HackerNews Summary (2023-05-19 12PM)

Source: Switching from QWERTY to Colemak and Back

Summary
The Colemak keyboard layout promises increased efficiency and reduced muscle fatigue when typing, but the initial switch can be challenging and requires a significant amount of time and effort. While Colemak is comfortable, it can be incompatible with multiple computers and VIM bindings. Switching back to QWERTY can result in a significant drop in speed, but it can be regained over time.

Fact

💻 Colemak is not built into Windows computers, but can be used with portable programs like AHK.

📈 It took around 5 months for the author to reach 86 WPM in Colemak.

🔙 After switching back to QWERTY, the author’s typing speed initially dropped to 10 WPM but eventually increased to higher than before.

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Source: MetricsAttractAttention

Summary
After upgrading their Ubuntu 18.04 ZFS fileservers to Ubuntu 22.04 and collecting metrics through host agents, the author noticed unusual data on their servers. However, they found that there was no indication that these were a threat to their servers and that these metrics are necessary in understanding their servers’ normal operating state.

Fact

📊 Metrics attract attention and provide insight on a system’s normal operating state

🔎 Collecting data and processing it can assist in identifying any anomalies or issues that may arise

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Source: US Air Force Shoots Down Drone Swarm With THOR Microwave Weapon

Summary
The US Air Force’s (USAF) Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR) microwave weapon neutralized a swarm of drones in a recent simulation conducted at the Chestnut Test Site in New Mexico. The weapon proved effective in disabling the swarm, marking an important step in countering drone threats.

Facts

🔫 THOR weapon system employs non-kinetic and speed-of-light microwave pulses to knock drones out of the sky.

🕹️ The THOR weapon system neutralized a drone swarm attack on military assets during a test, demonstrating its capability to combat sophisticated threats.

💰 The US military has invested billions in enhancing its counter-drone capabilities as drones become increasingly advanced.

🌍 The directed energy investments have risen to create more effective protection against drone swarms for the safety of US military personnel worldwide.

🔥 The USAF plans to deploy the Leonidas high-power microwave weapon and a 20-kilowatt anti-drone high-energy laser mounted on infantry squad vehicles, in addition to THOR.

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