Why are we stuck with the QWERTY keyboard? The history of the most commonly used keyboard layout is a sometimes murky story of commercial opportunism, critics with ulterior motives and the stubborn persistence of an idea that's seen off hundreds of supposedly superior competitors Technology 25 April 2019 By Graham LawtonTechnology often contributes new words to the English language: television, hoover and iPod to name a few. But none have origins quite like the word QWERTY. As one of the world’s most ubiquitous technologies, used by billions of people every day, we rarely give a second thought to computer keyboards. But behind the ordinariness and familiarity there’s something very odd about them. Why are the letters arranged that way? The world’s love–hate relationship with the QWERTY keyboard began in a small workshop in Milwaukee in 1866. That was where a publisher called Christopher Latham Sholes began work on an invention he hoped … [Read more...] about The truth about the QWERTY keyboard
Computing
Lenovo tax sale knocks $456 off the ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptop
Whether you’re dreading tax day on April 15 or you’ve already got it out of the way (and are looking forward to a refund), Lenovo’s ongoing tax season sale might just make your day a little bit brighter if you’re in the market for a new computer. One of the biggest highlights of the event is a hefty discount on the awesome ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which can be yours for more than $450 off through next Wednesday with a special promo code. The venerable ThinkPads have remained staples in the laptop world for decades, and for good reasons: They feature work-focused utilitarian designs, and they’re simply built to last. Originally made by IBM, Lenovo has owned the brand for a while now and modern models like the Yoga 2-in-1 series as well as the excellent ThinkPad X1 Carbon have kept this iconic laptop lineup running into the 21st century. The sleek X1 Carbon boasts a sturdy build quality that lives up to the ThinkPad pedigree, and you can feel it right down to the … [Read more...] about Lenovo tax sale knocks $456 off the ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptop
Mathematicians may have found the fastest way to multiply huge numbers
Multiplying 2 x 2 is easy. But multiplying two numbers with more than a billion digits each — that takes some serious computation. The multiplication technique taught in grade school may be simple, but for really big numbers, it’s too slow to be useful. Now, two mathematicians say that they’ve found the fastest way yet to multiply extremely large figures. The duo claim to have achieved an ultimate speed limit for multiplication, first suggested nearly 50 years ago. That feat, described online March 18 at the document archive HAL, has not yet passed the gauntlet of peer review. But if the technique holds up to scrutiny, it could prove to be the fastest possible way of multiplying whole numbers, or integers. If you ask an average person what mathematicians do, “they say, ‘Oh, they sit in their office multiplying big numbers together,’” jokes study coauthor David Harvey of the University of New South Wales in Sydney. “For me, it’s … [Read more...] about Mathematicians may have found the fastest way to multiply huge numbers
How to change your Windows 10 login screen background, desktop wallpaper
Want to spice up your Windows 10 PC by adding a little personal flavor to Microsoft’s latest operating system? We’re here to help. Changing your Windows login screen background and desktop wallpaper is rather easy, but if you’re not familiar with Windows 10’s overall layout — or if Microsoft decides to remap the process — this guide will provide the hand-holding you need. In a nutshell, everything is accomplished through the Settings app, so let’s dig in! Step 1: Navigating to the ‘Personalization’ settings window The shortest route to the Personalization panel is to just right-click on the desktop and select Personalize from the menu. Once the window appears, follow Steps 2a and 2b below to successfully change your Windows 10 login screen background and desktop wallpaper. The long route to accessing the Personalization panel is taken by clicking the speech balloon-like Action Center icon located next to the system clock on the … [Read more...] about How to change your Windows 10 login screen background, desktop wallpaper
A new algorithm could help protect planes from damaging volcanic ash
Five to 10 minutes. That’s what it takes for superheated volcanic ash to shoot 11 kilometers into the sky — reaching altitudes at which commercial jets cruise and potentially harming their engines. Now scientists have developed a new algorithm that can identify and track explosive ash clouds soon after volcanoes erupt. Using satellite imagery, the program can measure the temperature, height and trajectory of the expanding clouds within about three minutes, researchers report online November 8 in Earth and Space Science. By tracking these ash plumes in near real time, scientists can alert aviation authorities if there is a need to alter any volcanic ash advisories or change the flight paths of any planes barreling toward hazardous eruptions. “Timely detection is crucial,” says study coauthor Michael Pavolonis, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Madison, Wis. The new technology could be especially useful for tracking … [Read more...] about A new algorithm could help protect planes from damaging volcanic ash