My laptop has three generic USB ports, plus a yellow USB port. I didn't know what the yellow means...
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
What does a yellow USB port mean?
elo score AI meaning
https://www.google.com/search?q=elo+score+AI+meaning&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1066US1066&oq=elo+score+AI+meaning&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigAdIBCDgzNjdqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
An "Elo score" in the context of AI refers to a numerical rating used to measure the relative performance of an artificial intelligence model, typically based on a system borrowed from chess where models are compared head-to-head, with the winner gaining points and the loser losing points, allowing for a dynamic ranking based on their performance against other models; essentially, a higher Elo score indicates a better performing AI model compared to others in the same benchmark.
Key points about Elo scores in AI:
- The Elo rating system was originally developed by Arpad Elo to rank chess players, but has been adapted to evaluate AI models due to its ability to compare performance through pairwise comparisons.
- Head-to-head competition: Two AI models are pitted against each other on the same task, and a human evaluator or automated system judges which model produced the better output.
- Rating adjustment: Based on the outcome, the winning model gains Elo points, while the losing model loses points.
- Relative ranking: This system creates a relative ranking, meaning a model's Elo score indicates how well it performs compared to other models in the benchmark.
- Head-to-head competition: Two AI models are pitted against each other on the same task, and a human evaluator or automated system judges which model produced the better output.
- Elo scores are commonly used to compare the performance of large language models (LLMs) where different models can be evaluated against each other on tasks like text generation, question answering, or translation.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Comparison of mini desktop processors
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/5157vs2910vs4922vs5454/Intel-N100-vs-Intel-i5-7500-vs-Apple-M2-8-Core-3500-MHz-vs-AMD-Ryzen-9-7940HS
The N100 is widely used in many affordable mini-PCs, some costing as little as $100, making it a great value. However, a couple of Christmases ago, I gave my stepdad an outdated desktop computer that I bought for only $30—and it's almost as powerful.
My 2017 iMac with the i5-7500 chip isn't much better. I was dissatisfied with its speed and wanted something significantly more powerful.
Apple has focused on promoting mini and mobile computers, as well as tablets, with their M-chip series.
In early 2023, AMD claimed its Ryzen 7940HS was an "M-chip killer." Technically, it's also a mobile chip, similar to Apple's M-series, and it first appeared in some very expensive laptops.
I decided to buy this chip because it's an APU, like the ones used in modern game consoles, with the graphics card integrated into the main processor.
In August 2023, I purchased the Minisforum UM790 Pro. Unfortunately, it overheated and shorted out recently. The manufacturer informed me that I need to go through the seller for warranty service, and the seller—who is also based in China—has offered to inspect it. I'm shipping the unit to China today.
Minisform is now making a newer model, ironically with a larger case and better cooling, so the computer I bought is being discounted and possibly closed out...
FreeFileSync: Open Source File Synchronization & Backup Software
This is useful. I use this program to sync all my backup files on my two computers and a laptop to a 5 TB hard drive. When my main computer recently died, I still had all my files on my 2017 iMac.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Don't Make These 3 Mistakes in C! Can YOU spot the bug?
I find this interesting. My C programming experience goes back to 1986, so I am probably unaware of any new changes to the language.
C is my preferred language, followed by C++, although I was adept at many assembly languages as a video game programmer.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Fwd: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
Mini computers have been really popular and many people think that traditional desktop PCs are on the way out. Instead, people will buy mini computers, laptops and tablets.
This is mostly because of Apple, which has released some very powerful small devices. Mini computers often use laptop parts, and the 'M' in Apple's M-chip series stands for "Mobile". Apple uses the same powerful processors in laptops and tablets.
AMD claimed that their Ryzen 9 7940hs is an M-chip killer. I knew that I wanted something like this, and I waited four years to get the right chip. It has twice the processing power of the M2 chip, and unlike Apple, the computer I bought has upgradeable storage and memory which they don't charge you a fortune for.
However, mine failed after 15 months. I'm not sure if it is fixable. The motherboard is custom to this computer, and might not be replaceable. However, I could buy the cheaper "barebones" model that lacks memory and storage, and transfer those from the broken computer.
The processor uses up to 55 watts under a full load, which is almost as much as a 60-watt lightbulb. I could feel the heat coming off of the computer, and I was concerned about this. Maybe a regular desktop would be easier to cool. (By the way, a competing mini-computer company overclocks the same processor and it uses 65 watts.)
