properprogramming

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Optimal Time for Pregnancy Tests: Calculator

This is a helpful tool for those looking to reduce cost on failed pregnancy tests that end up negative. Or for those that are looking to estimate costs on future tests. This tool helps you understand the potential cost implications of taking a pregnancy test at different days after 28 days without a period. It assumes the woman is not getting pregnant, but takes a test each time the time period is up. It uses a mean of 28 days, and an average standard deviation of 3.98 days for the menstrual cycle. Every woman is different, and more affects the cycle then just time. Good luck with the family. . Warning: This tool is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Cost of a Single Pregnancy Test (Any Currency): Calculate Privacy: The data within this form is NOT stored stored on our servers and is processed on the browser only. Please read our privacy statement and our cookie statement to understand what we store. Example: For instance, if each test costs $10 and you decide to take the test on the 29th day after the start of her last menstrual cycle, the chart estimates that you would spend around $4 per month on tests. In the months where her period arrives on time, you wouldn't need to spend money on a test, effectively "saving" for the months when her period might be late. Read the full article

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OpenAI's ChatGPT: Beyond Autocomplete, a First Draft Writer

In the vast ecosystem of artificial intelligence, one product that has captured both the imagination and skepticism of the public is OpenAI's ChatGPT (and GitHub Labs). For those unacquainted, this model was designed with the prowess to simulate human-like text generation. Some critics have been quick to dismiss it as a mere "autocomplete" tool, or worse, a "bullshit generator." However, a more astute understanding reveals that it functions more as a "first draft generator." And in the complex world of artificial neural networks, this distinction matters.

The Human and AI Process of Sentence Formation

At the very heart of both human communication and AI-generated text lies the concept of "tokens." Imagine a token as a fundamental unit of thought, typically words or phrases that hold semantic meaning. When humans communicate, they pick out a few of these tokens based on their thoughts, memories, and intentions. These selected tokens then act as a scaffold around which the rest of the sentence is built. ChatGPT operates similarly, albeit driven by algorithms and vast amounts of data. It chooses tokens based on its training and the patterns it recognizes in the input. With these tokens as anchors, it predicts and generates subsequent tokens to form a coherent sentence.

The Publishing Analogy

I've come to these conclusions following using ChatGPT, and GitHub Labs, to generate larger works. My findings have been surprising, and I dispute these understatements of their capabilities. To fully grasp the capabilities and potential of ChatGPT, one must first look at the intricate processes of the publishing world. An author’s manuscript undergoes several layers of refinement, from the rough draft to the final polished product ready for readers. The manuscript is edited for structure, flow, clarity, grammar, and numerous other parameters. It's not just about producing text; it's about refining and optimizing it. Now, envision ChatGPT as a fledgling author presenting its first draft. Its work is impressive, far exceeding its human counterpart in both time and results. However, akin to any first draft, it lacks the refined touch that comes from rigorous editing. As with any first work, plot holes exist, and the entire work may feel dry or lacking emotion. Yet, given a few corrective edits, the work can start to shine.

The Shortcoming: Editing Larger Works

One of the significant limitations of ChatGPT, and most text-generating AI models, is their inability to manage, review, and refine larger bodies of work. Editing, in its true essence, requires the capacity to: - Summarize portions of a text: An editor will often have to condense sections for brevity or clarity. - Review and contrast different parts of the text: This involves ensuring consistency, flow, and thematic coherence. - Maintain a memory of changes: Understanding why certain alterations were made and ensuring those changes reflect consistently throughout the work. ChatGPT, as sophisticated as it is, doesn’t possess the integrated "memory" or the refined discernment of a human editor. It responds based on patterns in the data it was trained on, and while this leads to impressive text generation, the model lacks an overarching perspective on large pieces of content.

The Path to Superintelligence

Achieving superintelligence in AI entails not just producing text but comprehensively understanding, reviewing, and improving upon it. By integrating a mechanism where the AI can summarize its work, recall previous edits, understand the rationale behind changes, and use that knowledge to refine the overall product, we edge closer to the coveted realm of superintelligence. But until that point, while ChatGPT might not replace the meticulous touch of human editors, it certainly emerges as a valuable tool in the creative arsenal, helping to scaffold ideas, produce initial drafts, and assist in the ideation process. To dismiss OpenAI's ChatGPT as mere "autocomplete" is to overlook its nuanced capabilities and potential. It's a testament to where AI stands today and offers a tantalizing glimpse of where it could head tomorrow. Read the full article

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Is Reddit's Moderation Structure Illegal? An Examination of the Current Debate.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide an opinion on the topic at hand. The authors are not legal professionals and cannot provide legal advice. For any legal concerns, please consult a legal professional. We at Proper Programming are not Employees of Reddit, and this article is not endorsed by Reddit. Reddit, a platform with millions of active users, has recently come under scrutiny for removing Moderators from Reddit. Their actions inevitably draw attention to some of Reddit's other business practices. Primarily, this involves their use of a large, unpaid pool of workers to maintain their platform.

