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Computing in the Depression Era
From Communications of the ACM

Computing in the Depression Era

Since its beginning, the computer industry has been through several major recessions, each occurring  approximately five years...

Contagious Craziness, Spreading Sanity
From Communications of the ACM

Contagious Craziness, Spreading Sanity

Some examples of the upward or downward spiral of behaviors in the workplace.

Is It Too Much To Expect Judges In Tech Related Cases To Understand Tech?
From ACM Opinion

Is It Too Much To Expect Judges In Tech Related Cases To Understand Tech?

In another case where basic technology illiteracy leads a judge to make very questionable statements, a judge declared that because a specific phrase ("spoiled...

The Case Against Literary (and Software) Patents
From ACM Opinion

The Case Against Literary (and Software) Patents

Imagine the outcry if the courts were to legalize patents on English prose. Suddenly, you could get a "literary patent" on novels employing a particular kind of...

Actually, Obama Doesn't Want to Take Over The Internet
From ACM Opinion

Actually, Obama Doesn't Want to Take Over The Internet

A number of people are up in arms about a new bill going through the U.S. Senate that allows President Obama to "take over private networks." Oh no! That would...

Dhs Cybersecurity Chiefs Speak Out
From ACM TechNews

Dhs Cybersecurity Chiefs Speak Out

As federal agencies continue to brainstorm ways to effectively oversee cybersecurity, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing its foothold...

An Interview with Maurice Wilkes
From Communications of the ACM

An Interview with Maurice Wilkes

Maurice Wilkes, the designer and builder of the EDSAC, passed away on Nov. 29 at age 97. He reflects on his career in this 2009 interview.

An Interview with Maurice Wilkes
From Communications of the ACM

An Interview with Maurice Wilkes

Maurice Wilkes, the designer and builder of the EDSAC, passed away on Nov. 29 at age 97. He reflects on his career in this 2009 interview.

The Long Road to Computer Science Education Reform
From Communications of the ACM

The Long Road to Computer Science Education Reform

Viewing the factors impeding improvements to CS education from kindergarten through grade 12 from a policy perspective.

How ICT Advances Might Help Developing Nations
From Communications of the ACM

How ICT Advances Might Help Developing Nations

Some predictions for technology developments, deployments, and the associated societal implications.

Computing: The Fourth Great Domain of Science
From Communications of the ACM

Computing: The Fourth Great Domain of Science

Computing is as fundamental as the physical, life, and social sciences.

Keeping Track of Telecommunications Surveillance
From Communications of the ACM

Keeping Track of Telecommunications Surveillance

The creation of a statistical index of U.S. telecommunications surveillance activities and their results will benefit both civil liberties and law enforcement.

From ACM Opinion

How Wolfram Alpha Could Change Software

The upstart "computational knowledge engine" claims its results are original works, raising important questions about software and intellectual property.

Viewpoint: Time For Computer Science to Grow Up
From Communications of the ACM

Viewpoint: Time For Computer Science to Grow Up

As the computer science field has evolved, so should the methods for disseminating computing research results.

Privacy and Security: An Ethics Code For U.S. Intelligence Officers
From Communications of the ACM

Privacy and Security: An Ethics Code For U.S. Intelligence Officers

Debating and arguing the points of a proposed code of behavior to provide guidance in making choices can produce the most effective ethics training.

Education: Alice 3
From Communications of the ACM

Education: Alice 3: Concrete to Abstract

The innovative Alice 3 programming environment, currently in beta testing, teaches students to program with Alice and Java software.

Economic and Business Dimensions: Entrepreneurship During a Slump
From Communications of the ACM

Economic and Business Dimensions: Entrepreneurship During a Slump

A contrarian's perspective on how entrepreneurial opportunities and innovation can thrive during an economic crisis.

Robotics Engineer Aims to Give Robots a Humane Touch
From ACM TechNews

Robotics Engineer Aims to Give Robots a Humane Touch

Georgia Institute of Technology robotics engineer Ronald Arkin has dedicated his life's work to the development of ethical battlefield robots embedded with a sense...

Robotics Engineer Aims to Give Robots a Humane Touch
From ACM TechNews

Robotics Engineer Aims to Give Robots a Humane Touch

Georgia Institute of Technology robotics engineer Ronald Arkin has dedicated his life's work to the development of ethical battlefield robots embedded with a sense...

Open, Closed, or Clopen Access?
From Communications of the ACM

Open, Closed, or Clopen Access?

A frequent question I hear about Communications, and about ACM publishing in general, involves its access model. I am asked: "Why don't you adopt the open-access...
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