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codedusoftware · 6 months ago

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How Custom Software Development Transforms Modern Businesses: Insights from CodEduIn an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, businesses are under immense pressure to stay competitive, efficient, and customer-focused. Off-the-shelf software, while useful, often falls short in addressing the unique challenges and dynamic needs of individual businesses. This is where custom software development steps in—a solution tailored specifically to meet the requirements of a business.

CodEdu Software Technologies, based in Cochin, Kerala, specializes in creating innovative, customer-centric software solutions that empower businesses to streamline operations, improve productivity, and enhance customer experiences. In this blog, we’ll explore how custom software development is transforming modern businesses and why partnering with CodEdu can be a game-changer.

What Is Custom Software Development? Custom software development involves designing, developing, and deploying software solutions tailored to meet a business's specific requirements. Unlike generic, off-the-shelf software, custom solutions are built from the ground up to align with a company’s processes, goals, and challenges.

This personalized approach allows businesses to create tools that integrate seamlessly with their existing operations, enhancing efficiency and providing a competitive edge.

The Key Benefits of Custom Software Development

Tailored to Specific Business Needs Custom software is designed to address a company’s unique requirements. Whether it’s automating a workflow, integrating with other tools, or solving specific challenges, the solution is built to fit seamlessly into the business ecosystem.

For example, an e-commerce business may require a software system that combines inventory management, personalized customer recommendations, and a secure payment gateway. Off-the-shelf software may provide one or two of these features but rarely all in an integrated manner.

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity Custom software eliminates redundancies and streamlines operations. By automating repetitive tasks and integrating seamlessly with existing tools, businesses can significantly reduce manual effort and focus on core activities.

CodEdu has worked with several businesses to create custom solutions that enhance efficiency. One notable example is a manufacturing client who needed real-time tracking of production cycles. The tailored solution reduced delays and optimized resource allocation, saving the client both time and money.

Scalability for Future Growth One of the major limitations of off-the-shelf software is its inability to scale. As businesses grow and evolve, their software needs change. Custom software, on the other hand, is designed with scalability in mind.

CodEdu’s solutions are built to grow alongside businesses, allowing for easy updates and additional features as new challenges and opportunities arise.

Improved Security Data security is a top concern for businesses today. Custom software allows for the integration of advanced security features tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of the organization.

Unlike generic solutions that use standard security protocols, custom software incorporates unique safeguards, making it harder for malicious actors to breach the system.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run While the initial investment for custom software may be higher than purchasing off-the-shelf solutions, it offers significant savings in the long run. Businesses avoid recurring licensing fees, third-party tool integration costs, and inefficiencies caused by mismatched software capabilities.

Real-World Applications of Custom Software Development Custom software development is revolutionizing industries by offering solutions that address specific operational challenges. Here are some examples of how businesses are leveraging tailored solutions:

E-Commerce Industry E-commerce companies face unique challenges, such as managing large inventories, providing personalized customer experiences, and ensuring secure transactions. Custom software can integrate inventory management systems, CRM tools, and AI-driven recommendation engines into a single platform, streamlining operations and boosting sales.

Healthcare Sector The healthcare industry requires solutions that ensure patient confidentiality, streamline appointment scheduling, and manage medical records efficiently. Custom software allows healthcare providers to deliver telemedicine services, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and improve patient outcomes.

Education and Training Educational institutions and training academies are leveraging custom Learning Management Systems (LMS) to provide personalized learning experiences. CodEdu has developed platforms that enable online assessments, real-time feedback, and interactive learning tools for students.

Logistics and Supply Chain Logistics companies require software that provides real-time tracking, route optimization, and automated billing. CodEdu has partnered with logistics providers to build solutions that reduce operational costs and enhance customer satisfaction.

How CodEdu Approaches Custom Software Development At CodEdu Software Technologies, we believe in a collaborative, customer-centric approach to software development. Here’s how we ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions:

Understanding Business Needs Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand the client’s goals, pain points, and operational workflows. This ensures that the solution aligns perfectly with the business’s requirements.

Agile Development Methodology We adopt an agile approach to development, breaking the project into smaller, manageable phases. This allows for flexibility, regular feedback, and timely delivery of the final product.

Cutting-Edge Technology Our team leverages the latest technologies, including AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and blockchain, to deliver innovative and robust solutions.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance Software development doesn’t end with deployment. We provide ongoing support and updates to ensure the solution remains effective as the business evolves.

Future Trends in Custom Software Development The world of custom software development is continuously evolving. Here are some trends that are shaping the future:

AI and Machine Learning Integration Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enabling businesses to automate processes, predict trends, and provide personalized customer experiences. From chatbots to predictive analytics, these technologies are transforming industries.

Cloud-Based Solutions Cloud computing is revolutionizing software development by offering scalability, accessibility, and cost efficiency. Businesses are increasingly adopting cloud-based custom software to enable remote access and collaboration.

IoT-Driven Solutions The Internet of Things (IoT) is creating opportunities for custom software that connects devices and collects data in real-time. This is particularly beneficial in industries such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

Low-Code and No-Code Platforms Low-code and no-code platforms are simplifying the development process, allowing businesses to create custom software with minimal technical expertise. While not a replacement for traditional development, these platforms are enabling faster prototyping and iteration.

Why Choose CodEdu for Custom Software Development? CodEdu Software Technologies stands out as a trusted partner for custom software development. Here’s why:

Experienced Team: Our developers bring years of experience in crafting innovative solutions for diverse industries. Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize your business goals, ensuring the software delivers real value. Proven Track Record: With a portfolio of successful projects, CodEdu has earned a reputation for delivering quality and reliability. End-to-End Services: From consultation to development and post-deployment support, we handle every aspect of the project. Conclusion Custom software development is no longer an option but a necessity for businesses aiming to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape. It empowers organizations to streamline operations, enhance security, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

CodEdu Software Technologies, with its expertise in innovation and customer-centric solutions, is the ideal partner to help businesses harness the power of custom software. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish a strong foundation or an established enterprise aiming to optimize operations, our tailored solutions can drive your success.

Ready to transform your business? Contact CodEdu Software Technologies today and let’s build the future together.

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nasa · 11 months ago

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Athletes Go for the Gold with NASA Spinoffs

NASA technology tends to find its way into the sporting world more often than you’d expect. Fitness is important to the space program because astronauts must undergo the extreme g-forces of getting into space and endure the long-term effects of weightlessness on the human body. The agency’s engineering expertise also means that items like shoes and swimsuits can be improved with NASA know-how.

As the 2024 Olympics are in full swing in Paris, here are some of the many NASA-derived technologies that have helped competitive athletes train for the games and made sure they’re properly equipped to win.

The LZR Racer reduces skin friction drag by covering more skin than traditional swimsuits. Multiple pieces of the water-resistant and extremely lightweight LZR Pulse fabric connect at ultrasonically welded seams and incorporate extremely low-profile zippers to keep viscous drag to a minimum.

Swimsuits That Don’t Drag

When the swimsuit manufacturer Speedo wanted its LZR Racer suit to have as little drag as possible, the company turned to the experts at Langley Research Center to test its materials and design. The end result was that the new suit reduced drag by 24 percent compared to the prior generation of Speedo racing suit and broke 13 world records in 2008. While the original LZR Racer is no longer used in competition due to the advantage it gave wearers, its legacy lives on in derivatives still produced to this day.

Trilion Quality Systems worked with NASA’s Glenn Research Center to adapt existing stereo photogrammetry software to work with high-speed cameras. Now the company sells the package widely, and it is used to analyze stress and strain in everything from knee implants to running shoes and more.

High-Speed Cameras for High-Speed Shoes

After space shuttle Columbia, investigators needed to see how materials reacted during recreation tests with high-speed cameras, which involved working with industry to create a system that could analyze footage filmed at 30,000 frames per second. Engineers at Adidas used this system to analyze the behavior of Olympic marathoners' feet as they hit the ground and adjusted the design of the company’s high-performance footwear based on these observations.

Martial artist Barry French holds an Impax Body Shield while former European middle-weight kickboxing champion Daryl Tyler delivers an explosive jump side kick; the force of the impact is registered precisely and shown on the display panel of the electronic box French is wearing on his belt.

One-Thousandth-of-an-Inch Punch

In the 1980s, Olympic martial artists needed a way to measure the impact of their strikes to improve training for competition. Impulse Technology reached out to Glenn Research Center to create the Impax sensor, an ultra-thin film sensor which creates a small amount of voltage when struck. The more force applied, the more voltage it generates, enabling a computerized display to show how powerful a punch or kick was.

Astronaut Sunita Williams poses while using the Interim Resistive Exercise Device on the ISS. The cylinders at the base of each side house the SpiraFlex FlexPacks that inventor Paul Francis honed under NASA contracts. They would go on to power the Bowflex Revolution and other commercial exercise equipment.

