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The article discusses multi-agent systems, which are gaining acceptance in the computer industry and academia as a paradigm for designing and developing software systems. The author suggests that there is a need for a conceptual framework that defines the abstractions of different agent-based systems, which can be very confusing for software engineers. The authors stress the fact that successful multi-agent system deployment requires modeling languages to explore the use of agent-related abstractions. Methods to reduce risk with the system are examined.

This article focuses on the quest to build a quantum computer. This machine would exploit the weird properties of quantum mechanics to perform tasks millions of times faster than today's most powerful supercomputers. Such a device would revolutionize the computer industry. David Deutsch, a University of Oxford physicist, drew up the first blueprint for a quantum computer in 1985. That was when theorist Simon Benjamin, also at Oxford, told him about cluster states. The concept redefines how a quantum computer processes information. It should also scale up much more easily than previous designs, allowing researchers to perform larger computations. Deutsch now sees a practical quantum computer arriving within 10 years. INSETS: Quantum contenders;What's the payoff?.

This article presents information related to Phoenix that contains two timestamped versions of the in-memory file system allowing for a reserve version. The Phoenix in-memory file system is motivated by a safe, continuous-processing model and by a number of specialized applications. In this, small diskless computing systems are used in portable laboratory instruments such as logic analyzers and digital oscilloscopes. Phoenix starts with a timestamped and write-protected version of the file system and evolves it through a copy on write strategy while leaving the original version undisturbed. The Phoenix logical disk is represented as the leaves of a tree that has a root node and a layer of interior nodes. The contents of the root node are pointers to memory locations where the interior nodes are found and the contents of the interior nodes are pointers to memory locations where data is found. The tree version pointed to by a timestamp is garbage collected after the succeeding timestamp. The existing timestamp represents the fallback state of the file system and must be preserved until after the next checkpoint.

Discusses some of the thinking and philosophy behind changes in the communications of the journal of "Association for Computing Machines." Logistical and administrative reasons for the intended changes; Purposes and goals of the periodical; Technical papers relevant to the computer industry that are sought by the periodical.

The article discusses the role of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the development of the computer industry in the country. It is stated that the FCC is paying special attention to the development of various communication carrier facilities as they are the source of imparting computer knowledge on a massive scale. The FCC will also introduce amendments in the Communication Act. Surveys and inquiries will also be conducted by the FCC to get feedback on the computer industry and implement various measures.

The article discusses the various factors involved in the agile development of computer software in the U.S. It explores the recommendations provided by the authors of the "Manifesto for Agile Software Development" which provides assistance to developers in enhancing the performance of computer software. These include considering customers in the application of process and equipment to be included in the development process, meeting the needs of customers of customers in making software design, and revising plans. It states that considering the ways will help developers prevent the failures involved in software development.

Evaluates fast, powerful, reasonably priced desktop and laptop computers. Description of new computer chips to hit the market in 2004; Tips on how to choose a computer based on price versus performance, operating system, and desired features; Information on repair history and technical support for several computer companies; List of suggested models.

Presents an interview with robotics researcher James Albus. Discussion about the feasibility of Japan's plans for a fifth generation of computers; Information about the major applications of robots and computer-controlled machines; Comments on reduction in manufacturing costs in robots and automation industries; Social implications of robots on employment.

Information about the projected conference proceedings on the increasing involvement and power that the computer brings to all walks of life is presented. The 1970 Spring Joint Computer Conference is scheduled on May 5 to 7, 1970 in Atlantic City. It offers a panel of representatives from all aspects of the computer industry. Corporate bodies or topical headings followed by the subdivision "Congresses"

The article presents information on computer systems and technology. It reports that Electronic Associates Inc. has announced the availability of a fourth major hybrid computing system. Designated the EAI 690 Hybrid Computing System, the computer is designed for application in the aerospace, biomedical, process control and education fields. The article informs about a phone-dialing service technique, which is being used by IBM customer engineers when installing or servicing data communications terminals. A new communications system, designed for use with IBM 360 data communications networks, is being offered by IBM. Called Binary-Synchronous Communications, the new transmission technique is used in a new data transmission terminal, the 2780, as well as in two other IBM units, the 2701 data adapter and 2703 transmission control unit. A new software package for the GE-400 System, called DAPS, has been announced by General Electric Co. According to the current issue of Moody's Computer Industry Survey, a billion dollar decline in new orders through the second half of 1966 may indicate that a peak has been passed in the burgeoning computer equipment market.

