Danish students launch open source and shareware beer

Copenhagen Capacity reports: "It is described by the students as 'a great tasting energetic beer and it's the world's first open source beer! It is based on classic ale brewing traditions but with added guarana for a natural energy-boost.'"

Fast Guide to IT Humor

SearchWindowsSecurity has a really good web page with a collection of computer humor.

Office Jargon for the 21st Century

Here is an 'The Office Lexicon' containing office jargon for the 21st century.

For example: '404': Someone who's clueless. From the World Wide Web error message "404 Not Found", meaning that the requested document could not be located.

The BitTorrent Effect

Like also Wired did a great article about Bram Cohen the creator of BitTorrent. If you would like to know about Bram and the history of BitTorrent read the article.

Interesting fact: Analysts from CacheLogic, an Internet-traffic analysis firm in Cambridge, England, reported that: 'BitTorrent traffic accounts for more than one-third of all data sent across the Internet.'

Here is an excerpt from the article: "Bram Cohen is the creator of BitTorrent, one of the most successful peer-to-peer programs ever. BitTorrent lets users quickly upload and download enormous amounts of data, files that are hundreds or thousands of times bigger than a single MP3."

Netcraft Anti-Phishing Toolbar

Netcraft has release a new IE toolbar to help fight against 'phishing' sites. Phishing sites are fake web site designed to look like legitimate site, but they're designed to steal your private information. This toolbar can help you fight back, by blocking access to these phishing sites.

Here is an excerpt from the site: "The Toolbar community is effectively a giant neighbourhood watch scheme, empowering the most alert and most expert members to defend everyone within the community against phishing frauds. Once the first recipients of a phishing mail have reported the target URL, it is blocked for community members as they subsequently access the URL. Widely disseminated attacks (people constructing phishing attacks send literally millions of electronic mails in the expectation that some will reach customers of the bank) simply mean that the phishing attack will be reported and blocked sooner. "

My only question about this toolbar is 'who watches the watchman'. What I mean by that, how do we know that people won't be blocking legitimate sites for fun.

Knopperdisk (USB Drive Linux)

I am big fan of USB drive version of Linux, and Knopperdisk seem like a cool new distro. Note: A floppy is required to boot the system.

Information from the site: "The USB version is more than just a rescue disk. It's based on Gentoo and contains various other programs/utilities such as network related tools (nmap, ettercap). For a full list go to the 'package list' section. "

ScamBusters.org??

I found this site today. The site advertises itself as: "website dedicated to helping you protect yourself from clever scams -- online and offline! You'll find lots of great resources on how to avoid the most popular scams, viruses and urban legends making the rounds."

I have read through some of the site and I am a little skeptical of the content. My suggestion is reader beware, I am not sure if the site is a scam itself. There are some questionable articles.

The Mother of All CPU Charts (Part 1)

Tom's Hardware Guide has truely producted, the 'Mother of All CPU Charts'. This article includes information and benchmarks for AMD and Intel processors (about 111 CPU) from 1995 To 2005, ranging from 100 MHz To 3800 MHz.

Adobe Reader 7.0

Adobe Reader 7.0 is ready for download. If you use the popular document reader and want to have the latest reader here it is.

Some of the new features are:

• Improved system performance.
• Allows saving files attached to PDF documents, and open them in their native applications.
• Markup PDF documents.
• And more...
  

2004 Year-End Google Zeitgeist

Like most search engines, Google breaks down the most popular searches for the year and makes them available to you. This information is based on the billions of searches conducted with Google from different users around the world, for 2004.

Also check out the 2004 Interactive Zeitgeist.

2.5" Battery-Powered USB Enclosure

Do you need a battery-powered USB disk enclosure that allows you to offload data from digital camera and MP3 player. This drive enclosure is 2.5", has an aluminum casae, and operates with AA batteries.

Longhorn Developer Center

Want to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and information about Longhorn, then check out the 'Longhorn Developer Center'.

GNUWin II

A similar site, like the OpenCD Project. This site seems to specialize in showing open source alternatives to commercial Windows software.

Remote-Controlled Digital Picture Frame (Project)

Want to recycle an old laptop, try creating a remote-controlled digital picture frame from it. Check out this project.

