Audio is streamed from the publisher.
Chapters
Read from the show notes
- 0:00 **Introduction**
- 2:56 **Why Choose Networking**
- 4:22 **The Internet’s Impact**
- 5:35 **Computational Truth**
- 9:18 **Misaligned Cloud Computing**
- 13:51 **Determining Computational Truth**
- 18:19 **Computations & Accountability**
- 20:56 **Collaborating Online**
- 24:38 **Real-Time Performance Systems**
- 28:00 **Latency vs. Bandwidth**
- 30:43 **Eliminating Latency**
- 32:41 B**alancing Audio Quality & Delay**
- 34:20 **Rethinking Computer Science Education**
- 35:46 **The Xylophone-Based Class**
- 38:34 **Future In a Minute**
- 41:01 **Conclusion**
Not from the publisher — times may be approximate.
Show notes
Computer scientist [https://cs.stanford.edu/\~keithw/"]( Keith Winstein is an expert in how computers communicate. Computer networks create what he calls shared fictions – abstract realities, like a website or a Zoom call, that exist only because the computers on either end agree to act as if they are real. Unfortunately, today’s networks lack a shared notion of a “computation,” which hurts market efficiency in cloud computing and frustrates efforts to hold tech companies accountable for the results of their algorithms. As computational power becomes concentrated in a smaller number of companies, Winstein advocates for a shared language of “computational truths,” defining computations precisely so results are reproducible and auditable. His research group hopes this will lead to greater transparency and accountability in the cloud and, ultimately, to greater confidence in the computations that companies do every day on our behalf. The truth matters, Winstein tells host [https://profiles.stanford.edu/russ-altman"]( Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s _The Future of Everything_ podcast. _Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to_ [_thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu_](mailto:thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu)_._ **Episode Reference Links:** - Stanford Profile: [https://profiles.stanford.edu/keith-winstein"]( Keith Winstein **Connect With Us:** - Episode Transcripts >>> [https://engineering.stanford.edu/magazine/collection/future-everything-podcast"]( The Future of Everything Website - Connect with Russ >>> [https://www.threads.net/@russbaltman"]( Threads / [https://bsky.app/profile/rbaltman.bsky.social"]( Bluesky / [https://mastodon.social/@rbaltman"]( Mastodon - Connect with School of Engineering >>> [https://twitter.com/stanfordENG"]( Twitter/X / [https://www.instagram.com/stanfordeng/"]( Instagram / [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-university-school-of-engineering/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true"]( LinkedIn / [https://www.facebook.com/stanford.engineering/"]( Facebook **Chapters:** (00:00:00) **Introduction** Russ Altman introduces guest Keith Winstein, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at Stanford University (00:02:56) **Why Choose Networking** The appeal of the shared digital “fictions” created by connected computers. (00:04:22) **The Internet’s Impact** The broader societal implications of networking technologies. (00:05:35) **Computational Truth** The concept of tracking how data is produced and verified. (00:09:18) **Misaligned Cloud Computing** How “pay for effort” models create inefficiencies in cloud systems. (00:13:51) **Determining Computational Truth** The need for verifiable computation that produces consistent results. (00:18:19) **Computations & Accountability** How identifying computations could improve trust in systems. (00:20:56) **Collaborating Online** Why latency challenges make online performance collaboration difficult. (00:24:38) **Real-Time Performance Systems** Creating a custom system for musicians to perform together online. (00:28:00) **Latency vs. Bandwidth** Why faster internet speeds don’t necessarily reduce delay. (00:30:43) **Eliminating Latency** How buffering layers in software create unnecessary delay. (00:32:41) B**alancing Audio Quality & Delay** The different trade-offs for musicians, actors, and audiences. (00:34:20) **Rethinking Computer Science Education** The need to bring playfulness and interactivity back into learning. (00:35:46) **The Xylophone-Based Class** Teaching computation through real-time sound and music. (00:38:34) **Future In a Minute** Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, truth in computing, and innovation. (00:41:01) **Conclusion** **Connect With Us:** Episode Transcripts >>> [The">https://engineering.stanford.edu/magazine/collection/future-everything-podcast">The]( >> [Threads]( https://www.threads.net/@russbaltman">Threads / [Bluesky]( https://bsky.app/profile/rbaltman.bsky.social">Bluesky / [Mastodon]( https://mastodon.social/@rbaltman">Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>[Twitter/X]( https://twitter.com/stanfordENG">Twitter/X / [Instagram]( https://www.instagram.com/stanfordeng/">Instagram / [LinkedIn]( https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-university-school-of-engineering/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true">LinkedIn / [Facebook]( https://www.facebook.com/stanford.engineering/">Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See [pcm.adswizz.com]( https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.