“This code holds an important place in history and is a fascinating read of an operating system that was written entirely in 8086 assembly code nearly 45 years ago,” the blog post remembered. The release includes not only the source code for MS-DOS 4.00 but also additional beta binaries, documentation in PDF format, and disk images. These materials have been preserved and made accessible thanks to the efforts of internet archivist Jeff Sponaugle and the guidance of former Microsoft CTO Ray Ozzie.
This version of MS-DOS, developed in collaboration with IBM, has a complex history, featuring contributions to what would eventually evolve into OS/2. Notably, this release includes early, unreleased beta binaries discovered by a young English researcher, Connor “Starfrost” Hyde, who found them among Ray Ozzie’s collection of software.
Microsoft’s Open Source Programs Office (OSPO) explored the possibility of releasing the source code for MT-DOS but eventually focused on MS-DOS 4.00. Although the full source code for MT-DOS was not found, the release of MS-DOS 4.00 represents a rich piece of computing history, showcasing an era when operating systems were written entirely in 8086 assembly code.
The released materials can run on hardware as old as an original IBM PC XT and as recent as a Pentium, and are also compatible with open-source emulators like PCem and 86box, allowing enthusiasts to explore this vintage software in a modern setting.
The initiative underscores the value of digital archaeology in preserving and understanding the technological advancements of the past. Microsoft and IBM’s collaborative effort highlights their ongoing commitment to sharing important historical artifacts with the public and contributing to the educational and technological community.
]]>The boom in interest in mainstream models and generative AI is driving a surge in demand for additional computing power, as well as interest in training ever larger models.
According to documents available to Insider, Microsoft is preparing to address this by doubling Azure capacity in the second half of this fiscal year, which runs through the end of June.
Microsoft will triple additional data center capacity in the first half of its fiscal year 2025.
According to the aforementioned documents, the company is deploying a “record number of GPUs” to handle AI workloads, and more than doubled its total installed base of accelerators in the second half of last year.
Recall that Microsoft had intended last year to spend “many billions of dollars” building additional capacity in anticipation of the rapid increase in the number of customers looking to run generative AI projects.
By the end of 2023, Synergy’s data shows that the US accounts for 51% of global capacity as measured by MW of critical IT workload, Europe 17%, and China close behind with 16%.
The companies with the largest footprints are actually the big three cloud providers – Amazon, Microsoft and Google. They own 60% of all hyperscale data center capacity, followed by Meta, Alibaba, Tencent, Apple, ByteDance and other relatively small hyperscale operators.
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1. From Competitions in Informatics to MIT – Rumen Hristov’s Formula for Success
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Over the years, Rumen has been part of the national team of Bulgaria in informatics. He is seventh in the Hall of Fame of the IOI (International Olympiad in Informatics) – an outstanding achievement for the country. Rumen is a long-time participant in the international programming competition CodeIT, in 2012 he is a winner, and in the 2020/2021 season he gives a special lecture as an IT guru at the final of the competition.
Rumen Hristov was also elected in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the United States for his work on remote health monitoring.
Rumen tells DevStyleR more about the challenges he faces in the vast technological world. He also reveals what are the qualities needed for success not only in competitions and Olympiads, but also in life. He also shares with us his enjoyable experiences in one of the oldest competitions in the world – CodeIT and what it feels like to be part of the Forbes 30 under 30 in the US. You will read all this and many more interesting topics in our interview.
You are 7th in the Hall of Fame of the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). What are the qualities that make up a successful IT competitor?
Competitions in Informatics were an extremely important part for me and opened many doors in my life. Thanks to them, I was able to meet different people, learn new things, visit many countries, and they were the main reason I was accepted into MIT.
Although in the last 7-8 years I have not participated in any competitions, I can still distinguish many of the qualities I have learned from them. They made me a better programmer, taught me to think creatively and quickly. The Olympiads in Informatics developed my competitive spirit and taught me to motivate myself to always look for improvement in me.
In 2012 you are the winner at CodeIT, and in 2020/2021 you are again part of the competition, this time as an IT guru. Tell us about your experiences as a competitor and then as a guru.
Being an IT guru was an amazing experience. I was always happy when I had the opportunity to go back and be able to help the competitors, because I too had received a lot of help when I was on the other side of things.
The President of Bulgaria attended the award ceremony, as in most years and this fact always distinguishes CodeIT.
