1. Ultra high-resolution image of The Night Watch (2022)
Total comment counts : 35
Summary
The Rijksmuseum has created a groundbreaking high-resolution image of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” achieving a remarkable resolution of 5 µm (0.005 mm) and totaling 717 gigapixels with a file size of 5.6 TB. To produce this enormous image, a grid of 97 rows and 87 columns of 8,439 photographs was captured using a sophisticated laser-guided camera system, ensuring precise alignment for sharp images. This new technology builds on a previous lower-resolution image, allowing comprehensive analysis of the painting’s condition, including minute details like paint particles and cracks. The high-resolution image not only aids conservation efforts but also enhances understanding of Rembrandt’s techniques.
Top 1 Comment Summary
A colleague has created a user-friendly tool for exploring high-resolution images from their collection, which can be accessed at rijkscollection.net. The site is highly recommended and can easily lead users to spend a lot of time browsing through the collection.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author reflects on their experience working at a museum, expressing a lack of appreciation for the Dutch Golden Age “old masters,” whose works they see as primarily record-keeping rather than art. They find the subjects—wealthy individuals—uninteresting, though they enjoy some landscape views. In contrast, the author prefers modern art, which prioritizes message over form. They mention being struck by the size of “The Night Watch” in person, contrasting it with the disappointment of finding the “Mona Lisa” much smaller than expected.
2. Kamal Proxy – A minimal HTTP proxy for zero-downtime deployments
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
The article presents Kamal Proxy, a lightweight HTTP proxy server designed for seamless zero-downtime deployments of web applications. It allows users to deploy updates without interrupting ongoing traffic, requiring no special cooperation from the applications. Kamal Proxy can operate alongside Kamal, which offers a complete deployment experience, but it can also be used independently or with other tools.
To deploy an instance of an application through Kamal Proxy, one can use the kamal-proxy run command, which includes flexible options for configuration. Applications are registered to the proxy using a format that specifies the hostname and port. Kamal Proxy conducts health checks to ensure the new instance is functioning before routing traffic to it, allowing for the old instance’s traffic to drain safely before removal.
Additionally, Kamal Proxy supports host-based routing to manage multiple applications on a single server without port conflicts. It can automatically obtain and renew TLS certificates when the --tls flag is used. Environment variables can be utilized for configuration options in some environments, and Kamal Proxy can be built locally or as a Docker container. An example folder is provided for testing the proxy commands with Docker Compose.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article critiques the use of the term “deploy” in the context of routing traffic through a proxy to a web application. It describes how deploying instances of the application to the proxy replaces previous instances and makes them accessible. The author expresses confusion over why the term “deploy” was chosen, given its broad usage in other contexts, suggesting alternatives like “bind,” “intercept,” or simply “proxy.” This choice may lead to misunderstandings about what deploying actually means in this specific scenario. The author anticipates potential issues arising from this terminology in discussions and documentation.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the choice to create a dedicated app for achieving zero-downtime deployments, suggesting that this could be excessive. It points out that simpler solutions, like using any app with a web proxy that supports Unix sockets, can accomplish zero-downtime efficiently by moving files atomically and sending warm-up requests with curl. Overall, it argues that building a complex system with registration for this purpose seems unnecessary.
3. I Like Makefiles
Total comment counts : 78
Summary
The article discusses the author’s appreciation for makefiles, which they have used for over a decade. Despite initially viewing them as outdated, the author has come to enjoy their simplicity and effectiveness in project automation. Makefiles follow a conventional set of commands, making it easy for developers to build and set up projects they’ve never encountered before by running standard commands like make or make build. The author shares that they use makefiles to help manage various technologies, simplifying the process of recalling commands for different projects.
Even when using modern tools like Docker or Gulp, the author prefers to orchestrate them through makefiles due to their clarity and ease of writing. The author emphasizes that their makefiles are straightforward, typically consisting of shell commands without complex features. They appreciate makefiles’ ubiquity, as they often come pre-installed on many systems, requiring fewer additional dependencies than other build tools. Ultimately, while the author is open to other build tools, they continue to rely on makefiles for their familiarity and effectiveness across various setups.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article reassures readers not to feel discouraged about using the Make tool in a non-traditional way. While it notes that not using .PHONY can lead to potential issues, it emphasizes that these problems are mostly minor and will likely only arise long after the project begins. For most small projects, users can operate effectively without adhering strictly to best practices, as Make is designed to be straightforward and flexible, allowing users to focus on getting started without unnecessary complexity.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article critiques Makefiles and build systems in general, stating they often commit several key errors. These include being too simplistic for complex projects, overly complicated with excessive requirements, lacking a standard library which results in numerous incompatible implementations, being too restrictive as needs evolve, relying too much on obscure “magic,” and having cryptic or inconsistent syntax. Ultimately, Makefiles are seen as imperfect but somewhat useful compared to other options available.