CleanSoftware.org

I came across this site today. If you're looking for free and clean (no adware or spyware) software, check out: "CleanSoftware.org is a resource to help Windows users find the best free daily-use software, free from nasties: adware, spyware, harmful/intrusive components, and threats to privacy. "

TheOpenCD Project

There are a lot of great open source programs on the Web, and some are definitely better then others. The TheOpenCD Project put together a kind of 'best of the best' open source CD. This is not all inclusive CD, but it is a really good collection of free open source software.

This is an except from the site: "The OpenCD project aims to introduce users of MS-Windows to the benefits of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). We include only the highest quality programs, which have been carefully tested for stability and which we consider appropriate for a broad audience."

To Clone or Not to Clone? (Article)

Wired News report: "The first cloned-to-order pet sold in the United States is named Little Nicky, a 9-week-old kitten delivered to a Texas woman saddened by the loss of a cat she had owned for 17 years.

The kitten cost its owner $50,000 and was created from DNA from her beloved cat, named Nicky, who died last year."

Google Linux Cluster (Video)

I won't hide the the fact that I am big fan of Google and it's services. I am also fasniated by the infrastructure and technology that runs this search engine titan.

Google Fellow Urs Hölzle explains how the Google search engine is designed, and how it works. Also, If you don't understand Google's Page Rank technology there is a good explaination of the technology during the presentation.

Below are some Google Statististics:
- 100,000 Linux servers (according the to the NY Times)
- 8.5 billion pages indexed
- 150 million queries a day
- Nearly 100% uptime

For more information, check out the following article.

The video has a 58-minute runtime.

EPIC 2014 (Humor)

Watch a future history of the media. It is a real interesting Flash movie about about the future mediascape, which is ruled by Googlezon.

More in this 8-minute video.

Rockstar Classics (Free Downloads)

Rockstar Games is giving away classics versions of GTA (Grand Theft Auto) for FREE, so get them while it's hot. All that is required is that you fill out a form at the bottom of the page.

If you're concern about your privacy, make sure to read Rockstar's privacy policy.

Santa Tracking Sites

Santa is coming soon, and your kids might want to know where he is in the sky on Christmas Eve. So there are a few sites that can help you track Santa's travel:

• Norad: Tracking Santa is a holiday tradition. There are some nice Christmas MP3s here.
• Santa Radar: With a radar system on the front page and everything.

Movies in ASCII Format

Watch popular movie clips in ASCII text format. It is interesting site to say the least.

ASCII art was made popular back in the days of text only terminals hooked to large and small multi-user computers. Some amazing works of art have been created of the last few decades.

Portable Firefox 1.0 (USB Drive-Friendly)

JohnHaller.com presents: "Portable Firefox is a fully functional package of Firefox optimized for use on a USB key drive."

For those of you who like your privacy, this seems like a great idea.

OpenOffice 2.0 Nears Beta Testing (Article)

EWeek reports: "The latest prebeta edition, OpenOffice.org Snapshot Build 1.9.m65 (680_m65), is feature-complete and reveals an office suite that includes a personal DBMS (database management system) and improved Microsoft Office file compatibility."

Will Linux, OpenOffice, Firefox and ThunderBird kill Microsoft Windows and Windows? Time will tell.

Build Your Own Windows Media Center PC (Article)

There is a great article on ExtremeTech that shows you how to build your own Windows Media Center PC. This is not a cheap system, but if you want to DIY it then here is a good place to start.

$550 Notebook Computer With Wireless Networking from Walmart

Walmart is selling a $550 notebook computer with 802.11b wireless networking and Windows XP Home Edition. This is not a high-end laptop, but it would be good for someone who wants to surf the Internet, and do basic tasks such as word processing, etc. Gamers need not apply for this laptop.

Note: This deal is only available online.

- 1.1 GHz Mobile AMD Athlon 4 processor
- 14.1" XGA TFT LCD screen
- 40 GB hard drive
- 128 MB RAM
- DVD-ROM drive
- Integrated 802.11b wireless networking
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

If you do by this laptop the first thing you need to do is upugrade the RAM. The computer sets aside part of the main system memory for video. So, you will only have access to 112MB of RAM or less for the OS and your applications.

This seems like a great computer for that college student of yours. I have never used one, I would recommend checking it out.

