356
Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
OpenWrt: Major Change Notice: New Package Manager
As of November 2024, OpenWrt has transitioned its package manager from opkg to apk for snapshots from the main development branch and future stable releases, potentially including the upcoming 24.10 series. This shift marks a significant milestone, offering several advantages over the deprecated opkg system. The change represents a fundamental shift in package management, prompting active discussions in the forum's "Talk about Documentation" section regarding the new system's options and syntax. Notably, this change does not affect version 23.05, and as of November 15, 2024, the 24.10 branch still uses opkg. This transition is both surprising and significant, highlighting OpenWrt's commitment to evolving its platform.
Wiby – Search Engine for the Classic Web
Wiby is a search engine designed to bring back the charm and simplicity of the early web. Unlike modern search engines that prioritize commercial and highly optimized content, Wiby focuses on indexing personal, hobbyist, and non-commercial websites reminiscent of the internet's early days. This approach offers users a nostalgic browsing experience, allowing them to discover unique and often overlooked content. A surprising aspect of Wiby is its commitment to preserving the essence of the classic web, which contrasts sharply with the data-driven algorithms of today's search giants. This dedication to simplicity and authenticity is both refreshing and clever, appealing to those yearning for a more genuine online experience.
The Small Internet Has Succeeded
The article celebrates the triumph of the "small Internet," a decentralized, non-commercial web space created by individuals for individuals. It contrasts this with the corporate Internet, which is criticized for invasive data practices, intrusive ads, and a lack of genuine user engagement. The author uses a vivid restaurant analogy to illustrate the disappointment with corporate web experiences, likening them to salads tainted with mouse droppings. The small Internet, however, is portrayed as a haven of creativity, community, and authentic interaction, free from corporate control. This space includes diverse networks like Gemini, Gopher, and Tor, and is characterized by personal blogs, small social networks, and a focus on genuine content. The article highlights the unique and clever aspect of individuals hosting their own sites, sometimes using Raspberry Pi computers, to maintain independence from commercial hosting services. The controversy lies in the critique of corporate Internet practices, which are depicted as exploitative and privacy-invasive. (Summary based on 47% of story text.)
How Japanese Black Companies Oppress Workers and Ruin Lives
In Japan, "black companies" (buraku kigyō) refer to exploitative workplaces, often in white-collar industries, notorious for unethical practices such as unpaid overtime, harassment, and poor working conditions. The term gained traction in the early 2000s, popularized by IT workers. Highlighting the issue, the 2009 film "A Man on the Verge at a BLACK Company" depicted such environments. In 2012, the "Black Corporations Award" was established to expose the worst offenders, with Watami Foodservice Co. repeatedly "winning" due to its harsh treatment of employees, including a tragic suicide case. Despite increased awareness and government crackdowns, the fight against these oppressive companies continues. The controversy lies in the severe mistreatment of workers and the slow pace of reform.
How Many 'Copilots' Do We Need?
The article humorously critiques the overuse of the term "Copilot" by various tech companies, leading to confusion among users. It highlights a hypothetical conversation where individuals are bewildered by the different functionalities attributed to "Copilot," ranging from coding assistance to email summarization. The author reviews several "Copilot" products, including GitHub Copilot for coding, AWS Copilot for containerized applications, and various Microsoft Copilots integrated into different services like Microsoft 365 and Azure. The piece underscores the confusion and inconsistency in branding, suggesting that the term has become a fad. The clever use of humor and relatable scenarios makes the article engaging while pointing out the absurdity of the situation.
It's Time to Replace TCP in the Datacenter
In the paper "It's Time to Replace TCP in the Datacenter," John Ousterhout argues that TCP, despite its historical success, is ill-suited for modern datacenter environments. The protocol's design, including its stream orientation and reliance on in-order packet delivery, fails to meet the demands of contemporary networks. Ousterhout suggests that TCP's issues are too deeply rooted to be resolved through incremental improvements. Instead, he proposes the adoption of a new transport protocol, Homa, which addresses TCP's shortcomings. Although Homa is not API-compatible with TCP, its integration with RPC frameworks could facilitate widespread adoption. This proposal challenges the longstanding dominance of TCP, suggesting a significant shift in network protocol strategy.
eBPF Verifier Code Review – NCC Group [pdf](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42167692)
The NCC Group conducted a security source code review of the eBPF Verifier for the eBPF Foundation, focusing on its main logic to identify vulnerabilities that could compromise its operation. The eBPF Verifier is crucial for ensuring the safety of eBPF programs within the Linux kernel. The review uncovered several issues, including a high-risk vulnerability that allows attackers to read and write arbitrary kernel memory, due to mishandling of 32-bit addition in the find_equal_scalars function. Other findings included a lack of defensive code and complex functions needing refactoring. The report recommends addressing these issues and enhancing documentation for better clarity. The controversy lies in the potential security risks posed by these vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in eBPF Verifier security. (Summary based on 24% of story text.)
