Artificial Intelligence and Authentic Intelligence

Scientific people have always enjoyed the thought of artificial intelligence--of a machine being able to think and act on its own. It's a popular theme for novels and movies too. And who of us wouldn't love to have a personal robot to anticipate our needs and take care of them? I even remember a production from the local planetarium about computers worldwide that networked and synergized their data. At the end of the production this networked computer system commanded, "Let there be light!" and a new universe was born.

Artificial intelligence has as many definitions as people defining it. For some it is only a matter of a machine being able to analyze data and then take an appropriate action. But I think for most, it means that a machine can actually think, can learn, can create, can come up with original ideas--that it can act like a person and be indistinguishable from a human being in its actions and thoughts.

If artificial intelligence is only a machine or a system acting on its own, then a lawn sprinkler system that has a moisture meter to know if it has rained or not would be artificial intelligence. If it has rained, the sprinklers will not come on until the sensor dries out. But this system has been programmed to act that way, and the only reason it won't act that way is if it malfunctions. In no way is that intelligent. The system is not thinking at all. It is doing what it has been programmed to do and has no other choice.

I maintain that the more popular definition of artificial intelligence--that a machine or system can think, decide, and create--is impossible.

First, a definition of intelligence that I think most people would agree with: Intelligence is the ability to learn; to have experiences that teach what works and what doesn't. Then to take that learning and do something worthwhile with it.

To truly learn something, a machine would need emotions. People need emotions to learn too, and since we have them there is no end to what we can learn or what we can do with our knowledge. Higher animals also have emotions and are able to learn. The less intelligent an organism is, the more instinctual it is, meaning it does things because it doesn't have a choice--because it is less intelligent. Lower organisms like bacteria do not have emotions at all, as far as we know, and they act more like machines that have been programmed than like living organisms. They don't act as if they have a choice. They simply do what their genetic programming makes them do.

Machines do not have emotions and are incapable of having them. A person can program a machine to act as if it has emotions, but obviously it doesn't really have them. A machine can be programmed to search the Internet, watch television and listen to radio broadcasting, read books and magazines, and listen to people speak. It can amass huge amounts of data and it can analyze those data and act. But only as it has been programmed to act. It has lots of data but it doesn't care about them. It couldn't care less if all those data sat on its hard drive and nothing ever became of them. It couldn't care less if someone came along and erased all those data. It wouldn't feel bad for a week because all that hard work had come to naught. So any machine or system that has to be programmed to act because it doesn't care about acting otherwise, even thought it can be and do amazing things, is no more intelligent than a lawn sprinkler system with a moisture meter to indicate whether the sprinklers should run or not. And even though all the "knowledge" on earth can be stored on computers, and computers can be networked together to maximize their power, that will never create a God who can create a new universe.

We people learn because of emotions. We want things. We need things. People have only one instinct: self-preservation. We learn things to keep ourselves alive and comfortable. We sometimes learn because of embarrassment or disappointment. We get excited about things and want to know everything about them. I have talked to 5-year-old children who knew more about dinosaurs than I will ever know or care to know.

I saw a Nova program on PBS about separating conjoined twins. One of the twins had a tracheotomy, and therefore had no voice. But she quickly learned to pull her sister's hair so that her sister did the crying for both of them. She also, later, learned to cover her throat with her hand so that breath passed through her vocal cords. Each time she vocalized in this way she smiled, pleased with her ability to learn something and act intelligently.

People are authentically intelligent because they can and do learn new things on their own, and then figure out how to put their knowledge to use to preserve themselves, then to help others, then to try to make the whole human experience on Earth better. There is certainly a place among us for machines that can analyze data and act as they have been programmed, but that is the extent of their worth.

Companies, parents, and governments should value people because they are people. Machines will never replace people. Treating people as extensions of technology will never lead to success. Letting people use their intelligence and technology to do amazing things will lead to outrageous success.

