Sunday, March 3, 2019

Artificial Intelligence - The Transcendence of Human Evolution

For a better future...
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have stolen the limelight in the present days and yes, they are worthy of all the praises. Are AI and ML, one and the same? Artificial Intelligence is the broader concept of machines being able to carry out tasks in a way that we would consider “smart”. We can program an AI to carry out a specific task whereas Machine Learning is an application of AI based around the idea that we should really just be able to give machines access to data and let them learn for themselves.


Image Classification using Deep Neural Networks

To make you feel at peace with these concepts, let us consider real world examples such as the automated personal virtual assistant applications like Siri. It applies Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to respond to queries based on the user's input data. Applications like Google Photos use Machine Learning capabilities to detect faces in group photos, select the best moments based on users’ choices and add a fitting soundtrack to produce a custom movie for them. The Recaptcha that we encounter everyday while browsing the internet employs ML and works on the premise that by marrying up users who need to prove they are human to data that needs transcribing, benefitting both the sides. An existing deep learning architecture (ML) has been adapted to solve the detection problem in camera-based tracking for augmented reality (AR) - a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. Sounds cool, right? That's why AI and ML have gained popularity in recent days.

Sophia (Robot)

Behind the scenes, it gets dirty. The basis for effortless estimation is the troves of raw information, streaming in, and stored in enterprise data warehouses. Actually, analyzing big data on a granular level is near impossible. This is where Data Scientists come in. Data science is a multidisciplinary blend of data inference, algorithm development, and technology in order to solve analytically complex problems. It is ultimately about using data in creative ways to generate business value. Data Scientists all over the world are trying to discover efficient data compression algorithms and storing methods to handle the huge amounts of data (Big Data) pouring in due to the recent advancement in technologies.

Finding correlated data with big data is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. What’s more, certain patterns may not be obvious to research. We lose precious data in a sea of noise. This is where Quantum Computing comes to the rescue. Quantum Computing is the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena such as superposition (adding up properties of particles in an entangled state) and entanglement (a physical phenomenon that occurs when pairs or groups of particles are generated, interact, or share spatial proximity in ways such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently of the state of the other(s), even when the particles are separated by a large distance) to perform computation. A quantum computer is used to perform such computation, which can be implemented theoretically or physically.


Big data is one of the areas in which the marriage of artificial intelligence and quantum computers shines. Powerful quantum processors would be able to handle massive data sets, and artificial intelligence could analyze big data on a granular level. Researchers are already using artificial intelligence to analyze large data sets. A renowned medical startup has already started using AI to expedite cancer research. Artificial intelligence and quantum computers, once fused, will most likely improve each other — artificial intelligence tasked with improving quantum computing processes and vice versa. This means analysis of giant data sets will become more manageable, and perhaps, more efficient as time goes on and as these technologies progress. This could even aid humans in understanding a multiverse (a hypothetical group of multiple universes including the universe in which we live. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, and the physical laws and constants that describe them).

Cloud Computing (the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer) or Blockchain Technology served to address the storage issues. So, what is Blockchain Technology? Well, a blockchain, in the simplest of terms, is a time-stamped series of immutable record of data that is managed by cluster of computers not owned by any single entity. Each of these blocks of data (i.e. block) are secured and bound to each other using cryptographic principles (i.e. chain). Picture a spreadsheet that is duplicated thousands of times across a network of computers. Then imagine that this network is designed to regularly update this spreadsheet and there you go, you have got a glimpse on the basics of a blockchain. The blockchain database isn’t stored in a single location, meaning the records it keeps are truly public and easily verifiable. No centralized version of this information exists for a hacker to corrupt. Hosted by millions of computers simultaneously, it's data is accessible to anyone on the internet. Originally devised for the cryptocurrency (a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank) Bitcoin, Blockchain Technology is now being hailed as the New Internet by everyone around the world.


Although Artificial Intelligence dramatically improves our world in many ways, there are notable concerns regarding the forthcoming impact of it on employment and the workforce. Tasks which are monotonous, can be easily automated; this can gradually make certain roles obsolete. For instance, tasks and activities related to customer care/call center operation, document classification, discovery and retrieval, content moderation are more and more based on technology and automation and less on human work. The same is true for roles related to operation and support of production lines and factories: humans are being replaced by smart robots which can safely navigate the space, find and move objects (such as products, parts or tools) or perform complex assembling operations.


Under certain assumptions, and following the initial disruption due to technological unemployment, the AI revolution, will lead to a new era of prosperity, creativeness and well-being. The need for human employment to perform redundant tasks will reduce exponentially. The workforce and the underlying employment models will move from long-term, full-time employment agreements, to flexible, selective premium service offerings. There will be a stream of new business opportunities empowering a culture of entrepreneurship, creativeness and innovation. The above positive scenario requires a common, shared understanding of the technology, its opportunities and its risks. People need to adapt to the new technology landscape, become more flexible and also inherit an attitude of lifelong learning, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship. States need a new strategy with focus on education; they need to rethink how markets, companies and employment agreements should work in the new era of intelligent automation; they need to redesign the social mechanisms to cover a range of new scenarios and situations. Also, "basic minimum earnings," or a universal basic income (a cash hand-out, distributed irrespective of employment status), should be instituted so that it is enough to cover the cost of living and provides financial security to people.



Last but not least, artificial intelligence encompassing machine learning and deep learning will eventually become a “game changer” for climate change and environmental issues. 


