WHAT IS THE MOST POWERFUL SUPERCOMPUTER IN THE WORLD?

Frotiere is the first exascale supercomputer. This means that it is a computing system capable of at least one exaflop or a billion- billion calculations per second (1018)

We were heralded into a new era of computational capability in May 2022 as the U.S. retook the top spot in the race to build the world's fastest supercomputer. Capable of billion billion operations per second, Frontier is the first exascale supercomputer. This means that it is a computing system capable of at least one exaflop or a billion billion calculations per second (1018).

Different level

The fastest supercomputers that were in existence before the Frontier came into being are still in the petascale, capable of quadrillion (1015) calculations per second. By reaching quintillion (1018) operations per second, Frontier has taken computing to a whole new level.

Built by the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, the Frontier was able to demonstrate a processor speed of 1.102 exaflops in a benchmarking test called the High-Performance Linpack (HPL).

Faster than the fastest

Frontier took the place of being the world's fastest supercomputer from Japanese supercomputer Fugaku. Fugaku had held the position for two years having scored 415.5 petaflops in the HPL benchmark. At that time, it was thrice as fast as the machine it had ousted - the Summit supercomputer built by IBM, also housed at ORNL.

The progress in this field has been rapid in the last few years as computer scientists worldwide had been working towards surmounting the exascale barrier. The exascale milestone represents a new level of computational power capable of calculating solutions to highly complex problems. Be it climate systems, new kinds of materials and medicines, or even some of the deepest questions of humankind, exascale devices such as the Frontier can efficiently process vast amounts of data.

This incredible machine, which was built at a cost of $600 million, is undoubtedly the most advanced computer currently on Earth. The unmatched capabilities of Frontier as a tool for scientific discovery will surely unlock new frontiers of knowledge.

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What is Netiquette?

The word netiquette is a combination of 'net (from Internet) and 'etiquette. It means being polite and showing courtesy when posting your views in an online discussion respecting others' views.

Some rules to remember

For online discussions, each group has its own accepted rules of behaviour. Here are the basic rules to be followed when using the Internet.

  • Follow the rules about what is allowed and what is not allowed to be posted on any site
  • When sharing your opinion, state it clearly. Avoid using non-standard or colloquial speech in your language.
  • Do not use improper words or attack anyone personally. If you disagree with someone, express it with dignity.
  • In discussion forums, do not deviate from the topic.
  • Ignore others' mistakes, whether it's a spelling error, unintelligent question, or an unnecessarily long answer.
  • Follow the privacy rules of the site and consider copyright issues when posting on a site.
  • Respect other people's privacy.

Email etiquette

  • Use proper expressions to greet and introduce yourself.
  • Keep it short and to the point.
  • Use spell check, full sentence structure, and proper grammar.
  • Avoid using shortcuts for real words, emoticons, jargon, etc.
  • Be clear in your subject line. Subject line must match the message.
  • Do not use all capital letters, it reflects shouting. Similarly, typing in all small letters is considered informal.
  • Always end the email properly using words such as Thank you', 'Sincerely, etc.
  • Respond promptly.

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What are the terms of Internet?

We may often come across terms related to the Internet. Even though we may be familiar with the words themselves, we may not understand what some of those words mean. Here's a peek into a few such words

Webpage is a document connected to the World Wide Web. It can contain text, graphics, audio, and video files, or files that can be downloaded and hyperlinked to other pages or websites.

Website is a collection of webpages that are related to each other. They can contain multimedia. Websites can be owned by an individual, a business, or any organisation.

Homepage is the start page or the initial page of a website. Browser is a software program that assists in accessing the Internet. It helps send / receive emails, download/ upload data, audio and video files. Some of the popular browsers are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox etc.

Search engine is a software program that searches the Internet for specified keywords and displays a list of websites that contain those keywords. Examples are Google, Yahoo, etc.