What is your message to CodeIT competitors?
Continue to look for every challenge and participate in as many competitions as possible, especially in school years. Then, unfortunately the race time decreases, so you should take advantage as much as possible when it’s time for that.
You complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Together with prof. Dina Katabi you’re working on building an IoT system for a wireless sensor device. What inspired you to start working on such a project?
My goal was to work on an innovative project that is practical to become a community product. Professor Katabi’s group is working on wireless technologies and when I first appeared in the lab, it was in the initial steps on the project that became our company: Emerald Innovations.
The road was very difficult, and we had to solve many technical problems, as well as find the right business plan. After a few years at the university, we made sure that there was a business interest in what we do and for 3-4 years we have been working fully on our company.
You are part of the Forbes 30 under 30 list in the US for your work on remote health monitoring. How does it feel to prove yourself and be recognized in one of the most developed technological countries and what is the formula of success?
The formula of success is always focused on difficult problems. I knew that Professor Katabi’s group was one of those who worked the most hours at MIT and often spent late nights in the laboratory. This is what motivated me to work on this project and subsequently had its advantages and brought several awards.
What advice would you give to those who are just entering the tech world?
The technological world is a special field. Things change often, and people must adapt quickly. Success is often associated with spending many hours in front of a screen, so it is advisable to combine it with frequent hours without screens.
More from CodeIT:
Dusko Obradovic: A united IT Community in the Balkans – a Mission for Life
The CodeIT 2024 Team for the Competition and the Journey into the World of Programming
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Earlier this year, the company released its first feature update for Windows 11 – “Moment 5.” However, it failed to generate much interest.
The full list of new features in version 24H2 of Windows 11 is not yet complete, but some of the changes that will occur in the operating system are clear. Today we will present to you 5 of them, which according to Neowin are worth your attention. In addition to this, some of those listed will appear before version 24H2.
Use your phone as a webcam
Windows 11 will let you use your Android smartphone as a wireless webcam. Modern phones have great cameras, and even expensive webcams often can’t match their capabilities. Future Windows updates will make it possible to use different cameras in your smartphones to make video calls on a computer, apply additional effects (such as HDR), and more.
Windows 11 will offer a dedicated window with all controls and additional information such as connection status and battery level. Currently, the ability to use Android smartphones as webcams with Windows 11 PCs is available to all Windows Insiders with the Link to Windows app version 1.24012.
Deeper Copilot integration
Copilot in Windows still seems like a huge afterthought with a very limited set of actually useful Windows-related features. Fortunately, Microsoft is making its new AI assistant more capable in terms of interacting with the hardware. Copilot is expected to be able to scan for Wi-Fi networks, display device information, report battery level, toggle battery saving, clean some memory, take screenshots, interact with accessibility features, and more.
Built-in QR code generator
Although at first glance this seems like a not-so-important feature, it can make the operating system more convenient. This future Windows update will allow you to generate QR codes when sharing links, making transferring websites from computer to phone much easier. You won’t have to email links to yourself or wait for Microsoft Edge to sync your history.
Save energy
Microsoft is working on expanding the existing power-saving module to more devices, namely desktops, which traditionally don’t rely on rechargeable batteries. The new energy saver is expected to trade more performance for battery life and allow you to reduce power consumption as you reach a certain battery life.
More lock screen widgets
The lock screen in Windows 11 will soon show more useful information. As you know, the current version allows you to place the weather widget, and future updates will add more options such as stocks, traffic, sports games, and more. This part is optional and you will be able to use the traditional and clean lock screen on your PC.
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The project is led by the Linux Foundation’s LF AI and Data organization, which focuses on platform initiatives related to artificial intelligence and data.
LF AI and Data executive director Ibrahim Hadadt states in a press release that OPEA is expected to pave the way for the release of “fortified,” “scalable” generative AI systems that “leverage the best open source innovations from across the ecosystem.”
Other project members include Intel, IBM-owned Red Hat, Hugging Face, Domino Data Lab, MariaDB and VMware.
When asked what these companies can build together, Haddad hinted at several possibilities, such as “optimized” support for AI toolchains and compilers that allow AI workloads to run on different hardware components, as well as “heterogeneous” pipelines for generating augmented data (RAG). RAG is gaining popularity in enterprise applications of generative AI.
RAG models reference this external information – which can be in the form of proprietary company data, a public database, or some combination of the two – before generating a response or performing a task.
