• www.techspot.com
    If it ain't broke: Many large companies and organizations are often ridiculed for using outdated computers, but not every business requires the latest digital technology. Case in point: a bakery in Indiana has been photographed processing sales using a Commodore 64. This isn't the first time a 21st-century business has been spotted using the top-selling 1982 PC, as the device remains beloved by enthusiasts today. Photos have recently surfaced showing that Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg, Indiana, uses a pair of Commodore 64s as cash registers. While running a business on a 42-year-old PC might seem unusual, the device likely has sufficient processing power to ring up orders of donuts.The pictures, originally taken in 2010, recently reappeared on social media. The C64s were also visible in another photo from 2021. Hilligoss Bakery appears to have a strong reputation, boasting a 4.7 rating on Google Maps and a 4.4 on Yelp.The Commodore 64, released in 1982, apparently remains the best-selling individual PC model of all time, with estimated sales between 10 and 17 million units. Priced at $595 upon release (approximately $1,945 in 2024 dollars), the system featured a 1 MHz CPU and 64KB of RAM, hence its name.While most of the C64's 10,000 software titles were games, it also supported business software, which companies like Hilligoss Bakery continue to use. It's unclear whether the bakery has been using the Commodore 64s since 1982, but it's possible, given that the business has been operating since 1974 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. // Related StoriesMust read: The Commodore Story: Gone But Not ForgottenThis isn't the only instance of businesses clinging to the Commodore 64. The Commodore USA Facebook page highlighted another example in 2016: an auto repair shop in Poland that has used a Commodore 64 to balance driveshafts since at least 1991 even surviving a flood at one point.In certain cases, using older technology can reduce costs and offer security through obscurity. For instance, Southwest Airlines avoided the infamous CrowdStrike data breach by continuing to use Windows 95. However, maintaining and repairing vintage equipment can pose significant challenges.Fortunately, the enduring popularity of the Commodore 64 ensures that replacements, restorations, and repairs are still possible. Last year, a dedicated modder demonstrated that it's feasible to build a new Commodore 64 from scratch using replacement parts. Additionally, a modern recreation of the device, released in 2019, supports original software and connects to modern displays via HDMI.
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    Visual Studio Code is a lightweight but powerful source code editor from Microsoft that is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. It comes with built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript and Node.js and has a rich ecosystem of extensions for other languages and runtimes (such as C++, C#, Java, Python, PHP, Go, .NET).What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio?Visual Studio Code is a code editor with support for development operations like debugging, task running, and version control, while Visual Studio is a fully featured IDE (integrated development environment) that can handle more complex workflows.Is Visual Studio Code free?Yes, VS Code is free for individual users or for commercial use.Is VS Code good for beginners?Yes. VS Code is a great code editor for professionals and beginners that are just starting with software development.Can I do Python in VS Code?Yes, Visual Studio Code fully supports almost every major programming language. Some examples are Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, and HTML, and more rich language extensions can be found in the VS Code Marketplace.Can I run VS Code on Windows 7?No, Visual Studio Code versions starting with 1.71 (August 2022) no longer run on Windows 7. You will need to upgrade to a newer Windows version in order to use VS Code or use other code editors like Sublime Text and Notepad++, which are compatible with Windows 7.FeaturesMeet IntelliSenseGo beyond syntax highlighting and autocomplete with IntelliSense, which provides smart completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules.Print statement debugging is a thing of the pastDebug code right from the editor. Launch or attach to your running apps and debug with break points, call stacks, and an interactive console.Git commands built-inWorking with Git and other SCM providers has never been easier. Review diffs, stage files, and make commits right from the editor. Push and pull from any hosted SCM service.Extensible and customizableWant even more features? Install extensions to add new languages, themes, debuggers, and to connect to additional services. Extensions run in separate processes, ensuring they won't slow down your editor.What's NewUpdate 1.96.1: The update addresses these issues and enables the GitHub Copilot Free plan.Now automatically integrated into VS Code, all of you have access to 2,000 code completions and 50 chat messages per month, simply by signing in with your personal GitHub account. Or by creating a new one.Previous Release Notes:Welcome to the November 2024 release of Visual Studio Code. There are many updates in this version that we hope you'll like, some of the key highlights include:Overtype mode - Switch between overwrite or insert mode in the editorAdd imports on paste - Automatically add missing TS/JS imports when pasting codeTest coverage - Quickly filter which code is covered by a specific testMove views - Easily move views between the Primary and Secondary Side BarTerminal ligatures - Use ligatures in the terminalExtension allow list - Configure which extensions can be installed in your organizationDebug with Copilot - Use copilot-debug terminal command to start a debugging sessionChat context - Add symbols and folders as context Chat and EditsMove from chat to Copilot Edits - Switch to Copilot Edits to apply code suggestions from ChatIf you'd like to read these release notes online, go to Updates on code.visualstudio.com.