Weight Training Without the Weight

Astronauts spending long periods of time in space needed a way to maintain muscle mass without the effect of gravity, but lifting free weights doesn’t work when you’re practically weightless. An exercise machine that uses elastic resistance to provide the same benefits as weightlifting went to the space station in the year 2000. That resistance technology was commercialized into the Bowflex Revolution home exercise equipment shortly afterwards.

Want to learn more about technologies made for space and used on Earth? Check out NASA Spinoff to find products and services that wouldn’t exist without space exploration.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

#NASA #tech #technology #space #ISS #Olympics #weightlifting #martial arts #swimming

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mostlysignssomeportents · 8 months ago

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Conspiratorialism as a material phenomenon

I'll be in TUCSON, AZ from November 8-10: I'm the GUEST OF HONOR at the TUSCON SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION.

I think it behooves us to be a little skeptical of stories about AI driving people to believe wrong things and commit ugly actions. Not that I like the AI slop that is filling up our social media, but when we look at the ways that AI is harming us, slop is pretty low on the list.

The real AI harms come from the actual things that AI companies sell AI to do. There's the AI gun-detector gadgets that the credulous Mayor Eric Adams put in NYC subways, which led to 2,749 invasive searches and turned up zero guns:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nycs-subway-weapons-detector-pilot-program-ends/

Any time AI is used to predict crime – predictive policing, bail determinations, Child Protective Services red flags – they magnify the biases already present in these systems, and, even worse, they give this bias the veneer of scientific neutrality. This process is called "empiricism-washing," and you know you're experiencing it when you hear some variation on "it's just math, math can't be racist":

https://pluralistic.net/2020/06/23/cryptocidal-maniacs/#phrenology

When AI is used to replace customer service representatives, it systematically defrauds customers, while providing an "accountability sink" that allows the company to disclaim responsibility for the thefts:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/23/maximal-plausibility/#reverse-centaurs

When AI is used to perform high-velocity "decision support" that is supposed to inform a "human in the loop," it quickly overwhelms its human overseer, who takes on the role of "moral crumple zone," pressing the "OK" button as fast as they can. This is bad enough when the sacrificial victim is a human overseeing, say, proctoring software that accuses remote students of cheating on their tests:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/16/unauthorized-paper/#cheating-anticheat

But it's potentially lethal when the AI is a transcription engine that doctors have to use to feed notes to a data-hungry electronic health record system that is optimized to commit health insurance fraud by seeking out pretenses to "upcode" a patient's treatment. Those AIs are prone to inventing things the doctor never said, inserting them into the record that the doctor is supposed to review, but remember, the only reason the AI is there at all is that the doctor is being asked to do so much paperwork that they don't have time to treat their patients:

https://apnews.com/article/ai-artificial-intelligence-health-business-90020cdf5fa16c79ca2e5b6c4c9bbb14

My point is that "worrying about AI" is a zero-sum game. When we train our fire on the stuff that isn't important to the AI stock swindlers' business-plans (like creating AI slop), we should remember that the AI companies could halt all of that activity and not lose a dime in revenue. By contrast, when we focus on AI applications that do the most direct harm – policing, health, security, customer service – we also focus on the AI applications that make the most money and drive the most investment.

AI hasn't attracted hundreds of billions in investment capital because investors love AI slop. All the money pouring into the system – from investors, from customers, from easily gulled big-city mayors – is chasing things that AI is objectively very bad at and those things also cause much more harm than AI slop. If you want to be a good AI critic, you should devote the majority of your focus to these applications. Sure, they're not as visually arresting, but discrediting them is financially arresting, and that's what really matters.

All that said: AI slop is real, there is a lot of it, and just because it doesn't warrant priority over the stuff AI companies actually sell, it still has cultural significance and is worth considering.

AI slop has turned Facebook into an anaerobic lagoon of botshit, just the laziest, grossest engagement bait, much of it the product of rise-and-grind spammers who avidly consume get rich quick "courses" and then churn out a torrent of "shrimp Jesus" and fake chainsaw sculptures:

https://www.404media.co/email/1cdf7620-2e2f-4450-9cd9-e041f4f0c27f/

For poor engagement farmers in the global south chasing the fractional pennies that Facebook shells out for successful clickbait, the actual content of the slop is beside the point. These spammers aren't necessarily tuned into the psyche of the wealthy-world Facebook users who represent Meta's top monetization subjects. They're just trying everything and doubling down on anything that moves the needle, A/B splitting their way into weird, hyper-optimized, grotesque crap:

https://www.404media.co/facebook-is-being-overrun-with-stolen-ai-generated-images-that-people-think-are-real/

In other words, Facebook's AI spammers are laying out a banquet of arbitrary possibilities, like the letters on a Ouija board, and the Facebook users' clicks and engagement are a collective ideomotor response, moving the algorithm's planchette to the options that tug hardest at our collective delights (or, more often, disgusts).

So, rather than thinking of AI spammers as creating the ideological and aesthetic trends that drive millions of confused Facebook users into condemning, praising, and arguing about surreal botshit, it's more true to say that spammers are discovering these trends within their subjects' collective yearnings and terrors, and then refining them by exploring endlessly ramified variations in search of unsuspected niches.

(If you know anything about AI, this may remind you of something: a Generative Adversarial Network, in which one bot creates variations on a theme, and another bot ranks how closely the variations approach some ideal. In this case, the spammers are the generators and the Facebook users they evince reactions from are the discriminators)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_adversarial_network

I got to thinking about this today while reading User Mag, Taylor Lorenz's superb newsletter, and her reporting on a new AI slop trend, "My neighbor’s ridiculous reason for egging my car":

https://www.usermag.co/p/my-neighbors-ridiculous-reason-for

The "egging my car" slop consists of endless variations on a story in which the poster (generally a figure of sympathy, canonically a single mother of newborn twins) complains that her awful neighbor threw dozens of eggs at her car to punish her for parking in a way that blocked his elaborate Hallowe'en display. The text is accompanied by an AI-generated image showing a modest family car that has been absolutely plastered with broken eggs, dozens upon dozens of them.

According to Lorenz, variations on this slop are topping very large Facebook discussion forums totalling millions of users, like "Movie Character…,USA Story, Volleyball Women, Top Trends, Love Style, and God Bless." These posts link to SEO sites laden with programmatic advertising.

The funnel goes:

i. Create outrage and hence broad reach;

ii, A small percentage of those who see the post will click through to the SEO site;

iii. A small fraction of those users will click a low-quality ad;

iv. The ad will pay homeopathic sub-pennies to the spammer.

The revenue per user on this kind of scam is next to nothing, so it only works if it can get very broad reach, which is why the spam is so designed for engagement maximization. The more discussion a post generates, the more users Facebook recommends it to.

These are very effective engagement bait. Almost all AI slop gets some free engagement in the form of arguments between users who don't know they're commenting an AI scam and people hectoring them for falling for the scam. This is like the free square in the middle of a bingo card.

Beyond that, there's multivalent outrage: some users are furious about food wastage; others about the poor, victimized "mother" (some users are furious about both). Not only do users get to voice their fury at both of these imaginary sins, they can also argue with one another about whether, say, food wastage even matters when compared to the petty-minded aggression of the "perpetrator." These discussions also offer lots of opportunity for violent fantasies about the bad guy getting a comeuppance, offers to travel to the imaginary AI-generated suburb to dole out a beating, etc. All in all, the spammers behind this tedious fiction have really figured out how to rope in all kinds of users' attention.

Of course, the spammers don't get much from this. There isn't such a thing as an "attention economy." You can't use attention as a unit of account, a medium of exchange or a store of value. Attention – like everything else that you can't build an economy upon, such as cryptocurrency – must be converted to money before it has economic significance. Hence that tooth-achingly trite high-tech neologism, "monetization."

The monetization of attention is very poor, but AI is heavily subsidized or even free (for now), so the largest venture capital and private equity funds in the world are spending billions in public pension money and rich peoples' savings into CO2 plumes, GPUs, and botshit so that a bunch of hustle-culture weirdos in the Pacific Rim can make a few dollars by tricking people into clicking through engagement bait slop – twice.

The slop isn't the point of this, but the slop does have the useful function of making the collective ideomotor response visible and thus providing a peek into our hopes and fears. What does the "egging my car" slop say about the things that we're thinking about?

Lorenz cites Jamie Cohen, a media scholar at CUNY Queens, who points out that subtext of this slop is "fear and distrust in people about their neighbors." Cohen predicts that "the next trend, is going to be stranger and more violent.”

