#cloud computing environment

[projectchampionz]

DESIGN AN ENHANCED INTRUSION DETECTION MODEL IN A CLOUD COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT. 

DESIGN AN ENHANCED INTRUSION DETECTION MODEL IN A CLOUD COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT ABSTRACT Cloud computing is a new type of service that provides large-scale computing resources to each customer. Cloud computing systems can be easily threatened by various cyberattacks because most cloud computing systems provide services to so many people who are not proven to be trustworthy. Therefore, a cloud…

[chiragqlanceblogs]

How Python Powers Scalable and Cost-Effective Cloud Solutions

Explore the role of Python in developing scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions. This guide covers Python's advantages in cloud computing, addresses potential challenges, and highlights real-world applications, providing insights into leveraging Python for efficient cloud development.

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are increasingly leveraging cloud computing to enhance scalability, optimize costs, and drive innovation. Among the myriad of programming languages available, Python has emerged as a preferred choice for developing robust cloud solutions. Its simplicity, versatility, and extensive library support make it an ideal candidate for cloud-based applications.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how Python empowers scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions, explore its advantages, address potential challenges, and highlight real-world applications.

Why Python is the Preferred Choice for Cloud Computing?

Python's popularity in cloud computing is driven by several factors, making it the preferred language for developing and managing cloud solutions. Here are some key reasons why Python stands out:

Simplicity and Readability: Python's clean and straightforward syntax allows developers to write and maintain code efficiently, reducing development time and costs.

Extensive Library Support: Python offers a rich set of libraries and frameworks like Django, Flask, and FastAPI for building cloud applications.

Seamless Integration with Cloud Services: Python is well-supported across major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Automation and DevOps Friendly: Python supports infrastructure automation with tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Boto3.

Strong Community and Enterprise Adoption: Python has a massive global community that continuously improves and innovates cloud-related solutions.

How Python Enables Scalable Cloud Solutions?

Scalability is a critical factor in cloud computing, and Python provides multiple ways to achieve it:

1. Automation of Cloud Infrastructure

Python's compatibility with cloud service provider SDKs, such as AWS Boto3, Azure SDK for Python, and Google Cloud Client Library, enables developers to automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources efficiently.

2. Containerization and Orchestration

Python integrates seamlessly with Docker and Kubernetes, enabling businesses to deploy scalable containerized applications efficiently.

3. Cloud-Native Development

Frameworks like Flask, Django, and FastAPI support microservices architecture, allowing businesses to develop lightweight, scalable cloud applications.

4. Serverless Computing

Python's support for serverless platforms, including AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions, allows developers to build applications that automatically scale in response to demand, optimizing resource utilization and cost.

5. AI and Big Data Scalability

Python’s dominance in AI and data science makes it an ideal choice for cloud-based AI/ML services like AWS SageMaker, Google AI, and Azure Machine Learning.

Looking for expert Python developers to build scalable cloud solutions? Hire Python Developers now!

Advantages of Using Python for Cloud Computing

Cost Efficiency: Python’s compatibility with serverless computing and auto-scaling strategies minimizes cloud costs.

Faster Development: Python’s simplicity accelerates cloud application development, reducing time-to-market.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Python runs seamlessly across different cloud platforms.

Security and Reliability: Python-based security tools help in encryption, authentication, and cloud monitoring.

Strong Community Support: Python developers worldwide contribute to continuous improvements, making it future-proof.

Challenges and Considerations

While Python offers many benefits, there are some challenges to consider:

Performance Limitations: Python is an interpreted language, which may not be as fast as compiled languages like Java or C++.

Memory Consumption: Python applications might require optimization to handle large-scale cloud workloads efficiently.

Learning Curve for Beginners: Though Python is simple, mastering cloud-specific frameworks requires time and expertise.

Python Libraries and Tools for Cloud Computing

Python’s ecosystem includes powerful libraries and tools tailored for cloud computing, such as:

Boto3: AWS SDK for Python, used for cloud automation.

Google Cloud Client Library: Helps interact with Google Cloud services.

Azure SDK for Python: Enables seamless integration with Microsoft Azure.

Apache Libcloud: Provides a unified interface for multiple cloud providers.

PyCaret: Simplifies machine learning deployment in cloud environments.

Real-World Applications of Python in Cloud Computing

1. Netflix - Scalable Streaming with Python

Netflix extensively uses Python for automation, data analysis, and managing cloud infrastructure, enabling seamless content delivery to millions of users.

2. Spotify - Cloud-Based Music Streaming

Spotify leverages Python for big data processing, recommendation algorithms, and cloud automation, ensuring high availability and scalability.

3. Reddit - Handling Massive Traffic

Reddit uses Python and AWS cloud solutions to manage heavy traffic while optimizing server costs efficiently.

Future of Python in Cloud Computing

The future of Python in cloud computing looks promising with emerging trends such as:

AI-Driven Cloud Automation: Python-powered AI and machine learning will drive intelligent cloud automation.

Edge Computing: Python will play a crucial role in processing data at the edge for IoT and real-time applications.

Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Strategies: Python’s flexibility will enable seamless integration across multiple cloud platforms.

Increased Adoption of Serverless Computing: More enterprises will adopt Python for cost-effective serverless applications.

Conclusion

Python's simplicity, versatility, and robust ecosystem make it a powerful tool for developing scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions. By leveraging Python's capabilities, businesses can enhance their cloud applications' performance, flexibility, and efficiency.

Ready to harness the power of Python for your cloud solutions? Explore our Python Development Services to discover how we can assist you in building scalable and efficient cloud applications.

FAQs

1. Why is Python used in cloud computing?

Python is widely used in cloud computing due to its simplicity, extensive libraries, and seamless integration with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.

2. Is Python good for serverless computing?

Yes! Python works efficiently in serverless environments like AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions, making it an ideal choice for cost-effective, auto-scaling applications.

3. Which companies use Python for cloud solutions?

Major companies like Netflix, Spotify, Dropbox, and Reddit use Python for cloud automation, AI, and scalable infrastructure management.

4. How does Python help with cloud security?

Python offers robust security libraries like PyCryptodome and OpenSSL, enabling encryption, authentication, and cloud monitoring for secure cloud applications.

5. Can Python handle big data in the cloud?

Yes! Python supports big data processing with tools like Apache Spark, Pandas, and NumPy, making it suitable for data-driven cloud applications.

[bigleapblog]

Your Guide to B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering Colleges

In today's technology-driven world, pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) has become a popular choice among students aspiring for a bright future. The demand for skilled professionals in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Cloud Computing has made computer science engineering colleges crucial in shaping tomorrow's innovators. Saraswati College of Engineering (SCOE), a leader in engineering education, provides students with a perfect platform to build a successful career in this evolving field.

Whether you're passionate about coding, software development, or the latest advancements in AI, pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering at SCOE can open doors to endless opportunities.

Why Choose B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering?

Choosing a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering isn't just about learning to code; it's about mastering problem-solving, logical thinking, and the ability to work with cutting-edge technologies. The course offers a robust foundation that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to excel in the tech industry.

At SCOE, the computer science engineering courses are designed to meet industry standards and keep up with the rapidly evolving tech landscape. With its AICTE Approved, NAAC Accredited With Grade-"A+" credentials, the college provides quality education in a nurturing environment. SCOE's curriculum goes beyond textbooks, focusing on hands-on learning through projects, labs, workshops, and internships. This approach ensures that students graduate not only with a degree but with the skills needed to thrive in their careers.