The Debate

The central question revolves around whether moderators, who are unpaid and voluntarily curate content on the platform, could potentially be classified as employees. Historically, business owners are not permitted to use unpaid labor, barring some narrowly defined circumstances​1​. This raises the question of how Reddit, a billion-dollar company, can monetize the work of thousands of unpaid moderators without violating any laws. What's more, It can be argued that Reddit maintains significant control over the Subreddits the mods work on. They remove moderators who do not respect the rules, and they undelete Reddits that moderators remove. Moderators have no right to export their subreddits, or take their work somewhere else. Reddit maintaining control over these assets is a key detail in this situation. Finally, the questions regarding the legality of unpaid moderators is an issue that differs greatly depending on local regulations. While some countries may not allow it, others, like those within the EU, have shown disapproval of such practices through prior rulings.

Legal Precedents

Surprisingly, there are other legal precedents for this. The case of Reddit appears to be more severe than the following examples. - Precedents from the tech industry provide some context. In 2000, Electronic Arts faced a lawsuit over their "Counselor" program in Ultima Online, which was essentially a team of volunteer community players. The courts agreed with the plaintiffs who argued that EA imposed obligations on them in the course of their work, which made them more like employees than volunteers. A similar lawsuit was also brought against AOL by their community volunteer moderators. The courts found that volunteers of such nature can fall within the scope of employment laws​1​. - AOL faced a similar lawsuit when their community volunteer moderators argued that they fell under the scope of employment laws. The court agreed with the volunteers, setting a precedent for the EA lawsuit​1​. - Uber, a rideshare company, faced a lawsuit in which drivers claimed they were employees rather than independent contractors due to the level of control Uber exerted over them. The court ruled in favor of the drivers, establishing that the definition of 'employee' can extend to workers in the gig economy​2​. However, these cases may not directly apply to Reddit's situation. In the past, the main distinction lies in Reddit's control (or lack thereof) over its moderators' activities. However, that has since changed with the latest waves of Protests. “Volunteers” are typically not individuals who can be removed from their positions, and they certainly don't maintain the company's most profitable assets.

Reddit's Loss of Defense

In the past, Reddit maintained that it exercises no control over moderators, and when intervention is necessary, they do so directly rather than ordering moderators to take action. This lack of direction and organization of the moderators' activities could potentially protect Reddit from having to classify moderators as employees and subsequently having to pay them​1​. Some argue that Reddit does exert some control over its moderators, as there are certain guidelines and “requirements” on how to moderate content on the site. However, this has demonstratively changed since the API conflict, contrasting their previous position. It is unclear how Reddit can maintain its protective stance amidst these changes, which were previously safeguarding it from potential lawsuits. Critics argue that Reddit has made extensive demands on their moderators and is exploring new ways to profit from this pool of unpaid labor. It is also pointed out that Reddit can revoke a moderator's privileges for violating these rules, which some might consider a form of oversight​1​.

Legal Risks for Reddit

If Reddit was to be found directing moderators or organizing their activities more closely, they could potentially face legal challenges similar to those faced by Electronic Arts and AOL. Additionally, instances where Reddit has asked language communities to translate the site for free or engaged in activities requiring moderation in partnership with brands could also potentially be seen as exerting more control over its moderators and their activities​1​. In addition, there are also legal arguments regarding the validity of the contract Reddit establishes with its users upon signup. For instance, the issue of whether merely checking a box could be considered a "signature" has been raised, as under the federal eSign Act, a signature must be affirmatively placed upon the document signed​1​. While there is a lot of debate surrounding these issues, it's important to note that none of them have been definitively resolved in court. Ultimately, the legal status of Reddit's moderation structure may not be fully determined until a court of law examines these issues.