It is very good to be a thinking, creating, choosing, feeling, remembering, self-actualizing, improving person. Nothing pleases me more than that I am a person.

The Evolution of Digital Cameras

The concept of capturing still images evolved from the basic ideas of the camera, with its roots found deep into the historical time frame of the early Chinese as well as Greeks. The first attempt at photography was achieved with the idea of viewing images through the idea of the pin-hole device. This idea of this device was thought of as theologically conceived, based on the earlier concept of a Divine power. The digital camera known today is descended from a long lineage of cameras.

The technology behind the pin-hole camera enabled creative minds to conceive of the idea of capturing still images, which led to an earlier version of the camera. The first recorded knowledge of the device implemented with the capacity to capture images reveals the idea that transportability was not taken into account when establishing this device. It was large enough to accommodate individuals.

The image capturing processes of this version of the camera was enabled through the available elements of nature, which provided the lighting that was captured through the pin hole. This then enabled the image of the individual inside to be displayed on a screen. The displayed image was then manually copied onto available materials.

This camera was solely intended to entertain. This version of the camera developed in to the later version which enabled more convenient portability. This was due to the improvements made by certain inventors of the time, using the properties of certain versions of darkening chemicals at the time. The darkening aspects of the chemicals revealed themselves under the needed light to see the images. Due to this, the images did not last.

A more successful attempt using a different substance at the time resulted in a lasting captured image. A gelatinous plating devised by a later scientist enabled higher speed image capturing, with improved standards of image result. The quality of speed required a capturing system to meet the newer standards, which resulted in a shutter that observed a mechanical response when triggered.

After the invention of the first form of film, the first recognizable form of the device known as the camera was established. The version of the nineteenth century was black block shaped device, with the same capturing technologically advanced capabilities known to later cameras. While the cameras evolved, different types became more readily available, with the latest improvement being the digital cameras known today. The latest choices offer features such as video capture and photographic upload into a storage medium, such as computers before being shared.

Safe Downloading

Nothing in this world is without risk!

...certainly not Downloading.

There's always the risk that you might download something that damages your computer of your files, or spyware that allows strangers to access your confidential material or even use your computer for their own purposes.

The majority of sources are perfectly honourable, but those few who are not can cause you no end of problems! So here are a few simple rules

1: Security Software

Don't download anything until you've got reputable Security Software like McAfee or Norton installed.

(This of course should not prevent you downloading reputable security software!)

2: Check Out the Source Site.

Is it a household name?

If you're downloading something from Windows or Sourceforge or a well-known internet or high street retailer like Amazon or House of Frazer it's probably OK

Does it look professional?

If it seems superficial if basic don't download from it. If it is clearly well researched and presented then downloads from it are likely to be safe. Otherwise:

Check it out on the Internet

Do a search on the supplier's name. Look out for blogs or forums relating the experience of satisfied or dissatisfied customers. Have they experience problems with downloads?

Whois

If you are still uncertain type;'WHOIS' into your search engine. There are a number of free programs there you can use to see who owns a particular website. Use 'cut and paste' to make sure you have the exact web address even for what appears to be a well-known and reputable dealer: scammers often use 'near-mis-spells' of well known names.

3: Check out the File you want to Download

Does it Contain Executable files?

Executable files have file names with.exe', '.bat', '.pif', and '.scr'..

If it you does you should be very wary. Don't download it without running it past your security software.

Is it Big Enough?

There are usually several possible sources for the sort of software you want to download. If your choice is significantly smaller that the others, don't download it.

Is it Unexpected?

If you receive an E-mail from an unknown sender with a file attached, delete it immediately. That has 'virus' written all over it.

4: Tips 

1. Don't use the 'download' and 'install' options for anything other than downloads from the most famous and reputable sites - Google, Microsoft, McAfee, Norton, Skype. etc.
2. Otherwise use the 'Download' and 'Save' option.
3. If in doubt don't download.

