Technology

Search pioneer AltaVista’s star shone bright with a clean and minimal UI 30 years ago — engine lost momentum after multiple ownership changes and the embrace of the web portal trend

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Dec 21, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

AltaVista, a pioneering search engine, launched 30 years ago with a clean and efficient user interface, quickly scaling to handle millions of user queries daily. Powered by powerful servers, AltaVista differentiated itself from internet directories by offering fast and accurate search results. Despite its initial success, AltaVista lost momentum due to ownership changes and a shift towards becoming a web portal, ultimately being overshadowed by Google's rise with its PageRank algorithm. After multiple acquisitions, AltaVista was shut down by Yahoo! in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of introducing innovative features like advanced search operators and free webmail.

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An Engineering Roadmap Toward Completely Neural Computers (Meta AI, KAUST)

Researchers at Meta AI and KAUST have published a technical paper introducing the concept of Neural Computers (NCs), which aim to unify computation, memory, and I/O in a learned runtime state. Unlike traditional computers, NCs focus on making the model itself the running computer, with the ultimate goal of Completely Neural Computers (CNCs). The initial study explores whether early NC primitives can be learned from collected I/O traces, showcasing implementations in video models that roll out screen frames from instructions, pixels, and user actions. The paper outlines a roadmap towards CNCs, highlighting challenges and potential advancements in this emerging computing paradigm.

SemiEngineering•

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Garage sale haul finds 2013 'trash can' Mac Pro nestled inside 2010 Mac Pro enclosure — Mac Pro inception still needs some work to get running

At a garage sale, a buyer discovered a 2013 Mac Pro hidden inside a 2010 Mac Pro enclosure, likely repurposed to accommodate expansion items. The 2010 Mac Pro was known for its modularity, allowing users to upgrade various components, while the 2013 Mac Pro prioritized aesthetics over flexibility. The 2013 model had thermals issues and lacked the upgrade options of its predecessor. The buyer's find showcases an interesting blend of old and new Mac Pro models, highlighting the evolution of Apple's desktop ecosystem.

Tom's Hardware•

2 weeks ago

Microsoft wants Windows 11 Start menu to feel more predictable when you press Win and type

Microsoft is working on making the Windows 11 Start menu more predictable when users press the Win key and start typing. Currently, the search results are not always accurate, leading to frustration among users. The company plans to improve the predictability of the Start menu search to provide more relevant app suggestions. Additionally, Microsoft is testing a new Windows Search experience for Windows 11 to offer clearer and faster results. There are also discussions about bringing back Windows 10-like controls for the taskbar in Windows 11.

Windows Latest•

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3DPrint.com

Loughborough University Using Freemelt’s EBM Technology to Drive AM Research

Loughborough University is utilizing Freemelt's Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology to advance their research in additive manufacturing (AM). The university aims to leverage this technology to explore new possibilities and applications within the field of AM. Freemelt's EBM technology offers unique capabilities that can enhance the university's research efforts and contribute to the development of innovative solutions. This collaboration highlights the importance of cutting-edge technologies in driving progress in academic research and pushing the boundaries of AM.

3DPrint.com•

4 weeks ago