2023-04-07
If we lose the Internet Archive, we're screwed
Original. The Internet Archive, which describes itself as "a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more," has been sued by four corporate publishers for committing copyright infringement, and a federal judge has ruled in favor of the publishers. However, the Internet Archive is appealing the decision, which some argue is fundamentally a strike against taxpayer-funded public services by corporations and private individuals. Critics argue that shutting down the National Emergency Library, which made copyrighted books available for free during the COVID-19 pandemic, is far more disastrous to the working class than access to books can ever be. If the appeal is unsuccessful, human beings will lose more knowledge than the Library of Alexandra ever contained.
Discussion Service. Discussion Service users debate copyright laws and cultural preservation. Legal battles raise questions about copyright legitimacy and government monopolies. Some call for better governance to encourage work and shorter copyright terms. Losing the IA could rewrite history, highlighting knowledge preservation importance. Suggestions to start new entity or stop donations due to IA's risky behavior. National Emergency Library seen as unexpected and beneficial, but IA leaders have a responsibility to preserve history.
Chrome ships WebGPU
Original. Chrome launches WebGPU, a new web graphics API offering improved 3D graphics and data-parallel computation on ChromeOS, macOS, and Windows, to provide access to advanced GPU capabilities and efficient programming with the web platform. WebGPU is designed with an idiomatic JavaScript API, integration with promises, and great error messages, and it's a building block for future improvements, such as access to shader cores for more machine learning optimizations, and greater ergonomics in WGSL. WebGPU is the result of a 6-year collaborative effort by W3C's "GPU for the Web" Community Group, including contributions from Mozilla, Apple, Intel, and Microsoft. ChromeOS, Windows, and macOS platforms can support WebGPU, with Linux, Android, and other platforms expanding support in the near future. Popular WebGL libraries, like Babylon.js, PlayCanvas, and TensorFlow.js, already offer some WebGPU support or are working on it. Resources to learn more about WebGPU include W3C specifications, MDN documentation, samples, GPU compute, among others.
Discussion Service. Chrome has shipped WebGPU, which promises improvements over WebGL. WebGPU is a game changer with positive contributions; opinions vary on whether desktop or mobile GPUs should be prioritized. Users discuss ways to limit information-leaky browser features and prevent fingerprinting. There are concerns about the potential malicious use for cryptocurrency mining. Web3DSurvey tracks features and limits related to WebGPU. There is excitement about the potential for WebGPU to be widely adopted, despite concerns about limitations compared to more capable graphics technologies.
Tabby – A self-hosted GitHub Copilot
Original. TabbyML has released Tabby, a self-hosted alternative to GitHub Copilot that is open-source and on-prem. It features self-containment with no need for a DBMS or cloud service, a web UI for visualization and configuration models and MLOps, an OpenAPI interface, and easy integration with existing infrastructure. Developers can use the docker image for easy deployment, and TabbyML supports consumer-level GPU with FP-16 weight loading and other optimizations. Its FastAPI server embeds an OpenAPI documentation of the HTTP API.
Discussion Service. Tabby, a self-hosted GitHub Copilot alternative, offers complete control over data and privacy while fine-tuning models. It saves time but raises privacy concerns. GitHub privacy issues are overblown, and Copilot has limitations. TabbyML generates boilerplate code and raises questions about code IP safeguarding. Alpha version of Tabby is popular despite lack of professional window dressing and supporting evidence. Copilot predicts code accurately but has limitations and can suggest bad code. Some users suggest a self-hosted version of Copilot and name change for better SEO.
Tesla workers shared images from car cameras, including "scenes of intimacy"
Original. Tesla employees reportedly shared videos and images taken by customer car cameras through an internal messaging system, which included "sometimes highly invasive" content. Despite Tesla claiming the in-car cameras are "designed from the ground up to protect privacy," employees had easy access to the cameras' output and shared content "freely". Intimate scenes not featuring nudity, along with "certain pieces of laundry and certain sexual wellness items," were among the items shared. However, some ex-workers claimed there was legitimate sharing for work purposes. Alternately, some images were reportedly shared widely and widely viewed including management.
Discussion Service. Users discuss duplicate article and site guidelines on submitting original sources. No relevant comments on the topic of Tesla sharing car camera images, including "scenes of intimacy".
Simply explained: How does GPT work?
Original. The article discusses the process behind GPT-3 and how it is used for natural language conversations through word embedding and probabilistic models. Its strengths include generating text and logical idea linking but faces limitations with false information and input restrictions. There are similarities and differences to the human brain's structure, including GPT's restricted language abilities and lack of ongoing learning. The article also raises consciousness questions and concerns about job loss, but notes that GPT alone cannot do harm. However, caution is necessary for further AI development, and experts research ways to prevent negative outcomes. Technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit will be valuable as the consequences of GPT still remain uncertain.
Discussion Service. Hacker News experts debate AI language models' capabilities and limitations, including ChatGPT and GPT-4. Some caution attributing human-like properties to machines, yet ChatGPT outputs accurate and context-specific text, a component of AGI. Debate around Chinese Room scenario's relevance and the nature of intelligence and consciousness. Attention given to practical capabilities and innovation, relevance of transformers and limits of training data. Skeptics note GPT-4 lacks feedback mechanisms of biological brains despite generating human-like text.
