What is quantum computing?

AI Thread Summary
Quantum computing offers significant speed advantages over conventional computing, particularly in tasks like breaking encryption. It can potentially compromise security systems that rely on RSA encryption by efficiently factoring large numbers into their prime components, a task difficult for classical computers. Shor's algorithm is a key focus, as it demonstrates how quantum computers can break RSA encryption. While conventional computers excel in many everyday tasks, quantum computers can solve specific problems much faster, such as optimization and simulation of quantum systems. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the transformative potential of quantum computing in both security and computational capabilities.
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TL;DR Summary
what is quantum computing and why is it different from conventional computing? what can it be used for?
I've heard that quantum computing is faster than conventional computing and can break almost all of our security, but how?
What could quantum computing be used for?
What can conventional computers do that quantum cant?
What can quantum computers do that conventional cant?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
What reading have you been doing on these questions? It's best if you do some reading on your own and then post links to your reading and ask questions about the parts you do not yet understand.
 
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Yes I concur wth @berkeman. Find some articles on quantum computing.

One thing to search for is Shor’s algorithm which will answer your security questions.

Many of our secure systems use RSA encryption which relies on the difficulty of factoring really large numbers of anywhere from 300 to 1200 digits into prime components. The numbers are based on the product of two large primes.

Quantum computers hold the promise of factoring RSA keys into their two primes breaking its security feature as either prime can be used to decrypt the message.

So far, IBM has successfully factored a rather small key into its two primes of 3 and 5 and claimed quantum supremacy.

Jedi
 
I have been idly browsing what Apple have to offer with their new iPhone17. There is mention of 'Vapour cooling' to deal with the heat generated. Would that be the same sort of idea that was used in 'Heat Pipes' where water evaporated at the processor end and liquid water was returned from the cool end and back along a wick. At the extreme high power end, Vapour Phase Cooling has been used in multi-kW RF transmitters where (pure) water was pumped to the Anode / or alternative Collector and...

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