How To Make Life Easy With DSLR Cameras

If you love photography, you better check out the latest DSLR cameras. Some people think these types are too complicated. They often think these cameras are only for professionals. This is not usually the case. Some of these cameras are user-friendly; you can even learn how to use it by yourself. You just need to be patient and find the right model for your needs. To give you more ideas, here are some tips you can follow when looking for DSLR cameras.

Get more information

The first thing you should do is to learn more about cameras. This doesn't necessarily mean you should enroll in a photography class before getting one. You just need a little background to know about the products and their features. One way to do this is to research online.

Search for websites with free tutorials on the basics of DSLR cameras and product reviews. These may help you find the best camera for your activities. Try to ask some of your friends or colleagues for product or brand referrals. Check out the pros and cons; it is better to learn something about the device you want to buy to initially give you an idea if it will suit your needs and preferences.

Determine your goals

The next step is to know your goals. Why are you buying a camera? Is it for film or photography? There are various types of camera and each has specific features. There are cameras that can capture moving objects, and there are cameras only good for taking still photos. Your goals and activities will determine which type of camera will work best for you.

If you want a camera for filming, you should look for models with high precision. The best precision count should be at least 50-80mm. There are DSLR cameras with multiple lenses. These are ideal for both filming and photography. You can also adjust the lenses according to your requirements. You can use fisheye or widescreen lens to add more effects. You should check out some useful camera accessories to give you more functions and comfort when taking your shots.

Check out the latest features

You should also consider the special features of the camera. Most DSLRs today can produce HD quality images. This is a good advantage for filmmakers, as they don't have to rely on large HDV cameras. Just make sure the settings are compatible with the software you're using at home. Look for a universal audio jack. This is very important, especially if you're using lapel or boom microphones. Ask the supplier or read the manual so you will know the best camera accessories you may use. There are now special tools you may install so you can upgrade the quality of the images.

The most popular brands for DSLR cameras today are Canon and Nikon. These brands are the best when it comes to camera functions. Most experts recommend Canon for filming and Nikon for photography; but there are some models ideal for both activities. For Canon, look for 550D, EOS, and the latest EOS 7D. If you are considering Nikon, you should check out the D90 or their latest Nikon D4.

When Nanjing IOT Wireless Sensor Networks Meet the Cloud Tech

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) consists of a large number of low-cost, low-power, multifunctional and resource-constrained sensor nodes with each sensor node consisting of sensing, data processing, and communicating components; these nodes can operate unattended for long durations. Sensor networks are designed with the flexibility to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These are networks of wireless interconnected smart devices designed and deployed to retrieve sensor data of interest from their host environments. Sensor nodes perform measurements of some physical phenomena, collect and process data, communicate with other peers or a central information processing unit, the sink. These nodes are capable of sensing various phenomena, such as Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Vibration, Proximity, Motion, Biochemical agents, etc. They are capable of processing textual, voice and video data making them very useful.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Cloud Computing (CC) is an innovative technological paradigm that provides convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (for example, sensors) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

Cloud Computing provides several benefits such as on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling (location independence), rapid elasticity, measured service, massive scale, homogeneity, virtualization, resilient computing, low cost software, geographic distribution, service orientation and advanced security.

The integration of these two key technologies (WSNs and CC) provides us with a robust and scalable infrastructure for several applications such as the Smart Grid. This novel approach allows for the efficient management of millions of smart meters or sensors and other energy management systems. This infrastructure also provides the tools necessary for collecting, disseminating and storing real-time sensor data from geographically disparate sensors. The Cloud components provide a foundation for securing and providing user access to the software, middleware and hardware resources.