New IE Exploit Spoofs Web Sites (Security)

eWeek reports: "Security researchers have uncovered a spoofing flaw in Internet Explorer that could allow a scammer to display a fake Web site with all of the attributes of a genuine, secure site."

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah

I don't care for political correctness, but like everything it has its time and place. I also know everyone doesn't believe in Jesus Christ, or celebrate Christmas. So for those people who get easily offended, "Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah".

For those who have a sense of humor, check out these site:

• Santa’s having a rough year from our friends at JibJab.
• AngryAlien presents "It's a Wonderful Life, in 30 seconds", as performed by the bunnies.

IBM researchers eye 100TB tape drive

ComputerWorld reports: "ALMADEN, Calif. -- IBM has begun work on new technologies designed to boost the capacity of tape storage devices by 250 times. Using "nanopatterning" techniques derived from the company's microprocessor division, researchers say they expect to one day build cartridges that can store as much as 100TB of data."

"Hacker" version of Google!

Google has a 'Google in your Language' feature, which allows you to search the Internet using any language. Google now provides their search engine in a language called 'Leet', which is a cipher created by hackers.

Slate Posts Amazon.com's Customer Service Number

I hate when companies hide customer service numbers from their own customers. I could tell about a few companies that forced me search for their customer service numbers, and I had to find them in a very round about way. So if you're looking Amazon.com customer service number, it is: 1-800-201-7575.

Ready for ZigBee?

Do you know what ZigBee is? A quote for the linked ExtremeEech says, "ZigBee is poised to become the leading wireless technology for a myriad of uses ranging from building automation to industrial and residential applications."

It looks like an interesting technology, lets see what happens...

Microsoft Makes 'Giant' Anti-Spyware Acquisition

EWeek reports, "Microsoft Corp. has bought into the anti-spyware business. Just two months after Chairman Bill Gates dropped a strong hint that Microsoft planned to do something about the spyware scourge, the Redmond, Wash., company announced the acquisition of Giant Company Software, a New York-based startup with a highly rated anti-spyware application."

Microsoft also recently bought an anti-virus software company.

MoleSter - The Smallest File-Sharing Application

Matthew Skala created 'MoleSter', the smallest P2P file-sharing application composed of only 9 lines of Perl code. The competition began when Dr. Edward Felten posted a P2P program that was written with Python that was 15 lines.

Personal note: I don't promote the use of trading copyright material over any medium, but I will promote innovation.

Intel's Execute Disable Bit and Windows XP Service Pack 2

Intel provides the following Flash demo that talks about the Execute Disable Bit (NX) in their Pentium processors. This demo is all market propaganda, but if you don't understand the propaganda technology it might help explain the it for you.

I generally don't like to post links like this, but I thought the demo was pretty good.

Ecobot Eats Dead Flies for Fuel

Wired News reports: "Researchers at the University of the West of England, Bristol, are working on creating autonomous robots that power themselves using substances found in the environment. Professors Chris Melhuish and John Greenman plan to give robots their very own guts -- artificial digestive systems and the corresponding metabolisms that will allow robots to digest food."

This is an interesting article about robots with a digestion system.

Taking Advantage Of Technology

I just found this site today, its called 'I-Hacked.com'. This site is not about computer hacking, it is about consumer hardware hacking. Below is the site description from the home page:

"Electronics are everywhere, and technology drives pretty much everything we do in today's world. We show you how to take advantage of these electronics to make them faster, give them added features, or to do things they were never intended to do.

We are not a 'cracking' site, we are hackers. Our inquisitive nature leads us to find ways of making technology work for us. We do not support unauthorized access into systems, breaking into email systems, or anything of that nature. Please do not email me asking me how to do this type of stuff.

Please enjoy your stay, check out the articles, and submit some of your own. As a community we can share our tips/tricks/and hacks with each other. The I-Hacked.com's 'Most Wanted' are articles that we are currently looking for articles to be written about."

Blockbuster plans to end late fees in 2005

Associated Press reports, "Blockbuster Inc., the nation's biggest movie rental company, plans to eliminate late fees on games and movies as of Jan. 1."

Now if Blockbuster can do something about their high prices...

The 48 Hour Film Project - 2004

I learned about the 'The 48 Hour Film Project' last year on TechTV. It looks like something that would be fun to do if you have few creative friends, some digital film/editing equipment, and 48 hours.

