Posts published in “News”

AMD Resurrects Sought-After HEDT Processors

By editorialteam on December 11, 2023

By Kent Yang | Staff Writer

It’s no secret that AMD listens to their customers, and they have yet again. With the revival of High-End Desktop processors from AMD, the Ryzen ThreadRipper targets prosumers and enthusiasts while ThreadRipper Pro 7000 is aimed at enterprise customers. Both ThreadRipper series are built upon TSMC 5NM and are for the sTR5 socket.

The AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 7000 includes an 8 Core Complex Die Layout on the TRX50 Platform. A Core Complex Die or CCD is a cluster of 8 CPU cores that share access to a common L3 cache. A test conducted by AMD shows the 7980X is between 4% to 94% better than competitor’s Intel Xeon W9-3495X depending on what application is being tested. They were made available on November 21^st, 2023. The AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 7000 series consist of the following: read more

Industry Leading Power Efficiency Showcased at Apple Event

By editorialteam on December 11, 2023

By Kent Yang | Staff Writer

After boasting that hard work isn’t hard at all when you’re on a Mac, Apple introduced their new lineup of ARM based processors: the M3 Family. Ever since switching from Intel Processors to ARM Processors a few years ago, Apple’s aim has been to have a long battery life while keeping performance quality consistent while both plugged in and unplugged. Not only have they succeeded in this endeavor, they’ve also become an industry leader when it comes to power efficiency. Notably, the M3 family is also the first chip to use a 3-nanometer lithography. The M3 Family are listed below: read more

Food for Thought

By editorialteam on November 19, 2023

Investigating Food Insecurity at MWCC

By Desiree Leader | Observer Contributor

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, 1 out of 7 people in Massachusetts receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps. Food insecurity is a global issue, and it is no different at the Mount.

With a recent reduction in additional supplemental benefits, the local demand on food pantries is at an all-time high. According to Pam Guild, President of the Board of Directors at the Wachusett Food Pantry in Sterling, there has been a major uptick in recipients during and since the COVID-19 pandemic because “prices are going up all over for basics.” read more

Wanted for Questioning

By editorialteam on November 19, 2023

Community Reflection on the Manhunt for Aaron Pennington

By Sam LeMay | Observer Contributor

Aaron Pennington remains the figure of interest in the troubling events that unfolded on October 22nd. The incident, which involved the fatal shooting of his wife, Breanne Pennington, and his subsequent flight, has prompted students and staff at the Mount to reflect upon their sense of security in the area. As of this issue’s publication date, the latest press release from Massachusetts State Police indicates that they have suspended their search, confirming that although they haven’t found him, they are assuming he is still alive until a body is found. On the morning of October 23rd, an email from MWCC Student Services reached the student body, advising them to immediately contact authorities if they encounter anyone matching Pennington’s description. read more

Profile: Puneet Kumar

By editorialteam on November 19, 2023

A Journey of Determination from India to the USA

By Kent Yang | Observer Staff Writer

Within the diverse cultures of Mount Wachusett Community College is Puneet Kumar, a 19-year-old biology major. One year ago, when he was just 18 years old, Kumar left his home in Punjab, India and started his journey to America, bringing with him not just his cherished cultural heritage but also his profound determination to achieve his dreams of becoming a doctor, more specifically: a neurosurgeon. Kumar has always wanted to be a doctor, explaining that his reasons were “ … not just for a good standard or passion but also for love and better understanding for the people I treat. I chose neuroscience because the brain has the most complex structures which runs the whole body … I just wanted to learn the complexities of the brain and spinal cord to fulfill my dream.” read more

Profile: Arlo Caisse

By editorialteam on November 19, 2023

Gateway Student Talks ‘Opportunity’ and Community at the Mount

By Elysian Alder | Editor-in-Chief

Arlo Caisse has been one of Mount Wachusett Community College’s many dual enrollment students since they started the Gateway to College program in the fall of 2022, when they were just 16 years old. “I was homeschooled my whole life up until I started here at MWCC as a Gateway student,” said Caisse. Both Caisse and their sister are first-generation college students, and their sister is a former Gateway student herself. “My sister was the biggest reason I chose to go to college. I wanted to learn, and I needed to learn some important things…things I could have learned at home, but my sister encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.” read more

The Brains of the Digital World, Central Processing Units (CPUs)

By editorialteam on November 19, 2023

By Kent Yang | Observer Staff Writer

Have you ever purchased a brand-new smartphone, laptop, or desktop and thought, “Wow! It’s so fast!” The main reason for this, in conjunction with other components such as memory, graphics card, and solid-state storage, for day-to-day applications, would be because of the processor.

What is a Central Processing Unit or CPU? Think of it like the brain of the human body but instead of being for a body, it’s for a computer. The CPU is a small but powerful component that processes and performs calculations from the instructions it receives. CPUs are sometimes referred to as “chips,” and this is due to it being a main type of logic chip. read more

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

By editorialteam on November 19, 2023

By Kent Yang | Observer Staff Writer

Last month marked the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This campaign was created in 2004 by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance to ensure every American has the resources needed to stay safe and secure online. This year, the focus of Cybersecurity Awareness Month was on four critical cybersecurity practices.

The first of these practices includes enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a tool which adds another layer of protection to your account by requiring a security token or code to verify your login. This token is usually sent via text, email, or through an app like Google authentication, depending on the user’s selection or preference at the time of setting the MFA up. read more

A Double-Edged Sword

By editorialteam on October 21, 2023

Balancing the Benefits and Ethical Dilemmas of AI

By Kent Yang | Observer Contributor

Artificial Intelligence and applications of AI, such as Machine Learning, have ushered in a new era of technological advancement, transforming industries and enhancing our daily lives. However, this enhancement also comes with an ethical double-edged sword. While AI offers tremendous benefits, it also raises ethical concerns that demand thoughtful consideration.

AI technologies offer the potential to revolutionize the workplace by automating tasks, thereby enhancing efficiency, productivity, and reducing on-the-job injuries. However, this advancement also brings forth concerns related to job displacement. According to a report from the World Economic Forum, by the year 2025, AI may lead to the displacement of approximately 85 million jobs. But it’s also expected to create 97 million new roles as well, which perfectly illustrates the double-edged nature of AI’s impact on employment. read more

Reflecting on DEI Initiatives with Chief Diversity Executive Stephanie Williams

By editorialteam on October 18, 2023

‘The Need is Always Going to be There’

By Cody Nathanson | Assistant Editor

The Mount’s continued ambition to make students feel included and develop a sense of campus belonging is still an ongoing process. Like many colleges during COVID-19, MWCC followed in the greatly renewed wave of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives by hiring for a new position: Chief Diversity Executive. A position Stephanie Williams has held since April of 2022.

“When we’re talking about creating inclusive environments and breaking down systems that serve a dominant group and culture and not the rest, the need is always going to be there,” Williams explained. Her position provides a top-down oversight of MWCC’s policies and programs through the lens of DEIA principles, but when it comes to fostering a front-facing sense of belonging, it remains a part of a larger need. In a 2022 research survey, 64% of college students acknowledged their campus’ support of DEIA principles but shared the sentiment that there was still room for improvement. read more