by Teknita Team | Feb 21, 2023 | Artificial Intelligence - Machine Learning
Microsoft’s mission is to enhance people’s ability to discover, create, and utilize knowledge by revolutionizing the most widely used web tools, namely the search engine and browser. Recently, Microsoft announced the launch of an all-new AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser, which are now available for preview on Bing.com. These tools will offer improved search capabilities, complete answers, a new chat experience, and content generation, effectively serving as an AI copilot for the web.
Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, stated that “AI will fundamentally change every software category, starting with the largest category of all – search.” AI copilot and chat-powered Bing and Edge will help users extract more value from search and the web.
Introducing Bing and Edge, your web copilot.
Microsoft combined search, browsing, and chat into a unified experience that you can access from any web page. New offerings include:
- Improved search. With the new Bing, you’ll enjoy a better version of the familiar search experience. You’ll get more relevant results for simple queries, such as sports scores, stock prices, and weather, and a new sidebar that displays more comprehensive answers if you want them.
- Complete answers. Bing scours the web to review results and find the answer you’re seeking. For instance, if you’re baking a cake and need to substitute eggs, you can get detailed instructions right then and there without scrolling through multiple results.
- Interactive chat. For more complex searches, like planning a detailed itinerary or researching the best TV to buy, the new Bing offers an interactive chat feature. You can refine your search by asking for more details, clarity, and ideas until you receive the complete answer you need, with links available to act on your decisions.
- Creative inspiration. Sometimes, you need more than just an answer – you need inspiration. The new Bing generates content to help you, such as helping you write an email, create a five-day itinerary for a dream vacation to Hawaii, prepare for a job interview, or create a quiz for trivia night. Additionally, Bing cites all sources, providing links to web content it references.
- Revamped Edge browser. We’ve updated the Edge browser with new AI capabilities and a new appearance. We’ve also added two new functionalities: Chat and Compose. With the Edge Sidebar, you can ask for a summary of a lengthy financial report to get the key takeaways – and then use the chat function to ask for a comparison to a competing company’s financials and automatically put it in a table. You can also ask Edge to help you compose content, such as a LinkedIn post, by giving it a few prompts to get you started. After that, you can ask it to help you update the tone, format, and length of the post. Edge understands the web page you’re on and adapts accordingly.
Revolutionizing Search with AI
The new Bing offers a revolutionary search experience that relies on four key technical advancements:
- Cutting-edge OpenAI model. Latest Bing search engine is powered by a new, advanced OpenAI language model, which is specifically designed for search and is even more powerful than ChatGPT and GPT-3.5. It incorporates significant learnings and improvements from these models, and boasts increased speed, accuracy, and capability.
- Microsoft Prometheus model. It combines unique capabilities and techniques to provide you with more targeted, timely, and relevant results, while also ensuring greater safety.
- AI-powered core search algorithm. Microsoft integrated the AI model into the core of our Bing search ranking engine, resulting in the most significant improvement in relevance in over two decades. This means that even the simplest of search queries are now more accurate and relevant.
- New user experience. Microsoft are transforming the way users engage with search, browsing, and chat by integrating them into a unified experience, unlocking a brand-new way to interact with the web. These exceptional search experiences are made possible because of Microsoft’s commitment to building Azure into a supercomputer for AI, which OpenAI has used to train these groundbreaking models optimized for Bing.
Everyone can visit Bing.com today to try sample queries and sign up for the waitlist.
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by Teknita Team | Feb 17, 2023 | Project Management
How to manage projects or which methodology choose to do it?
Let’s start by explaining the basic concepts related to the modern approach to IT project management. A project management methodology is a set of principles, tools and techniques that are used to plan, execute and manage projects.
How to approach effective management of IT projects? The key element is to plan the entire project, taking into account its purpose, time horizon, team and its responsibilities, as well as basic principles related to work in the project. An excellent example of planning an IT project is the use of the SMART methodology, which allows for precise determination of measurable, appropriate and achievable goals.
