windows port.
  • The team clarifies misconceptions and acknowledges uncertainty about the performance of the finished port, while discussing future releases and compatibility issues with Windows.

Reactions

  • There is a discussion about the Fish shell and its features, as well as potential shortcomings.
  • The Fish shell is currently being rewritten from C++ to Rust, with plans to release a Rust version in the future.
  • Users share their positive experiences with Fish and discuss the benefits and challenges of transitioning to Rust, including compatibility issues, performance considerations, and the advantages of using Rust over C++.

Monzo's New App Feature Verifies Callers to Protect Users from Fraud

  • Monzo has added a new feature to its app that enables users to verify if a caller claiming to be from Monzo is authentic.
  • Users can check the "Monzo call status" in the privacy and security settings to confirm if a genuine Monzo team member is on the call.
  • This feature is designed to protect users from fraudsters who impersonate Monzo employees to deceive them into sending money.
  • Customers have already used this feature approximately 100 times per day to report potential fraud since its launch.
  • Monzo intends to enhance the visibility and accessibility of this feature in the future.

Reactions

  • The conversations cover a wide range of banking security topics, including experiences with different banks, concerns about phone scams and phishing attempts, and frustrations with customer service.
  • Participants emphasize the importance of being cautious and not sharing personal information over the phone or email, as well as using strong authentication methods.
  • There are discussions on the challenges and potential risks associated with implementing certain security measures.

Creating a Personal Font: From Handwriting to True Type (TTF) for Web Publishing

  • The author embarked on a project to create their own font for their comic, resulting in two iterations based on digital handwriting and a scanned image.
  • They learned about various components of a typeface, emphasizing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and basic punctuation.
  • Tools such as Gimp and FontForge were utilized to clean up imperfections in the letters, create the font, and adjust character spacing using kerning. The font was tested and exporting issues eventually resolved, with the final choice being a True Type Font (TTF) for web publishing.

Reactions

  • FontForge is an open-source font creation software that is being discussed in the article.
  • The article highlights the limitations of FontForge compared to commercial competitors.
  • Users recommend other font creation options such as Glyphs, RoboFont, fontra.xyz, and BirdFont.

Ripgrep 14.0.0 Release: New Features, Performance Enhancements, and Bug Fixes

  • The ripgrep 14.0.0 release brings new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
  • Main features include hyperlink support, a rewritten regex engine, and a change in the argument parsing library.
  • The release also includes enhancements in file type filtering, additional flags, and changes to the release process for shell completions and man pages, resulting in improved functionality, performance, and user experience.

Reactions

  • Ripgrep 14, an open-source search tool for project files, has been released and received positive feedback for its speed and efficiency.
  • Users recommend several code searching and manipulation tools, including sd, grep-ast, and semgrep.
  • The conversation also discusses the features of Ripgrep, such as hyperlink support, and raises concerns about its single-core mode and comparisons to other tools.

Multiple Caregivers: Key to Well-Being for Mothers and Children

  • A recent study conducted with hunter-gatherer societies suggests that infants and toddlers benefit from high levels of personal attention and care from multiple caregivers.
  • Hunter-gatherer infants receive approximately nine hours per day of attentive care and physical contact from up to 15 different caregivers.
  • The study argues that Western countries should prioritize affordable high-quality childcare support that goes beyond mere supervision and emphasizes the well-being of both mothers and children. Additionally, involving older children and adolescents in caregiving can be beneficial.
  • The research proposes that stable sets of core caregivers within larger networks play a crucial role in children's emotional and cognitive development.
  • The authors emphasize the importance of collaboration among society, policymakers, employers, and healthcare services in providing the necessary support and care for mothers and children to thrive.

Reactions

  • The conversation covers various topics related to parenting, societal support for parents, communal living, workplace dynamics, population growth, and the impact of capitalism.
  • Participants share their personal experiences, debate theories, and propose solutions, offering differing perspectives on these issues.
  • The conversation sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by modern parents, as well as the influence of societal structures on parenting.

PipeWire 1.0.0: Introducing 'El Presidente' with Enhanced Account Restrictions

  • The current version of PipeWire is 1.0.0, nicknamed El Presidente.
  • The summary provides links to the GitLab repository for PipeWire and its different project components.
  • There are restrictions on new account creation due to an influx of spam.

Reactions

  • PipeWire, a Linux audio server, is gaining recognition for its functionality and user-friendly interface.
  • Users appreciate PipeWire's ability to handle tasks that MacOS struggles with and its cost-effectiveness compared to purchasing expensive apps.
  • While some users have reported technical issues and high CPU usage, overall satisfaction with PipeWire and its potential for future development is high.

No Evidence of Widespread Cheating in Online Chess

  • The author presents a methodology for studying cheating in online chess tournaments and disproves claims of widespread cheating.
  • They use a difference-in-difference analysis to compare rates of cheating in online and offline tournaments and propose Elo ratings as a metric for cheating.
  • Data from Titled Tuesday games on Chess.com shows no evidence of cheating, and the report also compares the accuracy of Chess.com and FIDE ratings, concluding that allegations of widespread cheating in online chess are baseless.

Reactions

  • The discussion centers around cheating allegations in the chess tournament Titled Tuesday, particularly involving player Hikaru Nakamura.
  • Topics include the possibility of undetectable cheating at the Grandmaster level, the lack of cheat prevention measures, and statistical differences in performance.
  • Other points of conversation include the impact of visible evaluation on chess performance, the banning of headphones in tournaments, and opinions on cheating in rapid chess.