If you don't know about the 'The 48 Hour Film Project', this is a brief description of what it is from their site: "The 48 Hour Film Project-an international film making competition where teams have just two days to make a short film from scratch-is back and bigger than ever."

Xandros Desktop OS 3 Deluxe Edition (Review)

ExtremeTech reports: "We frequently get the same question from our readers in the ExtremeTech forum: I want to get rid of Windows, so which Linux distribution should I try? Now we have a definite answer: Get Xandros. With the release of version 3, the Xandros folks have finally come up with a full-blown replacement for Windows on the desktop. New stuff in this release includes a VPN wizard, a firewall wizard, encrypted home folders, DVD burning, and a number of other goodies. "

Google to Scan Books From Big Libraries

eWeek reports: "Google Inc. is trying to establish an online reading room for five major libraries by scanning stacks of hard-to-find books into its widely used Internet search engine."

Visual Studio: Order Your Free Partner Product DVD

I don't know if this will be of interest to anyone, but you can get a free DVD from Microsoft filled with Visual Studio evaluation products.

Here is an excerpt from Microsoft's site "Order this free DVD and receive over 65 tools, components and languages from Visual Studio Industry Partners. These full version and evaluation products can help save you time and money building applications for Microsoft Windows, mobile devices, the Web, and Web services."

Computer Advertising Terms Defined (Humor)

Have you ever read those marketing terms in technogoly advertisements and wondered what they actually meant. When this list reveals the truth about what these terms really mean:

• NEW: Different color from previous design.
• ALL NEW: Parts are not interchangeable with previous design.
• EXCLUSIVE: Imported product.
• UNMATCHED: Almost as good as the competition.
• FOOLPROOF OPERATION: No provision for adjustments.
• ADVANCED DESIGN: The advertising agency doesn't understand it.
• IT'S HERE AT LAST: Rush job. Nobody knew it was coming.
• FIELD TESTED: Manufacturer lacks test equipment.
• HIGH ACCURACY: Unit on which all parts fit.
• FUTURISTIC: No other reason why it looks the way it does.
• REDESIGNED: Previous flaws fixed: we hope.
• DIRECT SALES ONLY: Factory had a big argument with distributor.
• YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT: We finally got one to work.
• BREAKTHROUGH: We finally figured out a use for it.
• MAINTENANCE FREE: Impossible to fix.
• MEETS ALL STANDARDS: Ours, not yours.
• SOLID-STATE: Heavy as anything!
• HIGH RELIABILITY: We made it work long enough to ship it.

HP Digital Entertainment Center z545 (Review)

PC Magazine reviews: "The HP Digital Entertainment Center z545 provides everything you'd want in a Media Center PC for the living room. One box replaces the DVD player, CD changer, FM tuner, and DVR. Finally: a PC your significant other won't toss out of the living room! Just don't misplace the remote. "

This is probably the best media center PC I have seen to date. The only things it is lacking for me so far is satellite or digital cable and HDTV support.

Declaration of Annexation of The United Kingdom as Part of the USA

This a very funny web post about the "Declaration of Annexation of The United Kingdom as Part of the USA", which is really a counter response to another web post called "Home Office (London, UK) to the People of America".

Operation Codename Generator (Humor)

The Network Computing site offers a special service on their site called the "Operation Codename Generator". It kind of an interesting application, and you might want to check it out.

This is a description this application from Network Computing's web site: "You've heard all those great military code names for various missions, names like Enduring Freedom, Operation Desert Storm, Golden Pheasant. Well now you can use our interactive Codename Generator for your own IT operations. Don't settle for boring names like 'Verity Upgrade.' Try 'Infinite Justice' on for size and impress your coworkers with a name more fitting to your herculean task. "

Longhorn Supports IPv6 By Default

Microsoft’s new Longhorn OS will have IPv6 and IPv4 enabled by default. Also if users want they can turn IPv4, and run IPv6 only.

To read the story go to Government Computer News.