Keywords are the words used to search content on the Web. Downloading is making a personal copy of something you find on the Internet. When you download a file, a copy of the data is saved in your computer so that it can be accessed even when you are not connected to Internet. Usually we download audio and video files, data, and other software files.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used by the World Wide Web. It defines how messages should be transmitted and what actions Web servers and browsers have to take for different commands.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol SECURED) means that the web page can hide your personal information and passwords. For example, a banks website. When you log into it, you will see https at the front of the page address.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the language used for creating web pages. HTML keywords or tags instruct the web browser to display text and graphics in an orderly way. HTML tags are the hidden keywords in a web page. They define how the browser has to format and display the content.

IP (Internet Protocol) Address is a four-part or eight-part electronic serial number. It is used for tracking. Every computer, mobile phone, or device that accesses the Internet has a unique IP address.

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What is a software that blocks threats to your computer?

Computers could get affected by malware unless we take some safety measures. There are many security software available in the market that can detect and eliminate dangerous threats.

Antivirus software

Antivirus software is a program or a set of programs, when installed will detect viruses and other malicious software in computer and removes them. It searches every website you visit to see whether there are any viruses, and if found, fixes them. It also scans your data and files on a computer’s hard disk regularly. There are many different types of antivirus software. Many of them can be downloaded for free.

Did you know?

Every day new viruses, worms, and other computer threats are being created and spread in the Internet. Hence, you need to update your antivirus software. Most of the antivirus software updates are automatic via the Internet.

Firewall

Firewall is a combination of hardware and software that acts as a barrier between a reliable network and unreliable networks such as the Internet. It controls all computers in a network by limiting their exposure to the Internet so that crackers cannot reach the computers in the network.

Scanning the hard disk

You need to keep your storage devices such as the hard disk clean without any viruses. For doing this, the hard disk should be regularly scanned to detect and fix harmful threats through antivirus software.

Tips for computer safety

Here are a few tips that help you keep your computer safe from threats.

1. Don't leave your computer unattended or logged on, especially when others may have access to it.

2. Have protective software or antivirus software in your computer.

3. Whenever you want to install any new software or download any file or programs, run antivirus software to detect and fix viruses.

4. Be cautious of attachments and links in emails that come from people you don't know. It is advisable not to open them.

5. Avoid unreliable (often free) downloads from freeware or shareware sites.

6. Don't allow your web browser to automatically run any program.

7. Back up your files and programs regularly. 8. Update your antivirus software on a regular basis.

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What are worms and trojans?

Worms

Worms are similar to viruses in damaging the computer. A computer worm is a type of virus that replicates itself, but does not alter any files on your machine. It is a type of malware that can self-replicate without a host program. Worms cause damage by multiplying so many times that they take up all the available memory or hard disc space. As a result, the computer works very slowly and may even crash. If the worm affects the hard disc space, it takes a long time to access files. The user will not be able to save or create new files until the worm has been eradicated. Worms are hard to detect and often go unnoticed until the computer begins to slow down or starts having other problems. Some of the most prevalent examples of worms are the famous “I loveyou”, “Blaster” and “conficker” worms It is good to have an anti-virus program installed on the system that can detect and remove worms before they have a chance to replicate or spread to other computers.

Trojans

Trojan is a small program that is hidden inside another software. It does not get installed automatically like a virus. It is a malicious program that is designed to appear like a normal program. You have to run or install the program. Once activated following installation, Trojans can execute their malicious functions.

Unexpected changes to computer settings and unusual activity even when the computer is idle are signs of presence of Trojans or other malware on a computer. You have to be very careful while installing or running any program. Do not install any program unless you are sure that it is free from all malware. If your computer gets infected with a Trojan, run anti-malware tool to scan and remove it.

What can be done about malware?

Malware is a very prevalent problem. Many companies develop certain programs called anti-malware programs that helps stop and remove malware. These anti-malware programs use different ways to find malware present in a system. One has to install and run these anti-virus and anti-malware software on the computer to remove any malware from it.

How can you prevent malware?

