Essay: Spectre, Meltdown, VisiCorp Visi On, IoT, SIP, And Blockchain - Detailed Account.

You should collect interesting and relevant resources that address the task.  The resources should be easy to read and describe the topic/technology concisely and simply.   The resources must be specific to the topic (i.e. just focus on a single technology or topic and not be about multiple topics).  These can include (but are not limited to) online magazine/news articles, technical reports or documentation.

Important - Academic resources such as journals, conference papers or books will generally be unsuitable for this assignment as they are generally not publicly available, are not concise, are not necessarily easy to read and often don’t focus specifically on the assignment topic(s).  The resources should be substantial (producing a 300 word summary from a 400 - 500 word resource is inappropriate) and only contain information directly pertinent to the task.  You cannot use the resource more than once in the assignment.  The textbook and sites such as, but not limited to, Wikipedia, Techtarget, and HowStuffWorks are not suitable resources.

Your summary should briefly explain:

What the resource is about
Why you selected it
What are the main points or key information covered in the resource
Why the resource was useful.

Spectre and Meltdown Exploits

This resource gives a detailed account of both Spectre and Meltdown exploits where the essential features of the processor (CPU) such as out of order execution (OOOE) and speculative execution facilitate these problems. In all, limitation to these features causes considerable changes to the cache states which are then used to pull secret data from the RAM.

Walton and Nguyen's outlook gives a thorough account of the problem, starting with the definition of the problem, exploration of the issue and the impact of these limitations on the modern day computer. As such, they were chosen for this particular research.

Several critical points are outlined by this resources. One, the meltdown exploit leverages the components of the OOOE which causes damages to the cache states of the CPU. Secondly, the exploit uses this first limitation to dump content that in other conditions should never be accessible. Therefore, from this basic outline, the problem will affect all processors designed with the OOOE feature which includes all Intel CPUs and even AMD processors before 2013 period. Furthermore, unlike popularly perceived, this exploit is not a new condition or issue that has come up. But is and has been a persistent issue for a long time, the only difference being the change in attack vectors. Essentially, hardware optimization often causes the change in architectural components of the computer which makes it easier to integrate software. Similarly, as these changes have occurred, the vulnerability of processors has also grown which has made it easier for the exploit to act.

In conclusion, the inherent characteristic of the CPU exposes it to the meltdown attack where the OOOE feature is exploited to dump memory content. In its self, the Meltdown exploit is not a new problem but a persistent issue that today is facilitated by the changing architecture of the computer.

Operating systems like many other applications did not start with a graphical user interface (GUI). In the beginning, they were lines of statements that gave users the necessary information. However, some versions of OS started developing GUIs which later on became the norm. The resource at hand highlights VisiCorp Visi, a full-featured GUI OS that was developed by IBM in 1983.

A critical analysis of the Visi On OS is given by this material, having the original functional mechanisms as well as the hardware demands. The resource also provides an explanation as to why this OS never became as popular as other system’s applications.

VisiCorp Visi On OS

Although it was a pioneer in its trade, Visi On was sold to Control Data Corp where the company decided to end its progress which explains why it had a minimal public interaction. However, even before it was sold, the OS was never meant for home usage. Its design and operation mechanism was meant for corporate workstations, having a high demand for hardware resources. At the time, the system required a RAM of 512k and 5 Megs of hard drive space which at the time were extremely expensive. In addition to this, the Visi On had other unique features that increased its overall cost. For one, it was developed as a portable OS having the capability to link with other systems such as UNIX and CP/M. Moreover, it could integrate with any other CPU other than the 8086 which was the original processor it was designed on. In all, Visi On acted as a non-specific virtual machine, which all applications run on.

Visi On was a revolutionary system whose functions were ahead of its time. But because of the demands, it made on the users, particularly, through the hardware, its application was limited to few corporate entities. Nevertheless, it lay the foundation for modern OSes.

According to experts, connectivity is the biggest problem with the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT). In particular, the sensory layer of the technology is facilitated by a number of incompatible standards that limit the overall success. As such, this resource analyzes the connectivity of IoT where competing technologies such as LPWAN, cellular systems, and Wireless carriers are defined.

A critical outline of the IoT technology is given where the emphasis on connectivity is given to the reader. Furthermore, a brief comparison of the competing implementation techniques is provided which offers the end users a guideline to their future connectivity needs.