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  • Honda, Nissan in merger talks to compete with Tesla, Chinese EV rivals, reports say
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    Honda and Nissan, Japans second- and third-largest automakers, are holding merger talks to create a structure that would enable them to better withstand fierce competition from the likes of Tesla and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) rivals, according to reports.News agency Nikkei first reported that the two companies were holding merger talks to determine how they could cooperate more closely on technology. According to Reuters, the talks aim to set up an umbrella holding company and not necessarily merging the two companies together.Recommended VideosMitsubishi, which Nissan has a 24% stake in, is also considered to be included in the partnership.Please enable Javascript to view this contentWhats for sure is that the two automakers have stepped up their cooperation in recent months as they seek a common strategy to address a fast-changing EV landscape.RelatedBoth Honda and Nissan separately issued a statement confirming this much. As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each others strengths, the statement says.Analysts believe Hondas strengths in developing powertrains, notably for hybrids, could combine with Nissans experience in electric vehicles, which goes back to the LEAF in 2010.The two automakers partnership has been centering on technology for EVs, including components and software.What started as an alliance to face intense price competition from the likes of Chinas BYD only intensified through the year as the global auto industry also recorded slowing sales in Europe and the U.S.In addition, the industry is now facing the potential reversal of pro-EV policies in the U.S. with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.The merger might also face scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has taken an aggressive stance on imported vehicles, including threats to impose steep tariffs.A Honda/Nissan merger would yield one of the largest auto groups in the world, with combined sales of about 8 million.Editors Recommendations
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  • A company you wouldnt expect just beat Apple as the No. 1 smartwatch brand
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Apples wearable devices, and specifically its smartwatches, are often deemed the default best. The ecosystem around the Apple Watch is often cited as the core convenience, but theres no doubt that Apple deserves merit for health innovation and technical prowess, too.It, therefore, comes as a surprise that a sanction-battered company with a far smaller presence in the West has managed to topple Apple and nab the crown of the worlds biggest wrist-worn device brand. The company in question is Huawei.Recommended VideosActually, the Chinese electronics giant has managed to beat Apple for the second consecutive time this year, based on quarterly market data from IDC.Please enable Javascript to view this contentAs per the research companys latest Worldwide Wearables Quarterly Tracker report, between the first and third quarters of 2024, Huawei shipped more wearables than Apple, commanding a market share of 16.9% (23.6 million units shipped) compared to Apples 16.2% portion (22.5 million units shipped) on the global front.HuaweiInterestingly, compared to last year, Huaweis market position has strengthened by a massive 44.3%, while Apples has witnessed a decline of 12.8% in the global markets. Notably, even Samsung has recorded growth, and so have other major Chinese brands, such as Xiaomi.RelatedHuaweis growth can also be attributed to the fact that China has emerged as the largest wearable market in the world, one where Huawei commands a strong presence. As per IDCs tracker, Huawei was ahead of Apple in the second quarter as well, snagging one-fifth of the global market, compared to Apples 13.% share.The Huawei Watch D2 can measure blood pressure levels using a stack integrated within the strap. HuaweiIt is worth keeping in mind that Apple still leads the smartwatch segment, while IDCs report tracks a combination of fitness bands and smartwatches. Interestingly, Huawei doesnt lag behind Apple in the smartwatch innovation game, either. It actually leads the game at numerous parameters.Take, for example, theHuawei Watch D2, which enables Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring. Instead of using a sensor stack that reads blood flow movement using light and requires calibration (hello, Samsung Galaxy Watch), Huaweis TruSense system has fitted a high-precision pressure sensor, mini pump, and inflatable airbag in the strap.The smartwatch can measure blood pressure levels at