New Cyber Military Forces

Governments and corporations have long been exposed to the threat of hacking.  Now the UK has created a military task force specifically for the virtual battle space.  In addition to physical military tactics there is now a very real virtual aspect of military battle as well.  In the past governments have focused most of their virtual efforts on defensive battle.  For instant they utilize strong encryptions, track connections, the use of virtual forensics.  But it is now clear that a strong offensive virtual attack is a very real deterrent to enemies.  BBC quoted Philip Hammond: "Our commanders can use cyber weapons alongside conventional weapons in future conflicts."  Cyber space is the new military frontier. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24321717

Current Event CS404

Technology that makes it possible to produce three-dimensional objects with precise detail is becoming increasingly accessible to the average citizen.  Private individuals can purchase a 3D printer for approximately the same price as a personal computer.  3D printers are coming to more homes and will probably be a part of mainstream society, much like smart phones are today.  With the 3D printer people can produce a wide variety of objects.  They can create games, toys, models, boat parts, and even guns.  While it is unlikely anyone would object to their neighbor creating toys for their children, gun production is a bit more controversial.  On one hand there are many organizations that would support increased gun production, and citizen access to firearms.  As 3D printers become more viable and cheap, more people will be able to make their own guns at home.  It would seem to be in the best interest of organizations, such as the NRA, to support the use of 3D printers. On the other hand the increased accessibility of guns will make it more difficult for governments to enforce gun laws.  For example, the gun design in the following article was removed from the owner’s website.  However others already downloaded the design and could still post it or use it in the future.   In order to enforce laws regarding firearms in the future, the government will need to adapt.  Law enforcement will need to employ the same degree of innovation as those who created the technology in order to effectively enforce regulations.   

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/16/tech/innovation/museum-acquires-3d-printed-gun/index.html

Is it bad to be innovative? CS404 smallish post

Technology isn't inherently bad,  it just needs to be used properly.  Studying the effects of technology will enable people to make wiser decisions.  We may not know the effects of technological change right away, but this shouldn't be the reason we don't use new technology.  Risk is a part of life, and it will arise with or without technological change.

Today I came across this error while programming in Racket:

lambda: found a lambda that is not a function definition

I found out that I got this error by using the Intermediate Racket instead of Intermediate with lambda Racket

Today I was programming in Racket and I came across this error:

define: expected only one expression after the variable name area, but found 1 extra part

I fixed the problem by changing (define area(shape) ... )  to (define (area shape) ... )