Technology
Exploring "Why" questions about Technology
491 articles
Why is network speed measured in bits but storage size in bytes?
Because when information is transmitted over the network, extra bits are added to tell routers where each packet needs to go, and to add coding that will help minimize transmission errors. So it isn't
Why did TV and computer screens used to flicker in videos, and now they don’t?
CRTs work by scanning a electron beam left to right 15 to 100 thousand times a second while scanning top to bottom at 50 to 120 (numbers are approximate) times per second. That fills the screen, but t
Why does a bigger budget mean better CGI movie effects? Isn’t it all made with software?
Its made by people who know how to use the software. CGI is not easy. You need talented artists who know how to use 3D modeling software.
Why does the USA, despite being a highly developed country, has shitty,expensive and kind of abusive internet services?
Because having consumer friendly businesses isn't the result of being a wealthy country, it's the result of well structured industries that align firms' incentives with their customers well being. The
Why does a battery decrease without being used?
All batteries slowly lose charge over time. This is because all batteries use a chemical reaction to store energy. Over time this reaction breaks down inside the battery.
Why do some websites restrict the use of symbols (like %) in passwords?
Usually over-cautious programmers. Behind the scenes it doesn't matter whether you use 'D' or '#', both are pretty much the same for a computer. What *can* but *shouldn't* be tricky are "special" char
Why are there so many different programming languages, and what’s the difference?
This is because everybody is free to develop a programming language. Besides that everybody has his own taste and requirements. There are languages which are for example more suited for web or standar
Why does a li-ion/lipo battery explode when shorted out?
The lithium atoms can crystallise and form a chain, that chain can short circuit the poles and it is this short circuit which can cause a fire. - _URL_0_
Why is captcha still a thing? Wouldn’t it be easy to write a program that could read them? Or isn’t there a better, easier way to determine that I’m human?
Unless you want websites scanning your computer for botting programs or using your webcam or possibly fingerprint scanners to determine if you're human. Then no.
Why are some analogic instruments better at measuring than digital ones? (e.g. blood pressure)
Digital circuitry generally allows for lower power and much greater complexity. That greater complexity allows for digital filtering and processing, which means digital instruments almost always have