Devin Johnston Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 The article isn't very detailed but basically these scientists have set an upper limit on how fast any computer can be. I have to say I'm a little disappointed. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,564286,00.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianKitts Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 The article isn't very detailed but basically these scientists have set an upper limit on how fast any computer can be. I have to say I'm a little disappointed. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,564286,00.html I wouldn't get too disappointed if I've learned anything lately its that you shouldn't bother trusting anything from FoxNews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyC Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Hmm, this relies on the premise that we measure technological principals and limitations of 80 years time by what we understand today? Obviously nothing is infinite, but close enough that the difference in negligible in its context. This is also relies far to much on hardware being the limiting factor, how about more efficient code? Ok, time for some more knitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy L Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Nah, quantum computing is the way forward. Im reading a book on the theory at the moment. Id try and explain the basics, but it takes a whole book to explain even as an 'idiots guide' that a numpty like me can understand, so it would be a long post. General idea: Computers now are limited by being a 'sequential calculator'. In other words, they do one process then move onto the next. Kind of like how we think. A quantum processor lines up a chain of atoms and asks each atom whether it is positive or negative. The question, answer and calculation are all one and the same. An atom can only be one thing. However, the chain already 'knows' its outcome. Therefore, it kind of bends time, by getting the whole answer before it asks the question. The computer would rely on quantum inevitability to provide answers to billions calculations simultaneously. Kind of like a billion processor computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 This is like if somebody 50 years ago wrote an article about how the limits of vacuum tube technology would limit how much you could do with a computer that could fit in a reasonably sized warehouse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Hunt Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Nah, quantum computing is the way forward. Im reading a book on the theory at the moment. Id try and explain the basics, but it takes a whole book to explain even as an 'idiots guide' that a numpty like me can understand, so it would be a long post. General idea: Computers now are limited by being a 'sequential calculator'. In other words, they do one process then move onto the next. Kind of like how we think. A quantum processor lines up a chain of atoms and asks each atom whether it is positive or negative. The question, answer and calculation are all one and the same. An atom can only be one thing. However, the chain already 'knows' its outcome. Therefore, it kind of bends time, by getting the whole answer before it asks the question. The computer would rely on quantum inevitability to provide answers to billions calculations simultaneously. Kind of like a billion processor computer. Sounds like the improbability drive powering the space ship in "Hitchikers Guide" jhv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lester_Masterson Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 However, the chain already 'knows' its outcome. Therefore, it kind of bends time, by getting the whole answer before it asks the question. Isn't Max already there? I am thinking I want to do something, and Max, knowing I am an idiot, crashes for me. The future...here today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneis Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I wouldn't get too disappointed if I've learned anything lately its that you shouldn't bother trusting anything from FoxNews WORD!!! Sufficed to say that you can rely on Fox to point at the exact opposite of what you should be looking at, so I suppose they're good for something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devin Johnston Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 I agree with some of you that trying to guess where we'll be in 80 years is stupid, how many times did we hear about all the robots and flying cars we'd be using by now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy L Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I agree with some of you that trying to guess where we'll be in 80 years is stupid, how many times did we hear about all the robots and flying cars we'd be using by now. You mean you dont have a robot and a flying car? Common Devin, get with the program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devin Johnston Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 Well speaking of flying cars I've been watching this company for about 10 years, they are really close to actually producing one. http://moller.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyC Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Well speaking of flying cars I've been watching this company for about 10 years, they are really close to actually producing one. http://moller.com/ Those things are crazy! Still, I wouldnt mind having one . . . and a VERY big field. I'm going nowehere straight in that thing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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