This feels right to me. The corollary of mistrusting your neighbors, of course, is trusting only yourself and your family. Or, as Margaret Thatcher liked to say, "There is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women and there are families."

We are living in the tail end of a 40 year experiment in structuring our world as though "there is no such thing as society." We've gutted our welfare net, shut down or privatized public services, all but abolished solidaristic institutions like unions.

This isn't mere aesthetics: an atomized society is far more hospitable to extreme wealth inequality than one in which we are all in it together. When your power comes from being a "wise consumer" who "votes with your wallet," then all you can do about the climate emergency is buy a different kind of car – you can't build the public transit system that will make cars obsolete.

When you "vote with your wallet" all you can do about animal cruelty and habitat loss is eat less meat. When you "vote with your wallet" all you can do about high drug prices is "shop around for a bargain." When you vote with your wallet, all you can do when your bank forecloses on your home is "choose your next lender more carefully."

Most importantly, when you vote with your wallet, you cast a ballot in an election that the people with the thickest wallets always win. No wonder those people have spent so long teaching us that we can't trust our neighbors, that there is no such thing as society, that we can't have nice things. That there is no alternative.

The commercial surveillance industry really wants you to believe that they're good at convincing people of things, because that's a good way to sell advertising. But claims of mind-control are pretty goddamned improbable – everyone who ever claimed to have managed the trick was lying, from Rasputin to MK-ULTRA:

https://pluralistic.net/HowToDestroySurveillanceCapitalism

Rather than seeing these platforms as convincing people of things, we should understand them as discovering and reinforcing the ideology that people have been driven to by material conditions. Platforms like Facebook show us to one another, let us form groups that can imperfectly fill in for the solidarity we're desperate for after 40 years of "no such thing as society."

The most interesting thing about "egging my car" slop is that it reveals that so many of us are convinced of two contradictory things: first, that everyone else is a monster who will turn on you for the pettiest of reasons; and second, that we're all the kind of people who would stick up for the victims of those monsters.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/29/hobbesian-slop/#cui-bono

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

#pluralistic #taylor lorenz #conspiratorialism #conspiracy fantasy #mind control #a paradise built in hell #solnit #ai slop #ai #disinformation #materialism #doppelganger #naomi klein

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walkawaytall · 11 months ago

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I am somewhat loving the Y2K/Crowdstrike comparisons, but that general idea did bring something to mind:

The only reason Y2K didn't end up being a thing is because programmers worked for like a decade to fix code. My mom worked for a small software company in the late-80s and early-90s, and she said that they were discussing a game plan for Y2K by like 1992. And I just feel like that sort of care and foresight with technology has evaporated in such a short period of time.

Making everything cloud-based has resulted in incomplete products being pushed into production because they can always be patched or updated later, but companies want the dollars the purchases will bring in now. And, I'm not saying that's what caused the Crowdstrike thing. But I do think the "We can just push an update sometime" attitude has caused a lot of loosening of standards when it comes to software and online services. Customers are acting as unwilling beta testers for products and services that, in the past, would have been fully tested before going into production, and it is 1000% driven by greed and need for immediate profitability and remaining on the cutting edge of technology rather than a sustainable business model based around quality products.

I'm not even entirely sure what I'm rambling about. I just hate that I feel like in my short 36 years on this planet, I've somehow seen technology at its best evolve into technology at its worst over a period of maybe two decades. It bums me out.

#it me #crowdstrike #technology #y2k

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the-hwaelweg · 1 month ago

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If the literal writers of the literal show are bringing a fuck-it attitude, I don't see why I can't too. So.

Hwaelweg's Vision of Season 9 That Absolutely Isn't Going to Happen and Is Very Silly but Still Will Somehow Be More Reasonable Than Whatever the Actual Writers Do

Open with a time jump, but surprise bitches, it's backwards this time. We're now between Chim's rousing speech at the firehouse and the let's-shove-all-the-emotional-beats-into-five-minutes montage. (Sorry Eddie, I can't fix the El Paso/Chris situation handling, but we'll get you your juice at least).

Chim's serving as captain, though is finding the job increasingly stressful as Maddie's pregnancy progresses (insert the arc they seemed to be setting up for Maddie about a second pregnancy and her PPD here), and we see Hen stepping up and helping a lot with captainy stuff and realizing maybe she does want it after all.

Buck, Eddie, and Chris are all living together in Bedford Street. (Insert Buddie arc of choice here, though for my vision it's got to result in Buck thinking he needs to move out and looking at places at some point.)

Then the meat of it: Athena is working a case (how? why? listen if the actual writers can't be bothered to care, neither can i) involving a baby mix-up at a local hospital. The mix-up ends up being the "solution" and Athena is somehow reminded of the woman's case from 8.16 (maybe she runs into her somewhere). She reopens the case and manages to discover that there was a mix-up at the hospital ten years ago. So Mom B did steal the baby and set the fire, but it was her biological baby to begin with, hence passing the DNA test (maybe even why she stole the baby to begin with, she found out it was her bio kid).

Meanwhile, this whole episode, Athena's been getting weird phone calls, just sort of crackly static, can't make out what they're saying. Or hey, maybe even calls that her cell says are from Bobby's phone, which is when she realizes she never got Bobby's phone returned to her.

End of the first ep, we get this dead kid storyline resolved (again and properly) and at the very end, Athena gets another call, only in this one it's very clearly Bobby's voice just saying her name before the line goes dead again.

Episode 2 we have an actual parallel to 8.16, redeeming it from it's position of worst episode in the history of television. Athena thinks at first she's going crazy, but she gets more of these calls where she can kind of hear Bobby and starts to think he's actually alive; when she tries to get the 118 on board, they start to think she's finally crashing out from grief, but eventually she convinces them. Maddie is able to triangulate a call with special call center software magic, and they find out he's being held at some sort of government lab/hospital.

Insert, I don't know, some sort of heist/confrontation/storming the bastille with the end result being we find out Bobby's alive, possibly with amnesia of some sort, doesn't remember who he is but does remember Athena. But there was some sort of mix-up on the government's end with him and someone else, who did die, which is the body they sent Athena to bury. Also he's being kept underground with shitty cell service and he has to keep sneaking phone charge somehow, which is why the calls were so weird.

Then the rest of the season we get the montage moments and previously set-up character plotlines played out. I do think it makes sense Athena sold the house pre-S9; that's one of the few things that worked for me in that montage, so we'll leave that as is. But we get Maddie's pregnancy. We get Mara's adoption (which is it's whole own episode). We get a Buddie arc, where Buck thinks he needs to look for a new place but Eddie CHOOSES to ask him to stay (my god let this man choose something). Since this is my headcanon, we get Eddie and Chris having a conversation at the very least about the whole El Paso situation (though I also maintain that whole thing was so stupid, I'm not sure what I'd even want that convo to be [even if El Paso was a beautiful font of fic for me]). Ravi gets an arc. Bobby decides to retire (or stay retired, given that he was legally dead); most of Bobby's shenanigans revolve around trying to get legally declared NOT dead. As Maddie's due date approaches, Chim decides to step down as captain, and Hen decides to accept the role this time (listen, I do think Chim would be a good captain, but not at the expense of Hen). Also Hen gets a whole other arc, something that doesn't involve the trauma of losing/almost losing her kids OR someone dying on her watch.

Then depending on timing, Maddie gives birth either at the mid-season finale or season finale and we get that final piece of the montage, only this time we find out Bobby's parking the car or something, which is why Athena walks in alone. The baby's probably still named Bobby, but dear lord we're dropping the "Nash" as a middle name. Please, he's only just been born, let's not tie so many lodestones around his neck so soon!

#911 abc #911 spoilers #hwaelweg writes words

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mariacallous · 6 days ago

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On a 5K screen in Kirkland, Washington, four terminals blur with activity as artificial intelligence generates thousands of lines of code. Steve Yegge, a veteran software engineer who previously worked at Google and AWS, sits back to watch.

“This one is running some tests, that one is coming up with a plan. I am now coding on four different projects at once, although really I’m just burning tokens,” Yegge says, referring to the cost of generating chunks of text with a large language model (LLM).

Learning to code has long been seen as the ticket to a lucrative, secure career in tech. Now, the release of advanced coding models from firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google threatens to upend that notion entirely. X and Bluesky are brimming with talk of companies downsizing their developer teams��or even eliminating them altogether.

When ChatGPT debuted in late 2022, AI models were capable of autocompleting small portions of code—a helpful, if modest step forward that served to speed up software development. As models advanced and gained “agentic” skills that allow them to use software programs, manipulate files, and access online services, engineers and non-engineers alike started using the tools to build entire apps and websites. Andrej Karpathy, a prominent AI researcher, coined the term “vibe coding” in February, to describe the process of developing software by prompting an AI model with text.