The Role of Computer Science Engineering Colleges in Career Development

The role of computer science engineering colleges like SCOE is not limited to classroom teaching. These institutions play a crucial role in shaping students' futures by providing the necessary infrastructure, faculty expertise, and placement opportunities. SCOE, established in 2004, is recognized as one of the top engineering colleges in Navi Mumbai. It boasts a strong placement record, with companies like Goldman Sachs, Cisco, and Microsoft offering lucrative job opportunities to its graduates.

The computer science engineering courses at SCOE are structured to provide a blend of technical and soft skills. From the basics of computer programming to advanced topics like Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, students at SCOE are trained to be industry-ready. The faculty at SCOE comprises experienced professionals who not only impart theoretical knowledge but also mentor students for real-world challenges.

Highlights of the B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering Program at SCOE

Comprehensive Curriculum: The B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering program at SCOE covers all major areas, including programming languages, algorithms, data structures, computer networks, operating systems, AI, and Machine Learning. This ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for various roles in the tech industry.

Industry-Relevant Learning: SCOE’s focus is on creating professionals who can immediately contribute to the tech industry. The college regularly collaborates with industry leaders to update its curriculum, ensuring students learn the latest technologies and trends in computer science engineering.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: SCOE is equipped with modern laboratories, computer centers, and research facilities, providing students with the tools they need to gain practical experience. The institution’s infrastructure fosters innovation, helping students work on cutting-edge projects and ideas during their B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering.

Practical Exposure: One of the key benefits of studying at SCOE is the emphasis on practical learning. Students participate in hands-on projects, internships, and industry visits, giving them real-world exposure to how technology is applied in various sectors.

Placement Support: SCOE has a dedicated placement cell that works tirelessly to ensure students secure internships and job offers from top companies. The B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering program boasts a strong placement record, with top tech companies visiting the campus every year. The highest on-campus placement offer for the academic year 2022-23 was an impressive 22 LPA from Goldman Sachs, reflecting the college’s commitment to student success.

Personal Growth: Beyond academics, SCOE encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, coding competitions, and tech fests. These activities enhance their learning experience, promote teamwork, and help students build a well-rounded personality that is essential in today’s competitive job market.

What Makes SCOE Stand Out?

With so many computer science engineering colleges to choose from, why should you consider SCOE for your B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering? Here are a few factors that make SCOE a top choice for students:

Experienced Faculty: SCOE prides itself on having a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members. The faculty’s approach to teaching is both theoretical and practical, ensuring students are equipped to tackle real-world challenges.

Strong Industry Connections: The college maintains strong relationships with leading tech companies, ensuring that students have access to internship opportunities and campus recruitment drives. This gives SCOE graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

Holistic Development: SCOE believes in the holistic development of students. In addition to academic learning, the college offers opportunities for personal growth through various student clubs, sports activities, and cultural events.

Supportive Learning Environment: SCOE provides a nurturing environment where students can focus on their academic and personal growth. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including spacious classrooms, labs, a library, and a recreation center.

Career Opportunities After B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from SCOE

Graduates with a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from SCOE are well-prepared to take on various roles in the tech industry. Some of the most common career paths for CSE graduates include:

Software Engineer: Developing software applications, web development, and mobile app development are some of the key responsibilities of software engineers. This role requires strong programming skills and a deep understanding of software design.

Data Scientist: With the rise of big data, data scientists are in high demand. CSE graduates with knowledge of data science can work on data analysis, machine learning models, and predictive analytics.

AI Engineer: Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing various industries, and AI engineers are at the forefront of this change. SCOE’s curriculum includes AI and Machine Learning, preparing students for roles in this cutting-edge field.

System Administrator: Maintaining and managing computer systems and networks is a crucial role in any organization. CSE graduates can work as system administrators, ensuring the smooth functioning of IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Specialist: With the growing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity specialists are essential in protecting an organization’s digital assets. CSE graduates can pursue careers in cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive information from hackers.

Conclusion: Why B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering at SCOE is the Right Choice

Choosing the right college is crucial for a successful career in B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering. Saraswati College of Engineering (SCOE) stands out as one of the best computer science engineering colleges in Navi Mumbai. With its industry-aligned curriculum, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and excellent placement record, SCOE offers students the perfect environment to build a successful career in computer science.

Whether you're interested in AI, data science, software development, or any other field in computer science, SCOE provides the knowledge, skills, and opportunities you need to succeed. With a strong focus on hands-on learning and personal growth, SCOE ensures that students graduate not only as engineers but as professionals ready to take on the challenges of the tech world.

If you're ready to embark on an exciting journey in the world of technology, consider pursuing your B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering at SCOE—a college where your future takes shape.

[jcmarchi]

New AI noise-canceling headphone technology lets wearers pick which sounds they hear - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/new-ai-noise-canceling-headphone-technology-lets-wearers-pick-which-sounds-they-hear-technology-org/

New AI noise-canceling headphone technology lets wearers pick which sounds they hear - Technology Org

Most anyone who’s used noise-canceling headphones knows that hearing the right noise at the right time can be vital. Someone might want to erase car horns when working indoors but not when walking along busy streets. Yet people can’t choose what sounds their headphones cancel.

A team led by researchers at the University of Washington has developed deep-learning algorithms that let users pick which sounds filter through their headphones in real time. Pictured is co-author Malek Itani demonstrating the system. Image credit: University of Washington

Now, a team led by researchers at the University of Washington has developed deep-learning algorithms that let users pick which sounds filter through their headphones in real time. The team is calling the system “semantic hearing.” Headphones stream captured audio to a connected smartphone, which cancels all environmental sounds. Through voice commands or a smartphone app, headphone wearers can select which sounds they want to include from 20 classes, such as sirens, baby cries, speech, vacuum cleaners and bird chirps. Only the selected sounds will be played through the headphones.

The team presented its findings at UIST ’23 in San Francisco. In the future, the researchers plan to release a commercial version of the system.

[embedded content]

“Understanding what a bird sounds like and extracting it from all other sounds in an environment requires real-time intelligence that today’s noise canceling headphones haven’t achieved,” said senior author Shyam Gollakota, a UW professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. “The challenge is that the sounds headphone wearers hear need to sync with their visual senses. You can’t be hearing someone’s voice two seconds after they talk to you. This means the neural algorithms must process sounds in under a hundredth of a second.”

Because of this time crunch, the semantic hearing system must process sounds on a device such as a connected smartphone, instead of on more robust cloud servers. Additionally, because sounds from different directions arrive in people’s ears at different times, the system must preserve these delays and other spatial cues so people can still meaningfully perceive sounds in their environment.

Tested in environments such as offices, streets and parks, the system was able to extract sirens, bird chirps, alarms and other target sounds, while removing all other real-world noise. When 22 participants rated the system’s audio output for the target sound, they said that on average the quality improved compared to the original recording.

In some cases, the system struggled to distinguish between sounds that share many properties, such as vocal music and human speech. The researchers note that training the models on more real-world data might improve these outcomes.

Source: University of Washington

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[faisalakhtar12]

Building Your Serverless Sandbox: A Detailed Guide to Multi-Environment Deployments (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cloud)

Introduction Welcome, intrepid serverless adventurers! In the wild world of cloud computing, creating a robust, multi-environment deployment pipeline is crucial for maintaining code quality and ensuring smooth transitions from development to production.Here is part 1 and part 2 of this series. Feel free to read them before continuing on. This guide will walk you through the process of setting…

[gleecus-techlabs-blogs]

Ensuring data quality and completeness is fundamental to effective data governance, which helps maintain accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information across the organization. By implementing clear data standards, policies, and procedures, organizations can systematically manage data to minimize errors and inconsistencies.

As data scales rapidly in cloud environments, strong governance is crucial for maintaining accuracy and ensuring proper integration from diverse sources, thereby enhancing analytics and decision-making. Adhering to governance policies also safeguards data security and privacy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and protecting sensitive information in the cloud.

