More on quantum computing

[beasly]

Neat article via slashdot on quantum computing and the machines (imho) that will
change what pilots do.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090628171949.htm

A couple of observations....

• This "feels" like the commodore 64 of quantum computing..it has the feel of the early days of "hacker-dom"
• Note the phrase: "It's like being able to place one phone call that simultaneously tests all four numbers, but only goes through to the right one." Current technology/comp sci is built around finding the optimal way to avoid having to test all four numbers--with the worst case being having to test all four. With quantum computing the underlying model changes (in a way I don't understand yet)
• The Apollo mission's computer was programmed by the astronauts in flight. While we hit some touchpads on a GPS to get it to do amazing things. These guys were actually entering programs into the computer via the means of toggle switches and checklists. Expect something similar next as regards quantum computing.
• I am going out on a limb here, but I think I am right...this increase in computing power will lead to MORE pilot opportunities...roughly analgous to the ubiquity of blogs, youtube, graphics capabilities of computers has led to an explosion of freedom in creativity on the net.

Anyway, food for thought.

b.

 

[Tangodelta29]

Very interesting, can you elaborate on what you mean by more opportunities?

At first I thought this would be about pilots not being needed anymore. :whatever:

 

[beasly]

Very interesting, can you elaborate on what you mean by more opportunities?

At first I thought this would be about pilots not being needed anymore. :whatever:

I know its counter-intuitive--and I have the same fear you have. But look at it this way. Remember how computers were going to "replace paper"? They didn't. What happened (and is still happening) is that they fundamentally changed the landscape and paradoxically created opportunities that were un"dreamed of when they first came out.

I suspect that pilots will still be flying, but the tools we use will be vastly different.

Cordially,

b.

 

[Clocks]

When you consider even the "reasonable" possibilities of what quantum computing can do, it feels like we're back in the 1940's with ENIAC just about to step into a new world.

 

[tgrayson]

When you consider even the "reasonable" possibilities of what quantum computing can do

A quantum computer is only as good as the software that runs on it. We're still in the stone age of software design and I don't see that changing anytime soon. For all but a handful of exotic applications, our hardware capability greatly exceeds our ability to use it effectively.

 

[Clocks]

A quantum computer is only as good as the software that runs on it. We're still in the stone age of software design and I don't see that changing anytime soon. For all but a handful of exotic applications, our hardware capability greatly exceeds our ability to use it effectively.

Oh no doubt. 100 years from now I predict some radical stuff though. I'm not smart enough to be any more specific than that.

 

[killbilly]

If you're interested in this, pick up a copy of Charles Stross's "Accelerando."

It's got some mind-blowing concepts, one of which is that with proper development into nanotech, you can fundamentally view the raw matter of the solar system as potential MIPS per kilogram of mass.

Quantum Computing is a pretty neat concept, but I agree that it's the software which will be the tougher task. It's going to require a completely new math discipline, I suspect.

 

[beasly]

Two thoughts:

First, here is an example from slashdot on "things we haven't thought of yet"

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/07/01/1747249/Flapping-NAV-Performs-Controlled-Hovering-Flight

To re-iterate--when we think "pilot" we think "jets and passengers". Do you see how that assumpution could be "antiquated"? To put it another way, the first telephone I used had a rotary dial...the t.v. shows I watched (hee haw....fwiw) showed an operator plugging in wires to complete the call. Now we have phones with more processing power than the first computers that we use effortlessly in ways nobody (on Hee Haw, anyway) could imagine.


Second...Nano is the other technology on the roll that will radically change what we do and how we do it. Google "space elevator" for nano-tubes strong enough to pull stuff up to space.....


Finally, it is "worrisome" that I could be replaced by a computer--like the iPhone replaced the pony express. However, people still love and ride horses.....and if we can keep our freedom, I am expecting some truly amazing things for pilots.


b.

 

[PhilosopherPilot]

Two thoughts:

First, here is an example from slashdot on "things we haven't thought of yet"

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/07/01/1747249/Flapping-NAV-Performs-Controlled-Hovering-Flight

To re-iterate--when we think "pilot" we think "jets and passengers". Do you see how that assumpution could be "antiquated"? To put it another way, the first telephone I used had a rotary dial...the t.v. shows I watched (hee haw....fwiw) showed an operator plugging in wires to complete the call. Now we have phones with more processing power than the first computers that we use effortlessly in ways nobody (on Hee Haw, anyway) could imagine.


Second...Nano is the other technology on the roll that will radically change what we do and how we do it. Google "space elevator" for nano-tubes strong enough to pull stuff up to space.....


Finally, it is "worrisome" that I could be replaced by a computer--like the iPhone replaced the pony express. However, people still love and ride horses.....and if we can keep our freedom, I am expecting some truly amazing things for pilots.


b.

Blasphemy!