OPEA members say they are very interested in creating a toolkit for enterprise generative AI.
Although each of the companies has a different focus – Cloudera focuses on the cloud AI ecosystem, Domino offers generative AI applications for businesses, and VMware handles the infrastructure for AI – all have shown interest in AI development and have launched products and partnerships in this area.
However, the question of truly working together on developing compatible AI tools within OPEA remains open. Although companies may have different interests and strategies, collaboration is possible, especially if they have a common point that rests on the development of AI technologies.
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A curious fact about him is that he is also known for his songs. Recently, at the National Creative Awards, the entrepreneur was recognized as the “Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year“ by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Childhood, education, life path
The business leader grew up in the capital, Delhi. Graduated from public school R.K. Puram. He received his higher education in Business Administration from the University of Delhi.
Knowledge in this field proved to be insufficient for him and he acquired a qualification in finance and strategy from the Indian Business School. He continued his studies by completing a management and marketing program at the Kellogg Graduation School of Management in the US in 2011.
Aman Gupta’s journey started from a humble family. Years later, he married Priya Daggar, with whom they raised two daughters, Ada Gupta and Miraya Gupta.
boAt
The young entrepreneur founded bot in 2013, which turned out to be a significant period for his transformation. boAt is an electronics brand that focuses primarily on the development of audio products.
The company’s motto is “Plug In to Nirvana”. We associate Nirvana with achieving complete peace and freedom. Through them, the company strives to reach the largest possible audience.
“When you take a boat, you leave everything behind. You plug into a new zone”-Says Aman Gupta.
The company started with the activity of cable production. The beginning is difficult because the banks do not think that the company will develop successfully and refuse to give a loan.
Every day the organization faces a series of challenges and difficulties to produce modern and desirable products as well as to break into the market, but the young visionary proves his leadership skills.
It makes the company one of the most preferred in the market. boAt quickly gained the trust of customers by proving its quality, innovation and affordability.
Net worth
According to GQ India, the entrepreneur’s net worth currently stands at Rs 720 crore and the boAt value is estimated at Rs 10,500 crore.
He has invested in the following startups: Shiprocket, WickedGud, 10 club, Freecultr, Bummer, Skippi Ice Pops and others.
Lifestyle
Interestingly, Aman Gupta remains almost entirely focused on his work and development. Maintains a relatively modest lifestyle. He does not bet much on pleasures.
The technology leader is described as a down-to-earth and humble person. Hard work, integrity and perseverance are the values he adheres to.
]]>1. Hive
Through this application, you can create a to-do list, record deadlines, and assign tasks to people who are in your workspace.
This application is suitable for you whether you work in person or from home, as well as in a hybrid form.
Hive’s Kanban feature lets you put tasks on a visual board. You can see what their execution status is. Your calendar shows what tasks you have set for the day.
What else does Hive offer?
- Ability to track set goals
- An AI writing tool that serves to generate content
- Create a project plan
- Create tasks from notes in notes
- Workflow automation tools
2. Todoist
Todoist is the simplest application for recording daily tasks. It is suitable for recording tasks that need to be performed regularly and are frequently repeated.
The application is available from various platforms. Its interface is extremely easy to use. Karma is a built-in system in Todoist that tracks your progress and gives you points for completing your tasks.
3 . Google Keep
This is a Google list making app. It is suitable for recording the products you need for purchase.
Google Keep will come in handy if you need a free app to send you reminders. It is a place to keep basic daily notes. Not suitable for work.
4. Remember The Milk
This application is also intended for use in the everyday sphere, not in the work sphere. It is available on many platforms and is a great option for busy people who need household reminders.
Through it you can create lists of your daily tasks. You can also create tags to priority tasks. In addition, Remember the Milk allows you to create sub-tasks to your main ones.
5. Way of Life
This platform is suitable if you want to give up an old habit and replace it with a new and more useful one. The app is suitable if you have recurring weekly tasks as it allows you to see what progress you have made.
Performance can be noted via a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ function based on the application’s color coding. Way of Life presents graphs that report your activities.
The app also has a reminder function. A journal section can be used to add additional notes to the task.
6. nTask
nTask is an app that can combine recording tasks from both your personal and professional life. It is suitable for task and project management.
Through it you can add other users that you can add to different tasks. The app is available on many platforms and is easy to use.
