Changing The Way We Watch TV

An interesting article on the way modern software allows us to enjoy television programming. MythTV, BitTorrent, and Videora are the three highlighted pieces of software.

AutoGK 1.88 Beta Released

AutoGK b1.88b is out. Updating small bits and pieces. Change log:

- intermediate WAV file is deleted after MP3 encoding
- DGMPGDec updated to version 1.1.0
- check for updates improved to detect stable/beta versions (new option will come for stable release)

I should note that len0x has publicly mentioned the next stable release is coming soon and after that he will be working on AVI/DV is a valid input format. My guess is this would allow easy conversion of Divx/Xvids that won't play on ESS DVD players to play the converted files. So for owners of Philips 642's that have unplayable files, hope may be on the way. My only wish is that it loses no quality and happens faster than encoding the movie again... I'm betting I won't get my wish.

A Wooden Mirror?

Check out this amazing wooden mirror. It isn't the quietest thing in the world, but it scores very high on the cool-meter.

Virus Attacks Lexus SUVs

The onboard computer in some models of Lexus SUVs are being infected by a virus via their Bluetooth wireless connection. Apparently the thing has a range of about 15 feet, so don't park next to any "suspicious" cars next time you go to the mall...

Preparing Yourself For System Intrusions

An in-depth article on preparing yourself for system intrusions. Beyond "keep up to date on all security updates", the article gives tips and pointers on how to identify and recover from an unauthorized access to your system. Some sysadmins consider an exploited system tainted and do not "recover", but "rebuild". To them, it's easier to restart from scratch, patching the previous holes, than to take the chance that somewhere in their system is lurking malicious code or a backdoor planted during the exploit. Scary stuff. Makes those guys developing the "boot and run from CD" router software seem justified in their paranoia.

Small Business' Must Have Linux Apps

An interesting article detailing the must-have Linux apps for a small business.

Stain Removing Tips

I ran across this excerpt while looking up info from another "Dummies" book. It's useful tips for removing a stain from the "Cleaning and Stain Removal For Dummies" book.

Selecting Appropriate Cryptographic Keys

Here's an article I was asked to write focusing on selecting appropriate cryptographic keys. It's intended to help differentiate between symmetric and asymmetric keys and the confusion that arises by their key lengths not being easily compared to one another in terms of resistance to a brute force attack.

Yet Another Worm Making Its Rounds

First we get the MSN Messenger Worm, and now it's the
CNN Headline Alerts worm. The latter is particularly nasty because it installs a keylogger and gathers your info to send off to who knows where... What's that thing they always say? Oh yeah, "Don't open unexpected attachments!" And be suspicious of expected ones too, just to be safe.

Which Homestar Runner Character Are You?

If you've never watched Strongbad check his email, you're missing out. Here's a quiz to see which Homestar Runner character you most closely represent. My results are below. Click on it to take the quiz yourself.


Which Homestar Runner character are you?

Amiga OS4 Pre-release Reviewed

ArsTechnica.com has a look at the almost completed Amiga OS4 from Micro-AmigaOne. I can't help but get the "too little, too late" feeling. With a slight hint of "too expensive" on the side...

I do admit to occasional Amiga reminiscing via the excellent WinUAE emulator. The games did seem much better then than they do now, although some are still excellent. Why hasn't Core revived Rick Dangerous?!?! Why is there no new Turrican? Instead, we get rehashed sports games and Final Fantasy 29... Spread the sequel making around a bit. Remake some classics franchises. But now I'm off on a tangent...

Xbox 2 Release Date Leaked

An EA accidentally leaks info that infers Xbox 2 will debut for Xmas 2005 shopping season. The info indicated that their new Need for Speed game (Most Wanted), will simultaneously launch for: Xbox 2, Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PC, PSP, and some Nintendo Handheld. This game is already known to be lined up for a Xmas release.

Guide to Better Portrait Photography

Anandtech has a nice guide to shooting better portraits posted. There are some handy tricks to improve your portrait shots.

MapPoint better than MapQuest?

I stumbled across MSN's MapPoint recently. It seems easy to remember the name MapQuest (and it rolls off the tongue nicely), but I'd noticed that at least around my house, Yahoo! Maps did a better job. I think MSN's MapPoint might just do a better job than Yahoo! Maps as well. I'll have to try it out a bit to see. Check out their "LineDrive" feature for a "yours streets only" map including lightly colored major cross streets.

Linux Is Getting Harder To Hack

A test run by the Honeynet Project has concluded that Linux is getting harder to hack compared to just a couple years ago. Interesting read when compared to Windows' hours or minutes to compromise. I'd be curious to see some non-Red Hat Linux flavors tested though.

Linux Cooperating with Windows???

Here's an interesting story I'll have to check out in more detail myself. It seems coLinux allows you to run unmodified Linux distributions in a Windows environment, all while Windows is running without resorting to a commercial virtualization product like Microsoft Virtual PC or VMware Workstation. This sounds like a great way to try out various flavors of Linux without committing your system or working in the temporary environment created by the (very useful) Live CDs.

Performing Data Surgery

A short concise look at some low level data manipulation tricks that can easily be done from the Linux command line. I should also note that with a Live CD (such as Knoppix), you can use dd to easily backup/restore a Windows drive as well. I'd recommend piping it to a compression program as well just to save space on your media. With a little creativity, you could work in encryption as well.

Is Your Server Secure?

LinuxGazette has an article asking Is Your Server Secure? Then they answer... no! A handy list of things to check on your Linux server to see if you have any gaping holes in your security. I know I picked up a few tips from this article.