  • Don't open email attachments from unknown people or unexpected sources.
  • Ensure that your USB drive is secure before you use it on your own computer.
  • Remember to scan your computer periodically by using a malware scanner.

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What is malware?

Malware is the short form for malicious software. Any type of software that can harm your computer is called malware.

What do malware do?

These malware (software programs) can collect personal information, delete files, steal passwords, or cause any kind of damage to a computer. Some malware programs transmit information about your Web-browsing habits to advertisers without your knowledge. Some other malware may make your computer stop from working.

How did such malware come into existence?

Well, some people develop malware to harm others and make money usually by stealing passwords and getting important information or deleting files. The owner of the computer will not be able to use their own computer after that.

How do malware get into someone's computer?

The most common way through which malware get into a computer is the Internet - via email, free subscriptions, hacked websites, music files, game demos, or anything else you download from the Web. The developers of malware use a number of tricks to get users to download their malware. For example, a software that promises to speed up the Internet connection or assist with downloads may contain malware. An email may have a link or an attachment. A computer can also get affected from using any infected file from an external storage device such as a flash drive.

There are different types of malware. Here's a peek into an important one

Virus

Virus is a software program that duplicates itself. It damages a computer by deleting files or affecting computer memory. It easily spreads to other computers and infects all of them in a network. Your computer can get affected by virus through USB drives, email attachments, clicking on an executable file, or visiting an infected website. Viruses can attach themselves to other programs to hide and run automatically when the program is executed. Once a virus has infected the host, it can infect other system software or resources. Some types of viruses are: file infectors, macro viruses, overwrite viruses, polymorphic viruses, and system or boot-record infectors. Some famous examples are Zeus, Melissa, etc. One must use a good anti-virus program to save the computer from getting infected by viruses.

The following symptoms indicate a computer being virus-infected

  • Crashing of the computer
  • Restarting of computer randomly
  • Slow execution of programs
  • Too many pop-up ads while browsing the Internet
  • Text and graphics getting distorted
  • Passwords not working properly

Did you know?

  • The first-known computer virus was developed in 1971 by Robert Thomas, an engineer at BBN Technologies.
  • Known as the "Creeper" virus, it infected mainframes on ARPANET, displaying the teletype message. "I'm the creeper: Catch me if you can."

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Which are few resolutions you can make when it comes to technology?

Take time to detox

Too much time is spent in front of the screens these days due to online classes and assignments. So take a break and spend time meditating or taking a walk in the neighbourhood. Also resolve to take regular breaks when you need to sit in front of the computer for the whole day.

Reduce use of paper

Do your bit for the environment and save printer paper by printing only what is absolutely necessary.

Appreciate what you have

Technology keeps developing rapidly. But you don't need to have it all. Be content and make full use of the technology at your disposal.

Keep in touch

While you can't meet friends and relatives physically, resolve to keep in touch with them through video calls and emails. Instant connectivity is one of the many boons of technology.

Stay fit and healthy

Don't compromise on your health. You can use technology to maintain your physical and mental health. There are many gadgets as well as apps available online that teach you exercises and meditation.

Organise

Like you clean up and organise your home, organise your desktop and email inbox as well. Delete unnecessary files and organise the existing ones into folders and tabs.

Be polite

While social media has too much negativity going on, when you choose to interact with friends or acquaintances online, resolve to be polite, kinder and nicer.

Be safe

Set privacy settings on all your social media accounts to maximum and install antivirus software. Protect yourself and your system from cybercrime.

Help others

Some people take time to adapt to changes in technology. Be patient and help them understand the gadget or software they are struggling to navigate.

Stand for what's right

You are lucky to have access to the Internet and other technology. Use it to voice your opinion for the right things and further important causes.

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What career paths are there for coding?

There are many opportunities available for developers, and with the advent of new technologies such as blockchain, IOT (the Internet of Things), Al / ML (artificial intelligence / machine learning), AR / VR (augmented reality / virtual reality), etc., opportunities in technology are growing rapidly. In this article, we will discuss what kinds of programming jobs are out there, the possibilities in each job, and the associated work in each of these.