Nokolexbor: Drop-in replacement for Nokogiri. 5.2x faster at parsing HTML
Nokolexbor is a high-performance HTML5 parser for Ruby, designed as a drop-in replacement for Nokogiri. It is based on Lexbor and offers significant speed improvements, being 5.2 times faster at parsing HTML and up to 997 times faster at handling CSS selectors. The project supports both CSS selectors and XPath, with an API closely mirroring that of Nokogiri to ensure compatibility. Nokolexbor is particularly notable for its performance enhancements, making it ideal for applications requiring efficient HTML parsing and DOM manipulation. It is available as pre-compiled gems for common platforms, simplifying installation. The project differentiates itself with its speed and compatibility, offering a compelling alternative for developers seeking improved performance in Ruby applications.
Why Not Bluesky
In "Why Not Bluesky," the author explores the current social media landscape, particularly focusing on Bluesky and the Fediverse, which includes platforms like Mastodon. The author appreciates Bluesky but remains committed to the Fediverse due to its decentralized nature. The piece evaluates social networks based on technology, culture, and money, emphasizing that money is the most crucial factor. The author argues that networks with a single proprietor often struggle with longevity and user experience, citing the success of email as a decentralized model. While Bluesky shows promise, its reliance on venture capital raises concerns about its future independence and potential for "enshittification." The author highlights the Fediverse's resilience and community-driven model as reasons for their continued support. Controversially, the author suggests that technology is the least important factor, and the involvement of a sketchy venture capital firm in Bluesky's funding is noted as a potential risk.
Linux Fixes Hosts Randomly Rebooting During Virtualization with Ryzen 7000/8000
Ahead of the anticipated Linux 6.12 kernel release, a crucial "x86/urgent" pull request addresses a significant issue affecting AMD Ryzen Zen 4 client processors, specifically the Ryzen 7000/8000 series. This problem, reported in July, involves random host reboots during virtualization with nested VMs, without any kernel panic or log entries. The root cause is the incorrect advertisement of VMLOAD/VMSAVE support on these processors. The fix involves clearing this capability for Zen 4 client SoCs, while maintaining support for AMD EPYC server processors. Additionally, there's a fix for Kdump kernel failures on AMD Secure Memory Encryption systems. This urgent update highlights the importance of timely kernel patches to ensure system stability.
/ 0 = 0
In this post, I explore the controversial notion of defining division by zero, specifically the claim that 1/0 = 0, and why it can be mathematically consistent. The controversy arises from the traditional view that division by zero is undefined, yet some mathematical frameworks allow for defining it without contradiction. I explain the properties of fields and how division is typically defined, noting that zero lacks a multiplicative inverse, which complicates division by zero. By redefining division to handle zero as a special case, we can maintain consistency without violating mathematical principles. Critics often misunderstand this approach, assuming it implies the existence of an inverse for zero, which it does not. This exploration challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the flexibility within mathematical definitions. (Summary based on 65% of story text.)
Show HN: Terminal3d – View 3D Models in Your Terminal, Built with Rust
Terminal3d (t3d) is a Rust-based tool designed for viewing 3D .obj files directly in the terminal. It addresses the need for a lightweight, terminal-based 3D model viewer, offering features such as rendering with braille and block characters, and modes for wireframe and vertices visualization. Users can interact with models using mouse controls, similar to traditional 3D software. Terminal3d can be installed via Homebrew, crates.io, or directly from source. What sets it apart is its unique ability to render 3D models in a text-based environment, making it a novel solution for developers and engineers who prefer or require terminal-based tools.