4. Critical Exploit in MediaTek Wi-Fi Chipsets: Zero-Click Vulnerability
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
The SonicWall Capture Labs threat research team has identified and assessed a critical zero-click vulnerability, CVE-2024-20017, with a CVSS score of 9.8. This flaw affects MediaTek Wi-Fi chipsets (MT7622/MT7915) and the RTxxxx SoftAP driver bundles used in devices from several manufacturers, including Ubiquiti, Xiaomi, and Netgear. The vulnerability allows remote code execution without user interaction, stemming from an out-of-bounds write issue.
Affected software versions include MediaTek SDK 7.4.0.1 and earlier, as well as OpenWrt 19.07 and 21.02. MediaTek has released patches, and users are advised to update their devices promptly, especially as exploit code recently became public, increasing the risk of attacks.
The vulnerability is located in the wappd network daemon, which manages wireless interfaces and enables services like Hotspot 2.0. Specifically, it results from a buffer overflow due to inadequate bounds checking on attacker-controlled packet data, leading to a severe stack buffer overflow. The exploitation method employs a global address table overwrite technique, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, including establishing a reverse shell.
To protect against potential exploitation, SonicWall has released relevant signatures and strongly recommends that users upgrade their firmware.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a request to change a link that currently leads to an advertisement, replacing it with the original source of information about a specific exploit. The exploit is detailed in a blog post found at the provided URL.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the comparison between vendor SDK driver source code and mt76, noting the vendor’s code is quite disorganized. Some users are opting for vendor firmware due to its superior throughput performance compared to mt76. However, Mediatek has a few enthusiastic engineers in their WiSoC division who engage with the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community and maintain a custom OpenWrt fork that utilizes mt76.
5. How do archivists package things? The battle of the boxes
Total comment counts : 8
Summary
The article is a special edition of the Archives FAQs and Facts series, focusing on how archivists in Canada and the UK package physical documents for long-term storage. It introduces a friendly comparison—referred to as the “battle of the boxes”—to explore differences in archival practices between the two countries. The piece aims to educate both archival professionals and the public about common packaging methods, emphasizing the use of standard-sized, acid-free paper or cardboard containers to preserve documents effectively.
Archivists typically avoid ring-bindings or albums due to the need for breathable and lightweight materials that help prevent mold and other deterioration. The article explains that standard packaging allows for easier management of records, especially those of varied sizes, by grouping them into smaller archival files within larger boxes, ultimately ensuring long-term stability and accessibility of millions of records over centuries. It acknowledges contributors from both countries who helped inform the discussion.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article emphasizes the connection between physical systems and the software systems we use today. It illustrates this by recalling the author’s experience with a school library in the early 90s, where books were organized by author and a card system helped locate titles. This card system parallels software database models, with a clustered index similar to physical book arrangements and a normal index akin to the index cards. The author also notes that many software concepts, like email and disk drive cluster sizes, are modeled after real-world systems, highlighting that software is often less abstract than it seems.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Adam Savage designed an intricately engineered storage box for Isaac Newton’s death mask, utilizing aluminum and archival-quality polymer for optimal preservation.
6. Forget ChatGPT: why researchers now run small AIs on their laptops
Total comment counts : 44
Summary
The article discusses the emergence of a database called histo.fyi, managed by bioinformatician Chris Thorpe, which catalogs structures of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Thorpe uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create accessible summaries of the data, operating AI locally on his laptop instead of relying on web-based large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT.
The piece highlights two trends in the development of AI: the release of “open weights” models, allowing users to run AI locally, and smaller, efficient models suitable for consumer hardware. These developments provide researchers with tools to save costs, maintain data confidentiality, and increase reproducibility in their work.
Prominent tech firms and research institutes, including Microsoft, Google DeepMind, and Meta, have begun to release small open-weight models that offer impressive performance, even rivaling larger models. Microsoft’s vice-president for generative AI, Sébastien Bubeck, explains that the Phi-3 model, for example, has been trained effectively to bolster its predictive capabilities and is capable of operating on mobile devices.