System design and the cost of architectural complexity (2013)
Original.
HTTP Status 429 – Too Many Requests
error message indicates that the user has sent a high volume of requests in a short time.
Discussion Service. The article discusses system design and the cost of architectural complexity. Users share personal experiences with cloud providers and understanding complex systems. Comments highlight the importance of simplicity, good documentation, and thinking ahead. The benefits and challenges of software architecture, and balancing simplicity and complexity, are debated by experts. The definition of complexity in software systems is also discussed.
Defamed by ChatGPT
Original. N/A.
Discussion Service. AI-generated libel poses a significant risk, with ChatGPT under scrutiny for its potential liability. Users debate responsibility for its output and suggest maintaining a standard of care. Liability issues of autonomous cars are also discussed, and the legal implications of ChatGPT as a tool for seeking medical and legal advice. Concerns regarding the accuracy of language models and the ethical use of personal data have also been raised. There are criticisms of ChatGPT's reliability and propagating misinformation, leading to calls for disclaimers and binding terms of service agreements. The intersection of technology and society is a primary focus in this post, with ongoing legal debates on accountability for AI-generated results.
Master Plan Part 3
Original. Tesla releases Master Plan Part 3, proposing a path to a sustainable global energy economy through electrification and electricity generation and storage, with detailed assumptions, sources and calculations behind the proposal. Readers are welcome to provide input and join the conversation. Tesla also provides the US fully electrified demand profile used in modeling.
Discussion Service. Tesla's Master Plan Part 3 receives attention on Hacker News with discussions on fossil fuel-free living, the feasibility of EVs, investment in renewable energy, and the spread of COVID-19. Users debate the practicality of transitioning to renewables, the financial burden of tax for the super-wealthy, and the weaponization of kindness and tolerance in politics. Tesla's reputation, treatment of employees, and vision for the future are also discussed. The editor must identify the primary message and avoid political or religious biases.
Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars
Original. Tesla employees shared sensitive videos captured by customer car cameras between 2019 and 2022, according to Reuters interviews with nine former Tesla workers. Crashes, road-rage, and embarrassing situations were among the videos shared through Tesla's internal messaging system, some publicly. The company's Customer Privacy Notice highlights the anonymity assurance of camera recordings that are not linked to customers or their vehicles, but some former employees called it a "breach of privacy." Tesla responded to data protection concerns by making changes to Sentry Mode, including pulsing headlights on parked cars to alert passers-by that they may be monitored. Reuters claims all quotes will be delayed, and it provides links for corrections and site feedback.
Discussion Service. Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars without privacy safeguards. Privacy regulations with serious consequences should be enforced, and companies must build privacy from the ground up. Anecdotes highlight a lack of privacy in various companies and startups, with India's lack of digital privacy laws criticized. Data privacy is not entirely secure, and employees may see and misuse private data. German privacy standards are not perfect, but data protection authorities would be interested in any data breaches by automakers due to GDPR enforcement. There are privacy concerns with connected vehicles, but some note that similar tracking capabilities exist in non-EVs. Reports suggest that some lenders have placed tracking devices on cars, although it's unclear whether they sell the data.
Buck2: Our open source build system
Original. Meta releases Buck2, an open-source build system on GitHub, written in Rust. Buck2 separates core and language-specific rules, with internal tests indicating builds 2x faster than Buck1, increased parallelism, and a redesigned console output. Buck2 could be suitable for moderately sized multi-language projects, designed with advanced features for performance and expressive, dynamic dependency features. Meta shares open source tech projects, including AI, data, development, front-end, languages, platforms, security, and VR, with no notable updates or releases mentioned.
Discussion Service. Facebook's open-source Buck2 build system gains attention for its incremental computation engine and Windows support. Discussion Service users discuss other build tools, including Waf, TensorFlow, and Py_wheel, highlighting the challenges of handling large codebases. Buck2 removes JVM dependency in Buck1 by rewriting it in Rust. Buck2 and Bazel are multi-language build systems with reproducible builds and integration capabilities. The article suggests using the right tool for the right job, and focusing on a tool's strengths. Some users argue that static compilation adds complexity, while others advocate for the benefits of statically linked binaries.
Mariadb.com is dead, long live MariaDB.org
Original. MariaDB.com, the commercial entity, is facing failures due to poor leadership, racism, sexism claims, and labor law violations. Monty, the founder, was removed from the board in July 2022, and CEO Michael Howard's hostile takeover led to a decline in stock value. SEC filings indicate that MariaDB may be closing down, facing issues in personnel retention and recruitment due to its reputation. Employees are advised to schedule interviews with other companies, while praising MariaDB.org and open source.
Discussion Service. MariaDB.com shutdown leads to suspicion of financial instability. Allegations of bias and unsupported accusations against MariaDB Corp. are met with skepticism. Public opinion split on MariaDB.org's future. Hacker News thread discusses allegations of discrimination, shifts to comparison of MariaDB and Postgres. MariaDB Corporation filing for bankruptcy, impact on development is uncertain. MariaDB PLC's stock declines by nearly 70% since IPO, analyst concern over inexperienced management and industry changes. $20 million lawsuit loss and SkySQL merger contribute to financial troubles. Future development concerns unfounded due to corporate sponsors.