The article offers tips for operating the Mac Operating System X (OS X). It states that the shutdown process can be cancelled by launching an application such as a Save dialog box in any application. The shutdown process will stop as soon as it reaches the program with the open Save As dialog box. It offers tips for editing smart playlists in iTunes. It informs that all OS X folders have a built-in spring mechanism. It informs that many widgets of Mac OS X 10.4's dashboard support drag and drop.

At the end of 1996, the U.S. had a "computer density" of 40 computers per 100 people, with PCs accounting for 38 of those computers, reports the latest edition of the Computer Industry Almanac. By the end of 2000, the almanac predicts U.S. computer density will grow to 58 computers per 100 people.

This article deals with the process of serialization in which database objects are converted to some external form. Most useful applications depend on information of a more permanent nature than that generated during a single execution. Hence, the lives of such master files transcend that of the execution of any of the applications that use them. Other applications involve the communication of messages between separate programs, often referred to as client and server. While the life of a message is often much shorter than that of a database record, the creation of both involves the use of some data format external to the applications that manipulate them.

This article presents information on the features of the GNU Autoconf computer program. The program promotes adaptability within the build process by similarly deferring decision. Autoconf has the capacity to develop any kind of file based on a template but is typically used to create makefiles. In addition, the program language has the ability to parse a file typically called configure.ac as well as expands any m4 macros it encounters. Similar to a preprocessor anything the program does not recognizes a macro it adds to configure untouched which means a configure.ac could contain a mix of macros and raw shell code.

This article deals with the development of Ch embeddable C/C++ interpreter for cross-platform scripting in January 2006. The interpreter supports all language features and standard libraries of the ISO C90 Standard. In addition, it also supports several features added in the ISO C99 system. As compared to other languages and software packages, Ch bridges the gap between low-level languages and very high-level languages. The software also retains low-level features of C such as accessing memory for hardware interface.

This article presents information on the features of the Tiny 1.1 compiler. The system has a pcode feature. The use of pcodes as an intermediary language is a way of separating the high-level language being processed from the low-level language being generated. The high and low-level languages become loosely coupled, but remain highly cohesive. Hence, another advantage of pcode is that instead of applying pcodes to immediately generate assembly language for the required target, they can also be written to a staging buffer.

This article focuses on the use of tablet PCs (personal computers) in higher education. Slow to catch on, tablet PCs have yet to break annual global sales of 500,000; by comparison, 189 million PCs sold in 2004, according to Gartner Research. Many people are impressed by the tablet PC's ability to function like a pen and paper, but they've been less impressed with what tablet PCs have lacked: keyboard, onboard disk drive and affordable price points. This could change in 2005 as computer makers like Gateway, HP, and Toshiba are launching next generation tablets with keyboard and disk drives onboard.

The article discusses whether Microsoft is finally about to face real competition in desktop-computer software. For years, many in the computer business have hoped that Linux, a freely available computer operating system, would become a viable alternative to Microsoft's Windows, the near universal standard for the world's personal computers. Within the past month, some of the world's most powerful technology firms have pledged considerable support for Linux on the desktop, including Dell and Sun Microsystems. By the end of the decade, Linux's share could grow, reckons Al Gillen, an analyst at technology consultancy IDC, displacing Macs as the main alternative. That would still fall far short of Linux's growing popularity in the market for powerful server computers. Linux aficionados, however, say its chances on the desktop should be better. However, despite improvements Linux faces obstacles. Some of Linux's main backers have relatively modest ambitions for the operating system. Linux's main appeal is likely to be to companies rather than home users. But the future is uncertain, and Linux still might yet represent another kind of threat to Microsoft.