Overall, the trend indicates that scientists will increasingly have powerful AI assistants readily accessible for a variety of applications.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article encourages users hesitant to try local models due to perceived complexity or hardware limitations to download a single “llamafile” for easy experimentation. It introduces the concept of “whisperfiles” for real-time voice transcription and highlights the option to use local setups for code autocomplete and chat with a tool called Twinny. The author advocates for local large language models (LLMs) as a preferable future, emphasizing their benefits of being free, private, and offline. Links to relevant resources and tools are provided.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author shares their process of documenting thoughts during morning walks by narrating notes to themselves. They utilize a local audio-to-text conversion tool called Whisper, followed by an LLM to organize the transcribed content into notes and to-do lists. Though it takes a bit longer, they prefer this setup for privacy reasons, feeling uncomfortable sharing personal details with remote AI services. They also mention that talking to themselves feels odd, but they find ways to cope by pretending to be on a phone call when others are around.
7. Porsche’s idea for a six-stroke internal combustion engine
Total comment counts : 13
Summary
Porsche has introduced a novel concept for a six-stroke combustion engine, aiming to enhance efficiency and power output compared to the traditional four-stroke design. In a standard engine, the process involves four strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. Porsche’s design proposes adding an additional compression and power stroke, resulting in two sequences of three strokes: intake-compression-power and compression-power-exhaust. This is facilitated by a unique crankshaft design that alters the piston’s travel, allowing for two top and bottom dead centers. This new setup could improve power generation from one stroke in three instead of one in four. However, the increased complexity raises questions about its practicality and potential adoption. Ultimately, this innovation reflects Porsche’s commitment to enhancing combustion technology in the face of the growing electric vehicle trend.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article explores unconventional approaches to engine design, questioning established features of conventional internal combustion engines to identify potential improvements. It suggests considering alternative methods for converting combustion motion into electrical power, such as cylinder-solenoid coils. The author proposes alternatives to poppet valves, like solenoids or rotating valves, for better control over timing. Rotary engines are noted for their appeal and challenges, while the idea of a dual-chamber combustion process is introduced. The article also raises questions about multi-point ignition and controlling combustion dynamics. Additionally, it highlights the potential for rethinking materials engineering in engines to reduce costs and weight, suggesting that many current assumptions in internal combustion engine design may be reconsidered.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author, a programmer, discusses the operation of a specific engine that performs one intake stroke, two compression-power strokes, and an exhaust stroke. They note that the initial compression-power strokes occur with the piston moving lower, leading to lower compression, while the second strokes occur higher, resulting in higher compression. The author contemplates the relationship between fuel richness and compression tolerances, questioning whether the engine’s design uses a rich mixture with low compression in the first power stroke to prevent knocking, followed by a higher compression second stroke to burn residual fuel. They consider if this approach represents an evolution of variable compression ratio engines and speculate whether the engine aims for a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, relying on exhaust gases to mitigate knocking during the second compression.
8. Open source maintainers underpaid, swamped by security, and going gray
Total comment counts : 35
Summary
error
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges faced by open source developers, highlighting the unfairness of creating valuable software that benefits large corporations while the developers remain financially struggling. It suggests that developers should seek ways to earn money while contributing to open source, emphasizing the importance of ensuring personal financial stability before helping others.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the sustainability of open-source software, suggesting that it may not be viable as a primary infrastructure. It emphasizes the value of open-source in empowering individuals to modify and create free alternatives to costly commercial software. However, it notes that corporate interests dominate the open-source landscape, leading many contributors to focus on using their involvement as a resume booster rather than fostering genuine community-driven development.
9. CISA boss: Makers of insecure software are the real cyber villains
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
error
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses two main solutions to the software quality problem:
Economic Incentives: Software vendors need to be held accountable for bugs, as merely discussing the issue without proposing accountability is ineffective and unproductive.
Complexity Reduction: Creating secure software is extremely challenging, making the idea of imposing liability on developers daunting. Unlike structural engineers, who face manageable complexity in their field, software security is vastly more complicated, complicating guarantees for safety and reliability.
Additionally, the author emphasizes that the “move fast and break things” philosophy has driven significant growth in the US software industry, outpacing other countries that have focused on formal methodologies for software reliability.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article criticizes a former NSA Tailored Access Operations agent for her hypocrisy in condemning the release of insecure software, despite having previously paid companies to do so. Some of those companies had even pledged to adhere to secure design principles.
10. Inside Annapurna Interactive’s Mass Walkout
Total comment counts : 10
Summary
The article indicates that a request was deemed suspicious, leading to its blockage as a precautionary measure.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article reports that the entire team at Annapurna Interactive, a game publisher, has resigned. Further discussions and details can be found in the linked articles on Hacker News.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author initially confused Annapurna Interactive, a video game publishing company, with Annapurna Labs, a technology company. This mix-up caused some confusion while reading an article.