The Impact on Reddit's IPO

Given the significant legal risks outlined above, Reddit's planned IPO could be impacted. Investors typically look for stability and clarity when investing in a company. The unresolved legal questions surrounding Reddit's moderation structure could cause uncertainty and volatility, which could discourage potential investors. In particular, the fact that these legal issues could lead to substantial financial liabilities for Reddit (should the company be required to start paying its moderators) could impact the company's valuation and attractiveness to investors. Moreover, any potential legal battles could also have significant reputational impacts. Depending on the outcome, Reddit could be seen as exploiting its volunteer workforce, which could lead to negative public sentiment and potential user backlash. This could affect Reddit's user base and, consequently, its revenue and growth potential. Finally, a shift in the legal status of moderators from volunteers to employees would fundamentally alter Reddit's business model. The financial strain of having to compensate thousands of moderators could impact Reddit's profitability, and this risk could make the IPO less appealing to investors. All of these factors clarify it that the legal questions surrounding Reddit's moderation structure are more than just a theoretical concern. They represent a significant risk that could have tangible impacts on Reddit's future, particularly as it plans to go public. As always, investors should thoroughly research and consider these risks before deciding to invest in Reddit's IPO.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate around Reddit's moderation structure poses significant legal and business risks. As a platform built largely on the free labor of volunteer moderators, Reddit finds itself in a unique position. The legal status of these moderators, whether they should be classified as employees or volunteers, has yet to be definitively resolved in court, and the lack of precedent makes the situation all the more uncertain. Historical cases such as those involving Electronic Arts, AOL, and Uber suggest that companies exerting control over their volunteer or contract workforce may be required to reclassify them as employees. This could result in significant financial liabilities, which could impact Reddit's business model and its attractiveness to investors, especially in light of the upcoming IPO. Moreover, recent changes in Reddit's policy towards its moderators, along with its claim of ownership over the subreddits, could potentially destabilize the company's legal standing. This could potentially raise questions about the company's legal standing. In conclusion, as Reddit prepares for its IPO, potential investors and the wider tech industry will likely watch closely how these legal debates unfold. The outcomes could not only reshape the future of Reddit but may also set precedents that impact the broader digital economy. As always, it is recommended for individuals to seek legal counsel regarding such complex and evolving issues. Please note that this article is based on the latest understanding as of June 2023, and the situation may evolve as more legal arguments and precedents are introduced. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice on legal matters. Read the full article

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A Beginner's Guide to Software Development

Introduction

Software development is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and practices constantly emerging. If you're just starting your journey into the world of software development, it can be overwhelming. This beginner's guide aims to provide an overview of the software development process, key concepts, programming languages, and tools to help you get started on your path to becoming a software developer.

1. Understanding the Software Development Process

Software development is a process of creating, designing, coding, testing, and maintaining applications, frameworks, or other software components. It generally involves the following stages: - Requirement Analysis: Gathering and analyzing the needs and objectives of the software project. - Design: Creating a detailed plan for the software's architecture, user interface, and overall structure. - Implementation (Coding): Translating the design into code using programming languages. - Testing: Ensuring that the software is free from bugs and meets the project requirements. - Deployment: Releasing the software to users. - Maintenance: Updating and improving the software based on user feedback and developing needs.

2. Key Concepts in Software Development

Some essential concepts in software development include: - Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. - Data Structures: Organizing and storing data in a way that enables efficient access and modification. - Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): A programming paradigm that uses "objects" – instances of classes that encapsulate data and methods for manipulating the data. - Version Control: A system for tracking changes in source code over time, allowing developers to collaborate and revert to previous versions if needed.

3. Popular Programming Languages

There are numerous programming languages available, each with its unique features and benefits. Some popular languages for beginners include: - Python: Known for its simplicity and readability, Python is versatile and widely used for web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. - JavaScript: A popular language for web development, JavaScript allows developers to create interactive websites and web applications. - Java: A versatile, object-oriented programming language used for web, mobile, and desktop applications. Java is known for its "write once, run anywhere" capability. - C#: A powerful, easy-to-learn language developed by Microsoft, commonly used for building Windows applications and web services. - Ruby: A dynamic, open-source language well-suited for web development, particularly with the Ruby on Rails framework.

