Python programming for AI

Why Python is the programming language of choice for AI developers:

https://www.itpro.com/software/development/why-python-is-the-programming-language-of-choice-for-ai-developers

DIY AI PC Builds

How to Build the Best AI PC - The AI revolution has arrived. Is your PC ready? (2024)
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2226887/build-the-best-ai-pc.html
"The most essential component in a next-gen AI computer is the Graphics Processing Unit. Originally built for high-end gaming and design workflows, GPUs are vastly superior to CPUs at running math-intensive calculations in parallel, which is essential to fast AI performance with deep learning and large language models ..."

"NVIDIA and its GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs in particular have led the way in developing AI applications.
...
A GeForce RTX 4090 Ti GPU will perform up to 1.7x faster than a prior generation RTX 3090 GPU in AI applications, so it's worth prioritizing the GPU upgrade over CPU performance if you're on a budget."


How to Build an AI PC (2024):
https://www.cclonline.com/article/2215/Blog/CCL-Specialist-Gaming-PCs/How-to-Build-an-AI-PC/
"With the advent of the Nvidia 40 series GPUs and Intel and AMD CPUs embedded with cutting-edge AI technology, users now have access to hardware that not only excels in traditional computing tasks, but also possesses the neural prowess to tackle complex AI workloads with ease."
"Some of both Intel and AMD's newest lineups of CPUs come fitted with a specialised block called a Neural Processing Unit, or NPU for short. "


Best PC for Machine Learning – An entry-level Guide (2022):

https://www.cgdirector.com/best-pc-machine-learning/

"CPU Recommendations:

•     Performance – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X: With 24 cores and 48 threads, this Threadripper comes with improved energy efficiency and exceptional cooling and computation.
•     Value – Intel Core i7-12700K: At a combined 12 cores and 20 threads, you get fast work performance and computation speed.
•     Budget – Intel Core i5-12600K: With a combined 10 cores and 16 threads, you get a great CPU at an amazing price."

"GPU Recommendations:

•     Performance – GeForce RTX 3090 super: This absolute beast of a GPU is powered by Nvidia's Ampere (2nd gen) architecture and comes with high-end encoding and computing performance and 24GB of GDDR6X RAM. It will chew through anything you throw at it.
•     Value – GeForce RTX 3060: Based on the same architecture as the RTX 3090, the RTX 3060 is an excellent card with RT and Tensor cores that'll give great training performance and efficiency.
•     Budget – GeForce GTX 1060: The GTX 1060 is still a respectable GPU when it comes to most tasks, however, I wouldn't expect much when it comes to large parameter deep learning models or neural networks."

"RAM Recommendations

•     Performance – Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 X 16GB) 3600MHz DDR4 C18
•     Value – Crucial Ballistix 16GB (2 x 8GB) 3000MHz DDR4 CL15"

"Storage Recommendations

•     Performance – Samsung 980 Pro 1TB NVMe Gen 4 SSD
•     Value – Samsung 980 500GB NVMe Gen 3 SSD
•     Budget – Crucial MX500 250GB SSDs"

"Motherboard Recommendations

•     Performance – ASRock TRX40 Creator – Best motherboard for AMD Threadrippers
•     Performance – Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER – Best motherboard for Intel Alder Lake CPUs
•     Value – Gigabyte Z690 UD – Best motherboard for budget Intel Alder Lake CPUs"

Derringers - a few reviews

4 Best Derringers: Our Favorite Tiny Bois:  https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-derringers/

• Easiest to Conceal - Bond Arms Backup  (.45 ACP or 9mm)
• Editor's Pick - Bond Arms Snake Slayer (.357 Mag/.38 Special or .45 LC/.410.)
• Easiest to Shoot - Bond Arms Ranger II (.45 LC/.410.)
• Highest Capacity - North American Arms Pug (NAA Mini Revolver) .22 LR/.22 Magnum

The 5 Best Derringers in 2024:  https://thegunzone.com/best-derringers/

• Bond Arms – Snake Slayer IV Centerfire Derringer – Best Derringer For Snake Country
• Pedersoli Philadelphia Derringer – Best Target Shooting Derringer
• Bond Arms Rowdy 45 LC/410 Gauge – 2 Round Derringer With Break Open Double Barrel – Best Sighted Derringer
• The Cobra Derringer – .38 Special from Bearman – Best Budget Derringer
• Bond Arms Texas Defender – Best Over Under Double Barrel Derringer

Retirement planning myths: Mistakes to avoid when planning | Ameriprise Financial

https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/retirement/shedding-light-on-the-myths-of-retirement

Keto German Chocolate Cake recipe

https://plantbasedandveganism.com/keto-german-chocolate-cake-a-symphony-of-decadence-and-delight-1008ak/

Used Vehicle Parts | Precision Auto Parts

For 2015 Cherokee motor …
https://www.shopused.com/used-vehicle-parts.html

Logitech Media Server - Wikipedia

Unlike some cloud based devices, this can be run on your own server …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logitech_Media_Server

2015 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE ENGINE REPLACEMENT - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lELCDUlwew