ADHD-friendly Pomodoro web app
Original. Unfortunately, as this is only a one-line comment, there is not enough information to provide a concise summary.
Discussion Service. 'Brainpls.work' Pomodoro-based timer for ADHD support criticized as web-based. Suggestions made for smarter timer device and browser app improvements. New attention/flow timer app released on Github, preferred as native app. Users laud personal flashcard app tracking progress. Feedback includes adding audible notifications, distraction marking, and local time display. App developer may have ADHD.
Meta Releases New AI-Based Photo Segmentation Tool to Everybody
Original. Meta has developed a new image segmentation model called SAM that can isolate any object in images or videos on command. SAM aims to democratize the image segmentation process by reducing the need for specialized training and expertise. The technology is suitable for webpage content understanding, image editing, and augmented reality applications. SAM is noteworthy for its ability to identify objects not present in its training dataset and its partially open approach. In addition, Meta has created a dataset called SA-1B that includes 11 million images and 1.1 billion segmentation masks that will be made available for research purposes under an Apache 2.0 license.
Discussion Service. Meta releases AI-based photo segmentation tool with openness and AI development praised. Some worry about platform viability. Model trained on 12.6 million open-source images. Users critique misleading article title and existing segmentation tools. No relevance to Chrome extension or YC applications.
What happens when you leak AWS credentials and how AWS minimizes the damage
Original. An AWS user intentionally leaked their AWS credentials to a public GitHub repository to see what would happen. Within a minute of leaking the credentials, AWS added a "Quarantine Policy" to the user account and informed the user via email with instructions on how to secure their account. A malicious actor quickly made automated API calls with the leaked credentials, but were unsuccessful due to limited permissions. AWS uses a GitHub Secrets Scanning service to quickly detect and respond to leaked credentials. To prevent credential leakage, users can run pre-commit scans locally or add a secret scanner to their CI/CD pipeline.
Discussion Service. An Discussion Service user set up a project to automatically leak AWS secrets & trigger scanning processes. It's frustrating to rotate keys with many in an account. AWS invalidates tokens in public repositories, but rogues may have access already. AWS users advised to talk to team before revoking keys in production. AWS support should be contacted ASAP after an attack. Additional security can be added by limiting key usage to certain IPs. A script or git hook can prevent pushing of credentials. Scanner's programming intent is unclear.
Gource – Animate your Git history
Original. Gource is an animated tree graphic generator for software project directories that developers can work on. The tool has built-in log support for Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and SVN, and can parse logs made by third-party tools for CVS repositories. Gource has extensive documentation, examples, and controls on its wiki page, which include new features, fonts, filters, and options like the --high-dpi option, --file-idle-time-at-end option or --fixed-user-size option. Gource 0.54 is the latest version, which includes experimental support for Wayland and bug fixes on Apple M1. There are other similar tools like Logstalgia, seen as a helpful web server access log visualization tool. If you like Gource, you can show your appreciation and donate to its author to encourage future development of this and other open-source projects.
Discussion Service. Gource, a tool to animate Git history, is praised for determining project structure, editing trends & working patterns, and is often used for fun visualization. Redditors share using it to visualize comment activity and code refactorings. Some companies even display it publicly. Some struggle to find practical uses but find it rewarding as a reflection tool. Aesthetically pleasing to many.
Generate startup ideas based on Discussion Service comments
Original. Introducing a new online tool that generates startup ideas based on topics taken from comments published on Hacker News. Developed by an individual named tjcx, the platform allows users to enter a subject and receive a random startup idea based on comments related to that topic. This invention may prove useful in empowering entrepreneurs and promoting innovation.
Discussion Service. A new startup idea generator has been created using Discussion Service comments. Ideas range from serious to sarcastic, including a goat blood subscription service and hitman hiring. Comments make fun of ideas, but also suggest platforms for UBI and personalized medicine. Other suggestions include fitness apps, temperature monitoring devices, and VR for pet monitoring. Users on Discussion Service suggest a wide range of startup ideas, including controversial ones such as child-like sex dolls and lab-grown human meat. Mixed results reported, with some finding it amusing and others not so helpful. Accuracy criticized, and political or religious comments discouraged.
DevOps uses a capability model, not a maturity model
Original. DevOps should use a capability model, not a maturity model, according to Steve Fenton. Unlike a maturity model, the approach is outcome-based and encourages experimentation with tools and processes. SEM-based, customizable, and dynamic; it can drive incremental gains by identifying capabilities. Maturity models can be rigid, standardized, and not consider unique business challenges. The capability model connects characteristics to wider system outcomes. The structural model is overwhelming, but should be used for continuous improvement.
Discussion Service. DevOps transformed dev team's roles and pushed higher SysAdmin skill levels. Some suggest alternative terms like "platform engineering." Metrics-based capability model criticized as a sales pitch, call for meaningful capabilities. Cultivate a culture of trying new things for business development.