IoT will connect billions of devices worldwide with the goal of automating machine functions. In particular, IoT will enhance machine to machine (M2M) communication which unlike today will eliminate the need for human intervention in digital operations. In its current state, IoT has over 8.4 billion subscribers in the form of wireless devices, a number that is expected to increase to 20 billion by 2020. Now, all the devices available at that time will not necessarily connect to the internet, in fact, only about 10 billion devices will be actively online which defines the amount of revenue that will be collected by service providers. Although LPWAN may have cheaper and more efficient designs its current application is nowhere near that of cellular technologies. Today cellular carriers have ubiquitous LTE coverage across the globe, unlike LPWAN. Thus, to apply IoT techniques this industry will just update its software to accommodate the extended connectivity. LPWAN on the other hand with its less expensive insights, structures, and alternative will have to build a new network across the world, which is a substantial limitation.

IoT Connectivity

LPWAN offers many benefits to IoT more so, in its connectivity objectives. However, because it is a new technology, its application will be limited as compared to other techniques that already have the operational infrastructure in place.

A variable resource that outlines one of the most important VoIP protocol, the Session Initiation Protocol. A general definition of the protocols is given including its affiliated features which facilitate the general functions.

A basic analysis of the SIP protocol is given by this resource which not only considers the general aspects of communication but also the standard requirements of VoIP. As such, a holistic view of SIP is provided which highlights its choice.

From a general perspective, SIP is used to control and manage interactive sessions of communication. As such, the protocols are used in different communication setups such as video, voice, chat and video games interactions. It was primarily developed by the SIPCORE working group, which is an affiliate member of the IETF. Its functions are supposed to offer an alternative to the ITU’s recommendations of H.323, having a general purpose and lightweight objective as compared to text-based protocols. An outcome that makes this technique a variable resource for controlling internet-based multimedia conferences. As such, the SIP protocol possesses the following features: One, SIP invitations that create and carry session descriptions that enable participants to agree on compatible communication mediums. Two, user mobility as the protocol allows functions to be proxied to users’ current locations. Three, End to end encryption for security purposes. Finally, communication can occur either by multicast or unicast communication.

In all, a SIP object or entity can function in many modes depending on the user’s requirements. Some of these modes are User agent, the endpoint for calls; Proxy, to route users’ requests; Redirector, to provide mobility and finally, a Registrar, to provide registration requests.

Blockchain technology is used as the foundation of cryptocurrency, having the necessary structures to represent financial data online. In this analysis, the Blockchain technology is defined together with functional procedures.

This resource was chosen because it gave a basic insight into the blockchain technology. Thus, the analysis provided is easily understood, regardless of whether the reader has or does not have a technical background.

Blockchain is a structure of information (data) that represents financial entries (ledgers) such as a record of different financial transactions. These entries contain unique digital signatures that authenticate the users and their functions. Therefore, in each transaction, the financial activities are assumed to be completely authentic having the highest levels of integrity. From this basic set-up, the financial entries (digital ledgers) are distributed in various computing infrastructures. Now, it is these computing resources that provide the census for the state of transactions at any given point, all having a copy of the authentication item. So, how does this technology work? Generally, when a new or edit transactions is introduced to the blockchain, the nodes of the network execute an algorithm to check the history of the proposed item. If a majority of these nodes verify the new item, its signature is accepted and allowed to execute its functions. However, if a majority of the nodes come to an unverifiable census the new item is denied entry into the transaction chain. Therefore, the distribution census procedure is used to run transactions without any form of a centralized authentication authority. Now, such a model has its own benefits from cryptographic integrity to a simple method of tracking assets online. However, its biggest problem is its practical application as multiple versions exist in the field.

SIP Protocol

A detailed account of the blockchain technology is given where its functions, operations procedures, and benefits are discussed.

Net neutrality is a popular topic today that is often covered in most media publications. However, unknown to many are its effects particularly to the end users who in most cases do not seem to even know its definition. Now, the resource chosen covers these details including how its failure could affect internet usage.

In essence, this particular article was selected because it gave a brief insight into the concept of net neutrality. Further, practical examples are given by the paper to highlight its overall impact.

