Fifth generation computers

The Fifth Generation Computer Systems project (FGCS) was an initiative by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry, begun in 1982, to create a computer using massively parallel computing/processing. It was to be the result of a massive government/industry research project in Japan during the 1980s. It aimed to create an "epoch-making computer" with-supercomputer-like performance and to provide a platform for future developments in artificial intelligence.

The term "fifth generation" was intended to convey the system as being a leap beyond existing machines. In the history of computing hardware, computers using vacuum tubes were called the first generation; transistors and diodes, the second; integrated circuits, the third; and those using microprocessors, the fourth. Whereas previous computer generations had focused on increasing the number of logic elements in a single CPU, the fifth generation, it was widely believed at the time, would instead turn to massive numbers of CPUs for added performance.

The project was to create the computer over a ten-year period, after which it was considered ended and investment in a new "sixth generation" project would begin. Opinions about its outcome are divided: either it was a failure, or it was ahead of its time.

Details for participating 2014 International Olympiad in Informatics

Register students online during June/July 2013 using http://www.ioi.lk Conduct Training on Basic Programming Skills online and through regional workshops during August and November 2013. Conduct Supervised Screening Test in December 2013 to select a pool for Algorithmic Training Conduct Algorithmic Training at the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) from January to April 2014. Participate at Asia Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO) on 10th May 2014. Conduct IOI team selection tests in May 2014 at the UCSC. Conduct IOI team training from May – July 2014 at the UCSC. Participate at IOI’2014 to be held in Taiwan. - See more at: http://studentlanka.com/2011/04/26/informatics-olympiad-competition-sri-lanka-for-ioi/#sthash.OdtiavTk.dpuf

Informatics Olympiad Competition Sri Lanka for IOI

Informatics Olympiad is organised by the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) with the assistance of the Information & Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the Ministry of Education to select participants for IOI (International Olympiad in Informatics). The primary goal of the IOI is to stimulate interest in informatics (computing science) and information technology.
- See more at: http://studentlanka.com/2011/04/26/informatics-olympiad-competition-sri-lanka-for-ioi/#sthash.OdtiavTk.dpuf

Cryptanalysis

Cryptanalysis (from the Greek kryptós, "hidden", and analýein, "to loosen" or "to untie") is the art and science of analyzing information systems in order to study the hidden aspects of the systems. Cryptanalysis is used to breach cryptographic security systems and gain access to the contents of encrypted messages, even if the cryptographic key is unknown.

In addition to mathematical analysis of cryptographic algorithms, cryptanalysis also includes the study of side-channel attacks that do not target weaknesses in the cryptographic algorithms themselves, but instead exploit weaknesses in their implementation.

Even though the goal has been the same, the methods and techniques of cryptanalysis have changed drastically through the history of cryptography, adapting to increasing cryptographic complexity, ranging from the pen-and-paper methods of the past, through machines like Bombes and Colossus computers at Bletchley Park in World War II, to the mathematically advanced computerized schemes of the present. Methods for breaking moderncryptosystems often involve solving carefully constructed problems in pure mathematics, the best-known being integer factorization.

Sri Lanka introduces technology stream to the school curriculum

The Technology stream is introduced in addition to the current subject streams, Arts, Science, Mathematics and Commerce.

The initiative aims to transform Sri Lanka into a center of knowledge under the Mahinda Chintana programme.

Speaking at the occasion the President said introducing technology as a subject in schools will be a turning point of education in Sri Lanka and the measures needed for opening new opportunities for the nation's children have been taken.

He requested the parents also to deviate from traditional thinking and have attitudinal changes regarding the education of their children to fit the modern day needs.

The minimum qualifications to pursue the technology stream in GCE Advanced Level will be credit passes in science and mathematics at the GCE Ordinary Level examination. Candidates without credit passes in these subjects are still able to follow the technology course if they have credit passes in three other subjects.

The President registered Chalani Premachandra of Devi Balika Vidyalaya in Colombo as the first student via satellite technology to follow the technology subject stream.

President Rajapaksa donated his salary for the month of June and initiated the Mahindodaya Scholarship Fund for school students.

He also handed over the technology curriculum to principals of nine schools representing the nine provinces in the country.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena at the occasion said that three subjects for the technology stream will be introduced shortly. Along with the introduction of new technology subject stream at the Advanced Level, the number of courses that can be followed at the universities has been increased in 2013

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