Web development: Web developers are usually responsible for building websites and web applications, and the area comprises three major specialisations-front end, back end, and full stack. A lot of developers and programmers start their careers as web developers, and eventually branch into different specialisations later in their careers.

App development: There are millions of apps hosted on app store platforms, and the number is only increasing with time. Now, to build, maintain, and run these applications smoothly, an app developer comes into play. An app developer is someone whose primary responsibilities include creating, testing, and programming apps for computers, mobile phones, and tablets. With the inclusion of AR / VR and other cool technologies into apps, the scope for app developers has further broadened.

Game development: Gaming is a massive industry employing millions of people to develop, and maintain existing games. With AR / VR, the potential of gaming companies can be massive, and now is a great time to be in this industry.

Product management: It is perfect for someone who has a knack of working with people. Product managers work with developers and engineers, communicating with other teams, translating their requirements into tech requirements, and getting them implemented by engineers

App Network and cyber security: What if someone tries to hack into your systems, or use a security vulnerability to their advantage? Or what if they steal private data? Network and cyber security is that realm of computer science that deals with securing and protecting computer networks from attacks. Many companies reward people for finding bugs and security loopholes in their systems.

Database management: Database administrators are tasked with securing, organizing, and troubleshooting storage for large amounts of information for companies online. If you love analysing and recovering information as well as fast problem-solving, this could be the coding career for you.

Server administration: A server administrator or admin has the overall control of a server. The server administrator's role is to design, install, administer, and optimise company servers and related components to achieve high performance of the various business functions supported by the servers.

Today there's a massive advantage of being a coder, and the amount of versatility the skill offers is huge. Keep learning, and opportunities will find you.

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What is coding?

Coding, also referred to as programming, is the art of communicating with the computers, i.e. telling the computer what to do, and how to do it. This skill of communicating with the computers can be used to do some very cool stuff such as creating websites, apps, games, and tools that are in use every day.

The first forms of computers were invented to help us with basic calculations and accelerate the rate at which we could do heavy computation.

It's a language!

 Humans speak in different languages such as English, Hindi, Tamil, etc. But computers, on the other hand, speak in binary - 0 and 1.

Here's an example. The notation of the first three letters of the English alphabet in binary is as follows:

A = 01000001

• B-01000010

• C-01000011

To instruct the computer what to do, we need a translator that can act as an intermediary. This intermediary is the code. Code is a form of writing that is not binary, but is easy to learn and interpret, and is something the computer can understand. Depending on the requirement, this is done through programming languages. For instance, languages such as HTML CSS and Javascript are used for building websites while Java Kotlin, CB, etc are used for building mobile apps

What is software?

Software is a set of instructions data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It essentially directs all of the peripheral devices on the computer what exactly to do and how exactly to perform a task.Software development is the connection to the Internet, process of understanding business Examples of web browsers include requirements, or the problem Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox statement and writing program(s). It is generally a planned initiative that consists of various steps or stages that result and Internet Explorer in the creation of operational software This is primarily achieved through computer programming, which is carried out by a software programmer and includes processes such as initial research, data flow design process flow design, flow charts technical documentation, software testing, and debugging. Here's an example. A browser is a software that accesses and displays pages and files on the Web. Browsers require a connection to the Internet. Examples of web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

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What is augmented reality?

Commonly abbreviated as AR. augmented reality is a technology where computer-generated content is overlaid on a real world environment.

The technology makes use of hardware such as smartphones, smartwatches, glasses and headsets to give users a real-like experience.

One can find examples of AR in video games, television and personal navigation among others.

Video games: Pokemon Go is one of the most popular games that makes use of AR. Available on iOS and Android, the game uses GPS to know your location. As you move around your avatar is overlaid on a real-world map along with other in-game content such as Pokemon, gyms and other characters. When you attempt to catch a Pokemon on your path, the Pokemon shows up against the real world background generated by the game using your smartphone's camera.