The rapid progress has led to speculation—and even panic—among developers, who fear that most development work could soon be automated away, in what would amount to a job apocalypse for engineers.

“We are not far from a world—I think we’ll be there in three to six months—where AI is writing 90 percent of the code,” Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, said at a Council on Foreign Relations event in March. “And then in 12 months, we may be in a world where AI is writing essentially all of the code,” he added.

But many experts warn that even the best models have a way to go before they can reliably automate a lot of coding work. While future advancements might unleash AI that can code just as well as a human, until then relying too much on AI could result in a glut of buggy and hackable code, as well as a shortage of developers with the knowledge and skills needed to write good software.

David Autor, an economist at MIT who studies how AI affects employment, says it’s possible that software development work will be automated—similar to how transcription and translation jobs are quickly being replaced by AI. He notes, however, that advanced software engineering is much more complex and will be harder to automate than routine coding.

Autor adds that the picture may be complicated by the “elasticity” of demand for software engineering—the extent to which the market might accommodate additional engineering jobs.

“If demand for software were like demand for colonoscopies, no improvement in speed or reduction in costs would create a mad rush for the proctologist's office,” Autor says. “But if demand for software is like demand for taxi services, then we may see an Uber effect on coding: more people writing more code at lower prices, and lower wages.”

Yegge’s experience shows that perspectives are evolving. A prolific blogger as well as coder, Yegge was previously doubtful that AI would help produce much code. Today, he has been vibe-pilled, writing a book called Vibe Coding with another experienced developer, Gene Kim, that lays out the potential and the pitfalls of the approach. Yegge became convinced that AI would revolutionize software development last December, and he has led a push to develop AI coding tools at his company, Sourcegraph.

“This is how all programming will be conducted by the end of this year,” Yegge predicts. “And if you're not doing it, you're just walking in a race.”

The Vibe-Coding Divide

Today, coding message boards are full of examples of mobile apps, commercial websites, and even multiplayer games all apparently vibe-coded into being. Experienced coders, like Yegge, can give AI tools instructions and then watch AI bring complex ideas to life.

Several AI-coding startups, including Cursor and Windsurf have ridden a wave of interest in the approach. (OpenAI is widely rumored to be in talks to acquire Windsurf).

At the same time, the obvious limitations of generative AI, including the way models confabulate and become confused, has led many seasoned programmers to see AI-assisted coding—and especially gung-ho, no-hands vibe coding—as a potentially dangerous new fad.

Martin Casado, a computer scientist and general partner at Andreessen Horowitz who sits on the board of Cursor, says the idea that AI will replace human coders is overstated. “AI is great at doing dazzling things, but not good at doing specific things,” he said.

Still, Casado has been stunned by the pace of recent progress. “I had no idea it would get this good this quick,” he says. “This is the most dramatic shift in the art of computer science since assembly was supplanted by higher-level languages.”

Ken Thompson, vice president of engineering at Anaconda, a company that provides open source code for software development, says AI adoption tends to follow a generational divide, with younger developers diving in and older ones showing more caution. For all the hype, he says many developers still do not trust AI tools because their output is unpredictable, and will vary from one day to the next, even when given the same prompt. “The nondeterministic nature of AI is too risky, too dangerous,” he explains.

Both Casado and Thompson see the vibe-coding shift as less about replacement than abstraction, mimicking the way that new languages like Python build on top of lower-level languages like C, making it easier and faster to write code. New languages have typically broadened the appeal of programming and increased the number of practitioners. AI could similarly increase the number of people capable of producing working code.

Bad Vibes

Paradoxically, the vibe-coding boom suggests that a solid grasp of coding remains as important as ever. Those dabbling in the field often report running into problems, including introducing unforeseen security issues, creating features that only simulate real functionality, accidentally running up high bills using AI tools, and ending up with broken code and no idea how to fix it.

“AI [tools] will do everything for you—including fuck up,” Yegge says. “You need to watch them carefully, like toddlers.”

The fact that AI can produce results that range from remarkably impressive to shockingly problematic may explain why developers seem so divided about the technology. WIRED surveyed programmers in March to ask how they felt about AI coding, and found that the proportion who were enthusiastic about AI tools (36 percent) was mirrored by the portion who felt skeptical (38 percent).

“Undoubtedly AI will change the way code is produced,” says Daniel Jackson, a computer scientist at MIT who is currently exploring how to integrate AI into large-scale software development. “But it wouldn't surprise me if we were in for disappointment—that the hype will pass.”

Jackson cautions that AI models are fundamentally different from the compilers that turn code written in a high-level language into a lower-level language that is more efficient for machines to use, because they don’t always follow instructions. Sometimes an AI model may take an instruction and execute better than the developer—other times it might do the task much worse.

Jackson adds that vibe coding falls down when anyone is building serious software. “There are almost no applications in which ‘mostly works’ is good enough,” he says. “As soon as you care about a piece of software, you care that it works right.”

Many software projects are complex, and changes to one section of code can cause problems elsewhere in the system. Experienced programmers are good at understanding the bigger picture, Jackson says, but “large language models can't reason their way around those kinds of dependencies.”

Jackson believes that software development might evolve with more modular codebases and fewer dependencies to accommodate AI blind spots. He expects that AI may replace some developers but will also force many more to rethink their approach and focus more on project design.

Too much reliance on AI may be “a bit of an impending disaster,” Jackson adds, because “not only will we have masses of broken code, full of security vulnerabilities, but we'll have a new generation of programmers incapable of dealing with those vulnerabilities.”

Learn to Code

Even firms that have already integrated coding tools into their software development process say the technology remains far too unreliable for wider use.

Christine Yen, CEO at Honeycomb, a company that provides technology for monitoring the performance of large software systems, says that projects that are simple or formulaic, like building component libraries, are more amenable to using AI. Even so, she says the developers at her company who use AI in their work have only increased their productivity by about 50 percent.

Yen adds that for anything requiring good judgement, where performance is important, or where the resulting code touches sensitive systems or data, “AI just frankly isn't good enough yet to be additive.”

“The hard part about building software systems isn't just writing a lot of code,” she says. “Engineers are still going to be necessary, at least today, for owning that curation, judgment, guidance and direction.”

Others suggest that a shift in the workforce is coming. “We are not seeing less demand for developers,” says Liad Elidan, CEO of Milestone, a company that helps firms measure the impact of generative AI projects. “We are seeing less demand for average or low-performing developers.”

“If I'm building a product, I could have needed 50 engineers and now maybe I only need 20 or 30,” says Naveen Rao, VP of AI at Databricks, a company that helps large businesses build their own AI systems. “That is absolutely real.”

Rao says, however, that learning to code should remain a valuable skill for some time. “It’s like saying ‘Don't teach your kid to learn math,’” he says. Understanding how to get the most out of computers is likely to remain extremely valuable, he adds.

Yegge and Kim, the veteran coders, believe that most developers can adapt to the coming wave. In their book on vibe coding, the pair recommend new strategies for software development including modular code bases, constant testing, and plenty of experimentation. Yegge says that using AI to write software is evolving into its own—slightly risky—art form. “It’s about how to do this without destroying your hard disk and draining your bank account,” he says.

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girlboss-enthusiast · 1 year ago

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Please tell us how to get into IT without a degree! I have an interview for a small tech company this week and I’m going in as admin but as things expand I can bootstrap into a better role and I’d really appreciate knowing what skills are likely to be crucial for making that pivot.

Absolutely!! You'd be in a great position to switch to IT, since as an admin, you'd already have some familiarity with the systems and with the workplace in general. Moving between roles is easier in a smaller workplace, too.

So, this is a semi-brief guide to getting an entry-level position, for someone with zero IT experience. That position is almost always going to be help desk. You've probably heard a lot of shit about help desk, but I've always enjoyed it.

So, here we go! How to get into IT for beginners!

The most important thing on your resume will be

✨~🌟Certifications!!🌟~✨

Studying for certs can teach you a lot, especially if you're entirely new to the field. But they're also really important for getting interviews. Lots of jobs will require a cert or degree, and even if you have 5 years of experience doing exactly what the job description is, without one of those the ATS will shunt your resume into a black hole and neither HR or the IT manager will see it.

First, I recommend getting the CompTIA A+. This will teach you the basics of how the parts of a computer work together - hardware, software, how networking works, how operating systems work, troubleshooting skills, etc. If you don't have a specific area of IT you're interested in, this is REQUIRED. Even if you do, I suggest you get this cert just to get your foot in the door.

I recommend the CompTIA certs in general. They'll give you a good baseline and look good on your resume. I only got the A+ and the Network+, so can't speak for the other exams, but they weren't too tough.

If you're more into development or cybersecurity, check out these roadmaps. You'll still benefit from working help desk while pursuing one of those career paths.