Apple often uses less power to keep their computers cooler.
Minisforum is a Chinese company apparently in Hong Kong. Some might claim that this is typical Chinese-made quality, although everything is made in China.
I sent a complaint to Minisforum...
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
To: <support@minisforum.com>
From: John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
To: <support@minisforum.com>
Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro.
I purchased a Minisforum UM790 Pro from Ali Express on August 22, 2023. It arrived in about five weeks. Because of circumstances in my life, I was not able to use it until late October 2023. The computer lasted less than 15 months.
I bought this computer because I wanted a powerful computer for chess analysis. It is five times faster than my other computer, and I often ran it at 100%.
I was a little concerned about the heat the computer produced. I could feel a steady stream of hot air coming from it. I thought that it would be okay because you have advertised it as having "Cold Wave 2.0". I assumed that the computer was capable of running at 100% for long periods.
This morning I was doing some intense chess analysis on the computer and it suddenly quit. I tried to power it back on, but it would not turn on. I disconnected and reconnected the power and it would not turn on. Five minutes after the initial failure I saw orange sparks like a tiny fire come from the left side. I could smell smoke. I disconnected the power.
To use an English expression, I assume that the computer is "fried." Other than doing intense chess analysis, I have not abused the computer in any way.
I am not sure if I can get this repaired. I don't know if the motherboard is replaceable or repairable.
I was hoping that you could advise me.
I am disappointed in the quality of the computer that it would fail this way. However, I am considering getting the less expensive barebones model and trying to transfer the memory and storage to the new computer.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Introducing the credit card sized Cardputer!!
https://youtube.com/shorts/bx4Mef6K23o?si=T0pCZ5QHuVPZLbyo
Our phones could be powerful computers. We just need easier ways to wirelessly access peripherals and cast to a screen. Or to another computer. Then your computer could be portable.
Our phones could be powerful computers. We just need easier ways to wirelessly access peripherals and cast to a screen. Or to another computer. Then your computer could be portable.
Monday, December 9, 2024
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Computer Intelligence
I have been making the same prediction for a couple of decades. We have seen big advances in computer intelligence, but not as quickly as I thought:
"Given current trends, it would seem pretty likely that within 10 years we could have robots that could perform just about any task you would want them to. They might not be affordable to the average person, but businesses could use them for things like mining, construction, etc. 10 years ago I was predicting that eventually robots would be able to build houses.
The technology is so close already. There have been some great advances in android type robots especially by the Japanese. They are already using robots to care for old people in nursing homes. (Something to look forward to?)
When this will happen is mostly a question of cost effectiveness. We all know that the cost of technology goes down over time.
Within 10 years it is likely that they could hold a conversation with you. Already there are robots have full facial expression.
This is probably true of your PC as well. Imagine a "conversation wizard" on your computer that asks "Where would you like to go today?" (Microsoft's old slogan.) What affect will this have on human interaction?
If you were to call up your bank, you might not know if you are talking to a real person.
Computer driven cars seem likely to me. There are already have cars that can parallel park themselves. I want one of those. :-)
We already have computer controlled airplanes that require no human intervention such as the Global Hawk. Newer commercial planes have an autopilot that if needed can completely take over and land the plane. Compared to driving a car, landing a plane is pretty mundane.
Consider the following: As computers get smarter, we will be gradually relinquishing more control to them. It will happen so slowly that we won't notice it. For example, maybe a computer would do all your investing. That seems realistic as computer controlled investing has happened on Wall Street for at least a decade.. I hope that somewhere along the way that we don't lose complete control. :-)"
"Given current trends, it would seem pretty likely that within 10 years we could have robots that could perform just about any task you would want them to. They might not be affordable to the average person, but businesses could use them for things like mining, construction, etc. 10 years ago I was predicting that eventually robots would be able to build houses.
The technology is so close already. There have been some great advances in android type robots especially by the Japanese. They are already using robots to care for old people in nursing homes. (Something to look forward to?)
When this will happen is mostly a question of cost effectiveness. We all know that the cost of technology goes down over time.
Within 10 years it is likely that they could hold a conversation with you. Already there are robots have full facial expression.
