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Quantum: Computing Nouveau: The Technological Step Change That Could Foster Scientific Discovery, Break Blockchains, and Trigger a Global Cybersecurity Arms Race

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Computing Nouveau has been ranked one of the top books ever written on Quantum Computing by Book Authority. Jason Schenker did a formal book signing of Computing Nouveau at SXSW in 2019. There is a growing need for a step change in computer processing power that is driving a technological push to develop the first commercially viable quantum computer. The exponentially stronger computational potential of quantum computers could foster scientific discovery, break blockchains, and trigger a global cybersecurity arms race. To be ready for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow, you need to understand the new computational powers about to be unleashed by Computing Nouveau. Jason Schenker is the Chairman of The Futurist Institute. He has authored over 30 books, including over a dozen books on emerging technologies. He has spoken about quantum computing to professional, academic, and defense entities. He has also created a course on The Future of Quantum Computing for The Futurist Institute.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2018

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Jason Schenker

58 books10 followers

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Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,822 followers
December 29, 2018
‘Quantum is a new way of analyzing data.’

Texas author/editor Jason Schenker earned a Master’s in Applied Economics from UNC Greensboro, a Masters in Negotiation from CSU Dominguez Hills, a Masters in German from UNC Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor degree in History and German from The University of Virginia. He also holds a Certificate in FinTech from MIT, a Certificate in Supply Chain Management from MIT, a Certificate in Professional Development from UNC, and a Certificate in Negotiation from Harvard Law School. He is the world’s top ranked Financial Market Futurist. As the President of Prestige Economics, he advises executives, corporate boards, public corporations, private companies, central banks, and governmental bodies. He also directs forecasting, risk management, strategic projects, and has been ranked the #1 forecaster in the world for his forecast accuracy in 23 categories, including for his forecasts of the Euro, the British Pound, the Swiss Franc, the Russian Ruble, the Brazilian Real, crude oil prices, natural gas prices, gold prices, industrial metals prices, agricultural commodity prices, and non-farm payrolls. Jason is also the Chairman of The Futurist Institute, which helps analysts and economists become futurists. His books include COMMODITY PRICES 101, ELECTING RECESSION: THE IMPACT OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ON FINANCIAL MARKETS AND THE ECONOMY, JOBS FOR ROBOTS, ROBOT- PROOF YOURSELF, RECESSION-PROOF: HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, THE ROBOT AND AUTOMATION ALMANAC 2018, A GENTLE INTRODUCTION TO AUDIT AND DUE DILIGENCE, and now QUANTUM COMPTING NOVEAU.

While the topic of this book may be challenging to the lay reader, Jason shares its purpose in a well written Introduction: ‘In this book, we will look at a critical new technological step change for computers, computation, and data analysis called quantum computing. This type of computing — called quantum for short — is based on quantum mechanics, a field of physics focused on particles1 that grew out of the early part of the twentieth century and that challenged traditional physics concepts. But quantum computing is about a lot more than physics. Quantum computing will have significant implications for all kinds of scientific research, and it is likely to prove critical for businesses, cryptography, communication, and the government. So, how is quantum likely to be important and impactful? It’s all about its computational power. In short, quantum computing represents a potential step change in computing, data processing, and analytics technology. That step change could make computers significantly faster by making them more efficient when performing various kind of data analysis, computations, and other work. But aside from the value of the step change that is quantum, it is important to consider that there is also a real need for a step change in computational processing power. In other words, quantum computing isn’t just something that would be nice to have. It is something that we might be unable to live without. I discuss the need for this step change in Chapter 2. And the subject of how quantum computing will be a technological step change is something I discuss in Chapter 4. As with many different kinds of new and emerging technologies, quantum computing threatens to disrupt traditional business operations, and it is likely to have significant use cases across industries where data is abundant. Plus, there are cryptographic, cybersecurity, and national security considerations that are cornerstones of quantum computing’s theoretical potential. But quantum is different than a lot of new technologies because it represents a change in hardware — not just a change in software and
programming. This means that the move to quantum is more like the adoption and acceleration of research in robotics rather than the development of the next app — or the use of blockchain, which is not about hardware but which is a software and programming interface that functions as a form of complex accounting software with specialized permissioning, records, tracking, and visibility. Unlike a lot of overhyped technology developments, quantum computing actually is a new kind of computing. It is a new kind of computer. It not just the next Uber or the next Airbnb. It is a fundamental step change. This makes quantum a new physical technology that also has some important physical and mechanical limitations. I discuss these challenges in Chapter 10. For most people, the change in the hardware and software that eventually comes with quantum computing may not be noticeable in a significant way. But that doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from them. In fact, there are significant benefits to quantum computing, and I discuss three major initiatives to push quantum computing up the S-curve of development toward commercialization and a realization of those benefits in Chapter 5.’