2015 Jeep Cherokee Review & Ratings | Edmunds

https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/cherokee/2015/review/

What Does the Green and Red Light Mean on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

https://raspberrytips.com/green-and-red-light-on-raspberry-pi/

20 Years in the Making, GnuCOBOL Is Ready for Industry - The New Stack

https://thenewstack.io/20-years-in-the-making-gnucobol-is-ready-for-industry/

Deliberate Obfuscation for Data Security & Privacy

Achieving Data Privacy Through Data Obfuscation:

https://www.privacy.us/pub/Data_Obfuscation_2009.html

Data Obfuscation Explained: https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/data-obfuscation/

"Benefits of Data Obfuscation

1.     Improved Data Security: Obfuscating data makes it harder for malicious actors to access and misuse sensitive information. By obscuring data, organizations can protect their critical information from potential breaches.
2.     Reduced Risk of Regulatory Fines: Data obfuscation can help organizations comply with data privacy regulations and avoid hefty fines.
3.     Improved Data Sharing: Data obfuscation enables organizations to share data with third parties without compromising the privacy of its customers or employees.
4.     Reduced Data Storage Costs: By reducing the size of datasets through data obfuscation, organizations can reduce the cost of storing and managing data.
5.     Improved Data Analysis: Obfuscated data can provide insights into larger datasets that may not be accessible otherwise. This can help organizations better understand customer behavior or detect patterns in large datasets."

The Role of Deliberate Obfuscation for Overall Data Security and Privacy:
https://securityintelligence.com/the-role-of-deliberate-obfuscation-for-overall-data-security-and-privacy/
"A new book by two New York University professors offers a fresh perspective on how individuals and corporations can hide their more private information in plain sight. The book, "Obfuscation: A User's Guide for Privacy and Protest," surveys the more interesting historical examples of the notion and provides some interesting context for practical use."  https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/obfuscation

Privacy engineering through obfuscation: https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.12514

Privacy Games: Optimal User-Centric Data Obfuscation (May 2015):
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260211822_Privacy_Games_Optimal_User-Centric_Data_Obfuscation

Gordons Reloading Tool - download

https://grtools.de/doku.php?id=download

Win-11 improvement products

There are some good reviews for these Win-11 improvements:

Windows 11's best Start menu alternative: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-11s-best-start-menu-alternative-gets-even-better-with-a-new-auto-hide-option-for-the-taskbar

Start11™ - The Industry's Most Advanced Start Menu:  https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/
(Free trial available)  Single PC: $6.99, Up to 5 PCs: $14.99
"From the basics like returning the right-click menu on the taskbar to ungrouping of windows on the taskbar. You can also choose to have your icons centered on the taskbar with your Start menu left aligned."
"When working with multiple devices across various versions of Windows, Start11 can help you create a common desktop experience.
    * Create a search experience that is the same on each desktop without any advertisements."
"... remove unwanted outside content and sections of the Start menu that you don't want to see."
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Windows 11's best File Explorer alternative: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11-best-file-explorer-alternative-just-updated
Files App ($8.99):  https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nghp3dx8hdx
"Files features tabs for easy switching between different folders, a column layout for quick file browsing, and dual pane support for efficient file management. In addition, you can easily create and extract zipped archives with just a few clicks, making file compression and decompression a breeze."

One Commander is a free alternative File Manager for Windows 11/10: 

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/one-commander-alternate-file-manager-for-windows

"OneCommander is a modern file manager for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Features include tabs, dual-pane browsers, columns navigation, built-in preview, a theming system, color tags, and much more. It is free for home use and has no ads."
"While it's rather simple to use, the layout needs a bit of understanding. So when you select dual pane or columns mode, it looks like four windows. Each of the panes has two parts. The top part shows folders and drives only, while the bottom section displays files as well."
https://www.onecommander.com/   or Get it from the Microsoft store.  
NOTE: "The Store version of OneCommander has some limitations compared to the standalone versions because it runs under some Microsoft Store constraints:

    * Operations on files in AppData and some system folders is limited for Store apps
    * Per-operation elevation is not permitted - ex: copying into a folder without access will show UAC prompt but will fail, so elevating the OneCommander itself is the only way (Ctrl+Shift+F12) but not recommended
    * There might be additional security permissions limitations due to permission bugs in packaged apps (a few users have reported that opening Office files would fail with permissions error)
    * Always one or two versions behind the standalone versions due to time it takes to pass Store certification and potential delay for managing critical updates"  

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Best Desktop Management Software for Windows 11/10:  https://www.thewindowsclub.com/best-desktop-management-software-for-windows-computers
    * Scalefusion - caters to the needs of enterprises
    * Desktop Central - suitable for small & medium enterprises, along with large businesses
    * Connect Wise - Emphasises security (AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication). Designed so that a users can always access any devices from any location. Compatibility across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux/Unix.
    * ninjaOne - Cloud-based - facilitates remote monitoring and support tasks.
    * Splashtop - Supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android ... remote support solution for a larger user base.

What Is the Difference Between CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM in Windows?

Useful diagnostic tools for windows PCs:
https://www.makeuseof.com/difference-between-chkdsk-sfc-and-dism-in-windows-10/

Windows-as-a-nuisance: How I clean up a “clean install” of Windows 11 and Edge | Ars Technica

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/what-i-do-to-clean-up-a-clean-install-of-windows-11-23h2-and-edge/

Gunsmithing Online College - Sonoran Desert Institute

Search for reviews & tuition costs before considering providing personal info.
https://sdins.tempurl.host/gunsmithing-online-college/