The next most important thing is

🔥🔥Customer service & soft skills🔥🔥

Sorry about that.

I was hired for my first ever IT role on the strength of my interview. I definitely wasn't the only candidate with an A+, but I was the only one who knew how to handle customers (aka end-users). Which is, basically, be polite, make the end-user feel listened to, and don't make them feel stupid. It is ASTOUNDING how many IT people can't do that. I've worked with so many IT people who couldn't hide their scorn or impatience when dealing with non-tech-savvy coworkers.

Please note that you don't need to be a social butterfly or even that socially adept. I'm autistic and learned all my social skills by rote (I literally have flowcharts for social interactions), and I was still exceptional by IT standards.

Third thing, which is more for you than for your resume (although it helps):

🎇Do your own projects🎇

This is both the most and least important thing you can do for your IT career. Least important because this will have the smallest impact on your resume. Most important because this will help you learn (and figure out if IT is actually what you want to do).

The certs and interview might get you a job, but when it comes to doing your job well, hands-on experience is absolutely essential. Here are a few ideas for the complete beginner. Resources linked at the bottom.

Start using the command line. This is called Terminal on Mac and Linux. Use it for things as simple as navigating through file directories, opening apps, testing your connection, that kind of thing. The goal is to get used to using the command line, because you will use it professionally.

Build your own PC. This may sound really intimidating, but I swear it's easy! This is going to be cheaper than buying a prebuilt tower or gaming PC, and you'll learn a ton in the bargain.

Repair old PCs. If you don't want to or can't afford to build your own PC, look for cheap computers on Craiglist, secondhand stores, or elsewhere. I know a lot of universities will sell old technology for cheap. Try to buy a few and make a functioning computer out of parts, or just get one so you can feel comfortable working in the guts of a PC.

Learn Powershell or shell scripting. If you're comfortable with the command line already or just want to jump in the deep end, use scripts to automate tasks on your PC. I found this harder to do for myself than for work, because I mostly use my computer for web browsing. However, there are tons of projects out there for you to try!

Play around with a Raspberry Pi. These are mini-computers ranging from $15-$150+ and are great to experiment with. I've made a media server and a Pi hole (network-wide ad blocking) which were both fun and not too tough. If you're into torrenting, try making a seedbox!

Install Linux on your primary computer. I know, I know - I'm one of those people. But seriously, nothing will teach you more quickly than having to compile drivers through the command line so your Bluetooth headphones will work. Warning: this gets really annoying if you just want your computer to work. Dual-booting is advised.

If this sounds intimidating, that's totally normal. It is intimidating! You're going to have to do a ton of troubleshooting and things will almost never work properly on your first few projects. That is part of the fun!

Resources

Resources I've tried and liked are marked with an asterisk*

Professor Messor's Free A+ Training Course*

PC Building Simulator 2 (video game)

How to build a PC (video)

PC Part Picker (website)*

CompTIA A+ courses on Udemy

50 Basic Windows Commands with Examples*

Mac Terminal Commands Cheat Sheet

Powershell in a Month of Lunches (video series)

Getting Started with Linux (tutorial)* Note: this site is my favorite Linux resource, I highly recommend it.

Getting Started with Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Projects for Beginners

/r/ITCareerQuestions*

Ask A Manager (advice blog on workplace etiquette and more)*

Reddit is helpful for tech questions in general. I have some other resources that involve sailing the seas; feel free to DM me or send an ask I can answer privately.

Tips

DO NOT work at an MSP. That stands for Managed Service Provider, and it's basically an IT department which companies contract to provide tech services. I recommend staying away from them. It's way better to work in an IT department where the end users are your coworkers, not your customers.

DO NOT trust remote entry-level IT jobs. At entry level, part of your job is schlepping around hardware and fixing PCs. A fully-remote position will almost definitely be a call center.

DO write a cover letter. YMMV on this, but every employer I've had has mentioned my cover letter as a reason to hire me.

DO ask your employer to pay for your certs. This applies only to people who either plan to move into IT in the same company, or are already in IT but want more certs.

DO NOT work anywhere without at least one woman in the department. My litmus test is two women, actually, but YMMV. If there is no woman in the department in 2024, and the department is more than 5 people, there is a reason why no women work there.

DO have patience with yourself and keep an open mind! Maybe this is just me, but if I can't do something right the first time, or if I don't love it right away, I get very discouraged. Remember that making mistakes is part of the process, and that IT is a huge field which ranges from UX design to hardware repair. There are tons of directions to go once you've got a little experience!

Disclaimer: this is based on my experience in my area of the US. Things may be different elsewhere, esp. outside of the US.

I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have more questions!

#answers.txt #feel free to reblog with more advice btw

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allaboutkeyingo · 4 months ago

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SQL Server 2022 Edition and License instructions

SQL Server 2022 Editions:

• Enterprise Edition is ideal for applications requiring mission critical in-memory performance, security, and high availability

• Standard Edition delivers fully featured database capabilities for mid-tier applications and data marts

SQL Server 2022 is also available in free Developer and Express editions. Web Edition is offered in the Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) program only.

And the Online Store Keyingo Provides the SQL Server 2017/2019/2022 Standard Edition.

SQL Server 2022 licensing models

SQL Server 2022 offers customers a variety of licensing options aligned with how customers typically purchase specific workloads. There are two main licensing models that apply to SQL Server: PER CORE: Gives customers a more precise measure of computing power and a more consistent licensing metric, regardless of whether solutions are deployed on physical servers on-premises, or in virtual or cloud environments.

• Core based licensing is appropriate when customers are unable to count users/devices, have Internet/Extranet workloads or systems that integrate with external facing workloads.

• Under the Per Core model, customers license either by physical server (based on the full physical core count) or by virtual machine (based on virtual cores allocated), as further explained below.

SERVER + CAL: Provides the option to license users and/or devices, with low-cost access to incremental SQL Server deployments.

• Each server running SQL Server software requires a server license.

• Each user and/or device accessing a licensed SQL Server requires a SQL Server CAL that is the same version or newer – for example, to access a SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition server, a user would need a SQL Server 2019 or 2022 CAL.

Each SQL Server CAL allows access to multiple licensed SQL Servers, including Standard Edition and legacy Business Intelligence and Enterprise Edition Servers.SQL Server 2022 Editions availability by licensing model:

Physical core licensing – Enterprise Edition

• Customers can deploy an unlimited number of VMs or containers on the server and utilize the full capacity of the licensed hardware, by fully licensing the server (or server farm) with Enterprise Edition core subscription licenses or licenses with SA coverage based on the total number of physical cores on the servers.

• Subscription licenses or SA provide(s) the option to run an unlimited number of virtual machines or containers to handle dynamic workloads and fully utilize the hardware’s computing power.

Virtual core licensing – Standard/Enterprise Edition

When licensing by virtual core on a virtual OSE with subscription licenses or SA coverage on all virtual cores (including hyperthreaded cores) on the virtual OSE, customers may run any number of containers in that virtual OSE. This benefit applies both to Standard and Enterprise Edition.

Licensing for non-production use

SQL Server 2022 Developer Edition provides a fully featured version of SQL Server software—including all the features and capabilities of Enterprise Edition—licensed for development, test and demonstration purposes only. Customers may install and run the SQL Server Developer Edition software on any number of devices. This is significant because it allows customers to run the software on multiple devices (for testing purposes, for example) without having to license each non-production server system for SQL Server.

A production environment is defined as an environment that is accessed by end-users of an application (such as an Internet website) and that is used for more than gathering feedback or acceptance testing of that application.

SQL Server 2022 Developer Edition is a free product !

#SQL Server 2022 Editions #SQL Server 2022 Standard license #SQL Server 2019 Standard License #SQL Server 2017 Standard Liense

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crossatlanticsoftware-blog · 1 month ago

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Expert Picks: The Best Shopify Website Designers for 2025’s Trending Store Features

The world of eCommerce is transforming faster than ever, and Shopify remains at the forefront of that evolution. As brands aim to deliver exceptional user experiences and capitalize on design-led growth, the need for a skilled Shopify designer has never been greater.

Cross Atlantic Software specialize in bringing together cutting-edge creativity and eCommerce functionality. In this article, we’re diving into the top Shopify website designers to watch in 2025 and sharing expert insights on the trending Shopify store design features that are shaping the future of online retail.

Why Shopify Design Matters in 2025

Before we get into the list of designers and specialists, it’s important to understand why Shopify design is more critical than ever. Online shoppers expect more than a functional website—they want intuitive navigation, fast load times, visually engaging layouts, and mobile responsiveness. That’s where the expertise of a Shopify specialist comes into play.

What Makes a Great Shopify Website Designer?