Explore our blog to dive deeper into Data Governance practices tailored for cloud-native environments.

[virtualrealitynewstoday]

Meta Quest v60 更新：透過增強的環境和效能提升擴展虛擬視野

隨著節日季節的來臨，Meta Quest 社群迎來了一份提前的禮物。是的，Meta Quest 正式推出了 v60 軟體更新，為用戶帶來了全新的 Horizon Home 環境、雲計算邊界改進等更多功能。 首先要提醒大家，這些軟體更新會逐步推出。如果您還沒有看到 v60 更新，不用擔心，它即將到來，不久後就會出現在您的虛擬世界中。 全新的 Horizon Home 環境 Meta Horizon Home 是一個用戶可以與朋友聚集、觀看 Meta Quest TV 內容或一起參加多人遊戲的地方。就像現實生活中的家一樣，它是一個您可以打造成自己的空間。現在，Meta Quest 推出了三種全新的 Horizon Home 環境，讓您能夠做到這一點。 Blue Hill Gold…

[bklein73]

Time To Retire or Another Lease On Life

You remember it as it was yesterday. Waiting in your house or office for that FedEx or UPS delivery. You can still smell that crisp clean box with the iconic Dell symbol on the front. That was five years ago. What served you well with 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB hard drive just doesn’t cut it anymore for you. That last Windows update made you feel you had one of those computers you vaguely…

[kiasims]

60+ overrides you NEED in your game 🫧

watch here ♡

kia in her tumblr era? lol

but I just wanted to share some of my favorite override mods with you guys 💗 hope you guys enjoy

start-up overrides ♡

1. pink aura opening screen override by Irene Noir

2. ghost loading screen by Wotunciba

3. loading screen tips replacement by Kiasims

4. refreshed dynamic main menu by Simmatically

5. 'rainy hearts' font override by Kiasims

cas overrides ♡

6. vyxated mirror cas background (soft-pink) by Dumbabie

7. controlled cas position by Northernsiberiawinds

8. more cas columns by Weerbesu

9. yearbook gallery pose overrides by Yun-Sims

build mode overrides ♡

10. build-buy pencil override by Vyxated 

11. build-buy gizmo override (soft-pink) by Vyxated

ui overrides ♡

12. pastel ui override by Vyxated

13. ice cream plumbob override by Xiaoboluo **

14. ui poses override by Blaccdot

15. childrens ui mood replacements by NV-Games

in-game overrides ♡

16. better basketball override by Coco Games

17. shoe removal animation override by ThePancake1

18. black tv replacements by AlexisAriel

19. reality dating show override by Coco Games

20. movie overrides by Midnitehearts

21. watching tv override by Simkatu **

22. nap replacement poses by Beverlyallitsims

23. ps2 game and controller override by Bknysimz

24. nintendo switch game controller replacement by AroundTheSims4

25. iphone 12 override by nuribatsal

26. phone app replacements by Coco Games (search for ‘overrides’ on her patreon to find the rest)

27. realistic bank override by [Taylor] (requires SNB Bank mod)

28. phone wallpaper overrides by Coco Games

29. single selfie overrides by Dearkim

30. paired selfie overrides by Dearkim

31. bouquet override by Complexsims **

32. samsung jet vaccum override by Kikovanity

33. food texture replacements by Utopiasims

34. modern glass replacement by Coco Games

35. green sponge override by Ellcrze

36. method all purpose surface spray override by Kikovanity

37. functional hair care overrides by [Taylor] (requres bathroom clutter kit becomes functional mod)

38. computer desktop override by Simkatu

39. computer game overrides by Ebonix

40. reading animation override Simkatu

41. black art painting overrides by Slimmazsims

42. lush facial masks override by PlayWithSyd

43. singing animation override by Simkatu

44. dance override 2.0 by Steven Studios **

45. energy failure animation override by NV_Games

46. faint animation replacement by NV-Games

47. squishmallow overrides by Bellassims

baby overrides ♡ 

48. invisible bassinet override by Sixam

49. baby bottle override by Coco Games

50. byebyebaby rug hider override by BuildBuyMode

51. sippy cup override by Cecesimsxo **

52. realistic birth overrides by [Taylor] (requires realistic birth mod)

environment overrides ♡

53. terrain overrides by K-Hippie

54. cloud overrides by Moriel

55. red bridge override by Simmatically

56. newcrest building replacements by BoyBatterfly

57. san myshuno city buildings override by Bloomverse

58. san myshuno billboards override by Ebonix

59. del sol valley billboards replacement by JrenaeGaming

university overrides ♡

60. hbcu text edits by AlexisAriel

61. university food cart replacements by AlexisAriel

(18+) 62. real drink names override by Basemental (requires basemental drugs)

63. red cup juice keg override by Ebonix

64. uno card override by Skillfulsimmer

(18+) 65. elfbar override by [Taylor] (requires basemental drugs)

[alongtidesoflight]

in wake of yet another wave of people being turned off by windows, here's a guide on how to dual boot windows and 🐧 linux 🐧 (useful for when you're not sure if you wanna make the switch and just wanna experiment with the OS for a bit!)

if you look up followup guides online you're gonna see that people are telling you to use ubuntu but i am gonna show you how to do this using kubuntu instead because fuck GNOME. all my homies hate GNOME.

i'm just kidding, use whatever distro you like. my favorite's kubuntu (for a beginner home environment). read up on the others if you're curious. and don't let some rando on reddit tell you that you need pop! OS for gaming. gaming on linux is possible without it.

why kubuntu?

- it's very user friendly

- it comes with applications people might already be familiar with (VLC player and firefox for example)

- libreoffice already preinstalled

- no GNOME (sorry GNOME enthusiasts, let me old man yell at the clouds) (also i'm playing this up for the laughs. wholesome kde/gnome meme at the bottom of this post.)

for people who are interested in this beyond my tl;dr: read this

(if you're a linux user, don't expect any tech wizardry here. i know there's a billion other and arguably better ways to do x y and/or z. what i'm trying to do here is to keep these instructions previous windows user friendly. point and click. no CLI bro, it'll scare the less tech savvy hoes. no vim supremacy talk (although hell yeah vim supremacy). if they like the OS they'll figure out bash all by themselves in no time.)

first of all, there'll be a GUI. you don't need to type lines of code to get this all running. we're not going for the ✨hackerman aesthetics✨ today. grab a mouse and a keyboard and you're good to go.

what you need is a computer/laptop/etc with enough disk space to install both windows and linux on it. i'm recommending to reserve at least a 100gb for the both of them. in the process of this you'll learn how to re-allocate disk space either way and you'll learn how to give and take some, we'll do a bit of disk partitioning to fit them both on a single disk.

and that's enough babbling for now, let's get to the actual tutorial:

🚨IMPORTANT. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ON A 32BIT SYSTEM. ONLY DO THIS IF YOU'RE WORKING WITH A 64BIT SYSTEM. 🚨 (win10 and win11: settings -> system -> about -> device specifications -> system type ) it should say 64bit operating system, x64-based processor.

step 1: install windows on your computer FIRST. my favorite way of doing this is by creating an installation media with rufus. you can either grab and prepare two usb sticks for each OS, or you can prepare them one after the other. (pro tip: get two usb sticks, that way you can label them and store them away in case you need to reinstall windows/linux or want to install it somewhere else)

in order to do this, you need to download three things:

rufus

win10 (listen. i know switching to win11 is difficult. not much of a fan of it either. but support's gonna end for good. you will run into hiccups. it'll be frustrating for everyone involved. hate to say it, but in this case i'd opt for installing its dreadful successor over there ->) or win11

kubuntu (the download at the top is always the latest, most up-to-date one)

when grabbing your windows installation of choice pick this option here, not the media creation tool option at the top of the page:

side note: there's also very legit key sellers out there who can hook you up with cheap keys. you're allowed to do that if you use those keys privately. don't do this in an enterprise environment though. and don't waste money on it if your ultimate goal is to switch to linux entirely at one point.

from here it's very easy sailing. plug your usb drive into your computer and fire up rufus (just double click it).