Urban Machine: robotics and AI to reclaim lumber for reuse
Urban Machine is revolutionizing the lumber industry by using robotics and AI to reclaim and repurpose high-quality lumber from buildings, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to virgin lumber. The innovative approach significantly reduces costs, making reclaimed wood competitive with new lumber prices. By promoting circularity, Urban Machine minimizes landfill waste, transportation needs, and carbon emissions, while providing premium, locally sourced materials. The process preserves the integrity of the wood fibers, ensuring that the reclaimed lumber maintains its superior hardness, straightness, and tight grains. This method not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances the quality of materials available for construction.
Teen serial swatter-for-hire busted, pleads guilty, could face 20 years
In a shocking case of cybercrime, 18-year-old Alan Filion has pleaded guilty to making over 375 fake emergency calls, a practice known as "swatting," which could land him up to 20 years in prison. Filion targeted various institutions and individuals across the U.S., often advertising his swatting services on social media. This highlights the growing trend of cybercriminals using swatting for extortion. Meanwhile, critical vulnerabilities have been found in Metabase and Palo Alto Networks tools, with active exploitation reported. Additionally, the UN cybercrime treaty faces criticism for lacking protections for security researchers, raising concerns about potential legal repercussions for legitimate research. In corporate news, a cyberattack cost Halliburton $35 million, and D-Link NAS devices are under threat from an unpatched vulnerability. Google warns of rising online scams, including deepfake impersonations and crypto schemes. The controversy lies in the UN treaty's inadequacy in safeguarding researchers, while the surprising element is Filion's brazen use of social media to offer swatting services.
Drone-zapping laser weapons now effective (and cheap) reality
In a groundbreaking demonstration, UK scientists and engineers have proven the viability of laser weapons capable of disabling drones with precision and cost-effectiveness. The DragonFire project, a collaboration involving the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and industry partners, successfully shot down drones using laser beams off Scotland's coast. Unlike traditional missiles, which are expensive and risk collateral damage, lasers offer a cheap and precise alternative. Operating costs are minimal, and lasers pose no risk of unintended harm, as they dissipate harmlessly if they miss. Despite challenges like atmospheric interference and the need for stable targeting, this technology could be deployed on battlefields within a decade, marking a significant shift in modern warfare. The surprising aspect is the cost-effectiveness and precision of laser technology, which contrasts sharply with traditional missile systems.
ChibiHash: Small, Fast 64 bit hash function
ChibiHash is a compact and efficient 64-bit hash function designed for easy integration and portability. Developed in about an hour, it comprises roughly 60 lines of C code and avoids hardware-specific instructions, ensuring consistent results across different systems. It passes the smhasher test, indicating good quality, though it's not intended for cryptographic use. ChibiHash excels in large input throughput, outperforming competitors like xxhash64 and city64, though city64 is faster for small inputs due to its special handling of short strings. The algorithm uses constants derived from mathematical constants like e, π, and the golden ratio, adjusted for optimal performance. The function's design emphasizes instruction-level parallelism, enhancing speed. However, it lacks a strong mathematical foundation, relying on empirical testing. ChibiHash is not recommended for cryptographic purposes or scenarios requiring strong collision resistance, such as hash-table collision attacks. Its simplicity and portability make it a suitable default for non-cryptographic 64-bit hashing needs.
Show HN: Unfeed – A free RSS reader and bookmarking
Unfeed is a streamlined, free RSS/Atom feed reader designed to consolidate all your favorite news, social media, and blog updates into a single, chronological feed. This minimalist tool aims to simplify your content consumption by providing an organized and efficient way to stay updated without the clutter. Whether you're a new user or already have an account, Unfeed offers a seamless experience for managing your information sources. The unique aspect of Unfeed is its focus on minimalism and simplicity, setting it apart from other feed readers that often come with overwhelming features and interfaces.
Linux kernel 6.12 has been released
The Linux 6.12 kernel has been officially released, as announced by Linus Torvalds. This release follows the regular schedule, with no unexpected issues arising in the final week. Key features of this update include the introduction of support for the Arm permission overlay extension and enhanced compile-time control over Spectre mitigations. Notably, it finalizes the last components of realtime preemption support and introduces the realtime deadline server mechanism. Additionally, there are advancements in the EEVDF scheduler and the extensible scheduler class, alongside improvements in device memory TCP work. The update also incorporates static calls in the security-module subsystem and introduces the integrity policy enforcement security module. A unique capability added is the handling of devices with a block size larger than the system page size in the XFS filesystem. For more comprehensive details, refer to the LWN merge-window summaries and the KernelNewbies 6.12 page.
