Computers
The First Moon Landing Was Achieved With Less Computing Power Than a Calculator
It is often said that we now have more computing power in our pocket than the computer aboard Apollo 11 did 50 years ago. But is that true? And, if so, how much more powerful are our phones?
Computers in the Classroom May Do More Harm Than Good—If They're Overused
New research finds that computers are most effective as teaching tools when used sparingly, and to teach kids at certain ages specific subjects.
How Powerful Corporate Copyright Is Killing the Repair Industry
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 was meant to protect artists and programmers, but it has ended up preventing consumers from fixing their products.
On the Front Lines of Computer Literacy
From San Francisco to New York, non-profits and public libraries are educating the technologically illiterate, giving them tools they need to thrive in an ever-shifting world.
The Future of Work: The Digital Hustle
The latest entry in a special project in which business and labor leaders, social scientists, technology visionaries, activists, and journalists weigh in on the most consequential changes in the workplace.
The Non-Rise of the Massive Data Breach
Massive data breaches aren't getting any bigger, researchers say—but that might just mean the IT department is doing its job.
The Future of Work: Working for the Machine
The latest entry in a special project in which business and labor leaders, social scientists, technology visionaries, activists, and journalists weigh in on the most consequential changes in the workplace.
The Future of Work: Machines Pulling Ahead, Quickly
The latest entry in a special project in which business and labor leaders, social scientists, technology visionaries, activists, and journalists weigh in on the most consequential changes in the workplace.
What Makes You So Smart, Stephen Wolfram?
Noah Davis talks to the founder of Wolfram Alpha about computing the world's knowledge, how his kids got him to start traveling, and why he's not scared of AI.
Apple Wants the Computer to Disappear
The persistent materiality of technology keeps getting in our way.
What Makes You So Smart, Geek Dad?
Noah Davis talks to computer programmer and GeekDad.com editor Matt Blum about algebra, old computers, and teaching his kids how to be geeks.
Stop Hoarding All of That Hazardous Waste
Nail polish, batteries, hand sanitizer: You may not think of these regular household items as toxic, but they are, and they’re poisoning our water and food supplies.
Emailing Your Future Self
Send-later functions aren't just ways of disguising your sleeping and working habits. They're an opportunity to confront your past and your future.
What Does the Type of Computer You Use Say About Your Personality?
Macs might be cool and exciting, but PC users just don't care.
Computers See Human Pain Better Than You
A new study reveals that expression recognition software performs way better than humans at discriminating between real and fake emotion.
Crime-Stopping Cars of the Future
New computer technology could prevent hijacking, drunk driving, and high-speed chases.
The One Laptop Per Child Initiative faces another setback
The One Laptop Per Child initiative is still struggling to find cheap computers for the developing world.
Feds Appear Clueless About Their Own E-Waste
Despite a decade of good intentions, the U.S. government has a poor understanding of how best to dispose of its used electronics.
The Background on Your Bytes
Provenance software promises to track down digital info’s secrets — in the name of trust.
One Laptop Per Child Redux
Declared dead just two years ago, the plan to provide every child in the developing world with a computer shows signs of life.