In addition to solid planning of the IT project, it is essential in today’s times to choose a methodology according to which work will be carried out. Currently, the literature on the subject points to many schools of IT project management. The choice of a specific methodology should be made, taking into account all the relevant factors for the organization and the culture of the team’s work.
There are several popular IT project management methodologies that are widely used in the industry. Some of the most popular IT project management methodologies are:
1. Agile
Agile is an iterative and flexible approach to project management that emphasizes collaboration, customer involvement, and continuous improvement. It is particularly well-suited for software development projects.
2. Scrum
Scrum is a subset of Agile that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and iterative progress towards a well-defined goal. It is particularly well-suited for complex software development projects.
3. Waterfall
Waterfall is a linear project management methodology that emphasizes completing each phase of the project before moving on to the next. It is particularly well-suited for projects with well-defined requirements.
4. Lean
Lean is a project management methodology that emphasizes the elimination of waste and continuous improvement. It is particularly well-suited for projects that require high efficiency.
5. Kanban
Kanban is a project management methodology that emphasizes visualizing work, limiting work in progress, and continuous delivery. It is particularly well-suited for projects that require a high level of flexibility.
6. PRINCE2
PRINCE2 is a process-based project management methodology that emphasizes project governance, risk management, and the controlled management of stages. It is particularly well-suited for large-scale projects with multiple stakeholders.
7. PMBOK
PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) is a standard for project management that covers a wide range of project management principles, processes, and techniques. It is particularly well-suited for projects with well-defined requirements and a structured approach to project management.
Each methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of methodology will depend on the specific needs of the project and the organization.
Managing an IT project is a complex and multidimensional challenge. Fortunately, in the age of advanced information technology, every Project Manager has access to a vast repository of tools that facilitate and streamline the work of the entire team. Which tools deserve special attention?
First of all, communication tools that increase the efficiency of data and information flow, even in hybrid teams. Skype, Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom meet all the requirements of even large teams.
An IT project cannot do without an effective tool for managing the produced code. The most popular version control system is GIT and the GitHub code repository, and these are the tools most commonly used in IT projects.
Project work, carried out by a large team, requires a tool that consolidates the efforts of all team members. The project work tool should show the status of all current tasks, the people assigned to each task, and a section for additional information within one board. Such functionalities can be found in popular tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira.
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by Teknita Team | Feb 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
CodeIgniter is a popular open-source PHP web application framework that is designed to help developers build web applications quickly and easily. The framework is lightweight, fast, and easy to use, making it a popular choice for building small to medium-sized web applications.
CodeIgniter follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, which provides a clear separation of concerns and makes it easy to manage and maintain web applications. The framework also comes with several built-in libraries, such as a database abstraction layer, form validation, session management, email sending, and more, which help developers to add advanced functionality to their web applications.
CodeIgniter has a large and active community of developers, which means that there are many resources available online to help developers troubleshoot problems and learn new skills. However, since it is an open-source framework, there is no official support for it.
CodeIgniter offers several built-in libraries to help developers build robust web applications quickly and easily. Some of the key libraries that CodeIgniter offers include:
- Database Library – A powerful database abstraction layer that supports a variety of database systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
- Form Validation Library – Allows developers to easily validate user input and prevent malicious code from being submitted to the application.
- Session Library – Provides a secure and easy-to-use interface for managing user sessions in web applications.
- Email Library – Simplifies the process of sending emails from within a web application.
- Encryption Library – Provides various encryption and decryption methods for securing sensitive data.
- File Uploading Library – Helps to handle file uploads from users in a secure and easy-to-use way.
- Pagination Library – Simplifies the process of creating pagination links for large data sets.
- Unit Testing Library – Provides a set of tools for creating and running automated tests on the application code.
- Image Manipulation Library – Enables developers to resize, crop, and manipulate images within their web application.
These libraries, along with many others, make CodeIgniter a popular and efficient choice for developing PHP web applications.
Pros and Cons of Using CodeIgniter
One of the key advantages of CodeIgniter is its lightweight nature. It has a small footprint and is easy to install and use. It also performs very well, making it a good choice for building high-performance web applications. Additionally, CodeIgniter has a large and active community of developers, which means that there are many resources available online to help developers troubleshoot problems and learn new skills.
