Microsoft makes source code of MS-DOS for public free access

The source code of the operating systems MS- DOS 1:25 and 2.0 and the word processor Word for Windows 1.1a can be viewed or downloaded from the website of the Computer History Museum. Microsoft handed over the source code for the benefit of future generation. With the handover of the source code if future generations can study the roots of the personal computing, Microsoft justifies his action.

The Museum in Mountain View, California, was previously also passed Apple's first DOS as well as the source of Adobe Photoshop 1.0. Microsoft's MS -DOS was commissioned by IBM. The future Windows manufacturer licensed the base of the operating system from Seattle Computer Products and developed it according to the wishes of the PC manufacturer IBM.

There it was delivered under the name PC -DOS on PCs. Other producers have launched the operating system under the name MS -DOS on their own computer. The entire assembler source code of PC-DOS 1.1 or MS- DOS includes only 1:25 300 Kbytes and 12 Kbytes needed in memory. PC-DOS 1.1 was released in May 1982, the appropriate version of MS- DOS 1:25 first appeared and in August of that same year it appeared on the double-sided diskette with 360 Kbytes.

MS- DOS 2.0 was released in March 1983, after Microsoft had largely developed the operating system. The device drivers were loaded individually, and save files in the newly created subdirectories. In addition, MS -DOS 2.0 supported 10 MB of hard drives stuffed in the PC - XT computer from IBM.

Word for Windows 1.1a was almost simultaneously published in November 1989 with Windows 2:11. It was next to Microsoft Excel and PageMaker, Adobe is one of the first applications for the fledgling operating system with graphical user interface. Meanwhile, the server of the Computer History Museum can be reached again and the source code can be downloaded. He is under a special license that allows you to compile and modify for a non commercial use.

Soft robotic fish that swims like a real fish

MIT researchers have recently created a synthetic fish made from soft robotics technology. Based on bio mimicry, this flexible and autonomous robot is able to move almost as fast as any true aquatic vertebrate. The prototype was made of silicone printed in 3D, so that it can move with fluidity to withstand shocks and collisions with other fellow species of the ocean bed. It is fully autonomous, synthetic fish is provided with a shank comprising two sections.

In addition to making quick movements, it has great freedom in its movements. It also uses carbon dioxide to "breathe" underwater. Daniela Rus, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of the MIT Computer artificial intelligence laboratory told that they are very proud of their flexible robot for a variety of reasons. With flexible robots, there is little danger of collision for the robot or the environment. But the new robotic fish was designed to explore another advantage of flexible robots. The body deforms continuously gives these machines an infinite range of configurations, and it is not possible with machines articulated according to Daniella.

Continuous curvature of the fish body flexes when it allows changing direction so quickly. Hence this robot rigid body can make continuous bending of its body. The robotic fish was built by Andrew Marchese, a graduate student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from MIT. They explained that the evolved carbon dioxide from a canister in the abdomen of the fish results in the swelling of the duct and the bending of the tail.

Each half of the tail of the fish has only two control parameters that is the diameter of the nozzle which releases gas in the channel and the time during which it remains open. In the experiments, Andrew found that the angle at which the fish changes direction is almost entirely determined by the duration of the inflation, while its speed is almost entirely determined by the nozzle diameter. This "decoupling" of the two parameters, he said, is something that biologists have observed real fish.

Fish can perform maneuvers 20 or 30 discharge, before exhausting the carbon dioxide cartridge. A new version of the fish, which must be able to swim continuously for about 30 minutes, will use carbon di oxide in the water instead of the carbon di oxide from the inflated channels, but otherwise it will use the same model design movements body than its predecessor.

Daniella plans to experiment the robot in the environment of real fish, to gather detailed information about their behavior in their natural environment information. According to Barry Trimmer, professor of biology at Tufts University, Their algorithms and control theory are almost designed with the idea that they have rigid systems and the principle of the soft robot is based on the certainty. Coping with uncertainty will still be able to control the machines, so we have much more powerful machines said the Professor. For now, the robotic fish is only a prototype but in the near future, it could be used in order to study these aquatic animals in their natural environment.

Microsoft DirectX 12 Will Be Released in 2015

The next version of DirectX and Direct3D will appears at the end of 2015, Microsoft said. The new version of the hardware interface will be closer and with better support, among other multi-core systems. As Expected first games appear end of 2015, based on the upcoming Direct3D 12 interface.

The Microsoft gave it known at GDC 2014 in San Francisco. In the coming months there will be a preview version of DirectX 12, an extensive Early Access offer for developers is planned. The new version of the graphics interface supports as expected not only for Windows PCs, but also the Xbox One and Windows Phone.

 Which versions are supported by Windows, is not yet clear and not yet disclosed. The serious question about Windows 7 is not answered. On the basis of presentation Microsoft has demonstrated, among others, 3DMark, that the new version of Direct3D brings much better support for multi core CPUs that were different from the currently issued of the interface utilized almost evenly.

Representatives of key partners such as AMD, Intel, Nvidia, Epic Games and Qualcomm have explicitly welcomed the new version of Direct3D. Microsoft will announce later this week  more information about DirectX, in  another major event instead.

Windows XP Users Will Receive $ 100 If They Opt For Windows 8

Windows XP users, who buy a new computer with Windows 8, will receive under a scheme for the amount of U.S. $ 100. Yes XP users in North America will receive $ 100 discount on a Windows 8 computer but it has too many limitations. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows XP from 8 April 2014.

And there won’t be no more software update for the same. But all users are by far not ready for change. That's why Microsoft is offering an incentive. XP users, who buy a new computer with Windows 8, will receive an amount of $ 100.

 The offer is valid until 15 June 2014 and is aimed at buyers in the U.S. and Canada. Interested parties, can reach the Microsoft Store with an XP machine, get the discount at your order. Alternatively, Microsoft accepts old computers in its stores. The selection in their online shop is very limited.

In addition, the action is not valid for all Windows 8 products available there. On the tablet surface 2 there is no discount. Furthermore, Microsoft sells only devices in the middle and upper price range. The lowest computer goes for $ 599 on the counter.

The Wireless Electricity

Thanks to a revolutionary technique that has been developed, the magnetic field will replace your need for electricity to run your electrical appliances. The news comes from the company Witricity, an American company specializing in new technologies. The Project Director of Witricity, Katie Hall and his team has developed an object that generates a magnetic field capable of powering an electrical device without needing to connect it to an external power supply.

Which mean, that more electrical power is available within the house itself! Imagine a situation that your mobile phone or your laptop is charged without connecting an external power. At this moment, the scope of this device is not extensive ( that is about 1 meter in diameter hence any appliance within the one meter peripheral need not be connected to the power terminal), but researchers are working on a more powerful version and to enhance the distance.

Similarly, it is expected that to recharge the rechargeable batteries with in the distance. Nevertheless, this kind of device works through the waves. And the developers explain that the power signal is very low power one like a Wi -Fi network, it is not known whether it is totally safe just like the Wi -Fi and exposure to the waves and the related issues with health problem in longer term is understudy.

The High power magnetic field is generated by coils and the supply of this magnetic field does not need coils of wires as we needed for the electricity today. We have to wait for the arrival of this wireless power technology. These small magnetic wave generators really revolutionize. Hopefully, it should not be dangerous for your health!