any time of the day and during activities like sleeping, walking, and more. Users can also customize it to take the readings at regular intervals, set up a 24-hour auto-monitoring plan, keep an eye on the average SBP and DBP (Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure) numbers, combine them with heart rate insights, and more.And here is the surprising part. Hauweis website clearly mentions that it can be used as a reference in clinical practice. In fact, the wearable portfolio is quite expansive, covering varied aesthetic styles and form factors across different price brackets and health stack levels. Or, as the saying goes, something for everyone.Huaweis health sensing and fitness tracking stack is also pretty impressive, and it also beats the likes of Samsung and Apple at offering fashionable smartwatches tailored to the female audience. However, the global market dynamics might change in Apples favor during the holiday season, but well have to wait a few weeks for those figures to arrive.Editors Recommendations
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  • One of the best work-from-home laptops is $120 off at Dell
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Dell laptop deals love to tempt us all year round, and today were seeing a great option to help prepare you for the new year. Today, you can buy the Dell Inspiron 15 for $330 instead of $450. We consider it to be one of the best laptops around for anyone working from home and keeping costs down. Read on and well take you through what it has to offer, but remember, that $120 discount wont stick around forever.Check out our extensive guide to the best laptops for working from home and youll see the Dell Inspiron 15 riding high up top. The range is well priced while offering just the hardware you need for a great experience when working. This particular model has an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U CPU as well as 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Basic stuff, sure, but the design of the laptop is built to last and very robust for the price.A bigger highlight is a reminder of why Dell is one of the best laptop brands: its high quality display. It has a 15.6-inch full HD screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 250 nits of brightness. While that wont look so good in bright conditions, its otherwise a great screen for the price and we really appreciate the high refresh rate to enjoy smooth browsing.RelatedThis isnt one of the best laptops for high performance, but the Dell Inspiron 15 is a good all-rounder for anyone seeking a robust business laptop. It has a built-in HD webcam which is useful, roomy keycaps, a numeric keypad, a neat lift hinge for more comfortable typing, and thermals which adapt to how youre working, such as if youre at your desk or working on your lap. It all comes together to be pretty appealing, with the last highlight being the ability to charge up to 80% in just 60 minutes.Usually $450, the Dell Inspiron 15 is down to a super affordable $330 right now at Dell. The $120 price cut makes now the ideal time to buy, especially if youre looking ahead to working on the move in 2025. Buy it now so you dont miss out on the sweet discount.Editors Recommendations
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  • Supreme Court to Consider TikTok Ban
    www.wsj.com
    The court scheduled fast-track oral arguments for Jan. 10 on whether the law violates the First Amendment.
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  • Netflix Fined $4.8 Million by Dutch Watchdog Over Data-Handling Disclosures
    www.wsj.com
    The privacy regulator said the streaming platform hadnt given users adequate information on how it processes their personal data.
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  • Cloud AI Startup Vultr Raises $333 Million at $3.5 Billion Valuation
    www.wsj.com
    Chip giant Advanced Micro Devices and hedge fund LuminArx Capital Management raised $333 million for a growth financing round for cloud startup Vultr, a sign of the hot demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
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  • Henri Matisses Modern Life and Legacy
    www.wsj.com
    The artist died 70 years ago, after a decades-long career of dazzling creation and ceaseless innovation.
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  • George Balanchines The Nutcracker and The Hard Nut Review: Two Takes on a Christmas Treat
    www.wsj.com
    New York City Ballet restages its annual production of the elegant work at Lincoln Center, while Mark Morris Dance Group offers a more sinister interpretation of Tchaikovskys classic at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
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