Nanjing IOT Sensor Technology is the Chinese leading supplier for IOT devices products and solutions. It keeps sustainable innovation based on customers' needs to have determined the industry leader in several major areas such as sensors, IOT modules, mobile IOT and cloud computing etc. The company has become leader of IOT time with the comprehensive advantages in such areas as objects perception and data transfer etc. Till now, the products and solutions have been applicated in several focused IOT demonstraion projects, which have made us become important technical support force for IOT city construction all over the country. The company have good wish to make people sense the true world, using various types of sensors to enable people from different area and industry to get information more directly,freely and equally and eliminate information bias. For dealing with the increasingly severe climate change and all kinds of geological disasters, by our advanced low carbon solution, the company helps customers use the green way to create the optimal social, economic and environmental benefit, and to realize longterm maintenance of human development and security.

iPod Touch Apps - The Reason It Is the Most Versatile MP3 Player In The World

When it comes to the MP3 player, there is no questioning the fact that Apple has all of its bases covered. Ever since the original iPod made its way onto store shelves, Apple has basically dominated the portable music market. Even though they already had the MP3 player market covered, Apple wanted to take their innovation to the next level. In late 2007, the iPod Touch was released, which would completely redefine the functionality of the modern MP3 player.

The release of the iPod Touch marked the end of an era when iPods were just MP3 players. The iPod touch redefined the capability of a portable device. Upon the opening of the App Store, doors were opened for hundred, if not thousands, of developers. Developers were able to create applications to cover just about anything a person would need to do throughout their day. Currently, there are over 500,000 applications available for download in the App Store.

Games on the iPod Touch are by far some of the best selling applications. The iPod Touch has a strong enough processor to handle games that require quite a few resources. There are games ranging in all categories, from puzzle games, to arcade games, shooters, and even card games. These games are great to pass time and many people enjoy just relaxing with their iPod and a quick game.

There are also many applications for tracking things. There are tons of applications out there for iPhones for tracking purchases and keeping track of spending. These are very useful, as a person can often remember to enter a charge into a device whereas writing it down usually results in a person forgetting or losing the paper the information was written on. In addition, there are applications to track things like calories and distance walked / ran over a course of time. Pretty much anything that a person would wish to keep track of, the iPhone allows a person to keep track of it.

In addition to those two categories of applications, there are also thousands of apps for pretty much anything a person would consider doing. There are map / direction applications, useful for people trying to find their way around. There are applications that use the internet to research information (such as movie or business reviews). There are applications of many, many other styles as well. Basically, if an idea is feasible, there's most likely an application for it in the App Store. There is a reason Apple has been on top for so long and it's because of feature rich devices like the iPad Touch.

Key Factors to Find Out the Best SEO Services Company

In recent times, online business is becoming very popular. More and more are investing in online business to earn maximum level of profit. In online business, every business must have its own website. As time passes by, the demand for SEO services is gradually growing. There are many SEO services company are available but one needs to choose the best one. One must have expertise in providing best solution to your company. The SEO professionals are really very much dedicated to their work and they provide quality service at affordable price. The SEO professionals use different types of techniques for increasing the ranking of site. The ranking of the site in search engine matters a lot. There are some major search engines like Google, yahoo, MSN etc. these are some of the major search engines on which the ranking of the site mostly depends. The techniques which they apply are basically article submission, directory submission, blog commenting, link building, keyword analysis etc. these are some of the techniques on which the ranking of site mostly depends. The best SEO services company has the ability to meet the expectations with guaranteed SEO service for your website which provide huge benefits to people.

Higher the ranking of the site in search engine, higher will be the amount of traffic and this will ultimately enhance online business. The professionals of these companies are very much dedicated to their work and provide quality service at affordable price. In online business the ranking of site means a lot. Higher the ranking of site in search engine, higher will be the amount of traffic. There are some major search engines on which the ranking of the site mostly depends. These search engines are Google, Yahoo, MSN etc. these are some of the major search engines on which the ranking of the site mostly depends. Higher the ranking means the site will become more visible to customers and it can attract potential customers to the site.

For choosing the best SEO services company you need to consider some important factors. One is service and another is cost. These two are the most important factors which should be considered at the time of selecting the company.

For selecting the best SEO services company, you can take the help of internet. There are many websites from where you can collect detail information about these companies and their services and can select the best one. By selecting the best company you can expect to get best service.