However, CodeIgniter also has its limitations. It has a limited set of built-in functionality compared to some other modern PHP frameworks, and may not be the best choice for large-scale projects that require more advanced features. Additionally, CodeIgniter is an open-source framework, which means that there is no official support for it. However, the large community of developers can often provide support through forums and online resources.
Overall, CodeIgniter is a great choice for developers who want a lightweight and easy-to-use PHP framework for building small to medium-sized web applications. It provides a simple and intuitive interface, comes with a set of useful built-in libraries, and has a large and active community of developers, but may not be the best choice for large-scale projects or those that require more advanced functionality.
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by Teknita Team | Feb 13, 2023 | Security
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that affects web applications. XSS allows attackers to inject malicious code into a web page viewed by other users, allowing them to steal sensitive information such as user credentials, manipulate the appearance of the web page, or perform other malicious actions.
There are two main types of XSS: stored XSS and reflected XSS. Stored XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a web page that is then stored on the server and served to all users who visit the page. Reflected XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a web page by sending it as a request to the server, which then reflects the code back to the user’s browser.
How does an XSS attack work
An XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attack works by exploiting vulnerabilities in a web application to inject malicious code into a web page viewed by other users. The attacker’s goal is to steal sensitive information such as user credentials, manipulate the appearance of the web page, or perform other malicious actions.
Here is a general overview of how an XSS attack works:
- The attacker identifies a vulnerable web application and a web page that is vulnerable to XSS.
- The attacker crafts a malicious script that takes advantage of the vulnerability in the web page. The script is designed to execute when the web page is loaded by a user’s browser.
- The attacker injects the malicious script into the web page, either by sending a specially crafted URL to the web page that contains the malicious script, or by finding a way to store the malicious script on the web server so that it is served to all users who visit the page.
- When a user visits the infected web page, the malicious script is executed by the user’s browser. The script can steal sensitive information such as user credentials, manipulate the appearance of the web page, or perform other malicious actions.
- The attacker can then use the stolen information or perform other malicious actions as desired.
The consequences of an XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attack can be serious for both the web application and its users. Some of the most common consequences of an XSS attack include:
- Stealing sensitive information: XSS attacks can be used to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, payment information, and other personal information from users.
- Manipulating web pages: Attackers can use XSS to manipulate the appearance of a web page, adding false information, or altering the functionality of the page.
- Spreading malware: Attackers can use XSS to spread malware, such as viruses and Trojans, to the users of a web application.
- Damaging reputation: XSS attacks can damage the reputation of a web application, leading to a loss of trust among users.
- Legal consequences: In some cases, XSS attacks can result in legal consequences, such as lawsuits or government fines.
- Loss of data privacy: XSS attacks can result in the loss of data privacy for users, as attackers can steal sensitive information and use it for malicious purposes.
How to prevent XSS attacks
It’s important for web developers to be aware of the potential consequences of XSS attacks and to take the necessary steps to prevent them, such as validating and sanitizing user input, avoiding using unsanitized data in web pages, and encoding user input properly when displaying it in web pages. Additionally, users can take steps to protect themselves from XSS attacks by keeping their web browsers up-to-date and being cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites.
By following these best practices and taking steps to prevent XSS attacks, web developers and users can help ensure the security of their web applications and protect against the potential consequences of an attack.
Where do XSS attacks most often occur
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks can occur in any web application that allows user input, but they are most commonly found in web applications that do not properly validate or sanitize user input. XSS attacks are especially prevalent in web applications that allow users to post or share content, such as forums, blogs, and social media platforms.
Other common places where XSS attacks occur include:
- Search engines: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into search results pages, allowing them to steal sensitive information from users who click on the infected results.
- Online shopping sites: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into product descriptions or reviews, allowing them to steal sensitive information from users who view the infected pages.
- Online banking and financial services: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into web pages that process financial transactions, allowing them to steal sensitive information such as login credentials and payment information.