Basically, net neutrality is a concept that perceives that all content found on the internet is equal. Through this principles, content providers such as Netflix, YouTube, and Wikipedia among others should be provided equal access to bandwidth resources by governments and ISPs. Furthermore, the same element also covers the censorship done by ISPs or the government, outlining that this act should be prohibited. Now, net neutrality if affected i.e. eliminated, all the participants of the internet, particularly, the end users will have a hard time accessing online resources. Essentially, a service provider will be able to give preferential treatment to some content in the expense of others. Furthermore, unlike today when ISPs are chosen based on the resources they offer visa vie their prices, the choice will shift to have extended requirements based on the specific content being accessed. Therefore, a business will first highlight the resources it needs e.g. Google apps, then select an ISP with the least cost for Google’s content. As such, the user’s choice will be limited as the ISPs will have unlimited power to charge any amount for any content given online. Finally, the speeds of accessing the internet will be regulated by the vendor and not the users.

In all, net neutrality allows end users (subscribers) to access the internet freely without the censorship of the government or the ISPs.

Robotics and automation have been accused of driving the levels of joblessness in the world. In particular, robots which are extensions of information technology are slowly replacing humans in the manufacturing industry. As such, a new form of industrial revolution is being experienced, one that does not include the human capital.

A holistic view of the issue at hand is given by the article where job losses, as well as their short and long-term effects, are highlighted. This resource was chosen because it gave an analysis of the current and future outcomes of IT implementation into the world.

Blockchain Technology

According to research, the decade between 2000 and 2010 saw the largest decline in manufacturing jobs in the world. This number was not only speculative but supported by international Bureau of Statistics, where previously the same institution had outlined an increase in the same jobs during the previous decade. Thus, the problem experienced during this period was facilitated by a factor or variable that was introduced in the past two decades. This variable was automation where the manufacturing industry heavily invested in the field to lower operation costs. In comparison, the existing talent was untrained and failed to update its skills which led to the results experienced. Therefore, in the future, technology will continue to replace outdated skills in the form of human capital investment. However, in the short term period, most of the companies will still maintain their valued talent for consistency reasons. This outcome will then change in the long term due to its unsustainability, similar to the outcomes of the industrial revolution when agriculture’s employment rate fell from 40% to 1% on account of technology.

In conclusion, therefore, technology may take away jobs but not as commonly perceived. Most of the manufacturing jobs will not end by 2020 as thought because of robots but will take time to adjust to the new structures. Thus with the right skills, people will still have their roles in the industry.

ML defines the ability of a machine to execute and learn actions without being explicitly commanded. The general idea is to have devices learn from their mistakes and thus reprogram their functions to meet the needs of the users. As a concept, the technology of ML came into existence in the early 1990s after the growth of data mining techniques. It is through these methods that identify patterns in data that ML gains variable insights to control activities. Therefore, similar to the goals of business intelligence, ML uses predictive analytics to make data-driven decisions. An example of this technology is seen on the internet where search engine use ML to improve the users’ search results. From this basic application, the concept further advances to mobile devices which can today take photos if user blinks or can suggest freeing up storage space when they detect it is almost full. In the near future, this technology will form the basis of all activities from the medical field where it will be used to predict diseases to the financial industry where it will perform advanced risk assessments. In all, ML enables systems developers to design applications that require minimal human intervention.

Through this article, one is able to understand that ML is a way of automating technological processes. In particular, applications become independent and make decisions based on the available data.

The resource chosen for this week’s discussion covers angular programming. The language selected for this architecture is TypeScript, which was first released to the public in 2012. An analysis of the features and uses of the language are provided by the article which is summarized below.

A useful material that highlights the future of web technologies which are usually facilitated by dynamic programming languages. Furthermore, the benefits of TypeScript are highlighted, which defines the selection made.

Most developers often ask the benefits of any new programming language before adopting it. To them, the proposed solutions should offer both technical and non-technical advantages as they both decide the usability of the systems created. As such, a new programming architecture should cover the concerns of application maintenance, productivity, the longevity of framework and the state of technology. On its behalf, TypeScript offers five general benefits and features; consistency, maintainability, productivity, modularity, and the ability to catch errors. The first two features are facilitated by its design framework that uses block components to execute codes, having three general elements; imports, decorators, and class. This block-like structure also extends the language productivity as the functional components look the same way thus can be re-used to create new systems. Thereafter, all the developed elements are fitted into distinguishable buckets (modules) which define the functionalities of each executed code. Finally, the systematic and logical structure of TypeScript makes it easier to identify errors.