Friday, October 3, 2014

How to format write protected pen drives (Generally caused by a virus in the pen drive)

JetFlash Online Recovery is an advanced new software tool specifically developed for Transcend JetFlash USB flash drives. If your flash drive is not working properly, in most cases it can be repaired instantly by using the recovery tool's simple user-friendly interface. The JetFlash Online Recovery Tool is conveniently located on the Internet, so no matter where you go, you can service your flash drive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can use it to repair or format write protected pen drives due to a virus.
                                         Link : JetFlash
                          


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Manual installation of IDM plugin for Firefox and other Mozilla based browsers

If you are using the latest version of IDM and the integration does not work, it's possible that you use an old version of IDM extension. In this case open this web-page in FireFox or in other Mozilla based browser that you need IDM to be integrated to, then click on this link : 
                                                 Link : Idm extension

Depending on the version of your browser it will show a security warning on top of the current window with "Edit options..." or "Allow" buttons. If it shows "Allow" button, please click on it to allow the installation. 


Then the following "Software installation" dialog should be opened by your browser. 

Press on "Install Now" and confirm the installation. It will replace IDM extension to its newest version for FireFox and for other Mozilla based browsers. 

If your browser shows a warning with "Edit options..." button, click on it, then click "Allow" button on the next dialog. 



                                       Install : Idm ext

Then click on "Install" link above again to install the extension and the following "Software installation" dialog should appear 

Press on "Install Now" and confirm the installation. It will replace IDM extension to its newest version for FireFox and for other Mozilla based browsers.

If you don't have a file association set for Mozilla extensions then the following dialog should appear: 

Press "Browse...", select FireFox or another Mozilla based browser. Then the following extension installation dialog should be opened by your browser: 
Press on "Install Now" and confirm the installation. It will replace IDM extension to its newest version for FireFox and for other Mozilla based browsers.

Re-install idm extension (For Chrome)

1. Please update IDM to the latest version by using "IDM Help -> Check for updates..." menu item

2. How to configure IDM extension for Chrome?
You need to press on Chrome menu (arrow 1 on the image), and select "Settings" menu item (arrow 2 on the image). Then select "Extensions" tab (arrow 3 on the image). 

Check that "IDM Integration Module" extension is enabled (arrow 4 on the image). If you use incognito mode in Chrome, you need to enable "Allow in incognito" checkbox (arrow 5 on the image).
3. I deleted "IDM Integration" extension from Chrome by mistake. How can I reinstall it back?
You need to open IDM installation folder ("C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager" by default, arrow 1 on the image), then drag and drop "IDMGCExt.crx" (arrow 2 on the image) file into "Extensions" page opened in yourChrome browser (arrow 3 on the image): 

Install OS X Mavericks on Any Supported Intel-based PC (Hackintosh)


First of all, check whether your system meets the minimum requirements to make it into a hackintosh in the link below :

                                         Link : Basics

Then,download OS X Snow Leopard from the link provided below and burn it to an 8 GB DVD-R DL using ImgBurn or Nero. (You cannot burn it to an ordinary 4 GB DVD). You will need a bittorrent client like utorrent to download the file as the link provided below is a magnet link.
              
 Link : Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (Final Retail)

Then follow the installation instructions carefully which is provided in the site below :
   
           Site : OS X Snow Leopard Installation (Hackintosh)

Then,to upgrade to OS X Mavericks follow the instructions carefully which is provided in the site below :
          
        Link :  Upgrade to OS X Mavericks (Hackintosh)
           

DVD Drive not working in Windows 8 & 8.1


Use the troubleshooter below for problems like CD/DVD drive not 

appearing in My Computer, FileManager, 

Windows Explorer or in the Control Panel under devices.

                       Link : Win8 Troubleshooter

Monday, January 27, 2014

Shortcut Virus Remover


You can remove Shortcut Virus from your Flash Drive using the 
software provided in the link below. Download the shortcut remover to your USB Storage device,double click and run the application. (Note : Shortcut virus remover affects shortcuts,because of this don't use it in internal hard disk. Use an antivirus software for internal hard disk. When you use this software your files will get deleted too in the cleaning process. So you'll have to first backup your files from the affected USB Storage Device. First Click on "Start" -->Run --> type cmd and press Enter. "Command Prompt" will be opened. [If you are using Windows 7 then Click on Start --> In search bar, type cmd. When the cmd appears in the search, right-click on it and select the option "Run as administrator".] Here I assume your pendrive drive letter as G: 

Enter this command. 

attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* 

You can copy the above command --> Right-click in the Command Prompt and paste it. 



Note : Replace the letter g with your SD card drive letter. 



Now check for your files. 



Another alternate way is 


Click on Start --> In search box, type folder options and press Enter. 

[If you are using Windows XP then type folder options in Run and press Enter] 

"Folder Options" will be opened. Click on the "View" tab. 

Now select the option "Show hidden files, folders or drives" and uncheck the check box "Hide protected operating system files" --> Click on "OK" button. 

Now look for your files in your external drive. 

Later undo the changes you have made by once again going to "Folder Options" --> Click on "View" tab and click on "Restore Defaults" button --> Click on "OK". 

But make sure you follow the steps 1 and 3. Steps 2 will remove the attributes directly and make the files visible to you which adds an advantage.) Please disable adblock before going to the site to download the file.
                             Link : Shortcut virus remover