Windows 2003 Server SP1

A few days ago I reported that Microsoft has released Windows 2003 Server SP1 Release Cannidate 1. What I didn't tell you about was some of the new security enhancements that come as part of this service pack:

• A new Windows Firewall, that protects the server and works around client and server connecting to it on your network.
• Post-Setup Security Updates (PSSU) and Security Config Wizard (SCW), which lock down the computer to help prevent it being hacked.
• IE includes updates to prevent unintentional downloads of malicious code.
• A new HotPatching feature allows you to apply updates to drivers, APIs or any non-kernel level component to the system without rebooting.
• Stronger defaults and privilege reduction on services such as RPC and DCOM;
• Support for Intel and AMD processors that have the NX (Non-eXecute) instruction to prevents malicious code attacks that try to use stack overflows.

For a technical overview, see the following web page.

Put Your Cell Phone On 'The Do Not Call List'

In a few weeks, cell phone numbers are going to be released to telemarketing companies and you could start to receive sales calls.

If you don't have your cell phone number on the National 'Do Not Call List', I would suggest that you do it now! If you don't know about this site, this list will tells telemarketers not to call phone numbers you register for 5 years.

You have been warned...

New Google Suggest

Try out Google's new Suggest feature. The way it works is, as you type Google will offer suggestions. Then you can use the arrow keys to navigate the results.

Intel updates 2005 CPU plans

Ars Technica Reports: "...Intel has done an about-face and now plans to release 64-bit desktop CPUs beginning in 2005. The change in plans was triggered by the success rival chipmaker AMD has seen with its Athlon 64 line, along with the arrival of Windows XP 64-bit Professional x64 Edition (that's a mouthful) during the first half of 2005..."

More PI, Please

Want to see PI to its 4,400 place. If that's not enough PI, then there is a link that points to zip file you can download that contains another file displays PI to its 10 million digit.

Free Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 E-Learning

Microsoft is offering free E-Learning Clinics on Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). These clinics provide the technical information and training you need for:

• Deploying and Administering Windows XP SP2
• Developing and Maintaining Applications on Windows XP SP2

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate

Microsoft announced the immediate availability of the release candidate of
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1). SP1 is a security-oriented update, similar to some of the security updates Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.

This is a 'release candidate' which means that Microsoft believe it is almost ready for release, but it is suitable for testing purposes. Make sure to read the release notes for all the latest news, update, work arounds, etc.

The final version of the service pack is expected to be released in the first half of 2005. See the Windows Server Product Roadmap, for the most up-to-date product release information.

Dual Standard HD-DVD Disks

Toshiba and Memory-Tech claimed to have developed a new dual-layer DVD disk that can be use regular DVD disk, or as a new High-Definition (HD) DVD disk (which can store 15 GB of data). This allows the disks to be played in the current generation of DVD players, as well as the next generation HD-DVD players.

Floating Screen

PC Magazine reports: "Mitsubishi has announced plans to introduce the Scopo next year. This headset with an eye-sized, eye-level LCD creates the illusion that a 10-inch display is in front of the viewer. The display is not positioned directly on the user's face, so external surroundings remain visible."

This is a cool concept, I will be excited to see all the applications.

Mozilla Releases Thunderbird 1.0

Mozilla’s released Thunderbird 1.0 email client today. So, if you’re still using Outlook or Outlook Express, you should consider upgrading to Thunderbird. Thunderbird has some great features, like SPAM filtering, and an integrated RSS reader.

The best news is that it is all free.

Cybersecurity for the Homeland report

Kevin Rose from The ScreenSavers on G4TechTV has posted a copy of the US Congress's “Cybersecurity for the Homeland” report on his web site The Broken. This report is set to be released on Monday, so here is your chance to see it before it is release.

This report is in a PDF format and it is 41 pages long. The image quality of the document is pretty mediocre but very readable, you call tell that all the pages were scanned form a paper document.

Sign Up to Try Windows Update Services

Test Windows Update Services (WUS), the next version of the update management solution currently known as Software Update Services (SUS).

Internet2 Speed Record: Four Times As Fast

Extremetech Reports: "A sustained transfer of 101 gigabits per second between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles over Internet2. That's the speed hit by an international team lead by Caltech last week, the second year in a row the 'High Energy Physics' team has won the Supercomputer Bandwidth Challenge."

Gift Idea - TV Watch

For the geek that likes to watch a lot of T.V., check out this product. It a fully functional watch, with a 1.5-inch TFT LCD monitor. It includes Sony PLL synthesized micro TV tuner, and
allows you to view channels: VHF 1-12, UHF 13-62.