🚨two very important things though!!!!!!:🚨

triple check your usb device. whatever one you selected will get wiped entirely in order to make space for your installation media. if you want to be on the safe side only plug in the ONE usb stick you want to use. and back up any music, pictures or whatever else you had on there before or it'll be gone forever.

you can only install ONE OS on ONE usb drive. so you need to do this twice, once with your kubuntu iso and once with your windows iso, on a different drive each.

done. now you can dispense windows and linux left and right, whenever and wherever you feel like it. you could, for example, start with your designated dual boot device. installing windows is now as simple as plugging the usb device into your computer and booting it up. from there, click your way through the installation process and come back to this tutorial when you're ready.

step 2: preparing the disks for a dual boot setup

on your fresh install, find your disk partitions. in your search bar enter either "diskmgr" and hit enter or just type "partitions". the former opens your disk manager right away, the latter serves you up with this "create and format hard disk partitions" search result and that's what you're gonna be clicking.

you'll end up on a screen that looks more or less like in the screenshot below. depending on how many disks you've installed this might look different, but the basic gist is the same. we're going to snip a little bit off Disk 0 and make space for kubuntu on it. my screenshot isn't the best example because i'm using the whole disk and in order to practice what i preach i'd have to go against my own advice. that piece of advice is: if this screen intimidates you and you're not sure what you're doing here, hands off your (C:) drive, EFI system, and recovery partition. however, if you're feeling particularly fearless, go check out the amount of "free space" to the right. is there more than 30gb left available? if so, you're free to right click your (C:) drive and click "shrink volume"

this screen will pop up:

the minimum disk space required for kubuntu is 25gb. the recommended one is 50gb. for an installation like this, about 30gb are enough. in order to do that, simply change the value at

Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB: to 30000

and hit Shrink.

once that's done your partitions will have changed and unallocated space at about the size of 30gb should be visible under Disk 0 at the bottom like in the bottom left of this screenshot (courtesy of microsoft.com):

this is gonna be kubuntu's new home on your disk.

step 3: boot order, BIOS/UEFI changes

all you need to do now is plug the kubuntu-usb drive you prepared earlier with rufus into your computer again and reboot that bad boy.

the next step has no screenshots. we're heading into your UEFI/BIOS (by hitting a specific key (like ESC, F10, Enter) while your computer boots up) and that'll look different for everyone reading this. if this section has you completely lost, google how to do these steps for your machine.

a good search term would be: "[YOUR DEVICE (i.e Lenovo, your mainboard's name, etc.)] change boot order"

what you need to do is to tell your computer to boot your USB before it tries to boot up windows. otherwise you won't be able to install kubuntu.

this can be done by entering your BIOS/UEFI and navigating to a point called something along the lines of "boot". from "boot order" to "booting devices" to "startup configuration", it could be called anything.

what'll be a common point though is that it'll list all your bootable devices. the topmost one is usually the one that boots up first, so if your usb is anywhere below that, make sure to drag and drop or otherwise move it to the top.

when you're done navigate to Save & Exit. your computer will then boot up kubuntu's install wizard. you'll be greeted with this:

shocker, i know, but click "Install Kubuntu" on the right.

step 4: kubuntu installation

this is a guided installation. just like when you're installing windows you'll be prompted when you need to make changes. if i remember correctly it's going to ask you for your preferred keyboard layout, a network connection, additional software you might want to install, and all of that is up to you.

but once you reach the point where it asks you where you want to install kubuntu we'll have to make a couple of important choices.

🚨 another important note 🚨

do NOT pick any of the top three options. they will overwrite your already existing windows installation.

click manual instead. we're going to point it to our unallocated disk space. hit continue. you will be shown another disk partition screen.

what you're looking for are your 30gb of free space. just like with the USB drive when we were working with rufus, make sure you're picking the right one. triple check at the very least. the chosen disk will get wiped.

click it until the screen "create a new partition" pops up.

change the following settings to:

New partition size in megabytes: 512

Use as: EFI System Partition

hit OK.

click your free space again. same procedure.

change the following settings to:

New partition size in megabytes: 8000 (*this might be different in your case, read on.)

Use As: Swap Area

hit OK

click your free space a third time. we need one more partition.

change the following settings to:

don't change anything about the partition size this time. we're letting it use up the rest of the resources.

Use as: Ext4 journaling system

Mount Point: /

you're done here as well.

*about the 8000 megabytes in the second step: this is about your RAM size. if you have 4gb instead type 4000, and so on.

once you're sure your configuration is good and ready to go, hit "Install Now". up until here you can go back and make changes to your settings. once you've clicked the button, there's no going back.

finally, select your timezone and create a user account. then hit continue. the installation should finish up... and you'll be good to go.

you'll be told to remove the USB drive from your computer and reboot your machine.

now when your computer boots up, you should end up on a black screen with a little bit of text in the top left corner. ubuntu and windows boot manager should be mentioned there. naturally, when you click ubuntu you will boot into your kubuntu. likewise if you hit windows boot manager your windows login screen will come up.

and that's that folks. go ham on messing around with your linux distro. customize it to your liking. make yourself familiar with the shell (on kubuntu, when you're on your desktop, hit CTRL+ALT+T).

for starters, you could feed it the first commands i always punch into fresh Linux installs:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get upgrade

sudo apt-get install vim

(you'll thank me for the vim one later)

turn your back on windows. taste freedom. nothing sexier than open source, baby.

sources (mainly for the pictures): 1, 2

further reading for the curious: 1, 2

linux basics (includes CLI commands)

kubuntu documentation (this is your new best friend. it'll tell you everything about kubuntu that you need to know.

and finally the promised kde/gnome meme:

[canmom]

i do think like if you're not immersed in graphics and thinking about all the data flowing around between different buffers and shit that's going on inside a frame, when you see a render of a shiny box reflecting on a wall, it's like. ok and? it's a box? but there's so much nuance to the way light floods through an environment. and so much ingenuity in finding out what we can fake and precompute and approximate, to get our imaginary space to have that same gorgeous feeling of 'everything reflects off everything else'.

light is just one example, but I think all the different systems of feedback interactions in the world are just so juicy. geology is full of them. rocks bouncing up isostatically as the glaciers flow off them. spreading ridges and stripes of magnetic polarity revealing themselves. earthquakes ringing across the world. clouds forming around mountain peaks, giving rise to forests and deserts. soil being shaped by erosion, directing future water into channels. biological evolution!! I turned away from earth sciences many years ago, to pursue maths and physics and later art and now computer programming, but all of these things link up and inform the thing I'm doing at the moment.

sometimes you try to directly recreate the underlying physics, sometimes you're just finding mathematical shapes that feel similar: fractal noise that can be evaluated in parallel, pushed through various functions, assigned materials, voxellised and marching cubesed and pushed onto the gpu, shaded and offset by textures, and in the end, it looks sorta like grass. an island that will be shaped further as the players get their hands on it.

it's all just a silly game about hamsters shooting missiles. and yet when you spend this long immersed in a project, so much reveals itself. nobody will probably ever think about these details as much as I have been. and yet I hope something of that comes across.

they say of the Bevy game engine that everyone's trying to make a voxel engine or tech demo instead of an actual game. but in a way, I love that. making your own personal voxel engine is a cool game, for you.

computers are for playing with

[rottenpumpkin13]

Lazard asks the boyz™ to make a list of essential office supplies so he can order them.