- Web-based email services: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into emails, allowing them to steal sensitive information from users who view the infected messages.
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by Teknita Team | Feb 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
Blockchain is a digital ledger technology that uses cryptography to secure and validate transactions. It is essentially a decentralized database that operates on a distributed network of computers, allowing participants to transact with each other directly, without the need for intermediaries.
In blockchain, blocks are used to store transactions in a permanent and unalterable way, with each block containing a unique digital signature and a link to the previous block. This creates a chain of blocks, hence the name blockchain. The decentralized and distributed nature of the technology ensures that the information stored on the blockchain is secure and tamper-proof, as no single user or organization can control or manipulate the data.
Blockchain is best known as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it has many other potential applications, including supply chain management, voting systems, and digital identity management. The technology is still relatively new, and its full potential is yet to be realized.
How Blockchain Works ?
Blockchain works by using a decentralized network of computers to validate transactions and maintain a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of how it works:
- Transactions: A transaction is initiated when a user wants to transfer an asset, such as money or digital currency, to another user. This transaction is broadcast to the network, where it is verified and processed.
- Verification: Verification of the transaction is done by a network of nodes, which are computers running the blockchain software. The nodes validate the transaction by checking that the sender has sufficient funds to complete the transfer and that the transaction follows the rules set by the blockchain network.
- Blocks: Once a transaction has been verified, it is grouped with other transactions to form a block. Each block contains a unique digital signature, called a “hash,” which links it to the previous block in the chain.
- Distributed Ledger: The blocks are then distributed to all nodes on the network, creating a shared ledger that is continually updated and synchronized across the network. This ensures that the same information is held by all participants, making the blockchain a decentralized and transparent system.
- Consensus Mechanism: The consensus mechanism is a key component of blockchain technology and ensures that the network operates efficiently and securely. The mechanism is used to agree on the validity of transactions and the state of the blockchain. Different blockchain networks use different consensus mechanisms, such as Proof-of-Work (PoW) or Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
- Tamper-Proof: The cryptographic nature of the blockchain makes it extremely difficult to tamper with or alter the information stored in the blocks. This makes the technology ideal for storing sensitive or important information, as it provides a secure and tamper-proof record of transactions.
In summary, blockchain is a decentralized, secure, and transparent technology that enables the transfer of assets and information between parties without the need for intermediaries.
Types of Blockchain Technology
There are several types of blockchain technology, each with its own unique features and use cases:
- Public Blockchains: Public blockchains are open to anyone who wants to participate and are typically used for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Public blockchains use a consensus mechanism to validate transactions and maintain the integrity of the network.
- Private Blockchains: Private blockchains are closed networks, typically owned and operated by a single organization or consortium. They are used for applications where privacy and control are important, such as supply chain management or financial transactions.
- Consortium Blockchains: Consortium blockchains are a hybrid of public and private blockchains, where a group of organizations jointly operates the network. They provide the benefits of decentralization and transparency of public blockchains, while retaining the privacy and control of private blockchains.
- Hybrid Blockchains: Hybrid blockchains are networks that combine features of public and private blockchains, depending on the use case. For example, a hybrid blockchain could be publicly readable but only writable by a select group of participants.
- Sidechains: Sidechains are independent blockchains that are linked to a main blockchain. They allow for the transfer of assets and information between different blockchain networks, enabling interoperability and increasing the versatility of the technology.
Blockchain is changing the game in many industries by providing new solutions for problems that were previously difficult or impossible to solve. Blockchain technology is rapidly evolving – due to its reliability, low maintenance costs, and decentralization, it is replacing traditional methods of authorization and data security and is being used in many diverse sectors of the economy.
Currently, many organizations and governments are investing significant financial resources in conducting research on the possibilities of using blockchain networks in further industries. It is worth noting that at the World Economic Forum, it was recognized that this technology is a key factor that drives the “sustainable digital finance.”
The technology is still in its early stages, but it has already shown great potential for transforming the way we live and work. The future of blockchain looks bright, and it will be exciting to see how it continues to disrupt and transform various industries in the years to come.
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