Television: In television you can see the use of AR mainly in sports. The tracking line you see in Cricket that shows the path the ball has travelled from the bowlers arm to the wickets is an example of AR.

Personal navigation: When it comes to navigation, AR is used to display location information in real-time mostly using a heads-up display (HUD) that projects images like a hologram. For example, Google Glass, an HUD, overlays directions from Google Maps and identifies locations using the built-in camera.

How is it different from VR?

Many people use the words Virtual Reality (VR) and AR interchangeably. However, the two are different. AR augments reality. It does not change it. Meaning, it add objects and visuals to a real world location/background usually. VR on the other hand, works regardless of your location and creates an artificial universe by itself.

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How do you start creative writing?

Writing corner

Creating your own writing space motivates you to write regularly. Preferably, keep your writing space away from the place where you do your school work. It could be an entire room or just a cozy nook close to the window. Decorate it with quotes from your favourite authors and books. Keep some snacks to munch on. Did you know Roald Dahl wrote from a hut in his garden?

Look around you for inspiration

The key to good writing is choosing an interesting subject. You can look around you for inspiration - your home, neighbourhood, family and the people you meet. According to author Jeffrey Archer, it is better to write what you know and have experienced. Once you stumble upon an idea, ask yourself would you pick up a book on this topic or story in a book store? If you don't find the subject exciting, your readers won't either.

Expand your vocabulary

Avoiding cliches and overused words can help enhance your writing. But that's only possible if you have a rich vocabulary. And the only way you can build your vocabulary is by cultivating a reading habit. Reading more will not only introduce you to new and wonderful words but also teach you about different writing styles and hone your grammar.

Catchy intro

When writing an essay or a story, the intro or opening sentence is the most important. It is what will hook the reader to your piece. So make sure it is catchy and creative. The intro should kindle readers curiosity and make them want to read more.

Literary devices

Literary devices can help elevate a story. They are used by writers to convey deeper meanings about the plot, the characters and the theme. There are at least 22 literary devices in the English language-alliteration, personification, satire, symbolism and oxymoron to name a few. Author Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" is a classic example of the literary device known as foreshadowing: while J.K. Rowling uses the narrative device of a backstory perfectly in her "Harry Potter" books. Next time you read these books, pay special attention to these devices and see how they are used.

Keep it smart

The one cliché that you must follow in your creative writing is to keep your work short and simple. Avoid adverbs and long paragraphs. Writing long sentences might make you feel like an accomplished writer, but they can be difficult to read. Your sentences and paragraphs should not sound contrived.

The art of description

Visualise the scene and characters in your head and then translate that into words. Write in such a manner that your reader too can picture the characters clearly in their mind. The best way to do this is to be descriptive and be specific. For example, if the character is taking a walk in the park, write about the types of trees around her, the colour of the leaves, the breeze, the sound her shoes make on the pavement, etc. These details will transport the reader into the character's world and enhance their reading experience.

Plan, revise and reread

Once you have decided on your subject, you can move on to sketching the plot and characters. Planning is everything. Did you know J.K. Rowling spent five years planning and developing the plot of her bestselling "Harry Potter" series?

Before submitting your work, don't forget to read it again and again. Revise your work and create multiple drafts till you are completely satisfied with it. Ask a family member or a friend to read your work and give you feedback.

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How long does it take to become a coder?

Programming plays a part in almost every aspect of modern human life from online transactions and running the transport systems to powering our computers and smart phones. Coders stand as the architects of our digital worlds, and imagining a life without programmers is almost impossible.

A lot of people today wish to learn to code. Some wish to pivot their careers toward programming roles, while others look to augment their existing skill-set or professional lives with some software special sauce. For example, a stock analyst may want to learn how to code to write algorithms to analyse markets while a marketing professional could have different motivations to want to learn to code, and an artist may choose to code to be able to build a website for their portfolio. There are many more people who wish to learn to code, and with the zillion possibilities the world of programming has to offer, the ability to code is a superpower to posses. But people wonder how long it takes to become a coder. It doesn't necessitate years of preparation. There are a few good things to have in check before one starts preparing to code.

