#alevel computer

[uncontrolledfission]

Why should you care about quantum computers?

Post #5 on Physics and Astronomy, 23/09/23

Welcome back. It’s been a while. 

First, let’s backtrack. What even are quantum computers?

Today’s computers are run on bits. These are the smallest increment of data on a computer, and are run in binary–they can be in the state of either 0 or 1. This essentially corresponds to two values: off and on. 

This, therefore, means that information can only remain in one, definite state. 

So, what makes quantum computers so different?

A quantum computer is run on qubits (short for quantum bits). Qubits, instead of a single state, can remain in an arbitrary superposition of states (meaning it’s not in any specific state until it’s measured). Qubits, on their own, aren’t particularly useful. But it performs one, very useful, function: it can store a combination of all possible states of the qubit into one area. This means that complex problems can be represented differently in qubits compared to bits. 

Quantum computers aren’t fully developed and at their full capacity quite yet. So far, there’s nothing a quantum computer can do that a regular supercomputer cannot. However, this opens an opportunity for some wonderful new things to happen. 

One of these things can include the cracking of passwords. 

Today’s encryption works by using “trapdoor” functions, which means that data is easy to compute in the forward direction, but extremely difficult to crack in the reverse without special keys. Keywords, ‘extremely difficult’; it is not impossible. However, this is not a massive concern: encryption works on the basis that it would simply take too long to crack.

To give you a tangible example, 100,003 and 131,071 are relatively easy to multiply together, giving you the answer 13,107,493,213. How easy, however, would it be to determine a prime factor pair of this number? It would take a computer a long time to figure this out, since it runs on bits, which can only show one definite state of data.

With quantum computers, it’s different. As aforementioned, qubits can remain in a superposition of states; somewhere in there, the desired answer lies. It’s just a matter of obtaining the resources to make this happen. 

Don’t worry, though. Ordinary people aren’t at any risk quite yet.

[wearenotdoinggethelpp]

If I could go back in time I wouldn't even do anything interesting I'd just get past me to change my alevel subjects so I wasn't suffering and worrying about the future so much

[anxiousgryffindor7]

Good luck and well done to everyone getting A Level results today!!

Got my EPQ result back today and I got an A!

[esme-studies]

exam countdown

*business is a day after maths so i didnt add it

[ffrogie]

who allowed me to do computer science alevel… im gonna die istg-

[28dayslater]

alex you don't have to answer this if it's too personal but I was wondering whether you think your degree has been any help when it came to jobs? i only have gcses due to depression kicking in for alevels so all my jobs have been min wage retail and you know how miserable that is. i've been trying to find a better paying jobs but even with years of work experience it's not enough to excuse the lack of education. i'm on an access course atm but i really have no idea whether a degree will help.

i mean i think the skills uni gave me have been helpful but nowhere near as much as the ones i've got by working! when i go for a job i tend not to bring up my degree in case they ask questions like "what grade did you get" lol so i lean on talking about the experience i've got from previous jobs and the skills i've learned in those workplaces. you can spin just about anything into being relevant if you put some thought into it. you've worked shit minimum wage retail jobs, okay, so you've got experience with varying computer systems, you can cope in a busy high pressure environment, you're adaptable, you can work in a team, to targets, whatever. if your education isn't your strongest suit you don't need to highlight it, you can make the parts of your work experience that can be relevant to the types of jobs you're looking for the focal point of your cv/application/interview

[tuiliel]

Hi I am the previous asker may I please ask you how will my computer science paper 1 go for me please I have worked very hard and I am having alot of anxiety about it please

Treat or treat ,I may not celebrate cause of Alevels (crying)

Yeah I got both asks but I'm just going to answer on this one: Ten of Wands reversed

You'll do as well as you can hope to, and once it's over you'll be able to set the burden down and catch your breath. At that point though, ask yourself - are you actually doing this for yourself and to accomplish your own goals, or to please someone else? Take time to rest and contemplate that, before you end up stuck doing something you hate just to try to win approval you don't really need. Where do you actually want to go from here? The future awaits your decision.

Good luck, Nonnie! 🍀🍀🍀

And don't forget to breathe and eat and sleep! Exams are no joke, I don't miss them.

[selreneelf]

Hi🍀

May I request how will my paper 1 go for computer science alevels??thankyou so much please 🥺 help mee

Hi love! Please read my pinned post! 💕

[riddlemetarot]

Hi💞how will my Oct alevels go for me computer science and business?

Thankyou alot I'm gemini

How might your class go?

I think you have nothing to worry about as long as you’re on top of your work!! Really try to balance some rest time though so you’re not overworking yourself. Good luck 🍀

[cirqosmos]

in the perspective of a university student, what are your thoughts on majoring in computer science? my older siblings are insisting i major in comsci or any other stem subject but im worried it won't be something i enjoy; i let their insistence and peer pressure get to me last time and i ended up picking an alevel subject i absolutely cannot stand, and i don't want to make that same mistake again 😭

CS is actually what my parents suggested for me to do, but well, i chose cs for two reasons: 1) bc i enjoyed it after a few months learning it, it's fun and it feels cool to constantly type lol 🗿 and being able to understand all the codes. And 2) it's for financial support, a backup career for me to support my dreams/passion. You can't go outside there without any backup plans. Majoring in CS tho is frustrating and extremely difficult 💀 uhm you would cry alot- at least for me bc I did. I spent hours trying to figure out that one menace error ugh 🗿also alot of math- i hate maths but yea gotta learn it.. but again it's cool cuz you would learn alot about computers and stuff, programming and yea. you should think twice before choosing it. Choose one major that you would enjoy but would also benefit you in the long term, it would be quite hard but try to think more about it! I'm sure there's one for you.

[the-autistic-student]

Hey! I’m a UK studyblr about to start university, and I’m looking for other UK based studyblrs to follow!

Reblog this and I’ll follow you :) Extra points if you’re doing a computer/science based studyblr, or if you’re a studyblr run by a fellow guy

[uncontrolledfission]

day 80 of 100 days of productivity 💌

pretty simple day. we worked on domains and ranges in maths, then looked at Archimedes’ Principle in physics, then we had a revision lesson in computer science. i just spent the lesson working on my coding.

pictured is part of what i did. i was very proud, because this question came up in the very first CS assessment of the year and no one in the class got it. though it’s quite easy for us now, i’m very proud of myself for being able to write this entire program in one go, without testing once, and got it to work as desired. wahey!

i went home and revised for my computer science mock. i feel prepared and i’m happy-ish knowing i’ve really done as much as i can to revise, but i’m still terrified. wish me luck! :)

- J

[bookstotherescue]

•18th October 2018•

Had a mix of chemistry and computing today. There's some algorithms and acids, after today my brain feels ready to explode. Nearly 25% through year 13, I'm getting so nervous now. UCAS about to be sent off, exam practice starting and all sorts of stress.

Any stress relief tips or self care shiz please send my way :)

[anxiousgryffindor7]

Tuesday 8th August 16:23

Summer holiday physics revision - featuring my doodle to understand a problem

[hufflepuffsstudies]

Some notes on logic gates

[gytrash]

I appreciate this has a specific audience