What follows is a series of discussions that address all aspects of Quantum Computing. Putting it mildly, this book is illuminating – information we once was the purview of science fiction animated movies is ‘walking among us’ right now. The views stated in this informative book are both startling and reassuring. Take time to absorb and learn that advantages of this change. A taste of tomorrow.
Profile Image for Jim Lavis.
274 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2021
I felt this book was a bit vague and not detailed enough to answer many of my questions regarding the timelines and future developments phases of Quantum Computing, but it’s a great place to start for those not familiar with this new technology.

I saw IBM’s CEO being interviewed on Bloomberg, and he stated that IBM was shifting their resources towards Quantum Computing and the implementation was only 3 to 5 years away. This shocked me, because all my readings stated that this wouldn’t be developed within my lifetime, so this encouraged me to investigate what the new understanding was regarding this new technology.

Quantum Computing does not use binary code or bits that operate at 1 and 0 like most computers. They operate using qubits, which are quantum bits. Quantum bits can have positions at 1 and 0, but they also have the capacity to exist in varying degrees of 1 and 0 at the same time. This is called a quantum state. This means that a quantum computer could operate, process data, and perform calculations at a speed that is 1000× faster than a current classical computer. The reason qubits can process calculations much faster than traditional bits that use binary code is that qubits can perform several calculations in parallel that impact the entire system. In computational terms, the incorrect answers to a problem are eliminated while calculations are being performed. In addition, Quantum states needs interference to be absent, so therefore “true” quantum processors are currently kept near absolute zero temperatures — just above –460°F or –273°C.

IBM and Google are developing prototypes of Quantum Computing and need to be able to process larger groups of Qubits within their processing process to make it commercial. This will change the world as we know it, both in the positive and negative ways. Some of the fears or threats are that
Quantum computing will undermine cryptographic of blockchain, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrency or encryption technology.
Quantum Computing still has years before it is likely to be ready for prime time, commercial use. Years, but not decades. Sadly, the Chinese are much more advanced than we are and have many more patents than the U.S., so we have some work to do.

This book gave me some simple definitions that would help people get a basic understanding of this new technologies and here’s the book’s definitions:

Q: What is Quantum Computing? A: Quantum computing is a type of technology that uses qubits instead of bits in its computational data processing. Quantum data processing uses parallel non-deterministic calculations, which allows for some very complicated problems to be solved much more rapidly than using standard bit-based computations.

Q: What is a Qubit? A: Qubits are bits of data that exist in a quantum state— occupying positions at both 1 and 0 at the same time, in what is known as a superposition. These qubits are the processing power in a quantum computer, whereas bits that use only binary code of 1s and 0s, power non-quantum computers.

Q: What is Quantum Physics? A: Quantum physics is a scientific field of study developed in the twentieth century that postulates that small particles can occupy two states of reality at the same time. This state is referred to as a quantum state.

This is such an exciting new technology that we all need to read up on it and broaden our understanding because it is going to affect us all.
Profile Image for Brian Aird.
216 reviews14 followers
January 23, 2019
The Future of Computing is Now

Quantum: Computing Nouveau by Jason Schenker is quite frankly not an easy read.

However, it is a necessary read for the business owner, for the career oriented indvidual and for those who utilize computing technology. This is due to the fact that this book, explains, as elementary as possible, the future of computer technology as it is transforming bits to qubits and from binary to quantum computing.

The author's premise is that the collection of data is increasing to the point that standard computing measures will not be effectively able to keep pace with the volume of data that is being produced.

Consequently, the need for the continued development of quantum computing.

Put succintly, in the words of the author, " quantum computing could prove to be a technological game changer for scientific discovery, blockchain and cryptography."

