Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2009 November 16

= November 16 =

Quantum microprocessor
As an imaginative student, I have followed the development of quantum computers. I know that they are in service in some institutions, and or research. But what is taking so long for Intel and the other companies to develop a quantum microprocessor chip being used in PCs, laptops, etc.? Also, can quantum technology be used for data storage? data transfer? If it doesn't cause too much trouble, please respond to my talk page. Thanks! —Preceding unsigned comment added by LastLived (talk • contribs) 03:08, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


 * If you're interested in an answer you'll look here. Answers are put on the reference desk for other people besides the original poster. The reason quantum computers are taking a long time to develop is that it is a very hard problem. It'll probably take as long as fusion reactors which still aren't in a production phase. The main reason is the problem of decoherence and there's a sectiion about that on the quantum computer page. Dmcq (talk) 03:25, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


 * The problem is that the qubits used for the computation have to be kept in perfect thermodynamic isolation from the environment for the whole time needed for the computation. That's hard, perhaps impossible. Nothing like a real quantum computer has ever been successfully built anywhere, even as a research prototype. There have been a few claims to "factor 15 using Shor's algorithm", but I think those are mainly publicity stunts.


 * In theory, quantum computers could displace classical computers entirely because you can run classical algorithms on a quantum CPU attached by a quantum bus to quantum RAM, a quantum hard drive, and a quantum networking card connected to the quantum Internet. In practice, I seriously doubt that will ever be economical because it's so much easier to engineer reliable classical hardware. The known quantum algorithms wouldn't be of much use to a typical person anyway. -- BenRG (talk) 11:40, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


 * BenRG's final sentence is the point you should focus on. Quantum computers won't make everything magically faster; they're interesting and important because they could compute things that simply cannot*be computed now, which we're obviously doing just fine without.  If they are ever made practical, the most likely scenario is that at some point you'll just have a quantum computer peripheral for when you need to break into the NSA. --Sean 14:48, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Droid vs Blackberry Bold 9700
I use the cell phone for texting, calling people, surfing the internet briefly, using Facebook and using the turn-turn directions offered on my AT&T Blackberry Curve. There are no other features or apps I necessarily use or need. However, I am going to upgrade soon. Which phone would be better for me?--Reticuli88 (talk) 14:02, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * It sounds like you're happy with what you've got, and I assume the newer Blackberry is similar to the one you've got now, so it probably makes the most sense for you. The biggest difference in your daily experience of it will probably be the physical keyboard on the Blackberry versus the virtual keyboard on the Droid.  People have strong opinions on both sides of that question.  Oops, didn't look hard enough. --Sean 14:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * The Droid has a physical keyboard. If you're happy with your Blackberry, there's no sense in finding a new OS you are unfamiliar with.  Both are capable of doing what you want, so any recommendation would be a matter of opinion.  Try store models out and see what you like the feel of best.  I personally hate the Droid's keyboard so I wouldn't pick it, but I also know people who absolutely love the feel of its keys. 206.131.39.6 (talk) 19:08, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Thank you guys! I'm sticking with the Blackberry! --Reticuli88 (talk) 13:24, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * As (almost) always, there is a (vaguely) relevant xkcd strip. AndrewWTaylor (talk) 13:27, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Web design news sites
Hi, does anyone know a regularly-updated news site or blog on web design? Where can I find info on web design, new web browser releases, tips and tricks of HTML/CSS, pointers to basic scripting (be it server-side or client-side), and so on? I'm thinking along the lines of Groklaw/OSNews/Linux Weekly News/etc. Thanks. --Kjoonlee 15:19, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


 * http://www.useit.com/alertbox/ has much about how not to design web sites. But little in the way of code - all more strategic. -- SGBailey (talk) 15:34, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


 * I have found A List Apart to be pretty useful at times. --Mr.98 (talk) 01:48, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * No... the absolutely best thing for webdesign is Script and Style. It's like the Digg of webdesign. They have about 10 entries per day. 129.97.226.160 (talk) 21:43, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Virgin Media broadband downtime
Is Virgin Media broadband in the London area down right now? Is there a way I can check online, like a status page or something? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.43.88.87 (talk) 22:10, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * The status page is at http://status.virginmedia.com/ if there are no problems listed for your area, check the daily update page. Nanonic (talk) 22:31, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Could I ask one more favor, under the boardband tab on that page, is the circle red for you? It's red for me, so I guess that shows there's a problem, but could you confirm? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.43.88.87 (talk) 22:37, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Yes it's red for me, however I used to be a virgin customer and would check that page daily and that little icon NEVER went green. I notice from the regional selection dropdown that there are outages in N6 and KT4 at the moment in the London area. Nanonic (talk) 22:57, 16 November 2009 (UTC)