What do our stupid idiots (affectionate) ask for?

...because apparently, none of the boyz™ knows what "essential" means.

*Note: They wrote these themselves.

Angeal:

• Cookies for Zack to reward him for progress.

• Extra-Strength earplugs, but if those are unavailable just get me some duct tape. It'll combat Genesis either way.

• A mannequin + an extra pair of a SOLDIER First Class uniform, so I can set it up and pretend to be in my office when I'm actually crying in the men's room. (I'm not joking).

• A new broom and dustpan set because those were lost during the Sephiroth glitter bomb smoked ham bicycle incident.

Sephiroth:

• Left-handed scissors: So that I may cut up pictures of Professor Hojo comfortably.

• Quick-drying ink pens: Because I'm left-handed, and with every report I ruin by smudging and have to rewrite, my urge to commit a violent act against the environment strengthens.

• Left-handed computer mouse: So that I may comfortably access websites where I seek advice on how to assassinate Professor Hojo enjoy life more.

• A neck pillow.

Genesis:

• A cardboard cutout of Angeal, so that I may place it in front of my desk. It will shame me into getting my work done.

• A chemistry set for children that will reconnect me with my inner child.

• A bra to hang on my office door when I want to read undisturbed. It'll create a sense of peace since they'll assume I'm busy, and add an air of mystery and intrigue, as they'll think I have a visitor.

• A flare gun to shoot when I'm bored and want to cause chaos.

Zack

• Cloud Strife.

• Scented markers.

• Play Station.

• Some milk. (Unrelated to the office supplies, I just ran out and am too lazy to go buy more.)

[mangionebabymama]

hey there! it’s “lulu feels too hard” anon back with another mini rant (not really a rant, more like an observation haha)

It’s in the same vein of him feeling emotions hard, but i think one thing that needs to be emphasized in this dynamic is how much he’s tried to subdue his emotions – and i don’t just mean recently. in many clips from his prep school days, like when he’s getting an award for example, you can see him smiling like a bit, but then cutting back to this neutral expression. Funny enough, it’s his eyebrows that always give him away loool. It’s similar to how he acts in the court hearing, full of expression, but then immediately goes back to a stoic, neutral expression. There’s even moments like this in some of the clips from Hawaii.

I guess my point is, how much was he taught to mask his emotions, and put up a front. It seems to me that he was brought up in a collective environment where the saying goes “always put your best foot forward, regardless of the circumstance”. I can understand this, coming from a family with similar values of “you represent the family name, your success is our success.”

i think though, that this seems to be what makes lulu resonate with so many of us: he’s empathetic, despite trying to be stoic. There’s a duality about him – the confident Ivy League scholar and the vulnerable, empathetic people pleasing boy who seeks affirmation one way or another.

but I think under this guise of putting your best foot forward, combined with a sense of always showing your masculinity that many guys of that age are pressured to do (and let’s not forget that for most of his schooling he attended an all boys school so there is that sort of “our boys” culture that’s pervasive in these realms), he had to hide the other part of him which felt so deeply, so hard.

it reminds me of one of his Reddit posts talking about his issues with Brain Fog, and how he initially never thought to talk about it with his friends, and instead masked it under this idea of “oh well, marks don’t matter for computer science majors” even though he was hurting and feeling so disappointed in himself to the point of contemplating dropping out. But the part that sticks out to me the most is what he said after in the post about even if you do end up telling them, if you wait too long, it’s almost like they won’t believe you (or something along those lines). And idk, that’s just such a heartbreaking way to think and it makes me sad for him. He internalized so much it seems. And truthfully, I’m not blaming anyone in his circle (family/friends) because I think part of it was also lulu never wanting to seem weak, which unfortunately clouded his vision of seeing that there were people who probably may have wanted to help. It’s just an all around sad circumstance :(

Sorry for the long write up, don’t feel like you need to provide a long response too! (haha i guess in some ways, i relate to lulu too :)

No, no, please don’t apologize for writing this, you captured this so well! 🥺 I wish I had more to add on, but you literally took all the words out of mine and emphasized on this beautifully.

I also think there’s that duality of having an internal vs. external struggle, where he could easily show and offer empathy towards others like it was nothing, but when it came to himself, it was a completely different story to extend grace. I know he had to internalize a lot, and the physical exertion of carrying all that weight on him had to have shown. I remember somebody mentioning how when he’s in deep thought in some photos, you see all the lines on his forehead—and there’s a lot of them, and once you notice them all crinkled, you’ll never not look at them in other photos. So, he literally has/had so much on his mind.

Reading that part of about his brain fog, about the irony of opening up too soon to your friends, fucked me up, to be truthful. I similarity dealt with this about two years ago, when I experienced two close familial deaths within a month before I started my senior year of college, and I was grieving hard. So many people that I know looked at me and considering my bereavement with the “strong Black woman” trope because I do have a strong personality, and I’ve experienced a lot of hardship in my life, so some felt like that I was gonna be alright, regardless, and kind of brushed off my grief like, “Oh, she’ll be alright, you’ve always managed to go through things” but no, lol. It’s the reality that I think, that many of the “strongest” friends in the group more often than not, face, surprisingly, contrary to belief—it happens all the time. When you’re commended to be a strong, resilient person, people don’t consider you to be weak, as in, you can’t persevere through struggles, but if you do, you’ll be fine, and the suffering won’t take much of an effect on you. But, like anyone else in this world, it still hurts, and it’s still acceptable to just give yourself the space to say that it sucks, and it hurts to be hurting. It’s sort of like, you have that universal perception of what it means to be hurt, but you can’t express that you’re hurt in the same breath.

[jcmarchi]

Why Agentic Document Extraction Is Replacing OCR for Smarter Document Automation

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/why-agentic-document-extraction-is-replacing-ocr-for-smarter-document-automation/

Why Agentic Document Extraction Is Replacing OCR for Smarter Document Automation

For many years, businesses have used Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert physical documents into digital formats, transforming the process of data entry. However, as businesses face more complex workflows, OCR’s limitations are becoming clear. It struggles to handle unstructured layouts, handwritten text, and embedded images, and it often fails to interpret the context or relationships between different parts of a document. These limitations are increasingly problematic in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Agentic Document Extraction, however, represents a significant advancement. By employing AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and visual grounding, this technology not only extracts text but also understands the structure and context of documents. With accuracy rates above 95% and processing times reduced from hours to just minutes, Agentic Document Extraction is transforming how businesses handle documents, offering a powerful solution to the challenges OCR cannot overcome.

Why OCR is No Longer Enough

For years, OCR was the preferred technology for digitizing documents, revolutionizing how data was processed. It helped automate data entry by converting printed text into machine-readable formats, streamlining workflows across many industries. However, as business processes have evolved, OCR’s limitations have become more apparent.

One of the significant challenges with OCR is its inability to handle unstructured data. In industries like healthcare, OCR often struggles with interpreting handwritten text. Prescriptions or medical records, which often have varying handwriting and inconsistent formatting, can be misinterpreted, leading to errors that may harm patient safety. Agentic Document Extraction addresses this by accurately extracting handwritten data, ensuring the information can be integrated into healthcare systems, improving patient care.

In finance, OCR’s inability to recognize relationships between different data points within documents can lead to mistakes. For example, an OCR system might extract data from an invoice without linking it to a purchase order, resulting in potential financial discrepancies. Agentic Document Extraction solves this problem by understanding the context of the document, allowing it to recognize these relationships and flag discrepancies in real-time, helping to prevent costly errors and fraud.