Jason Schenker is obviously well versed in the field of quantum computing and methodically imparts part of his knowledge, reason for writing the book and explaining his rationale for writing.

He does this in a systematic approach in as "down to earth" language as possible as he explains the basics of quantum computing in context. In essence he, because of his experience and knowlege, bridges this daunting and seemiingly intense subject and translates the subject of quantum computing into easier to understand language.

He also backs up his presentation with graphs and other visuals as he methodically takes the reader from the origin of quantum computing to bringing about the reality of quantum computing to the practical use of this technology to future opportunities to the financial investment in this future trend.

Quantum: Computing Nouveau is a necessary read as the future in computing is now.
Profile Image for Amanda.
329 reviews
January 25, 2019
Quantum: Computing Nouveau: The Technological Step Change That Could Foster Scientific Discovery, Break Blockchains, and Trigger a Global Cybersecurity Arms Race... Mylanta, that's a mouthful of title! I mean I'm a wordie but dang. And by wordie, I mean I'm into books not tech. I leave that to my cyber security expert husband and he is the one I turned to to tell me 1, what is right here and 2, what is wrong?

This is his conclusion; Technically speaking (no pun intended) the information is correct and explained to you mere mortals pretty succinctly. That's not easy with this kind of specialized subject matter, it's complex to the Nth degree, and this guy nailed it. What's wrong isn't something he really got wrong per se, I just think that the predictions are much too concrete. The way technology evolves isn't always predictable and this aspect especially shouldn't be underestimated. Still, this book is full of good information and all tech appreciate a well informed public.

So there you have it, from my very own personal expert, this is a good tech book on this subject.
Profile Image for Rachel Kester.
487 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2019
Author Jason Schenker works to help show readers that fixing computer processing powers can help to change the world because it will allow new scientific discoveries, stop blockchains, and help to support a global cybersecurity arms race.
The beginning of the book contains a preface which helps to define more about what the book is about and why the topic is important to consider. You’ll also find some graphs to help you better imagine the scenarios discussed which can be a helpful tool. Schenker also includes some fun facts and interesting tidbits about this area that many might be intrigued to learn about.
While the book can get a little technical in some areas, it provides plenty of interesting information on this topic making it ideal for those who enjoy science and technology to read. It runs at 182 pages, so it might be a little long of a read for some. However, the book is a great read for those who love science making it a worthwhile investment.
Profile Image for Pegboard.
1,823 reviews9 followers
April 26, 2019
Quantum: Computing Nouveau came together as Jason Schenker researched quantum computing for a book on blockchain and realized there lacked one book that covered essential context on this subject. Stepping up, he researches to first explain what quantum computing is to an individual and business, then shows how it can be incorporated. Knowing why and how changes in Cyber security are coming your way is fascinating for someone not walking in the computer world, but this is a vital read for those who rely on this information.
 
Jason Schenker is a highly intelligent author who can take a complicated subject and explain it to a novice. Quantum: Computing Nouveau is one example of educating his followers and those looking to learn more about frontier computing that will soon be essential in all business computing. His futuristic outlook and knowledge of what our world is stepping into is interesting and scary at the same time. I enjoy how the data from one book links to the next.   
Profile Image for Mar.
340 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2019
Quantum: Computing Nouveau is a mandatory book for everyone interested in leraning more about the technological revolution, its implications, the shift in the paradigme and why it needs to happen. In a time where it's getting harder to keep up with the latest changes, Jason Schenker's book come handy for everyone.
I'm a novice in the topic, interested in the change that technology brings to society, and was still able to understand what is written: the language is clear, the data helps and the author makes an excellent effort to make this book easy to follow. Of course, this is no bedtime story but for everyone who is interested in quantum computing or to simply understand the phenomena (as I am) this is it. In one book, you find all the information you need. Great material, great writing and great insight into a very obscure topic that will dominate all the conversations in the next decade.
Profile Image for Karyn H.
568 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2019
Quantum: Computing Nouveau by Jason Schenker deserves my 5 stars. Why?? The guy's a genius!! I am a total dummy when it comes to Quantum computing, but it became so simple and understandable as I read. Within the 180 pages, there is knowledge and information that even a 12-year-old can understand. There is much appreciation for a book of this simplicity. Jason, this book is long, long overdue!