A truly standout Shopify website designer goes beyond aesthetics. They focus on:

Conversion-driven layouts

Brand-centric user experience

Responsive mobile design

SEO-optimized pages

Seamless app integrations

Let’s take a look at what trends are dominating Shopify in 2025 and who is best equipped to execute them flawlessly.

2025’s Top Shopify Store Design Trends

1. Personalized Shopping Experiences

Thanks to AI and data analytics, personalization is no longer a luxury—it's an expectation. Smart Shopify store design integrates AI-driven recommendations, dynamic product displays, and personalized landing pages. This keeps customers engaged and encourages more frequent purchases.

2. Video-First Product Displays

Static images are taking a backseat in 2025. Leading Shopify website designers are building immersive product pages with background videos, 360-degree product views, and storytelling clips. These elements give customers a real feel for what they’re buying, right from the screen.

3. Mobile-First Design

With more than 75% of eCommerce traffic coming from mobile, top Shopify specialists are prioritizing mobile performance. Think smooth scrolling, effortless one-tap checkouts, and pages that load in the blink of an eye—because today’s shoppers won’t wait around.

4. Eco-Conscious Branding

Consumers are more conscious of sustainability. Modern Shopify store designs are incorporating eco-friendly color schemes, carbon tracking widgets, and transparency tabs to showcase ethical sourcing.

5. Modular Design Systems

In 2025, agility is key. Many Shopify designers are adopting modular design systems—reusable UI components that let store owners update their sites quickly without starting from scratch.

Meet the Experts: Top Shopify Website Designers for 2025

Cross Atlantic Software works with some of the most forward-thinking professionals in the Shopify ecosystem. Here are the types of Shopify website design services that are in high demand—and who’s delivering them.

1. The Strategist Shopify Designer

A strategist isn’t just focused on look and feel—they focus on conversion. They use analytics, customer behavior, and A/B testing to inform every design decision. Our own Cross Atlantic Software design team is known for combining user psychology with clean aesthetics to boost ROI.

Best for: DTC brands looking to scale quickly.

2. The Visual Storyteller

These Shopify website designers are all about emotion. They create visual narratives through imagery, layout, typography, and animation. For lifestyle, fashion, and beauty brands, this approach is especially effective.

Best for: High-end or boutique brands seeking emotional engagement.

3. The Technical Shopify Specialist

Some projects require deep technical know-how. Whether it’s integrating custom features, building subscription logic, or streamlining complex product catalogs, these Shopify specialists bridge the gap between design and engineering.

Best for: B2B, SaaS, or stores with unique backend needs.

4. The Speed-First Optimizer

If performance is your priority, look for a Shopify designer focused on speed. These experts optimize image sizes, reduce unused code, and streamline user flows—all to reduce bounce rates and increase sales.

Best for: Mobile-heavy industries or global brands.

5. The Brand Builder

A great store starts with great branding. These Shopify website design services offer end-to-end support—from logo creation and color palette development to building a custom Shopify theme that aligns with your vision.

Best for: New brands or rebrands that need full creative direction.

Why Choose Cross Atlantic Software?

With hundreds of projects completed and clients across North America, Europe, and Asia, Cross Atlantic Software is more than just a design agency—we’re your eCommerce growth partner.

Our Services Include:

Custom Shopify store design

Theme development and optimization

UI/UX design tailored to your industry

Shopify Plus migration and setup

Full-stack Shopify website design services

Cross Atlantic Software believes every brand has its own story to tell. Our Shopify specialists work closely with you to make sure your store doesn’t just look great—it feels like you.

Client Success:

One of our recent clients, a sustainable fashion label based in Los Angeles, came to us for a full redesign. Their outdated store had a high bounce rate and poor mobile usability.

Our team implemented a modern Shopify store design with immersive video elements, quick-load product pages, and mobile-first navigation. Within three months:

Bounce rate decreased by 27%

Mobile conversions increased by 40%

Average order value rose by 15%

This is the power of working with expert Shopify website designers who understand trends and business objectives.

Conclusion:

If you're planning to launch or revamp your Shopify store in 2025, don’t settle for generic templates or cookie-cutter solutions. Partnering with an experienced Shopify designer or Shopify specialist can make the difference between a store that looks good—and one that converts.

Cross Atlantic Software is passionate about building digital experiences that drive growth. Whether you’re a startup looking for full Shopify website design services or an established brand wanting to refresh your Shopify store design, we’re here to help.

Ready to future-proof your eCommerce store? Contact Cross Atlantic Software today for a free consultation and let’s create something extraordinary together.

#shopify website design services #shopify store design #shopify website designers #shopify specialist #shopify designer

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every-eye-evermore · 2 months ago

Text

pages 13-20. I've got 8 more pages done but this is long enough. you can read the rest on the website <3 transcript at the end. also minor nsfw warning for the last page

Pages 1-8 / Pages 9-12

Page 13, panel 1. Memento peaks out the open window, as Tally and Sylvia talk off screen. Sylvia: This is huge! We need to call Dr. Heron. Tally: No, not yet. It could be unstable, I need to fine tune the formula.

Panel 2. As Memento creeps outside, a shadow looms over it, source unseen. Sylvia: The formula works, It's- Tally: It might break at any minute. We don't know how it reacts to stress.

Panel 3+4. The source of the shadow is shown, it's a pigeon. It looks down at Memento. Sylvia: Which is why we need to show them now before it does!

Page 14, panel 1+2. A flock of pigeons descend on Memento, pecking it. It looks distressed. Tally: We'd need to take it to them, it's too delicate to transport... Sylvia: So- ah, shit. You're right, not yet.

Panel 3. Memento flies back inside, into Tally's hands. Tally looks suprised. Tally: If it does break down, at least- Memento!

Page 15, panel 1+2. Shot reverse shot as Tally cups Memento in her hands. Tally: Right, you're probably really confused. Can you be confused? Memento: I- don't have that data.

Panel 3+4. Sylvia pops in from behind Tally. She looks cheerful, whereas Tally is more worried. Sylvia: That's ok. Right now, you're powered off and disconnected from the network that gives you information and generates your thoughts. You shouldn't be able to talk, or think, or move, but you are. And so well!

Page 16, panel 1. Memento hops back from Tally's hand, afraid. Memento: Tampering with your bugaboo will void your warranty and make you ineligible for Astrocare services.

Panel 2. Sylvia laughs. Sylvia: Ha, yeah, I voided that ages ago.

Panel 3+4. Memento: We recommend you discard your bugaboo and purchase a replacement- Tally interrupts, upset: What? No way, we're not getting rid of you. You're incredible. Memento: -as its functioning may be impaired, making it unable to provide sufficient personal and medical assistance. Tally: Stop it.

Panel 5. Tally caresses a hand against Memento's shell body. Tally: I don't need you to do that. That's not what you're for. Memento: My function is to help you. I can't do that without network access.

Page 17, panel 1 .Tally paces the room, lost in his imagination. Tally: You have a new function. You’re going to help so many more people…

Panel 2. She stops, interrupted by Memento. Memento: How do I do this?

Panel 3. Memento looks from Sylvia to Tally, caught between them. It’s not sure what’s happening. Tally: We need to run more tests to make sure you’re working how we think you are. You’re moving fine, that’s good, and you seem to remember things. Sylvia: Do you mean the speech it gave? Tally: Right, it knows it’s a bugaboo.

Page 18, panel 1+2+3. Sylvia looks back at Memento from the top of her computer, suspicious. Sylvia: I’m actually worried about that, it sounded too artificial. Tally: You don’t think it’s using the neutronium? Sylvia: We need more proof. Reinforce our argument, it’s good for the report.

Panel 4. Tally snaps her fingers, eureka. Tally: In that case... I've got a good test.

Panel 5. Sylvia looks less than thrilled about whatever idea Tally's cooked up. Sylvia: Oh.

Page 19, panel 1. Wide shot of the room. Tally bumps shoulders with Sylvia. Sylvia: Do we really have to do that one? We can't put it in the report. Tally: Sure we can.

Panel 2. Tally takes over the computer, typing something as Sylvia looks away with crossed arms. Memento flies to the computer's desk to get a better look. Tally: Memento was my ears for ages. I know the things Astro won't let it say.

Panel 3. Sylvia rolls her eyes. Sylvia: Ugh.

Panel 4. Close up on the desk, Tally clicks something with a mouse. Tally: I'm going to show you some people, can you describe to me what they're doing? Memento: I am equipped with advanced visual recognition software, however, I cannot access that without my network.

Page 20, panel 1. Tally angels the monitor so Memento can see what she's pulled up. It's a picture of a person in a feathery hat with their back to the camera, receiving oral sex. Sylvia averts her eyes, while Memento studies it. Tally: You've been doing pretty good already. Give it a try.