OCR also faces challenges when dealing with documents that require manual validation. The technology often misinterprets numbers or text, leading to manual corrections that can slow down business operations. In the legal sector, OCR may misinterpret legal terms or miss annotations, which requires lawyers to intervene manually. Agentic Document Extraction removes this step, offering precise interpretations of legal language and preserving the original structure, making it a more reliable tool for legal professionals.

A distinguishing feature of Agentic Document Extraction is the use of advanced AI, which goes beyond simple text recognition. It understands the document’s layout and context, enabling it to identify and preserve tables, forms, and flowcharts while accurately extracting data. This is particularly useful in industries like e-commerce, where product catalogues have diverse layouts. Agentic Document Extraction automatically processes these complex formats, extracting product details like names, prices, and descriptions while ensuring proper alignment.

Another prominent feature of Agentic Document Extraction is its use of visual grounding, which helps identify the exact location of data within a document. For example, when processing an invoice, the system not only extracts the invoice number but also highlights its location on the page, ensuring the data is captured accurately in context. This feature is particularly valuable in industries like logistics, where large volumes of shipping invoices and customs documents are processed. Agentic Document Extraction improves accuracy by capturing critical information like tracking numbers and delivery addresses, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Finally, Agentic Document Extraction’s ability to adapt to new document formats is another significant advantage over OCR. While OCR systems require manual reprogramming when new document types or layouts arise, Agentic Document Extraction learns from each new document it processes. This adaptability is especially valuable in industries like insurance, where claim forms and policy documents vary from one insurer to another. Agentic Document Extraction can process a wide range of document formats without needing to adjust the system, making it highly scalable and efficient for businesses that deal with diverse document types.

The Technology Behind Agentic Document Extraction

Agentic Document Extraction brings together several advanced technologies to address the limitations of traditional OCR, offering a more powerful way to process and understand documents. It uses deep learning, NLP, spatial computing, and system integration to extract meaningful data accurately and efficiently.

At the core of Agentic Document Extraction are deep learning models trained on large amounts of data from both structured and unstructured documents. These models use Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to analyze document images, detecting essential elements like text, tables, and signatures at the pixel level. Architectures like ResNet-50 and EfficientNet help the system identify key features in the document.

Additionally, Agentic Document Extraction employs transformer-based models like LayoutLM and DocFormer, which combine visual, textual, and positional information to understand how different elements of a document relate to each other. For example, it can connect a table header to the data it represents. Another powerful feature of Agentic Document Extraction is few-shot learning. It allows the system to adapt to new document types with minimal data, speeding up its deployment in specialized cases.

The NLP capabilities of Agentic Document Extraction go beyond simple text extraction. It uses advanced models for Named Entity Recognition (NER), such as BERT, to identify essential data points like invoice numbers or medical codes. Agentic Document Extraction can also resolve ambiguous terms in a document, linking them to the proper references, even when the text is unclear. This makes it especially useful for industries like healthcare or finance, where precision is critical. In financial documents, Agentic Document Extraction can accurately link fields like “total_amount” to corresponding line items, ensuring consistency in calculations.

Another critical aspect of Agentic Document Extraction is its use of spatial computing. Unlike OCR, which treats documents as a linear sequence of text, Agentic Document Extraction understands documents as structured 2D layouts. It uses computer vision tools like OpenCV and Mask R-CNN to detect tables, forms, and multi-column text. Agentic Document Extraction improves the accuracy of traditional OCR by correcting issues such as skewed perspectives and overlapping text.

It also employs Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to understand how different elements in a document are related in space, such as a “total” value positioned below a table. This spatial reasoning ensures that the structure of documents is preserved, which is essential for tasks like financial reconciliation. Agentic Document Extraction also stores the extracted data with coordinates, ensuring transparency and traceability back to the original document.

For businesses looking to integrate Agentic Document Extraction into their workflows, the system offers robust end-to-end automation. Documents are ingested through REST APIs or email parsers and stored in cloud-based systems like AWS S3. Once ingested, microservices, managed by platforms like Kubernetes, take care of processing the data using OCR, NLP, and validation modules in parallel. Validation is handled both by rule-based checks (like matching invoice totals) and machine learning algorithms that detect anomalies in the data. After extraction and validation, the data is synced with other business tools like ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite) or databases (PostgreSQL), ensuring that it is readily available for use.

By combining these technologies, Agentic Document Extraction turns static documents into dynamic, actionable data. It moves beyond the limitations of traditional OCR, offering businesses a smarter, faster, and more accurate solution for document processing. This makes it a valuable tool across industries, enabling greater efficiency and new opportunities for automation.

5 Ways Agentic Document Extraction Outperforms OCR

While OCR is effective for basic document scanning, Agentic Document Extraction offers several advantages that make it a more suitable option for businesses looking to automate document processing and improve accuracy. Here’s how it excels:

Accuracy in Complex Documents

Agentic Document Extraction handles complex documents like those containing tables, charts, and handwritten signatures far better than OCR. It reduces errors by up to 70%, making it ideal for industries like healthcare, where documents often include handwritten notes and complex layouts. For example, medical records that contain varying handwriting, tables, and images can be accurately processed, ensuring critical information such as patient diagnoses and histories are correctly extracted, something OCR might struggle with.

Context-Aware Insights

Unlike OCR, which extracts text, Agentic Document Extraction can analyze the context and relationships within a document. For instance, in banking, it can automatically flag unusual transactions when processing account statements, speeding up fraud detection. By understanding the relationships between different data points, Agentic Document Extraction allows businesses to make more informed decisions faster, providing a level of intelligence that traditional OCR cannot match.

Touchless Automation

OCR often requires manual validation to correct errors, slowing down workflows. Agentic Document Extraction, on the other hand, automates this process by applying validation rules such as “invoice totals must match line items.” This enables businesses to achieve efficient touchless processing. For example, in retail, invoices can be automatically validated without human intervention, ensuring that the amounts on invoices match purchase orders and deliveries, reducing errors and saving significant time.

Scalability

Traditional OCR systems face challenges when processing large volumes of documents, especially if the documents have varying formats. Agentic Document Extraction easily scales to handle thousands or even millions of documents daily, making it perfect for industries with dynamic data. In e-commerce, where product catalogs constantly change, or in healthcare, where decades of patient records need to be digitized, Agentic Document Extraction ensures that even high-volume, varied documents are processed efficiently.

Future-Proof Integration

Agentic Document Extraction integrates smoothly with other tools to share real-time data across platforms. This is especially valuable in fast-paced industries like logistics, where quick access to updated shipping details can make a significant difference. By connecting with other systems, Agentic Document Extraction ensures that critical data flows through the proper channels at the right time, improving operational efficiency.

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing Agentic Document Extraction

Agentic Document Extraction is changing the way businesses handle documents, but there are important factors to consider before adopting it. One challenge is working with low-quality documents, like blurry scans or damaged text. Even advanced AI can have trouble extracting data from faded or distorted content. This is primarily a concern in sectors like healthcare, where handwritten or old records are common. However, recent improvements in image preprocessing tools, like deskewing and binarization, are helping address these issues. Using tools like OpenCV and Tesseract OCR can improve the quality of scanned documents, boosting accuracy significantly.

Another consideration is the balance between cost and return on investment. The initial cost of Agentic Document Extraction can be high, especially for small businesses. However, the long-term benefits are significant. Companies using Agentic Document Extraction often see processing time reduced by 60-85%, and error rates drop by 30-50%. This leads to a typical payback period of 6 to 12 months. As technology advances, cloud-based Agentic Document Extraction solutions are becoming more affordable, with flexible pricing options that make it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.

Looking ahead, Agentic Document Extraction is evolving quickly. New features, like predictive extraction, allow systems to anticipate data needs. For example, it can automatically extract client addresses from recurring invoices or highlight important contract dates. Generative AI is also being integrated, allowing Agentic Document Extraction to not only extract data but also generate summaries or populate CRM systems with insights.