4. Development Tools and Environments

Software developers use a variety of tools to help streamline their work, such as: - Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Tools that combine code editing, debugging, and other development features in a single application. Examples include Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, and Eclipse. - Text Editors: Lightweight applications for writing and editing code, such as Sublime Text or Atom. - Debuggers: Tools that help identify and fix errors in code. - Build Tools: Applications that automate the process of compiling, linking, and packaging code into a runnable format, such as Maven or Gradle. - Version Control Systems: Tools for tracking and managing changes to code, enabling collaboration among developers. Examples include Git and Subversion.

5. Learning Resources and Communities

There are many resources available to help you learn software development, including: - Online Tutorials and Courses: Websites like Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and Coursera offer interactive courses and tutorials covering various programming languages and topics. - Books: Many excellent books cater to beginners, such as "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes or "You Don't Know JS" by Kyle Simpson. - Developer Communities: Online forums, such as Stack Overflow and GitHub, allow you to connect with other developers, ask questions, and collaborate on projects. - Coding Bootcamps: Intensive, short-term programs designed to teach programming skills and help students build portfolios of projects. - Local Meetups and Workshops: In-person events that allow you to network with other developers, share knowledge, and learn from experts in your area.

Conclusion

Embarking on a career in software development can be both exciting and challenging. By understanding the software development process, familiarizing yourself with key concepts, programming languages, and tools, and utilizing available learning resources, you can set a solid foundation for your journey. Stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to seek help from the developer community as you grow your skills and embark on your software development career. Read the full article

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10 Essential Questions to Ask a Computer Security Expert During an Interview

Hiring a skilled computer security expert is crucial for any organization that values the protection of its digital assets and sensitive information. To find the perfect candidate, it's important to ask questions that assess not only their technical knowledge but also their problem-solving, communication, teamwork abilities, and adaptability. Here are 10 essential questions to ask a computer security expert during an interview to help you identify the best fit for your team.

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Top 10 Questions

Can you describe your experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks? This question allows the candidate to showcase their expertise in evaluating potential security risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies. Look for examples that demonstrate a deep understanding of vulnerability assessment, risk management, and security best practices. What tools and methodologies do you use for vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and threat hunting? Understanding the candidate's experience with various tools and methodologies is essential to ensure they can work effectively within your organization. Look for familiarity with tools like Nessus, Metasploit, Wireshark, and methodologies such as OWASP Top Ten, NIST, or MITRE ATT&CK. Can you provide an example of a security incident you've handled, and how you managed to contain and remediate the issue? This question will help you assess the candidate's incident response skills and their ability to handle security breaches effectively. Look for examples that demonstrate a systematic approach to identifying, containing, and resolving security incidents, as well as lessons learned from the experience. How do you stay current with emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices? A great computer security expert should be proactive in staying up-to-date with industry trends, emerging threats, and best practices. This question will help you determine if the candidate is committed to their professional development and open to adopting new techniques and tools. How do you ensure effective communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders when it comes to cybersecurity? Effective communication is crucial for a computer security expert. This question will reveal the candidate's ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders and ensure that everyone understands the importance of cybersecurity measures and practices. What is your experience with security compliance frameworks, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS? Compliance with security regulations is a critical aspect of a computer security expert's role. The candidate should demonstrate their knowledge of various compliance frameworks and their ability to implement and maintain security controls that align with regulatory requirements. What is your experience working with cross-functional teams, including developers, network administrators, and business stakeholders? Team dynamics play a significant role in the success of a computer security expert. This question aims to assess the candidate's ability to collaborate effectively with diverse team members and contribute to a cohesive cybersecurity strategy. How do you approach user training and awareness to promote a strong security culture within an organization? User training and awareness are essential components of a robust security posture. This question will help you evaluate the candidate's ability to develop and deliver engaging security training programs and foster a security-conscious culture within the organization. Can you describe a challenging cybersecurity project you've worked on and how you overcame the obstacles? This question will help you evaluate the candidate's resilience and problem-solving abilities in the face of complex cybersecurity challenges. Look for examples that demonstrate creativity, perseverance, and a deep understanding of computer security principles. What excites you most about working in the field of computer security, and where do you see yourself in five years? This final question allows the candidate to express their passion for the field and share their long-term goals. Hiring computer security experts who are genuinely enthusiastic about their work and have a clear vision for their professional growth will contribute positively to your organization.

Conclusion

During a computer security expert interview is key to finding the right candidate for your team. By focusing on their technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and adaptability, you can ensure a successful hire who will make a significant impact on your organization's cybersecurity posture. Also, knowing the candidate's experience with compliance frameworks and their passion for the field will help your organization's security culture. Read the full article