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voidbert

97 karma · joined July 10, 2023

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voidbert··on Run RISC-V Binaries on AMD Zen-Series CPUs via Microcode Modification
So, could it be a feasable for a Zen CPU to have multiple microcode banks it switches between, so that it can run code in multiple architectures? For example, in addition to x86, some microcode for running WebAssembly or Java bytecode with native performance and no JIT overhead?
voidbert··on FOSDEM 2025: Streaming Schedule
If you are going to specific devrooms instead of specific talks, you usually don't need to wait in line before getting in. At least that was my experience last year: I got there early in the morning and the rooms were not very full.
voidbert··on SiFive's P550 Microarchitecture
From what I understand, this core tries to ourperform the A75 in IPC whilst using less area. However, the P550 cores run at a lower frequency (1.4GHz) than the A75 (2GHz). I wonder if this optimization for area, like in Zen4c, makes it impossible to drive the core at a high frequency, hindering its maximum performance. Nonetheless, it's a great RISC-V core, especially when compared to what brands like SpaceMit and Alibaba T-Head offer.
voidbert··on Picking Glibc Versions at Runtime
You can use bubblewrap, the sandbox Flatpak uses. However, the command lines will get pretty long.
voidbert··on What happened to the Japanese PC platforms?
And interestingly for a graphing calculator, it lacks an FPU, and all floating point math has to be done in software.
voidbert··on Turning Disposable Vapes into a Fast Charge Power Bank
If these vapes are disposable, wouldn't it be cheaper for the manufacturers to use non-rechageable battery technologies like the many ones on AA(A) batteries?
voidbert··on Japan wants its hardworking citizens to try a 4-day workweek
From what I read, Greece's policy was (partially) due to labour shortages during the tourism season, while Japan has lots of workers who work many unproductive hours (some just go to the office for the sake of going). I'd say they're different policies for quite different contexts.
voidbert··on RISC-V CPU arrives on a tablet starting at $149
If the tablet has both mainline kernel and uboot, it shouldn't be too hard for someone with embbeded Linux experience to port other distros over. However, there's quite a learning curve to doing it yourself.
voidbert··on RP2350 Hazard3 Added to LLVM
That was possible before when targeting RV32. If I understand correctly, this makes it possible for LLVM to use all RISC-V extensions supported by the core with a simple command line (the patch describes what features the core supports), resulting in better-optimized code.

However, to run any language on the Pi Pico, that language still needs to interop with Pico's SDK, which you'd have to do manually if no one created bindings yet.

voidbert··on Using alternative browser engines in the European Union
Even if someone got unsigned machine code execution on V8's or SpiderMonkey's JIT, the same could happen on JavaScript Core. All browsers could be vulnerable to something like this (it's just a matter of time before a vulnerability appears), and Apple should be focusing on securing their app sandbox.

In terms of privacy and third party apps, isn't the protection domain name based? Those are native apps, so browser protection wouldn't work.

voidbert··on EU Council to Vote on Chat Scanning Proposal on Thursday
Fixed deputy -> MEP. Thanks!
voidbert··on EU Council to Vote on Chat Scanning Proposal on Thursday
Most people are just concerned about economic and social issues, and the implications this proposal has on freedom of speech and what that means to democracy seems to be unknown to most. In Portugal, this proposal was not debated nor was it present on most parties' electoral agendas. Furthermore, I got no replies from the MEP candidates I emailed about their opinion on chatcontrol. Even if I wanted to vote accordingly to this proposal, I simply couldn't.
voidbert··on Goodbye to the C++ Implementation of Zig
(2022)
voidbert··on Intel-undervolt: CPU undervolting and throttling configuration tool for Linux
Please consider the risks of the following vulnerability before deciding whether or not to undervolt: https://plundervolt.com/
voidbert··on The European Union's remarkable growth performance relative to the United States
From an ethical perspective, tech monopolies aren't a very good idea. However, from a purely economics standpoint, tech giants make up a not insignificant part of the US's GDP.
voidbert··on Reddit Will License Its Data to Train LLMs, We Made a FF Extension to Replace
I don't know about singular posts, but if you wish to delete your account and all your data, they must comply.
voidbert··on Did any processor implement an integer square root instruction?
Yes, but the part that got me was the halving of the result followed by the clamping. SIMD generally makes sense, but for something like this to exist usually there's something very specific (like a certain video codec, for example) that greatly benefits from such a complex instruction.
voidbert··on Did any processor implement an integer square root instruction?
What task benefits from using such a complex instruction so easily dividable in simpler ones for it to be present in aarch64?
voidbert··on A disk so full, it couldn't be restored
But charging through many ports requires extra circuitry to support more power on every port, while booting from multiple ports just requires the boot sequence firmware to talk to more than one USB controller (like PC motherboards do, for example)
voidbert··on Don't dry your iPhone in a bag of rice, says Apple
Their argument doesn't even make any sense - rice particles may damage your already damaged phone.
voidbert··on Simple Mobile Tools suite to be acquired by Israeli adware company
They "can" because nothing will happen to them. Is anyone really going to sue?
voidbert··on PHP 8.3 Out, 60% Still on End-of-Life PHP7
Support for PHP7 has been discontinued. It's a matter of security, and performance is a plus. Upgrading systems has its cost, but the cost of data loss or leakage, exploitable through software that will not be patched anymore, will cost you even more.
voidbert··on A Footpath in England, Torn Down, Keeps Being Rebuilt by 'Fairies'
Demolishing these structures is simply unnecessary. Just put a sign up that says that, by crossing the bridge, you're responsible for any harm to yourself or others.

In Portugal, for example, there are plenty of old structures, like medieval walls, where it'd be destructive to install railings. A sign is simply put up to warn people that it might not be safe, and they are responsible for damages caused.

voidbert··on Ask HN: What's your favorite site for comparing laptops specs?
I usually just use a spreadsheet when I'm down to a few options. That way, I can compare stuff like IO, battery life from independent testers, etc., things that just aren't present in comparison websites.
voidbert··on I’m a microbiologist and here’s what (and where) I never eat
How likely is the rice contamination? I've been reheating rice all my life and never got food poisoning from it.
voidbert··on Linux 6.1.4 kernel running in pure Scratch code
Yes, you're correct. I just copied the author's title. It's impressive nonetheless.
voidbert··on European legislation could create liability for free-software developers
US schools receive funding based on the region they're in. Therefore, poor neighborhood => bad school.
voidbert··on Purism Launches New Secure Librem 11 Tablet
I think this won't be as successful as other Purism products, as there are plenty of alternatives that a privacy-minded user can buy, that don't cost Purism's inflated prices (e.g.: see Starlabs' new tablet). At least their phones were less finicky than the PinePhone.
voidbert··on A basic guide to using Asian names
As a westerner, when Japanese names are written out, I like having the family name capitalized. That way, you can write YAMADA Koji or Koji YAMADA, and I'll know what to call you.
voidbert··on Ask HN: Can you end up on the “No Fly” list for putting AirTags in your luggage?
Having more than 100mL of liquid is also not allowed, but you won't get on the no fly list for that. They'll just ask you to throw it out. Not sure about airtags, but it could be the same.
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