In terms of application, TypeScript is suitable for dynamic systems more so those found on web pages. In fact, in its current model, developers use it to design client-based systems that deliver IT solutions to end users. In conclusion, therefore, the summary provided gives an insight into TypeScript a form of angular programming language. As a new design framework, TypeScript offers many benefits which are mostly inclined to a dynamic environment.

Bots are the new hype media of disseminating information to the public. Through them, the actions of activists are threatened, elections are stolen and presidents are engaged in distractive conversations. Now, the article highlighted in this section defines bots and how they are used to spread wrong information that affects human behavior.

The resource chosen highlights three general aspects of bots; their definition and effects, their future and finally how the users of the internet should respond to them. This structure offers a thorough account of the concept hence the choice of the article.

Bots are applications (software) that imitate human behaviors and actions. An example is illustrated by automated customer support systems that offer automated services to consumers. In the political scene, these programs can be designed to leave comments on social media posts or even flood users’ accounts with angry posts. Now, unlike humans, bots do not have other responsibilities thus are primarily designed to post as much content on the internet. Furthermore, a single bot can be developed with other assistant systems that act as its followers thus validate its points. In the end, a fake Twitter account, for instance, can spread a certain ideology because it is followed by thousands of other fake accounts (bots). Now, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stops bots as their technology is facilitated by the same agents who set out to destroy them. Companies such as Google and Amazon are creating artificial systems to interact with their consumers having the exact behaviors and characteristics of humans. The same technology is then exploited by bot developers to advance their missions.

Solutions to the bot problem lie in the developer themselves that is companies such as Facebook and Twitter. For one, they must label all bots as automated systems to alert the other users. Secondly, they must share their network data for analysis to enlighten users on the tactics used by bot developers. Finally, shadow algorithms that hide the content of bot accounts should be enforced to mitigate the problem as their outright ban has not solved the problem.

Reference:

Walton, J & Nguyen, T. 2018. What you need to know about the Meltdown and Spectre CPU exploits. PC Gamer. Available at: https://www.pcgamer.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-meltdown-and-spectre-cpu-exploits/ [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Toastytech. 2018. VisiCorp Visi On. GUI. Available at: https://lserv.deg.gubkin.ru/guis/vision.html [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Manz, B. 2018. Getting to IoT Ubiquity: Cellular versus LPWAN Connectivity. Mouser Electronics. Available at: https://eu.mouser.com/applications/getting-to-iot-ubiquity-cellular-vs-lpwan-connectivity/ [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Metaswicth. 2018. What is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)? Knowledge Center. Available at: https://www.metaswitch.com/knowledge-center/reference/what-is-session-initiation-protocol-sip [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Hassell, J. 2016. What is blockchain and how does it work? CIO from IDG. Available at: https://www.cio.com/article/3055847/security/what-is-blockchain-and-how-does-it-work.html [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Ironistic. 2017. How the net neutrality debate could affect your website? Media Mentions. Available at: https://www.ironistic.com/how-could-the-net-neutrality-debate-affect-your-website/ [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Heater, B. 2017. Technology is killing jobs, and only technology can save them. Tech Crunch. Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/26/technology-is-killing-jobs-and-only-technology-can-save-them/ [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Sarkar, S. 2016. Machine Learning: What is it and how is it used? RapidValue. Available at: https://www.rapidvaluesolutions.com/machine-learning-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-used/ [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

Machines often rely on human beings to perform their functions. In essence, devices such as computers cannot execute applications without the directions given by the user. In this article, the elements of Machine Learning (ML) are given together with their application.

Machine learning is often defined as a subset of Artificial Intelligence lacking a basic form of distinction. The paper chosen offers this basic level analysis where the defining elements and applications are provided, thus its selection.

Wahlin, D. 2017. 5 Key Benefits of Angular and TypeScript. Code with Dan. Available at: https://blog.codewithdan.com/2017/08/26/5-key-benefits-of-angular-and-typescript/ [Accessed 24 May, 2018]

DiResta, R., Little, J., Morgan, J., Neudert, L & Nimmo, B. 2017. The Bots That Are Changing Politics. Motherboard. Available at: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/mb37k4/twitter-facebook-google-bots-misinformation-changing-politics [Accessed 24 May, 2018]