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averageValentin

116 karma · joined November 16, 2022

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averageValentin··on Ask HN: What should I do with my leftover bandwidth?
A few years back, I was in a similar situation and found BOINC(https://boinc.berkeley.edu/) to be a great way to contribute. It's a platform that lets you support various scientific research projects by sharing your computational power and bandwidth. However, it's worth noting that BOINC might tends to be more CPU/GPU intensive rather than bandwidth-heavy(I'm not entirely sure about its bandwidth usage)
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Does Compiling to WebAssembly Prevent Issues with Unsafe Languages?
Appreciate the clarification. You're right that WebAssembly doesn't enforce bounds checking within its linear memory, allowing for out-of-bounds writes within the allocated space. While it does enhance security at the host boundary, it doesn't absolve the need for careful memory management within the WebAssembly module itself
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Does Compiling to WebAssembly Prevent Issues with Unsafe Languages?
Compiling to WebAssembly can mitigate certain issues, specificaly with memory safety in unsafe languages like C.

Take this C function: void write_to_buffer(char *buffer, unsigned int size, char value) { for (unsigned int i = 0; i <= size; ++i) { buffer[i] = value; // Unsafe: can write past the buffer if size is too large } }

Compiled to native code, an incorect size can lead to a buffer overflow. However, if you compile this to WebAssembly, the out-of-bounds write would be caught by the WebAssembly runtime, preventing a potential security flaw. But it doesn't eliminate the need for good coding practices, it does add a layer of protection against some kinds of memory-related errors

averageValentin··on Ask HN: Why is the technical cert industry so broken?
I've seen this too, and it's incredibly frustrating. Certs should be a stepping stone into the industry, not a stumbling block. It feels like the focus is more on making money from retakes rather than ensuring the test reflects actual job skills. The mismatch between study materials and test questions is disheartening for anyone trying to advance their career or break into a new field. We need a system where the effort put into learning is matched by the value of the certification gained.
averageValentin··on The Useless Web
Love the maze one
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Could a pregnant woman with COVID-19 pass the virus onto the child?
There have been a few documented cases where vertical transmission might have occurred, but it appears to be a rare event (most newborns tested shortly after birth are negative for the virus)
averageValentin··on Ask HN: API Key Authentication System Inspiration
In-memory databases like Redis might be used to cache the key-to-scope relationship. However, the specifics of this implementation could be confidential.
averageValentin··on Show HN: An anxiety-reducing extension that applies mute lists across the web
This is a neat concept! I've been curating a muted list on UBlock Origin to avoid certain content, but your extension seems to streamline this process across platforms, which is great. How do you handle differing site structures to ensure consistent hiding/blurring? Does the extension learn over time or is it more of a set-and-forget type of tool?
averageValentin··on Largest climate trial before European human rights court targets 32 governments
The ongoing climate case before the ECHR represents a pivotal juncture in the intersection of law, climate science, and human rights. It's fascinating and alarming to witness young individuals framing climate change as a violation of their human rights. They're not just speaking of a distant future - they're discussing the here and now. If the courts affirm this stance, it could redefine our global responsibilities and priorities surrounding climate action.

The sheer number of countries implicated (32 European nations) makes this case unprecedented. A verdict in favor of the plaintiffs would not just be a moral win, but a legal game-changer. It could lay the groundwork for future cases worldwide and drastically influence national climate policies.

The defendants' stance that the plaintiffs haven't shown direct harm is intriguing. Climate change impacts are often gradual and systemic, making it challenging to pin specific events or harms to it. However, if the courts recognize the presented evidence as compelling, this could redefine the threshold of evidence required in future climate cases.

The possible outcomes are vast. On one hand, governments might be forced to expedite climate initiatives, reshape their energy infrastructure, and face potential economic consequences. On the other, if the defendants win, it could cast doubt on the viability of such legal challenges in the future. Regardless of the verdict in 2024, this case underlines the growing urgency and the evolving perspectives on climate change. It's no longer a distant, abstract concern but a clear and present threat that today's youth are unwilling to passively inherit.

averageValentin··on Ask HN: Do high refresh rate monitors make it hard to go back?
Haha, a break from the computer can always be refreshing. Given your gaming preferences, the higher refresh rate would indeed provide a smoother experience. But remember, it's all about balance. Enjoy your gaming, and those occasional breaks!
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Do high refresh rate monitors make it hard to go back?
From personal experience, once you get used to a high refresh rate, it can be a bit jarring to go back to 60Hz, especially in fast-paced games. But for graphic design and less intense applications, it shouldn’t be a big issue. It really depends on what you prioritize in your experience
averageValentin··on Ask HN: What should a recent CS grad that is unemployed and looking for work do?
Hi! It sounds like the job market is challenging right now, especially for new CS grads. I understand it's frustrating, especially when even top students from reputed schools face hurdles. My advice would be to keep networking, possibly through smaller, local tech events or online communities. Consider building or contributing to open-source projects; this can make you stand out and gain practical experience at the same time. It might also be a good time to upskill or learn something new. Stay persistent and remember, difficult times often bring out the best in us. Bonne chance!
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Can you help me find a blog that has been linked here before?
Didn't find anything
averageValentin··on Ask HN: 502/504 errors from OpenAI for Dalle
I've noticed similar issues with ChatGPT. Perhaps OpenAI's systems are seeing high usage right now.
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?
I totally understand the challenge of finding clients with consulting. Maybe partnering with someone who complements your skills could be a way forward, handling the client-facing parts while you dive deep into the technical side. Just a thought!