Apple discontinuing Vision Pro due to lackluster sales
Apple is quietly scaling back production of its $3,500 Vision Pro headset due to disappointing sales, with manufacturing potentially winding down by November. Luxshare, the Chinese manufacturer, has already reduced assembly rates significantly. Despite CEO Tim Cook's optimistic stance, labeling the headset as an "early-adopter product," sales figures are underwhelming compared to Meta's cheaper Quest headsets. Customers have reported discomfort and technical issues, leading to returns. Apple is pivoting towards a more affordable model, delaying the Vision Pro 2. This retreat highlights the challenges of launching a high-priced, first-generation product in a competitive market.
The missing text focused programming environment
In a recent discussion on the Fediverse, I argued that the persistent popularity of environments like Emacs Lisp and Electron for developing text-focused applications highlights our failure to create a robust high-level programming system for such tasks. Despite Plan 9's Acme offering promising ideas, it never gained traction. Text-focused applications, which primarily display text with some UI elements, often thrive in environments like GNU Emacs, where developers have created best-in-class applications like Magit. Similarly, Electron hosts many text-centric applications, such as VSCode. Critics mock these environments for their complexity, but I believe this critique misses the point. The reliance on such heavyweight platforms indicates a lack of better alternatives, not a preference for complexity. While modern applications demand intricate features, we still need simpler text-focused environments akin to shell scripts or BASIC programs. Past efforts like Acme and Tcl/Tk failed to catch on, and any future solution should ideally leverage HTML and CSS without relying on a full browser engine or JavaScript, which brings its own set of expectations and complexities.
Mystery Palo Alto Networks hijack-my-firewall zero-day officially under exploit
A critical zero-day vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks' firewall management interface is actively being exploited, allowing unauthenticated attackers to remotely execute code. This flaw, which lacks a CVE number, has a high CVSSv4.0 rating of 9.3 and currently no patch. The attack requires no user interaction and has low complexity, but the attacker must access the firewall's management interface. Palo Alto Networks advises restricting access to trusted internal IPs and cutting off internet access to the interface. Interestingly, rumors of this vulnerability circulated before confirmation, highlighting the mystery surrounding its initial discovery. Additionally, two other vulnerabilities, CVE-2024-9463 and CVE-2024-9465, have been added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, with fixes available.
Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries
MIT engineers have developed an innovative solar-powered desalination system that operates without the need for extra batteries or grid power. This system efficiently adjusts its desalting process in response to fluctuations in sunlight, maximizing solar energy use to produce up to 5,000 liters of clean water daily. Tested in New Mexico, it harnessed over 94% of solar energy, offering a sustainable solution for inland communities with limited access to seawater and grid power. The system's unique "flow-commanded current control" strategy allows rapid adjustments to solar power changes, eliminating the need for battery storage. This breakthrough could provide affordable drinking water to remote, low-income regions, addressing the increasing salinity of groundwater due to climate change. The research, supported by various foundations and companies, marks a significant step towards sustainable desalination, with plans to scale up and commercialize the technology.
Scientists discover laser light can cast a shadow
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have demonstrated that laser light can cast a shadow, challenging the traditional understanding that light passes through other light without interaction. Using a high-power green laser and a ruby crystal, the team created a visible shadow by increasing the optical absorption of a blue laser beam. This surprising discovery, published in Optica, reveals a nonlinear optical process where light interacts with materials in an intensity-dependent manner. The finding opens new avenues for technologies like optical switching, where one laser beam can control another. The idea originated from a casual lunch discussion about experimental schematics, leading to this innovative experiment.
I Gave Up on Zen – John Horgan (2008)
In "I Gave Up on Zen," John Horgan recounts his disillusionment with Zen practice, which he initially pursued to complement his research on science and mysticism. Despite Zen's appeal due to its metaphysical minimalism, Horgan grew skeptical of its teachings, particularly those of his instructor, Sumi. He questioned the spiritual benefits of extreme practices like prolonged meditation and the pursuit of child-like innocence, which he found shallow and escapist. Horgan's internal conflict between embracing mindfulness and his critical, intellectual nature led him to abandon Zen, highlighting a broader critique of spiritual practices that deny harsh realities. The piece cleverly juxtaposes his initial enthusiasm with his eventual skepticism, offering a unique perspective on the limitations of Zen for a scientifically-minded individual.