If Google were to close down its popular web-search service tomorrow, it would be much missed. Yet many IT firms would not be too unhappy if Google were to disappear. They certainly dislike the company's message to the world: you do not need the latest and greatest in technology to offer outstanding services. In the words of Marc Andreessen of Netscape fame, now chief executive of Opsware, a software start-up: "Except applications and services, everything and anything in computing will soon become a commodity." Exactly what is meant by "commoditisation", though, depends on whom you talk to. It is most commonly applied to the PC industry. Although desktops and laptops are not a truly interchangeable commodity such as crude oil, the logo on a machine has not really mattered for years. As the term implies, "commoditisation" is not a state, but a dynamic. As the technology becomes more widespread, better understood and standardised, its value falls. Eventually it joins the sector's "sediment", the realm of bottom feeders with hyper-efficient metabolisms that compete mainly on cost. The IT industry also differs from other technology sectors in that its wares become less valuable as they get better, and go from "undershoot" to "overshoot," to use the terms coined by Clayton Christensen, a professor at Harvard Business School. But although expensive Unix systems, the strength of Sun Microsystems, are--and will probably remain for some time--a must for "mission-critical" applications, servers are quickly commoditising. Google goes even further. A visit to one of the company's data centres in Silicon Valley is a trip back to the future. In the same way that members of the Valley's legendary Homebrew Computer Club put together the first PCs using off-the-shelf parts in the early 1970s, Google has built a huge computer system out of electronic commodity parts.

Focuses on network computers. Comparison of the price for network computer with the price for personal computer (PC); Benefits from switching from a PC to a network computer; Low lifetime cost of the network computers in comparison to the lifetime cost of PCs; Need for companies to update its existing PCs rather than switch to network computers.

The article outlines the research conducted by computer companies, including Adobe and Intel, to develop a software that changes the appearance of moving objects as it passes through shadow or reflect new aspects in the U.S. It is considered one of the toughest and most important study conducted by the industry. Such software would determine what path the light in the scent would have taken to reach each pixel and if it identifies a reflective surface or an obstructing, it changes its pixel's color value accordingly. According to them, the technology can handle multiple shadows and reflections or even reflections of reflections and they foretold that it could reach consumers within five years.

The article provides the author's perspective pertaining updates on developments related to computer industry in the U.S. Hewlett-Packard Co. will be the first computer system vendor to come out with a server that uses AMD's quad-core processors. This model is currently available only with dual-core AMD Opteron processors, providing its manual that discusses the benefits of this model.

The article presents feedbacks from readers regarding the introduction of the über-cool iPhone from Apple Inc. One person asks about the product's stability, because he found trouble with the company's other products due to malfunctions. Another person asks about the speed of the said product when downloading with the Cingular Wireless LLC's network. One person expects about the product's efficacy, since he believes that it is a conglomeration that comes from a superior phone maker.

The article reports on the plan of computer company Sun Microsystems Inc. in expanding its presence in the competitive blade market. The plan is also to lure new and current customers by offering unique hardware replacement and upgrade service. The company's new offering includes an annual program aimed at making customer upgrades more easier. Furthermore, the company will also be offering its customers a high-performance computing system for their Web-based business with highly dynamic infrastructures.

The article reports that Microsoft Corp.'s use of codescrambling diversity to secure Windows Vista operating system is getting crucial support from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Redmond, one of Microsoft's partner OEMs, has persuaded major U.S. computer makers to make default changes at the BIOS level to allow a new Vista security feature called ASLR to work properly. Microsoft is effectively using ASLR to create software diversity within a single operating system. The company claims that ASLR provides a good defense against malware attacks, when used with other technologies.

The article presents information on a survey which says that seasonal demand in enterprise hardware is improving. About 40 resellers and distributors were included in the survey. Value-added resellers were confident about phenomenal sales in the fourth quarter. About fifty-five percent of resellers told that Hewlett-Packard Co. will outperform the market.

The article presents information on Microsoft Corp.'s new operating system Windows Vista. The new operating system is scheduled to be launched in January 2007. Computer analyst Heather Bellini says that the new operating system will create more demand than Windows XP and Office XP. To avoid any prelaunch shortfall in computer sales, Microsoft is offering Vista coupons on prelaunch purchases.

The article reports developments related to computer industry in Europe. It offers information about the impact of a law being proposed in the French parliament that would prevent proprietary music-playing technologies, on Apple Computer Inc. Novell Inc. has promised a demo of the product at annual BrainShare conference. It also offers information about the marketing departments which have been uploading promotional videos to the site, in which the crony suggested that media companies should create a new legal/marketing position.