If tech writing piqued your interest, maybe start by contributing to open-source projects or writing technical blogs. It'll help you get a feel for it and build a portfolio.

Wishing you the very best in your journey. Your openness to exploring new directions is inspiring! :)

averageValentin··on Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?
First off, hats off to you for speaking up about your challenges. Not everyone has the courage to do so. Given your expertise and strong technical skills, I believe there are many roles you could be a fit for, especially in the tech world.

Many companies and startups appreciate engineers who can deep dive into tasks without constant interruptions. Have you considered roles like a Backend Developer, Systems Engineer, or even Research positions in the tech field? These often require minimal interaction compared to some other roles, and you can predominantly rely on your technical skills.

Remote work has also gained a lot of traction over the last few years, and you could look for positions that allow for this flexibility. Being remote could reduce the number of meetings and allow you to focus on tasks. Also, written communication becomes vital in remote positions, which sounds like a strength of yours.

If you're open to branching out, tech writing or documentation might be a direction to consider. Here, your technical knowledge would be invaluable, and you'd be mainly communicating in writing.

Lastly, have you thought about freelancing or consulting? With your experience, you could take on projects that align with your strengths and set boundaries on your terms.

Whatever you decide, remember that everyone has their unique strengths and challenges. Finding the right fit can take time, but it's out there. Best of luck, and hang in there! :)

averageValentin··on Ask HN: How would I go about selling my small B2B business?
You might want to consider listing your business on platforms like Flippa or Empire Flippers. They're popular for selling online businesses. Additionally, engage in relevant online forums or Facebook groups where entrepreneurs often look for businesses to buy. Make sure to have your financials and business details ready for potential buyers. Good luck!
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Can you help me find a blog that has been linked here before?
Do you have a specific time window in mind? (1 year ago, 2 months ago...)
averageValentin··on AI Unleashed: Virtual Characters with Humanlike Behavior (Stanford)
I recently came across a fascinating piece about Stanford's new 'generative agents'. Unlike traditional NPCs, these virtual characters use large language models to exhibit convincingly humanlike behaviors based on their given "biographies". The implications extend from gaming to potential game-changers in social science through "social prototyping". However, this advancement isn't without its ethical dilemmas. Curious about this community's thoughts on the potential and pitfalls of such a breakthrough.
averageValentin··on The Effects of Noise on Health (2022)
I try to determine where the main sources of noise are and I ask about the insulation of the apartment (double glazing, thickness of the walls, the front door ...) with some experiences you will be able to determine your level of acceptance
averageValentin··on The Effects of Noise on Health (2022)
> My stress levels decreased after getting a pair of AirPods Pro 2. It literally creates a cone of silence around me.

I've never thought about this feature. It looks very amazing!

averageValentin··on DNA: SSDs of the future will be radically different
I disagree with you, the main problem with our current storage is the energy consumption and use of natural resources. Also, the fact that data capacity is growing so much more than storage capacity is alarming. Of course, we are still in the early stages of this technology, but it has so many advantages, just the fact that data from a single data center could be stored in only 5 grams of dna is astounding

And please, what are your sources regarding "more expensive and less reliable than existing tech for decades". While our current ssd and hdd can last 5-10 years, dna could potentially store them for thousands of years.

averageValentin··on Americans don't choose to be fat. Many live within a 'system they don't control'
It reminds me a reportage of Arte, about how a significant part of the American population is a victim of their system. Most of them grow up in an underprivileged neighborhood, where access to healthy food is more difficult, where soda ads are ubiquitous
averageValentin··on Ask HN: Is there a decent alternate to Spotify?
pandora.com is my favorite, their algorithm to make you discover new songs is amazing. But you won't find as many songs as on Spotify. Maybe you should look at youtube music
averageValentin··on Ask HN: How will social networks recognize AI-generated disinformation?
I read an article in the NYT talking about this topic. The naive idea is to think that we will be able to create tools with AI to manage this kind of disinformation. We all know what happened at the capitol in 2021, with an even more advanced disinformation, what could it lead to?

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/technology/ai-chatbots-go...

averageValentin··on Ask HN: How will social networks recognize AI-generated disinformation?
What you say is interesting. A few weeks ago I created my reddit account. It's a bit complicated to get started but the discussions are so much more interesting. The fact that you have to have karma points to post is very interesting. But the problem with creating closed groups is that these people won't have access to different points of view.
averageValentin··on Ask HN: What games are your kids learning the most from?
I'm 25 yo. From 6 to 13 Pokemon then Minecraft since 2012. I learnt a lot from these games, from patience to perseverance, from just finishing to speedrunning games. And 9 years ago I started to play chess, now I'm in the top 5% world, the strategy behind it looks impressive but this is especially about your knowledges.
averageValentin··on Ask HN: A Tool to plan KPIs and keep track of them?
Isn't google analytics + excel enough ? I used to use only this to report my PPC metrics and it was fine. There are plenty of solutions but it was very simple and easy to do. Maybe you should just look for an Excel template ?

But maybe you can look at https://www.kpitracker.io/

averageValentin··on Ask HN: I'm sending emails from my website to my Gmail but nothing arrive
It was very useful to configure everything, thank you
averageValentin··on Ask HN: I'm sending emails from my website to my Gmail but nothing arrive
Done, thank you
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