App Features:
- Team management
- risk management
- meeting management
- bug tracking
7. Microsoft To Do
The cloud system that the application has allows you to access it anywhere and anytime. Microsoft To Do is easy to use. Through it, you can create your tasks by importance, in alphabetical order, and you can also sort them by due date.
The application allows tasks to be shared with your relatives, friends or colleagues. It can connect to Microsoft Outlook.
Microsoft To Do software is available for all mobile devices. Your lists will be permanently accessible over the Internet. Also, the app is completely free if you have a Microsoft account.
8. TickTick
The application can be used on several platforms. It is available for both computers and mobile devices.
TickTick is characterized by the frugal features:
- Making smart lists
- Calendar
- Access to a comprehensive overview of all tasks both daily and monthly
- Kanban visual board
9. Any.do
This app is suitable for both individual and team task setting.
The application software allows managing both daily tasks and creating batch tasks for workflows.
Through the application, you can add other users to the lists of tasks prepared by you. Additionally, the app enables you to assign tasks as well as create a general chat in real time.
10. OmniFocus
This application allows you to quickly save the tasks that remain in the tracking system, and you do not have to remember them. OmniFocus works with the GTD methodology to accomplish tasks.
It is a powerful tool with various customizable features. The app is currently only available for Apple devices. It can be synced with your computer or mobile device.
]]>The project will highlight the importance of advanced data centres that can meet the demands of cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications. The expansion of the partnership between the two companies marks a significant step towards unlocking the true potential of artificial intelligence.
The plan is to have the supercomputer up and running by 2028, with initial information that it will be deployed in the US. The project is part of a multi-phase initiative with a horizon of six years. It is divided into five phases, with Stargate representing the final stage. Microsoft is currently developing a smaller supercomputer for OpenAI that will be released in 2026.
A significant amount of investment is also being devoted to the creation of Stargate and the provision of artificial intelligence chips, which are essential to the supercomputer’s functionality.
Stargate is poised to become a transformative leap in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
According to insiders, there is a high probability that the cost of creating the supercomputer will be over $115 billion, which is significantly more than Microsoft’s capital expenditure on infrastructure last year.
The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is a strategic move to maintain its leadership in AI innovation. By investing in the development of Stargate and collaborating with industry stakeholders, Microsoft seeks to push the boundaries of AI’s capabilities and pave the way for transformative advancements in a variety of fields.
]]>A report by The Intercept states that the data Twitterr was collecting was sold to the surveillance firm Dataminr, which uses artificial intelligence technology to constantly monitor public activity on social media and other parts of the web.
That way, its clients, often law enforcement, can get personalized real-time alerts about what’s happening online, helping them respond to natural disasters or spy on protests, The Intercept notes.
Emails between Dataminr and the U.S. Secret Service obtained with a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that the surveillance firm is paying for special access to Twitter data. Sent in July 2023, they also confirm that this practice continued under Musk.
In another email, the Secret Service confirmed the nature of the relationship, “the whole point of this contract is to use the information for law enforcement purposes,” the message said.
In addition to contradicting the values of the lawsuit, the practice also contradicts Twitter’s policies, notes The Intercept, which prohibit “the surveillance or collection of intelligence information.”
But there’s a subtle technicality, and that is that the data doesn’t go directly to the government, but is leased to an intermediary data analysis firm, which in turn works for government agencies.
It’s a practice that started even before Elon Musk acquired Twitter.
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Researchers in China are helping 17 million blind people by creating guide dogs controlled by artificial intelligence, GIZMOCHINA shares. The project, developed by scientists at the Polytechnic University of China, provides functions such as accompanying and navigation.
The guide dog, controlled by artificial intelligence, is trained to understand the commands given to it. The attendant can also conduct conversations. It facilitates the daily life of visually impaired people by guiding them through the streets, helping them get into elevators or enter different buildings.
“Smart guide dogs using the language model can offer them more convenient and safe navigation, effectively improving their quality of life,” said Sun Zhe, an associate professor at the university.
Compared to the regular guide dogs we are used to, training AI guides is much cheaper. In addition, AI guide dogs can be created faster than regular dogs.
The project to create AI companions is still in the early stages of development, but according to China, it is possible that AI guide dogs will become widely available very soon.
The collaboration between the Polytechnic University of China and China Telecom Artificial Intelligence Research Institute accelerates the implementation of the project aimed at supporting the daily life of visually impaired people.
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