CMSC 150 - Fall 2017 - **the lifetime of a variable**

NSA Headquarters Quantum- not just a buzz word Traditional computing encodes information with the use of bits, that is a series of ones and zeroes. The quickly emerging field of quantum computing makes use of quantum bits, differing in nature from binary bits in that they can be ones and zeroes simultaneously. Quantum processors are still in development, but because of their massive computing potential both private industry and governments around the world are racing to champion the technology. Applications in computer science Math and science fields would probably be the most obvious benefactors of a breakthrough in quantum computing, by enabling faster computations and more intricate modeling. A lesser known, yet equally exciting application is known as quantum metrology. By measuring small gravitational changes, this technology would enable self contained navigational systems for use in autonomous vehicles of all sorts, without the need for traditional GPS. (1) What...

T he internet of things, or IoT, is getting a lot of attention with the exploding popularity of smart home devices and general connectedness of the world in general, but what exactly is it and how safe is it? What is IoT IoT can be summarized as the network of devices equipped with electronics, sensors, software and connectivity that allows them to send information to, and receive information from other IoT devices. The super popular Nest home thermostat for example, is on the IoT because it senses temperature in the home, adjusts settings on your A/C or heating units, and relays this information via the internet to your mobile device. Beyond the home it utilizes information on weather conditions and forecasts from weather stations in the area. Now example this small scale application of the IoT on an enormous scale. The thermostat is now controlling the heating and cooling in laboratories at the CDC. Any unwanted variation in temperature could have potentially disastrous ...