I've read a few books explaining Quantum computing. I left the book as dumb as when I started reading. When I completed chapter 2, QC became understandable. My high point was the questions and answers section, that knocked it off for me as well. I could have stopped reading as the author suggested, but I wanted all the understanding I can on this type of computing.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Quantum computing is the face of the future and its absolutely necessary.
Profile Image for Valery.
1,501 reviews57 followers
April 23, 2019
Quantum: Computing Nouveau: The Technological Step Change That Could Foster Scientific Discovery, Break Blockchains, and Trigger a Global Cybersecurity Arms Race by Jason Schenker opens the door to quantum computing and the future effects that may happen. Schenker is a prolific writer, mostly in the technical genre, all thought provoking books, and this one is no exception. Quantum is defined as "a new way of analyzing data". The topic itself is rather challenging for the average reader, but the author does his best to present and explain what quantum computing actually is. There are plenty of fun facts and graphs included in the text to further explain the author's point on how quantum computing might impact blockchain, security, society as a whole, and more. An interesting if rather challenging read, this book is highly recommended, but not for light reading.
Profile Image for Katherine Hebert.
195 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2019
Technical read

Quantum: Computing Nouveau is a very complex, challenging read. But it’s information is so important. The computer world is constantly evolving and the quantum world is going to completely reshape it, both with software and hardware. The book is packed with good information but for the average reader like me, it’ll take some time to adjust to the jargon and truly understand the message the author is trying to get across. I recommend reading this book in several sittings, and multiple times, to really learn the material that the author is presenting. The author took a lot of time to compile the data and seems to really know the material he is presenting. I think this book would be a great accompanying piece for a college course.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,332 reviews23 followers
April 25, 2019
So, if you’re like me you have heard the term quantum physics or quantum computing somewhere in the media. It seems to be a term that is increasing in frequency in when you hear it. If you are, again like me, you may have no idea what it is about. I figured, this book with the cute cover could help me understand a little more what this is all about. I was not disappointed. The author has packed a lot of information in this book. At times this makes it hard to follow along, but if you are patient, I am sure you will be able to gain a greater understanding of why everyone should at least be familiar with the notions of Quantum Computing in todays world. This book lays out what quantum computing is, how it is changing our world right now and in the near future in an easy to read style.
Profile Image for Shanell Meek.
582 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2019
Very informative, but a little above my knowledge base.

I’ll be honest, I had no idea what quantum computing is. But after reading this quick read, I like to think I came away with a much better understanding of what it is and how it works. I read another book by the same author on blockchain technology. I like that in both books he used graphs and images, while using terms that were easy to process language. I think this book is more suited to those who already have a basic understanding of quantum computing. This book wasn’t quite as easy to process as his previous book I read but I still cane away with new knowledge and understanding of how it works.
Profile Image for Jimmy Jefferson.
1,043 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2019
The art of quantum computing

Quantum computing is the basis of this book from the basics to the more advanced potential uses. This book is written to explain the basics of quantum computing and to help you understand the process and many opportunities that could flourish with its use. The book has many visual aids to assist in processing the information presented to you. I found the book to be useful. I learned a lot about the many possible uses for quantum computing and am looking forward to further expanding my knowledge of the subject. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about quantum computing.
Profile Image for Moná.
325 reviews13 followers
June 23, 2019
I’m not necessarily thrilled that we’re in need of faster computer processing, but it makes sense as our technology advances at a much quicker rate. In ‘Quantum: Computing Nouveau‘, author Jason Schenker by paraphrasing, states that if you’re not technically inclined, you might not really know or care about quantum computing. Personally, I’m technically inclined but not on a level to which I knew exactly what quantum computing. By reading this book all the questions anyone curious would ever ask have been answered and then some. I recommend everyone read more into this subject by starting with this book, it’s a wonderful source for reference on quantum computing.
1 review
February 2, 2019
When I finished this I posted my first review. Then I deleted it. It wasn't positive. My friend used to teach college English and would send some of his student's papers to me. My girlfriend and I used to laugh until we were helpless. After I posted my thoughts on 'Quantum', I read all 45 reviews of it on Kindle/Amazon. Then I took mine down. I feel like I did the night Trump got elected.
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