  • Figure out your ‘why’. Why is it that you wish to code? Are you doing it to improve your problem solving skills? Or is it to learn to build a website? Or do you want to learn to build games?
  • Find a mentor/guide or a course that holds the potential to answer your questions, and guide you through the process of learning by providing resources and direction. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the overload of information on the internet.
  • Familiarize yourself with follow the What’s and the How of what you wish to leans Before diving deep into a specific topic, it’s a good idea to test the waters. For example, if you wish to leans how to build a website, you can get started with HTML CSS, and then go on to learn Javascript, or Python, or PHP the depending on your choice or your requirements. If you want to build a game, you can learn Unity, or work on Unreal Engine, or Autodesk C or other software. If you're excited about the world of robotics, you can use Arduino boards or Raspberry Pi.

With a robust plan followed up with an expert's guidance, the process of learning to code could take just a few months. One can keep adding layers of learning to improvise, and eventually become an expert. Gone are the days when one needed an engineering or a technical degree to pursue their interest in learning to code. With the plethora of resources available, even a non-technical person with the desire and mindset to learn can ace programming.

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What are the skills required becoming programmer?

The options for a programmer are near-endless: an aspiring programmer could work as a mobile engineer creating smartphone apps, become a game developer, a network security engineer, a database manager, or a full stack developer.

The skills needed for each domain of programming are different, but here are some fundamental skills a programmer needs to get started with coding.

Algorithms

Algorithms are at the heart of computer science. "An algorithm is a set of instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. The understanding of algorithms allows a programmer to write code that can follow certain steps to get the desired job done.

Here's an example. Suppose a number or a name is to be searched from a huge list, how can it be done? One of the algorithms that can be used is the binary search. There are many algorithms used for different purposes, and to become an efficient coder, one needs to have an overview of algorithms.

Data structures

An understanding of algorithms leads us to our next hard skill: comprehending and using data structures. While an algorithm can order data when it is directed to do so, programmers need to understand how the data is organised in the first place. Data structure can be defined as the group of data elements that provides an efficient way of storing and organising data in the computer for efficient use. Some examples of data structures are arrays, linked list stack queue, etc. Data structures allow programmers to store data within specific frameworks and better facilitate communication between back-end operations and front-end users

HTML & CSS - Frontend technologies

HTML and CSS are both basic coding languages-often, they are the first two that they learn. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) helps organise the content and structure of a web page, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) determines the style and presentation of a web page.

JavaScript/ Backend technologies

The back end of a website / app consists of a server, an application and a database.

A back-end developer builds and maintains the technology, that powers those components which, together, enable the user facing side of the website to even exist in the first place

Languages such as Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, and Javascript are some of the popularly used backend technologies. Today Javascript is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to work on both frontend, and backend with frameworks such as node.js, react.js, etc.

Databases

A database is an organised collection of structured information or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. A database is s usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS). Examples of some popular databases are MySQL MongoDB, Oracle, etc.

The data and the DBMS, along with the applications associated with them, are together referred to as a database system, often shortened to just a database.

Soft Skills

As a programmer you'd be required to interact and work with designers, fellow developers, product managers, tech leads, and at times the client, and this requires skill sets that can get you going Communication skills, patience, empathy, the ability to handle conflicts, and teamwork are some of the skills needed to get started as a programmer. Therefore, if you're looking to become a programmer, you may want to work on your soft skills as well.

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Where is coding used?

Computers and their applications have evolved quite a lot since the invention of the first-ever programmable computers in the 1940s. Initially, computers were extensively used in wars to break cryptic messages, or calculate artillery projectiles, or communicate over long distances. However, with time, the use of computers and their applications started increasing, and in this article, we will explore some modem uses of programming in our day-to-day life. Some of the real-world applications of coding are

Games and gaming consoles:

Gaming consoles have been the dream of many teenagers, but how do these consoles function? All instructions given by gamers through keyboards or consoles are translated into actions with the help of code.