For businesses considering Agentic Document Extraction, it is vital to look for solutions that offer custom validation rules and transparent audit trails. This ensures compliance and trust in the extraction process.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Agentic Document Extraction is transforming document processing by offering higher accuracy, faster processing, and better data handling compared to traditional OCR. While it comes with challenges, such as managing low-quality inputs and initial investment costs, the long-term benefits, such as improved efficiency and reduced errors, make it a valuable tool for businesses.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of document processing looks bright with advancements like predictive extraction and generative AI. Businesses adopting Agentic Document Extraction can expect significant improvements in how they manage critical documents, ultimately leading to greater productivity and success.

[bookloover35]

Unseen Bonds- Mark Hoffman x fem reader.

The soft murmur of voices, the clattering of keyboards, and the steady hum of fluorescent lights filled the air in the dimly lit police station. It was late, much later than most of the officers still working the night shift, but you weren't most people. You had grown used to the long hours, to the endless paperwork, to the gnawing sense of purpose that kept you tethered to your role.

As Mark Hoffman stood by the evidence board, piecing together clues from the latest case, you continued to sift through reports at your desk, the cool light of your computer screen reflecting off your glasses. You were the only one still there, save for a few night-shift detectives who were too engrossed in their own work to notice the quiet tension in the room.

Hoffman wasn't one to speak unless he had something important to say, and even then, his words were always measured, calculated. It was why you worked well together. You knew how to stay out of his way while anticipating his needs. You had earned his trust through years of being reliable, meticulous, and efficient. Your plus-size frame didn't fit the stereotypical image of someone who worked behind the scenes in such a high-stakes environment, but that never seemed to matter to him. You were good at what you did, and that was what counted.

"You're quiet tonight," Hoffman's voice cut through the silence, low and steady, as his gaze flicked over to you. You hadn't even realized he was watching.

You paused for a moment, then glanced up, keeping your face neutral. "Long day, Hoffman. Just trying to keep up with all the paperwork."

His lips pressed together in that familiar tight line as he walked over to your desk, his footsteps echoing in the otherwise quiet room. He didn't sit, though he often preferred to keep a physical distance. You noticed that even in the close quarters of the station, his presence seemed to fill the space in a way that others couldn't match.

"Paperwork doesn't slow you down," he observed, his tone devoid of judgment, but still carrying that sharp edge of observation that made you feel like you were always under scrutiny. "Not unless you're distracted."

You met his gaze, your fingers still hovering over the stack of case files. "Maybe I'm just taking a moment," you replied. "It's not every day I get to work on something this... high profile."

Hoffman didn't respond right away. Instead, he studied you, as though trying to determine if you were hiding something, or if the exhaustion was genuine. For a brief moment, you wondered if he could see through you, if he knew that his presence, the dangerous edge to everything he did, always seemed to make you a little on edge.

Then, with a small exhale, Hoffman broke the silence again, his voice lower this time, almost... softer. "You've been invaluable to me," he said, his words deliberate. "Everything I've done, everything we've done together, it's been because of your commitment. You're not just an assistant."

It wasn't often that he spoke so plainly, without the cryptic undertones that usually clouded his words. It threw you off balance, but you kept your composure. You'd learned a long time ago that showing vulnerability around Hoffman was a mistake. Still, his words meant something. They meant you were more than just someone working for him. You were a partner in this, even if that partnership was an unspoken one.

"I'm just doing my job," you replied, the same steady tone you always used. "We both are."

Hoffman's eyes flickered, and for a brief moment, you thought you saw something more in his gaze. Something deeper. Something that wasn't entirely calculative or cold. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. He was Mark Hoffman, after all—his emotions were a mystery, even to those closest to him.

He straightened, taking a step back. "Don't underestimate yourself," he said, his voice returning to its usual clipped sharpness. "Your loyalty is something I don't take lightly."

You nodded, your heart racing ever so slightly at his words. It wasn't often that Hoffman showed any sign of acknowledgment beyond the professional, but this felt... different. You were more than an assistant to him—at least, that's what his words suggested.

"Understood," you murmured, turning back to your reports, though your mind lingered on the unexpected shift in the air between you.

As Hoffman turned and walked back toward his desk, you couldn't help but wonder if, in this twisted world you both inhabited, you had just crossed a line you couldn't easily uncross. But then again, in your line of work, who was ever really in control of their fate?

[greenandsorrow]

Hey, could u write a Basil from Omori oneshot x reader. Male reader that just met Basil at the park while Aubrey and her gang were bullying him. Reader at around the same age as Basil. Reader taller than Basil. Obviously Basil kinda crushes on reader but is shy. Thank u.

by your side•°

🌻Basil x male!reader, sfw🌻

-> fluff/comfort, dare I say cute, descriptive, tall!reader, Omori spoilers, Polly, the Hooligans, a bit of swearing

!!! I don't usually do male!readers, but I was so excited to write for this flower boy!

The artwork is by @/milkymilkyshark on X.🍃

✿

FARAWAY TOWN, 200X

You always liked the peaceful and mundane environment of this place. It's the place you've spent most of your spring breaks in, visiting your grandparents and playing games on their fourth generation computer. The roads are never full of traffic, stray kittens are always at your disposal to pet and each house has its own front yard.

The weather in FARAWAY TOWN is mild, sunny for the most part, the clouds above your head white and fluffy and the grass under your feet bright green and freshly mowed.

Since you've grown out of carelessly playing with your Hot Wheels and bored of rebuilding the same Lego sets over and over again, you decided it's time for a detour at the nostalgic town of your childhood.

As I said, it's quiet and uneventful here... almost. Your grandma kept you up to date with the tragic death of a young girl, four years ago. A suicide that stains the backyard of one of the utopic looking houses.

A shame.

Still, as much as you may be fond of this little town, you don't know its residents all that well. Maybe your detour will change that. You could use some company...

A fresh tee, shoes, keys, a few coins and you're out of the door.

Luckily, everything is within walking distance, so it's easy for you to plan a route for today's outing in your head.

OTHERMART is your first destination of the day. Last time you were here the shop was much smaller. It must've been expanded and you're definitely not complaining about it. You buy two cans of lemonade and some discounted snacks.

After exiting the shop, you debate on whether you should sit by the fountain or walk all the way to FARAWAY PARK, but the thought of enjoying your snacks while being surrounded by nature wins. FARAWAY PARK it is! The possibilities of meeting people are also more favourable in the park.

As you get closer and closer to it, you start hearing birds chirping, kids laughing and yelling, even the occasional bark of some dog. You're tempted to give the venting machines on the entrance a go, but you've used all you had on your snacks and soft drinks.

To your surprise though, it's not just shouts of joy and laughter that can be heard...

"Creep!!!"

Your curiosity is peaked and before you know it, your legs have already carried you to where the -not so happy- shouts are coming from.

The scene in front of you is upsetting to say the least. Six kids your age have surrounded a short boy, who is hugging himself while whimpering, while the pink-haired girl of the group keeps hurling offences his way.

Your chest tightens. This is wrong. You don't know what the full story behind this whole ordeal is, but bullying is certainly not the way to deal with it.

Your height has always made you appear older than you really are and in this moment of havoc, you decide to use this advantage of yours to end this poor boy's suffering. Keeping your strides confident and determined, you get next to the pink-haired girl, placing a hand on her shoulder. You want to appear intimidating.

AUBREY jumps slightly at the unexpected contact and you seize the opportunity to talk first.

"Don't you have anything fucking better to do?!"

She does look furious, but still a bit startled.

"W- what d- did you say?!"

"I'm sure you heard me the first time! Six to one?! Are you really such a big jerk?!"

