How Things Work

The Differences Between Permissioned and Permissionless Blockchains

One of the biggest divisions in blockchain technology is permissioned versus permissionless blockchains. The basic distinction is pretty clear: you need approval to use a permissioned blockchain, while anyone can participate in permissionless systems. The original Bitcoin blockchain was and is still completely open, for example, but as companies and institutions start to adopt the technology, they’re willing to sacrifice trustlessness and transparency for better access controls and easier customization. Related: How Blockchain Works and How It Affects You Why do we care? As similar as the two systems might sound, they really shouldn’t be used for the same… Read more

What Is IPv6 and How Can You Make Sure Your Site Is IPv6 Ready?

If you’ve done any reading about websites and the Internet, you’ve probably heard the term IPv6 used. You might have even seen it while adjusting your router’s settings. Even though you’re aware of the term, you may not know what it means. Of course, you may never have heard about IPv6 either. Whether you have or not, IPv6 is important to the Internet, especially as we move forward. If you have a website, it’s especially important that you familiarize yourself with IPv6. Related: Why Are Some ISPs So Slow to Adopt IPv6? What Is IPv6? … Read more

Why Is Printer Ink So Expensive?

If you own an ink printer, you’ll know how expensive it is to refill it with ink. After all, it’s just ink; how did it come about to be so expensive? Let’s take a look at the reasons for the high price of ink. 1. “Producing Printer Ink Is a Complicated Process” Unsurprisingly, this is the argument that printer manufacturers give when asked about their high prices. They state that the technology and research that goes behind creating printer ink justifies the high price. When the topic of printer ink comes up, people are keen to compare it to the price of other liquids… Read more

How Does GPS Work?

People use GPS extensively every day, but not many people know how it actually works. How can a smartphone know where you are, to the point you can use it as accurate directions while you drive? Let’s open the hood on GPS and see how it works. Related: It’s Not Just GPS: We Have Six Global Navigation Satellite Systems, and They’re Getting Better How GPS Finds You Let’s say you’re hiking in the woods when you get lost. That’s alright, though: you had the smarts to download the official app for these woods. The app claims to help you find your way, no matter where… Read more

What Are Stablecoins, and Are They Safer than Bitcoin?

In 2010, two Papa John’s pizzas cost 10,000 Bitcoins – around 41 US dollars. Today, a $41 purchase would cost just a tiny fraction of one Bitcoin (0.0390 as of August 2019), and 10,000 bitcoins might be worth well over 100 million dollars (or well under, depending on the day). Holding your money in cryptocurrency can be a real rollercoaster, which is why stablecoins have gotten increasingly popular over the last several years. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed specifically to prevent big changes in their value, usually by tying themselves to another asset, like the U.S dollar… Read more