Building websites and apps:

Social media platforms, search engines, audio streaming platforms, and many more websites and apps we are hooked to are a result of many programmers coming together to write code such that these applications and websites can do what they are supposed to.

Traffic management:

Be it managing traffic on the road or outer space, coding allows humans to actively manage traffic movement, eliminating the need for humans to manually manage it.

Facial recognition and biometrics:

Have you ever wondered how our smartphones can instantly recognise us and unlock our devices? Thanks to the feat of programming, computers can monitor millions of data points to verify the rightful owner(s) almost instantly.

Self-driving cars:

Who is driving the car when the human isn't? How does the computer know when to drive, how to drive, and where to go? With the extensive use of technologies such as Al (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning), today it is possible for cars to self-drive.

Banking and insurance:

How do banking systems know, about our bank balances and interests? With computers, and programming into the picture, banking institutions can access data in real-time, eliminating redundancies and errors.

Stock markets:

With trillions of dollars being traded every day, it becomes vital to ensure that the money reaches the right people at the right time, and all of this is managed through computer programs.

Powering e-commerce sites:

How come when you place an order for your favourite gadget, it usually reaches you and not someone else? It is with the help of code and programs that millions of products are safely shipped to the right recipients.

Electronic devices:

From refrigerators and television to earphones, electronic devices are hard-coded to perform certain actions.

If the computer is a physical entity, then the program running it is its soul.

The world of computing has undergone a rapid evolution, and today humanity enjoys the power of computing and programming in almost all aspects of life. Which is why today coding is seen as one of the most desirable skills.

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What are agony aunt columns?

Do you have a friend you always turn to for advice and who gives you a patient car? And does sharing your concerns - sometimes in the strictest confidence- make you feel better? However, sometimes we are too afraid to seek even our friend's help. That's why newspapers and magazines offer help through advice columns. But did you know that these columns, known as agony aunt columns, started more than 200 years ago? Or that the first agony aunts were actually uncles?

In 1691, an English publisher named John Dunton launched the "Athenian Gazette". The periodical carried a column readers turned to for advice. Often the readers sent in their queries without revealing their identity.

The column was in the question-and-answer format. Questions came in from readers on subjects that ranged from religion to philosophy to personal lives. They were answered by Dunton and some of his friends.

How they evolved

Such columns soared in popularity in the 1900s. They struck a chord with the readers. Newspapers and magazines used them to interact with their readers.

The authors of these columns were not necessarily experts, but anyone with the gift of the gab especially those who could come up with witty and humorous responses.

Often the authors themselves kept their identity hidden. Sometimes the columns were written by a team of authors under a common pseudonym. The agony aunts doled out advice on a wide range of topics from mental health and relationships to homemaking and socialising. Readers found these columns comforting, as they echoed their own sentiments and concerns. Some of the popular advice columns of the 1900s were "Dear Abby", "Dear Prudence", and "Ask Polly".

In India, the '80s and the '90s were considered the golden age of advice columns and many celebrities and socialites played agony aunts. Television actress Priya Tendulkar ran the "Priya's Helpline" in The Indian Express and the column was known to receive 500 letters per week. Theatre director Pearl Padamsee's agony aunt column for Femina, and socialite Bina Ramani's "Very Personal" column for the Asian Age were equally popular.

While most of these columns were light-hearted, some of them tackled serious issues and were handled by experts such as medical doctors and psychologists.

New avatar

Advice columns continue to run even today albeit in a new avatar. They are no longer restricted to the print medium alone. Television shows and radio channels too have segments dedicated to answering questions from readers on various topics. There are also many agony aunt podcasts available online. For instance, Slate magazine has revived the "Dear Prudence" columns in the form of podcasts.

Social media too has not been left behind. Some websites and apps offer advice in real-time to users.

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