HackerNews Summary (2023-04-26 09AM)

Source: The shrinking role of semaphores [LWN.net]

Summary
The role of semaphores in the Linux kernel has changed drastically over the years. Once the default concurrency-control mechanism, they have been replaced by more sophisticated and optimized tools such as mutexes and lockless algorithms.

Fact

🔧 Semaphores are an integer counter used to control access to a resource in the kernel

📅 Semaphores were first introduced in the Linux kernel in the 0.96 release in May 1992, with support for SCSI devices

💻 The first implementation of general-purpose semaphores for the kernel itself showed up in the 0.99.15c release in February 1994, with the virtual filesystem layer as its initial user

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Source: Sweden launches research rocket, accidentally hits Norway

Summary
A research rocket launched from Sweden’s Esrange Space Center malfunctioned, causing it to land in neighbouring Norway, 15 km away, at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Subsequently, work is underway to retrieve the payload while investigations are being carried out. Norwegian authorities are waiting for the Swedish authorities to formally report the incident.

Fact

🚀 The research rocket launched from Esrange Space Center malfunctioned and landed 15 km inside Norway.

🔬 The rocket reached an altitude of 250 km and experiments were done in zero gravity.

🔍 Investigations are being carried out to determine the cause of the rocket’s unplanned flight path.

👮‍♂️ Norwegian authorities were not informed of the incident, and work to salvage any wreckage required prior consent.

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Source: Inspiration in Focus

Summary
Mavic 3 Pro drone features a triple-camera system that allows for multiple focal lengths, providing superior capabilities for multi-scenario photography.

Fact

📷 Mavic 3 Pro has a triple-camera system that can switch between various focal lengths.

🌅 The drone allows for distinct composition styles for different scenarios.

🚁 The tri-camera aerial photography improves efficiency and creativity.

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Source: Microsoft Edge is Leaking the Sites You Visit To Bing

Summary
Microsoft’s Edge browser is under investigation for potentially sending user data to Bing API website without permission.

Fact

🔍 Microsoft Edge sends users’ full URL of nearly every page to bingapis.com without permission.

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