This is probably true of your PC as well. Imagine a "conversation wizard" on your computer that asks "Where would you like to go today?" (Microsoft's old slogan.) What affect will this have on human interaction?
If you were to call up your bank, you might not know if you are talking to a real person.
Computer driven cars seem likely to me. There are already have cars that can parallel park themselves. I want one of those. :-)
We already have computer controlled airplanes that require no human intervention such as the Global Hawk. Newer commercial planes have an autopilot that if needed can completely take over and land the plane. Compared to driving a car, landing a plane is pretty mundane.
Consider the following: As computers get smarter, we will be gradually relinquishing more control to them. It will happen so slowly that we won't notice it. For example, maybe a computer would do all your investing. That seems realistic as computer controlled investing has happened on Wall Street for at least a decade.. I hope that somewhere along the way that we don't lose complete control. :-)"
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Friday, November 8, 2024
Monday, November 4, 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024
History Brought to Life with Ai Magic Vol.1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_A5wwX52EY
First of all, it is astonishing what can be accomplished with AI.
At three minutes we see the future queen of England. She earned my respect by being a truck driver and auto mechanic during World War II.
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Amazon.com: MINISFORUM Venus UM790 Pro Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS up to 5.2 GHz 32 GB DDR5 1TB SSD with AMD Radeon 780M, 4X USB3.2, 2X USB4, 2xHDMI 2.1, 2X PCIe4.0, Wi-Fi 6E/BT5.3, RJ45 2.5 G : Electronics
I just happened to see this on Amazon. This is the same computer I bought on sale a year ago. I normally see it listed at $700. Now it is $70 cheaper than what I paid for it. (I don't know if an Amazon Prime membership is required.)
I can attest that this little computer is a beast. It is about twice as fast as the Apple M chips unless you get the Pro or Max versions. I wanted a powerful computer for chess analysis. It can also play games.
it is slightly cheaper on their website:
If it ships from China, it can take five weeks.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Friday, September 20, 2024
The Jetsons - 1950s Super Panavision 70
What you can generate with AI these days, is just astonishing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZOnC8hdX8k
@frankpoperowitzmusic 2 days ago
I could watch two straight hours of Jane just strolling around the apartment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZOnC8hdX8k
@frankpoperowitzmusic 2 days ago
I could watch two straight hours of Jane just strolling around the apartment.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Disney Plus: You paying more for less is their brilliant business strategy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DppIlEH3GaU
Good video!
A Google search shows that Disney+ is offering three months for $1.99 per month. This is the version with ads.
Last year on Black Friday I got a combination of Disney+ and Hulu for a year for $3 per month.
There was a similar offer on HBO Max, now just called Max. It is my favorite streaming service.
Years ago, I got the Disney+ pre-start discount where I was paying around $4 per month by paying for three years in advance. The problem is that I didn't see a ton of new content that I wanted to watch. I had already seen most of the stuff worth watching.
Good video!
A Google search shows that Disney+ is offering three months for $1.99 per month. This is the version with ads.
Last year on Black Friday I got a combination of Disney+ and Hulu for a year for $3 per month.
There was a similar offer on HBO Max, now just called Max. It is my favorite streaming service.
Years ago, I got the Disney+ pre-start discount where I was paying around $4 per month by paying for three years in advance. The problem is that I didn't see a ton of new content that I wanted to watch. I had already seen most of the stuff worth watching.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Sunday, September 15, 2024
How do Video Game Graphics Work?
I knew the basics, but most of this is quite advanced.
The computational power required is enormous. Graphics cards use hundreds of watts of power. (My mini-computer has a processor with a TDP of only 55 watts.)
In the 1980s, I tried to do simple 3D graphics on 8-bit and 16-bit computers. Since I had at most 16 colors to work with, no advanced shading was possible.
On the Timex Sinclair 1000, which was an 8-bit 16K back-and-white computer, I managed to create a low-res black-and-white 3D rotating object stored in the computer's memory. I then could display the rotating object. It was an impressive effect for such a simple machine.
I accomplished similar effects on the more advanced Timex Sinclair 2068 color computer. I also did some simple 3D effects on the Atari ST computer.
The 8-bit machines were capable of about 500 floating point calculations per second. The Xbox Series X console is capable of 12 trillion per second. The advanced graphics card featured in the video is capable of 33 trillion.
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