1 in 5 Japanese Workers in Their 20s Turn to Resignation Agencies
In Japan, resignation agencies like Momuri are increasingly popular among young workers, with nearly 1 in 5 in their 20s using these services to quit their jobs. This trend highlights the challenges of leaving a job in Japan, where traditional work culture views employment as a lifelong commitment. Many companies resist resignations, leading to extreme measures like forcing employees to apologize or even visit temples to "cure" their desire to quit. The rise of resignation agencies reflects a broader mental health crisis and a generational shift towards prioritizing well-being over outdated norms. This movement could signal a transformative change in Japan's work culture. The controversy lies in the extreme resistance from companies and the societal pressure against quitting, which resignation agencies are helping to counteract.
Is Chrome the New IE?
The article from Magic Lasso explores whether Google's Chrome is becoming the new Internet Explorer (IE), given its dominant 65% market share and criticisms similar to those once faced by IE. Chrome's dominance has led to web developers prioritizing it over open web standards, echoing the past with IE. Critics argue that Chrome has become a resource hog and is slow to adopt privacy initiatives, raising concerns about complacency. Despite these issues, viable alternatives like Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge struggle to disrupt Chrome's dominance. The article suggests that a diverse browser ecosystem supporting open standards might be a healthier solution for the web. The controversy lies in Chrome's data collection practices and its impact on web standards, while the clever insight is the potential for a collective browser ecosystem to challenge Chrome's dominance.
Why LLMs Within Software Development May Be a Dead End
The article from The New Stack argues that using Large Language Models (LLMs) in software development may be a dead end due to their lack of decomposability and explainability. Unlike traditional software components, LLMs cannot be broken down into smaller, testable units, making them difficult to integrate into the software development lifecycle. This contrasts with the fundamental principles of computing, where tasks are modular and testable. The article highlights concerns about security, privacy, and legal ownership, as LLMs are inseparable from their training data, raising issues of potential intellectual property theft. Additionally, the high computational demands of LLMs conflict with efforts to reduce carbon footprints. The author suggests that LLMs should be the product itself rather than a service within products, warning against outsourcing innovation to LLM vendors. The article advocates for a shift towards explainable AI with testable components, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in AI development. The controversial aspect is the critique of LLMs' current role in software development, challenging the prevailing industry trends.
Show HN: The App I Built to Help Manage My Diabetes, Powered by GPT-4o-Mini
The app, developed by ANTHROPOMETRIC LTD, is designed to assist users in managing diabetes, utilizing the capabilities of GPT-4o-Mini. A standout feature of this app is its commitment to privacy, as it does not collect any user data. This approach is particularly noteworthy in an era where data privacy is a significant concern for many users. However, the app's privacy practices might differ depending on the features used or the user's age, suggesting some variability in its implementation. For further details, users are encouraged to review the developer's privacy policy.
Missouri Cops Accused of Pulling over Women and Searching Their Phones for Nudes
In a disturbing revelation, two former Missouri police officers, David McKnight and Julian Alcala, face serious charges for allegedly abusing their authority by searching women's phones for nude photos during traffic stops. McKnight, a former state trooper, is accused of taking explicit images from nine women under the guise of verifying insurance or identity, while Alcala, a former Florissant officer, allegedly did the same with 20 women. Both face charges of unreasonable search and seizure, with McKnight also charged for destroying records. The Florissant Police Department expressed disgust, emphasizing that Alcala's actions betray their values. This controversy highlights a severe breach of trust and raises concerns about police conduct and accountability.
'The sixth great extinction is happening', conservation expert warns
In a recent interview, renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall warns of the ongoing "sixth great extinction," emphasizing the urgent need for environmental action. At 90, she continues her global speaking tour, advocating for tree-planting and habitat restoration projects, like those in Uganda aimed at protecting chimpanzees and combating climate change. Goodall highlights the alarming changes in weather patterns and their impact on wildlife, urging immediate action to curb deforestation and fossil fuel use. Her pioneering research on chimpanzees, once controversial for its empathetic approach, revealed their tool-making abilities and complex social structures. Despite past challenges, including unwanted advances from mentor Louis Leakey, Goodall remains steadfast in her mission, driven by the desire to secure a future for coming generations. Her call for tougher environmental legislation underscores the closing window of opportunity to address climate change and biodiversity loss.