Consistency Between Systems

Here's a nice article covering the importance of consistency between systems when you work on many similar systems. This is a *nix based article that focuses on placing important identifying information in your command prompt and other things you can do to unify you travels amongst the many systems you work on.

No Kid Rock at Inauguration

After initial plans to invite Kid Rock to perform at President Bush's inauguration next week, it looks like he won't be there afterall. I think Bush just liked the sound of the title "American Badass" and didn't bother to read the lyrics of any songs, let alone listen to them.

Hack a System, Get a Job...

A 21 year old hacker compromised the T-Mobile system for more than a year, but when he was caught, the secret service offered to reduce his crimes to a single felony and offer him a job!

Opera Watch

Opera Watch is a blog that follows the development of the Opera web browser (which I highly recommend as it's my browser of choice).

Video Disk Recorder

A newcomer is aiming for MythTV's marketshare. Some suggest VDR is something that needs to be seen. It's nice to see digital satellite support for sure!

Anandtech Looks at Coolpix 8400

Anandtech takes a look at Nikon's newCoolpix 8400 with its impressive wide angle lens. Sample pictures included.

IBM's Guide for Windows to Linux Migration

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth another mention. IBM has prepared a guide to help you more easily migrate from Windows to Linux. They hit on a lot of things you might overlook the first time. Good stuff.

LeapFrog's new Fly Pen

LeapFrog, the company behind the popular children's toys LeapPad and the Leapster have a new pen Computer that will allow you to draw a calculator on special fly paper and then use the buttons to perform calculations and have the pen speak the answer to you. This may be a sign of things to come. Now to practice my cheeseburger drawing skills...

Linux in the Government

An interesting look at how the government's infrastructure is protected and specifically how Linux in the government is being used.

Info on IPSec

Here's an interesting (short) article on IPSec and how it relates to VPN.

Mac Mini (Sub $500 Macintosh)

Apple announced the inexpensive Mac Mini as a way to get into a Mac for under $500. It doesn't come with a monitor, keyboard, or mouse, but everything else you'll need to get up and running. This thing is 6.5"x6.5"x2". That's tiny!

They also announced the $99 512MB iPod Shuffle that has no screen and is about the size of a pack of gum.

Knoppix to the Rescue!

From the auther of Knoppix Hacks, here's a short article (with user comments added) about how you can use Knoppix to rescue your system, regardless of whether it is Windows or Linux based. Interesting stuff, I picked up a couple tips myself.

Google's 20 Year Usenet Timeline

Google has an interesting timeline of Usenet over the last which dates things such as:

• First mention of Microsoft
• First mention of MTV
• First mention of Commodore 64
• First thread about AIDS
• First mention of Commodore Amiga
• First mention of AOL
• First mention of Linux
• First mention of Osama bin Laden
• First instance of mass spamming
• First mention of Google
• etc
  

Weird Math Tricks

I'd never heard of Vedic Maths (yes, the "s" is supposed to be there). Learn that 13x21=273 because: 1x2=2 1x1+2x3=7 3x1=3 so it's 273. Weird.

Tsunami Before/After Satellite Photos

Some amazing before/after satellite photos of the tsunami damage. Each web page loads with a toggle button to switch between before and after. The borders of the photos may not be the same, but the streets and landmarks line up so you really are looking at the same area. Note that the photos may have been taken at different times of the day so shadows from larger objects (buildings, trees, etc) may be drastically different when switching back and forth quickly, but it's obvious most of the "after" photos have large areas just packed with rubble.

Jon Stewart Gets His Wish!

3 months after asking the hosts of Crossfire to "Stop Hurting America", he gets his wish as CNN announces they are canceling Crossfire.

When Stewart was told the news, he said "I had no idea that if you wanted a show canceled, all you had to do was say it out loud."

Using Digital Cameras Under Linux

One users recommendations for setting up a nice environment for using a digital camera in Linux. He goes beyond "how do I get to my pictures" with some nice tips on actual image manipulation and scripting common events.

Sims 2 Virus? (This is funny!)

It seems the Sims 2 world has entered the Twilight Zone as various hacks to the Sims 2 world spread beyond control. This is funny stuff.

If You Can't Beat 'em, Buy 'em!

Once again, Microsoft practices the "find a good product and buy the company" approach. This time it's spyware. Now if they try to sell this stuff, that just wouldn't be right. They had better prepare for a huge public backlash unless it's offered for free.

Disguise your Laptop as a Pizza?!?!

I don't know about you, but if you wanted to attract attention to your laptop in my house, just put it in one of these.

Top 10 Tech Predictions for 2005

Here's a fun list of predictions for 2005 from AudioGoGo.com. A few of them are not that surprising and a couple would be very surprising. It's always interesting to look back a year from now and see how many came true. This list seems to be awfully Apple-centric.

New Calendar System Proposed

Here's an interesting change to our calendar that would lead to dates always being on the same day of the week, Christmas would always be on a Sunday, and every few years there would be a week (not part of any month) called Newton Week to make up for missing days and leap year. There are too many people set in their ways to convert to this, but I definitely see benefits to it. The scientist also proposes everyone switch to Greenwich Mean Time and just deal with the fact that you may eat dinner at 2:00am. This would certainly help international businesses coordinate meetings and conference calls as there wouldn't be any strange "I wonder what time it is in Japan..." moments.

Build a Linux Firewall

RootPrompt.org has an article on how to setup a stateful firewall.

Dave Barry's 2004 in Review

Dave Barry sums up 2004 in an interesting way.