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A Quantum Linear Equation Solver
joe writes "Aram Harrow and colleagues have just published on the arXiv a quantum algorithm for solving systems of linear equations (paper, PDF). Until now, the only quantum algorithms of practical consequence have been Shor's algorithm for prime factoring, and Feynman-inspired quantum simulation algorithms. All other algorithms either solve problems with no known practical applications, or produce only a polynomial speedup versus classical algorithms. Harrow et. al.'s algorithm provides an exponential speedup over the best-known classical algorithms. Since solving linear equations is such a common task in computational science and engineering, this algorithm makes many more important problems that currently use thousands of hours of CPU time on supercomputers amenable to significant quantum speedup. Now we just need a large-scale quantum computer. Hurry up, guys!"
I know quantum is the 'new toy' in computer science, but seriously, until these quantum computers exist and are cheap enough to fill datacentres with, no-one outside of academia is going to get any useful work from them.
I define useful work as gaining a Ph.D or justifying grants. Besides, fast linear equation solvers are only good if you can actually get what you need to run them.
No, to be really useful, quantum computing has to be as easy to afford and deploy as current computing technology.
As it happens I'm currently grappling with trying to create an ODE solver that works superQuickFast using normal computers. Unless someone buys be a quantum computer I think I'll be working this way for a fair while yet.
A learning experience is one of those things that say, 'You know that thing you just did? Don't do that.' - D. Adams
The unfortunate darker side of online anonymity.
Dark skin is unfortunate, eh, you racist shit-sniffer?
Yeah, and maybe then the URBAN BLACK MAN will stop robbing (and MURDERING) white people, and everyone else, for fucking money. To buy what? Food? Yeah right. Drugs. Alcohol. Fucking DVDs.
You think THAT behavior isn't infantile? Do you seriously not have a shiver of worry go through you when you are approaching one of those fucking thugs on the street? With their idiotic strut, their puffy North Face jackets, and the sullen look of a fucking ANIMAL on their faces? Let's be realistic here. I am guessing that you do not live in a major city, right? If you do, try to count the number of times you have seen one of these "people" smile. You probably won't need ANY hands to do it.
When black people stop being the number one criminal race, per capita, in the country, I will change my views. No question. Until then, I will treat THEM like they treat US.
TELL ME IF I AM WRONG. PLEASE! I DO NOT LIKE BEING HATEFUL, AND I DO NOT WANT TO BE HATEFUL ANYMORE, BUT THE EVIDENCE IS JUST OVERWHELMING. I CANNOT HELP IT.
Moderated TROLL? Oh my, you people still don't get it, do you? You still believe that crap they spoonfed you in fifth grade social studies class, don't you? "Racism is bad! Look at the civil rights movement! Everyone is created equal! We are forced, by the government, to teach these lies because otherwise the powers that be will be voted out by the NAACP!" It is bullshit, and you need to revise your views based on evidence.
Racism is NOT evil. We are taught that it is the worst thing in the world, right? WHY IS IT SO BAD? It's viewed on par with RAPE! What the fuck? How did this START?
Racism is healthy. Fear of the "outsider" is why human beings survived.
Argh. But of course, your little sensibilities will be offended. Good fucking fuck. Open your eyes.
I DON'T HATE ALL BLACK PEOPLE! JUST THE FUCKING URBAN THUGS!