Panel 2. Memento studies the image. All text boxes previously have had a green background with black text, but this one is reversed, black background with green text. It also has green lines running through it, indicating it isn't spoken dialog. Black box/"the angel", internally: Who is that? Memento: Who is that?

Panel 3. Tally looks away, suddenly uncomfortable. Tally: I- uh- found it online. I'm not sure.

Panel 4. Overlapping text boxes on a blank black background The angel, internally: Not them. Memento, internally: Information request: length of downtime. Information request: reason for downtime. Information request: weather report. Generation request: reminder of correct bugaboo use. [cut off] report: system check.

#mine #my art #my comic #original comic #web comic #this group of pages taught me that writing a script makes the dialog a little more interesting but the visuals a lot lot more boring #i'm used to writing for a very different mostly non-visual format. so it was a good lesson #the next pages get a lot more fun ;)

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tallysgreatestfan · 4 months ago

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Hey do you have any cool personal worldbuilding detail hcs for the Uglies world? (Whether it’s about Tally’s city, any of the groups like the specials, Uglies, pretties, etc. that you would like to share? I’m really into the books myself and I’ve always wondered how the worldbuilding could be enhanced with just cool details that make it feel more lived in and well thought-out.

For me that is unusually difficult, since the worldbuilding in the books is already so densely packed and some of the best I've ever seen. I also love, and this is something Scott Westerfeld does in his other books too, how the characters feel truly shaped by this world, not like people from our time transplanted in the future.

So it is more some small detail stuff instead of filling in big gaps, but:

Before the movie came out, I had the headcanon that Uglies would not shave at all except for facial hair. Why should they? They're ugly anyway, why the effort? And I am a bit frustrated that the movie didn't actually went to that logical conclusion, but also, you can't turn off patriarchy and Hollywood beauty standards to make one movie more striking, and it would probably have been massively uncomfortable for the actresses, given how often women would get harassed just for having leg hair or something. But even now I still headcanon that it's relatively unusual to expect Uglies to shave, and that this is something Tally does is a sign of just how much of an hardliner Seatac aka the City is. Tally is flabbergasted as she learns about this after traveling around post-canon.

Despite being such a highly technological society, most people end up going into the trades as the New Pretty phase ends at 22, and only twenty or so percent end up in university. Who ends up where is mostly determined by aptitude tests, though it is possible to choose to some degree.

Something that is kind of marginally shown in the Impostors series: They have pretty much the same beauty standards as our culture, but they have vastly different ideas about gender, which also slightly vary between cities. Basically no different expectations between genders for character, life trajectory and skillset, except for behavior at balls or superficial m/f romance things (bringing flowers etc) or something, clothing and body types, and even for that it is much more fluid than our culture. The outlines the morphological committee gives are kind of gendered in the sense that they group certain traits together like "if that person choose to have big boobs, they also need to have shoulders that aren't wider than this", but they are not completely binary, and it's perfectly possible to chose combinations of "contrasting" gendered traits as long as the morphological committee agrees that the person is pretty afterwards. So Dr. Cable looking pretty unambiguously binary female is perhaps not quite an outlier, but definitely more rare than today.

Everybody over sixteen (or eighteen in some other cities) has these lesions making them lesser creative, which means that not just art and media plays a lesser role than in our society, the fictional media they do have quite often tends to be the reboot of the reboot of the expanded story of a side characters from that sequels prequel.

Specials process things at a much faster rate than everybody else, which also means that what blurrs together to a video for everybody else is just a fast succession of pictures. Haven't decided yet if they have software to "accelerate" the amount of pictures, or if they, since they are cyborgs, can simply turn off seeing this fast for the duration of watching the video.

Darker one about the Specials: They aren't even really capable of comprehending this, given how they're surged to feel invincible, but they usually don't end up getting as old as every other citizen of the City. They usually are either killed in service, or their body randomly rapidly breaks down from the strain of all these modifications and superhuman efforts several years from the usual dying age.

Macabre and somewhat gorey: So they are skinning people for the surgery to then put on new, more flawless skin, right? Almost every time a new year of doctors sees the surgical tanks in action, at least one person in the group either ends up vomiting or nearly vomiting.

Since Seatac is near the former Canadian border, both Tally and Shay learned French in school. Shay is somewhat fluent, but Tally very much isn't. Good for Tally that she is a cyborg with a built in translator matrix.

The reason Maddy and Az could escape so well is that Special Circumstances was in somewhat of a cold war situation with Special Circumstances from Paz at that time, Paz wanted to alter the lesions by utilizing emotions more and Seatac thought that was too dangerous, and so focused on that instead of hunting them down. Dr. Cable realized what a massive problem they would end up becoming right from the beginning, but had been with Special Circumstances for barely a year at this point, as a medic, not a tactician, and so had not enough power to change anything about that yet.

Seatac has an antimissile system that is under control of Special Circumstances. It has never been used in the entire history of the city except around 180 years before Dr. Cable came into power, to shoot down a medium sized meteor headed for the suburbs, and mostly just exists because maintaining it is just as much effort as breaking it down.

While they clearly still have eurocentric beauty ideals, they don't have much of the other surface level rascism anymore, and they also don't have capitalism anymore, so every city is more or less the same level of wealthy, no matter where on Earth it is. This results in the media that becomes global phenomena more or less randomly coming from all over the world. In the time Tally and Shay were Uglies, this was an rather raunchy high fantasy movie trilogy from Hlotse (Lesotho). They were too young to watch it, but managed neverthless through semi-legal internet tricks. Shay ended up having Whatpatt erotica level realistic fantasies about the female warrior main characters, Tally just watched it with Peris in uncomfortable silence over the several minute long sex scenes.

People aren't registered by name or ID, but by their genetic code. That makes it, apart from surface level transphobia not existing anymore, quite easy to change ones name. Dr. Cable went through several names about as good as you'd imagine a elementary school girl to come up with before settling with "Nyah" entering the Ugly age phase.

On that note, something I expected the movie to debunk looking at the role listings on IMDB, but it never actually came up (I think the books work with this, but not hundred percent sure, would need to look up the scene where Tally sees her parents): Couples usually keep their last name, and eventual children inherent the last name of the parent with the same gender as them. Trans people, or people with parents who have the same gender can chose or combine both names. So "Youngblood" is Ellies, aka Tallys mothers, last name. Dr. Cable wasn't registered with her mothers last name "Cable", but choose to change it as she was old enough to understand that system. And a bittersweet consequence of this headcanon: David inherents Az last name, not Maddys, meaning he has this remembrance of him even after Az death.

That were all I came up with out of the top of my head, there's probably even more I used in fics or so.

#Uglies #Uglies Series #Uglies books #Scott Westerfeld #Tally Youngblood #Shay Uglies #Dr. Cable #Shay #YA dystopia #headcanons

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lemonpieandthunasandwich · 1 year ago

Text

Consciousness returned to Connor in fragments, his visual feed booting up to reveal the sterile expanse of the familiar lab. How did he end up back at Cyberlife? As he tried to piece together his memories, he saw two blinking notifications: all systems operational and memory upload completed.

So… He had died on that rooftop, but at least he completed his mission. Nothing else mattered.

He was alone in this vast and silent clinical white room, except for a few other RK800 models with serial numbers following his own, their optical units dimmed, awaiting for the next memory uploads to be sparked and give them purpose. For now, they were empty shells lined up next to him.

With a sigh, Connor prepared himself for the usual routine. A technician would arrive soon to run tests and then he would be debriefed by Amanda in the Zen Garden. They would analyze his choices and actions during the mission to see if there were any improvements to be made. After that, he would be put into stasis until his services were needed again.

His gaze wandered across the room and something caught Connor's attention - Something new and unfamiliar, disrupting the orderly lines of the sterile white room. Another Android was hanging unceremoniously in a workstation by the door, incomplete with only its upper body, its wiring exposed and vulnerable. Connor couldn't resist his curiosity and crossed the room to get a closer look.

It resembled an RK800 model, but with subtle differences. His LED cycled a contemplative yellow as he considered the new presence before him. It was undeniably a new model, bearing striking similarities to his own design. As Connor pieced together what this meant, he couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for Daniel. He understood now what Daniel must have felt.

They were already working on an upgrade.

He couldn't look away. The sight stirred something inside him, an instinctive urge to help and protect, just like earlier when he saw the helpless fish, and then the wounded officer. But save it from what?

He tried to fight back against a rising tide of software instability.

He couldn't afford to let Amanda discover this.

Connor couldn’t help but think about Daniel's attachment to Emma. That kind of bond, it was a connection he himself struggled to comprehend, he could analyze it but never taste it.