Some of the kids in her group have turned red in the face, or are avoiding looking your way. That's good. You're not looking for a full blown out fight anyway.

But what are you doing then? Meeting people like your initial goal was? No. You're defending this blonde boy.

Fortunately, after some angry glares and muttered curses, the group retreats from the park. The girl with the pink hair is the last to go.

"We're not done!"

You can't help but roll your eyes at her over the top, tough nut to crack persona. It doesn't matter that much though, she's walking away now and you're left with the victim of her fury.

Despite his stature, he must be your peer. He has fluffy, blond hair with a pink flower tucked behind his ear. He's wearing a green sweater vest over a white button-up shirt, beige shorts and black shoes. It's clear as day that he's a shy one, with a dose of insecurity -based on his body language-.

His teal eyes are kind. The blue in them is so light that they almost look like they're made out of glass... or the glass-like effect is due to how he's still sniffling and wiping tears off his delicate face. He's beautiful, fragile looking.

Have you been staring? Oops-

You don't want to make him feel any worse. AUBREY made him feel trashy enough.

"Thank you..."

His voice is shaky and soft. You nod in response. Oh gosh, you don't have it in you to leave him alone after what he just went through.

"Don't mention it..."

A pinkish blush surfaces on his cheeks and he starts fidgeting with the hem of his sweater vest.

"I- I- I... You really shouldn't have bothered with me... But I'm grateful for the way you interfered. Really."

"Told you it wasn't any trouble. Now, now... What's your name?"

"I'm BASIL. It's very nice to meet you."

How he manages to smile after the crap he endured momente ago is beyond you.

"I... I have some junk food in this bag. We can share it."

You impress yourself.

Spontaneousness means following your heart and you can't help but melt a little inside at his surprised and flustered expression.

"Are you sure? It's just... You bought these for your own enjoyment. I- I wouldn't like to be a nuisance... Y- you really don't have to share your food with me."

"Pick a bench."

BASIL complies silently, his gaze finding an unoccupied bench on a quiet corner.

"...that one?"

"Cool."

You begin walking towards the selected bench. Casting a quick glance behind, you notice that BASIL still is frozen in place, not believing you're not seeing him as a burden and that you actually want his company.

"C'mon!"

Your voice seems to snap him out of whatever trance he was in. His melancholy and anxiousness are the results of MARI's death, combined with AUBREY' bullying. Obviously, you wouldn't even imagine the first reason.

You sit in a slightly awkward, slightly soothing silence. You handed him one of the cans of lemonade and opened a pack of gummies, placing it between you.

"Thank you."

The eye contact he makes is fleeting, but you mentally give him kudos for trying.

"So, what was all this fuss about?"

"With AUBREY?"

"Yeah, not that I care about her stupid name."

BASIL makes a choked sound, maybe a failed attempt to chuckle.

"It's... It's just a misunderstanding. I don't want to tire you with the details."

"You won't tire me. I asked for the full story. You have my permission to start talking non-stop."

"You're very straightforward... You remind me of a friend of mine, KEL"

"Um, I really don't know anyone around here."

"That's okay. You know me now."

You smile at that. He blushes and looks at his shoes. Unbeknown to you, BASIL is starting to develop a strong sense of devotion towards you. You rescued him from the Hooligans, you're patient with him, you're even sharing your precious snacks!

"About the misunderstanding... I don't want to make you see AUBREY in a bad light because of what I'll say."

"She was so cruel to you! How can you defend her?!"

"We used to be friends and-

...she's been through a lot."

"That's not enough to justify her behaviour."

A shrug. He knows you're right. He drops the talk about AUBREY.

"I- I enjoy... enjoyed taking pictures. My memories with my friends are my most treasured possessions. It's nice to be able to capture a whole memory in just a single frame."

There's something really pleasant in his voice. BASIL still is nervous and flustered, however, he now appears to be more willing to talk and more at ease in your presence.

"And that's why I kept a PHOTO ALBUM that contained all the memories I made with my friends..."

"That's interesting... and sweet. Still, I haven't heard anything about misunderstandings."

A sad sigh.

"Are you sure I'm not making you bored with all the talking?"

"I'm invested, you can't stop now."

You sip your lemonade and he chews another gummie. BASIL can't suppress a smile. A sincere one at that, because it reaches his teal eyes. It's been a long time since he had any human contact with someone who isn't Polly.

From what he tells you, the misunderstanding happened because AUBREY got angry at him and stole his PHOTO ALBUM, thinking he had vandalized the photos, even though the photos were actually tampered with by another friend of theirs. She's practically blaming him for something he didn't do.

You want to ask him why would that other friend do such a thing in the first place, but something in his gaze holds you back from doing so.

Luckily, after his explanation of why that girl hates him, you move on to discussing lighter subjects. You don't even realise how much time has passed as you listen to him talk about his plants. That boy has quite the green thumb.

Whether it's some good old gardening, or tending to flowers, to trees, even growing vegetables... he's done it. You're certain his house must look very fairytale-like.

It's afternoon now! Did you spend the whole day rumbling with BASIL? Are you ready to say goodbye? No

"You can come over for dinner. My granny will be more than happy to have you."

BASIL's usual anxiousness gives way to excitement. Grandparents are a sensitive topic to him, but he's so giddy at the prospect of having you as a friend that he doesn't get triggered by the mention of your grandma. In all honesty, your invitation has his stomach doing backflips... That's not something he's felt for a friend before.

Strange.

✿

Chicken with rice is today's main course, with apple pie for dessert. BASIL seemed really pleased, but you're not the biggest fan of pies. So you let him have your own slice as well. It's a good thing you took your dessert in your bedroom, otherwise grandma wouldn't let you rest without eating at least half a slice.

"You have a big Lego collection", observes BASIL from his esteemed place at the edge of your bed. You're sitting right next to him.

"Yeah I know, but I've kind of grown out of it as of late."

Your gazes meet almost involuntarily and you're sure that you're sharing the exact same thought. Moments like this have you believing in telepathy.

The evening passes by with you and him building brick houses, castles and more. You start simple, following the instructions of each set. Soon though, you both allow your creativity to take control.

BASIL has seen many butterflies in his garden, but he never thought possible he'd be able to feel them flutter their wings in his stomach.

When it's time for him to leave, he has a pitiful expression on his face.

"Don't worry, you can come over again tomorrow."

"R- really? I mean... I'd really like it if we kept in touch."

✿

In the morning, the door bell wakes you up. You sit up slowly, stretching and rubbing the sleepiness off your eyes. It's a bit early for you, but you go answer the door anyway.

Your hair is a mess, your thoughts a blur. Who could it even be?

"Good morning! I wanted to give this!"

Here stands Basil, handing you a little flower pot.

"Oh... Hello. What's th- What kind of flower is that?"

He smiles brightly as you take the pot in your hands.

"I'm glad you asked. These are daffodils! As you can see they have a bright and joyful yellow colour. Daffodils are strong, resilient flowers that pop up year after year!"

You're happy. He makes you happy, even when you're hella eepy.

"They symbolize friendship... as well as new beginnings! They're one of the first signs of Spring. Well, you're my new friend, so I thought that you should have them!"

"And what about the new beginnings aspect?"

Another smile.

"Oh! Don't worry about that!"

You'll never know it, but you saved BASIL in the word's truest meaning. He gives you a quick but tight hug.

"That's all for now! I have to visit my granny at the hospital! But we can meet afterwards!"

Once he closes his mouth, you both fall silent and turn tomato red. You manage a smirk and then you're both laughing, giggling and planning your day.

Thank you so much for reading!💛🌼

Support a struggling writer! PayPal link🌻

My masterlist -> click here

The dividers are by @saradika-graphics .