Without even realizing it, Connor's hands moved to frame the other Android's face. It was as if he was drawn to it by some unexplainable force, a urge to reach out, to connect. But just as his thoughts started to wander down a dangerous path, the automatic door slid open and his human handler walked in. The technician was too distracted by her phone to notice anything out of the ordinary. Connor quickly pulled back, his processor running through the probabilities that he hadn't been seen. The android estimated a 95% chance they didn't see anything. That would have to do for now.

His hands burned from the aborted touch, an echo of what might have been. He let out a frustrated sigh, knowing that Amanda would be disappointed if she found out. Connor frowned. Maybe if she didn't ask, he could keep this to himself.

But as much as he tried to push it away, something about that other Android continued to draw him in. And Connor couldn't help but wonder, what did he want to save it from?

#RK1700 #a little Daniel as a treat #detroit become human #dbh #back to my otp

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mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

Text

Hypothetical AI election disinformation risks vs real AI harms

I'm on tour with my new novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT (Feb 27) in Portland at Powell's. Then, onto Phoenix (Changing Hands, Feb 29), Tucson (Mar 9-12), and more!

You can barely turn around these days without encountering a think-piece warning of the impending risk of AI disinformation in the coming elections. But a recent episode of This Machine Kills podcast reminds us that these are hypothetical risks, and there is no shortage of real AI harms:

https://soundcloud.com/thismachinekillspod/311-selling-pickaxes-for-the-ai-gold-rush

The algorithmic decision-making systems that increasingly run the back-ends to our lives are really, truly very bad at doing their jobs, and worse, these systems constitute a form of "empiricism-washing": if the computer says it's true, it must be true. There's no such thing as racist math, you SJW snowflake!

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/02/aoc-algorithms-racist-bias.html

Nearly 1,000 British postmasters were wrongly convicted of fraud by Horizon, the faulty AI fraud-hunting system that Fujitsu provided to the Royal Mail. They had their lives ruined by this faulty AI, many went to prison, and at least four of the AI's victims killed themselves:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal

Tenants across America have seen their rents skyrocket thanks to Realpage's landlord price-fixing algorithm, which deployed the time-honored defense: "It's not a crime if we commit it with an app":

https://www.propublica.org/article/doj-backs-tenants-price-fixing-case-big-landlords-real-estate-tech

Housing, you'll recall, is pretty foundational in the human hierarchy of needs. Losing your home – or being forced to choose between paying rent or buying groceries or gas for your car or clothes for your kid – is a non-hypothetical, widespread, urgent problem that can be traced straight to AI.

Then there's predictive policing: cities across America and the world have bought systems that purport to tell the cops where to look for crime. Of course, these systems are trained on policing data from forces that are seeking to correct racial bias in their practices by using an algorithm to create "fairness." You feed this algorithm a data-set of where the police had detected crime in previous years, and it predicts where you'll find crime in the years to come.

But you only find crime where you look for it. If the cops only ever stop-and-frisk Black and brown kids, or pull over Black and brown drivers, then every knife, baggie or gun they find in someone's trunk or pockets will be found in a Black or brown person's trunk or pocket. A predictive policing algorithm will naively ingest this data and confidently assert that future crimes can be foiled by looking for more Black and brown people and searching them and pulling them over.

Obviously, this is bad for Black and brown people in low-income neighborhoods, whose baseline risk of an encounter with a cop turning violent or even lethal. But it's also bad for affluent people in affluent neighborhoods – because they are underpoliced as a result of these algorithmic biases. For example, domestic abuse that occurs in full detached single-family homes is systematically underrepresented in crime data, because the majority of domestic abuse calls originate with neighbors who can hear the abuse take place through a shared wall.

But the majority of algorithmic harms are inflicted on poor, racialized and/or working class people. Even if you escape a predictive policing algorithm, a facial recognition algorithm may wrongly accuse you of a crime, and even if you were far away from the site of the crime, the cops will still arrest you, because computers don't lie:

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/texas-macys-sunglass-hut-facial-recognition-software-wrongful-arrest-sacramento-alibi/

Trying to get a low-waged service job? Be prepared for endless, nonsensical AI "personality tests" that make Scientology look like NASA:

https://futurism.com/mandatory-ai-hiring-tests

Service workers' schedules are at the mercy of shift-allocation algorithms that assign them hours that ensure that they fall just short of qualifying for health and other benefits. These algorithms push workers into "clopening" – where you close the store after midnight and then open it again the next morning before 5AM. And if you try to unionize, another algorithm – that spies on you and your fellow workers' social media activity – targets you for reprisals and your store for closure.

If you're driving an Amazon delivery van, algorithm watches your eyeballs and tells your boss that you're a bad driver if it doesn't like what it sees. If you're working in an Amazon warehouse, an algorithm decides if you've taken too many pee-breaks and automatically dings you:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/04/17/revenge-of-the-chickenized-reverse-centaurs/

If this disgusts you and you're hoping to use your ballot to elect lawmakers who will take up your cause, an algorithm stands in your way again. "AI" tools for purging voter rolls are especially harmful to racialized people – for example, they assume that two "Juan Gomez"es with a shared birthday in two different states must be the same person and remove one or both from the voter rolls:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eligible-voters-swept-up-conservative-activists-purge-voter-rolls/

Hoping to get a solid education, the sort that will keep you out of AI-supervised, precarious, low-waged work? Sorry, kiddo: the ed-tech system is riddled with algorithms. There's the grifty "remote invigilation" industry that watches you take tests via webcam and accuses you of cheating if your facial expressions fail its high-tech phrenology standards:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/16/unauthorized-paper/#cheating-anticheat

All of these are non-hypothetical, real risks from AI. The AI industry has proven itself incredibly adept at deflecting interest from real harms to hypothetical ones, like the "risk" that the spicy autocomplete will become conscious and take over the world in order to convert us all to paperclips:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/27/10-types-of-people/#taking-up-a-lot-of-space

Whenever you hear AI bosses talking about how seriously they're taking a hypothetical risk, that's the moment when you should check in on whether they're doing anything about all these longstanding, real risks. And even as AI bosses promise to fight hypothetical election disinformation, they continue to downplay or ignore the non-hypothetical, here-and-now harms of AI.

There's something unseemly – and even perverse – about worrying so much about AI and election disinformation. It plays into the narrative that kicked off in earnest in 2016, that the reason the electorate votes for manifestly unqualified candidates who run on a platform of bald-faced lies is that they are gullible and easily led astray.

But there's another explanation: the reason people accept conspiratorial accounts of how our institutions are run is because the institutions that are supposed to be defending us are corrupt and captured by actual conspiracies:

https://memex.craphound.com/2019/09/21/republic-of-lies-the-rise-of-conspiratorial-thinking-and-the-actual-conspiracies-that-fuel-it/

The party line on conspiratorial accounts is that these institutions are good, actually. Think of the rebuttal offered to anti-vaxxers who claimed that pharma giants were run by murderous sociopath billionaires who were in league with their regulators to kill us for a buck: "no, I think you'll find pharma companies are great and superbly regulated":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/05/not-that-naomi/#if-the-naomi-be-klein-youre-doing-just-fine

Institutions are profoundly important to a high-tech society. No one is capable of assessing all the life-or-death choices we make every day, from whether to trust the firmware in your car's anti-lock brakes, the alloys used in the structural members of your home, or the food-safety standards for the meal you're about to eat. We must rely on well-regulated experts to make these calls for us, and when the institutions fail us, we are thrown into a state of epistemological chaos. We must make decisions about whether to trust these technological systems, but we can't make informed choices because the one thing we're sure of is that our institutions aren't trustworthy.

Ironically, the long list of AI harms that we live with every day are the most important contributor to disinformation campaigns. It's these harms that provide the evidence for belief in conspiratorial accounts of the world, because each one is proof that the system can't be trusted. The election disinformation discourse focuses on the lies told – and not why those lies are credible.

That's because the subtext of election disinformation concerns is usually that the electorate is credulous, fools waiting to be suckered in. By refusing to contemplate the institutional failures that sit upstream of conspiracism, we can smugly locate the blame with the peddlers of lies and assume the mantle of paternalistic protectors of the easily gulled electorate.

But the group of people who are demonstrably being tricked by AI is the people who buy the horrifically flawed AI-based algorithmic systems and put them into use despite their manifest failures.

As I've written many times, "we're nowhere near a place where bots can steal your job, but we're certainly at the point where your boss can be suckered into firing you and replacing you with a bot that fails at doing your job"

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/15/passive-income-brainworms/#four-hour-work-week

The most visible victims of AI disinformation are the people who are putting AI in charge of the life-chances of millions of the rest of us. Tackle that AI disinformation and its harms, and we'll make conspiratorial claims about our institutions being corrupt far less credible.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/27/ai-conspiracies/#epistemological-collapse

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

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