Weather Data for the Masses

Wired News reports: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this week began providing weather data in an open-access XML format, alleviating concerns that commercial providers would continue to play a dominant role in how weather data gets to the public. "

This is good news if your an amateur meteorologist...

Unprotected PCs can be hijacked in minutes

USATODAY.com reports: "Simply connecting to the Internet - and doing nothing else - exposes your PC to non-stop, automated break-in attempts by intruders looking to take control of your machine surreptitiously."

Go to the site for the rest of the story...

Remember:
- Install a firewall
- Patch your system and applications
- Use an current antivirus software, with up-to-date definitions

Hate annoying Flash ads, try FlashBang...

"FlashBang is a very simple application. Upon installation it adds an icon to your standard toolbar in Internet Explorer." Check out the site for more information.

Free online credit reports begin Wednesday

CNET News.com reports: "Consumers in 13 Western states will be able to grab free online copies of their credit reports starting Wednesday, as a new federal law is phased in."

Prevent Identy Thief and check your credit report.

Sun's IE Java Plug-In Could Bug You (Security)

PC Magazine reports: "The Java Plug-In is software from Sun Microsystems that ties the Java Virtual Machine to web browsers. It includes a facility for allowing Javascript in web pages to make calls in to the Java VM. Flaws in this interface allow an attacker to execute Java code outside of the protective Java sandbox, which normally prevents Java programs from misbehaving. "

Go to their site to get all the details and the work around.

Lycos Offers Windows Screensaver Which Allows You to DDOS Spammers

Lockergnome .com reports: "Lycos Europe is offering a controversial new screen saver to Windows users (and Mac, as well). Marketing it under the 'Make Love, Not Spam' banner, the screensaver is designed to send requests to view a known spam source's website. The idea is that when a large number of users are all running the screensaver,that during those user's downtime (i.e. when the screensaver is active), it will effectively clog the spam server's resources."

Woot!

An interesting new e-commerce concept, its called 'Woot!' They will post a product on their site for 24 hour exactly, at what seems to be pretty good prices. Check it out for yourself.

Now, the question is it real, or a scam... Remember: Buyer beware, I don't know anything about this company.

Free 411 via SMS

If you hate to calling 411 because it cost you $1.25 per call, you now have a free alternative. You can now lookup a phone number and address for free using your cell phone and SMS (Short Message Service). All you have to do is send a query via SMS, and you will receive a text reply with the information requested.

Google SMS offers the most extensive SMS 411 service, it provides phone numbers and addresses. All you have to do is send a query like 'gas 34562' to '46645' (which 'GOOGL' on most phones). Google SMS will reply with all the phone and address information for gas stations in that ZIP code.

There is also another service called Synfonic that offers for phone and address information, and much more. All you have to do is send an SMS query to 650-430-7183, and you'll receive a reply within a few seconds. For more information goto to Synfonic web site.

Anti-Spyware Test (Guide)

Most adware/spyware detection and removal tools today, are failing to detect and remove these parasites. These parasitic programs are growing in number, complexity, and sophisitication everyday.

Researcher Eric Howes a graduate student at the University of Illinois has recently issued failing grades on all anti-spyware scanners he tested during a two-week stretch in October. Eric Howes found that the best-performing anti-spyware scanner failed to detect about 25 percent of the "critical" files and registry entries installed by these malicious programs.

In my own unscientific test Last night, I scaned my wife's mother computer with PestScan.com (Pest Patrol owns the web site). It found 80 parasites, it first used Spybot Search and Destroy which found some ad tracking cookies. Then I used the freeware version of Adaware, and it found some more cookies and some parasites. Then I reran PestScan.com, and I still found problems.

Piece of PI (Humor)

Check out this URL http://3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592.jp/. if you have not noticed it's Pi. If you load the web page it will display an infinite page full of numbers.

RFC 3514 - The Security Flag in the IPv4 Header (Humor)

RFC 3514 - Talks about the 'Security Flag' in the IPv4 Header, known as the 'evil bit'. This RFC is very funny if you understand the TCP/IP protocol, it really is an April Fools joke posted in April of 2003. Save this for next April 1st, and give it to your company's Network administrator, and see if they fall for it.

GPL 3 to Take on IP, Patents

EWeek reports "With a relatively hostile environment that has pitted proprietary software against open source as a backdrop, the Free Software Foundation, the steward of the GNU General Public License, is working on the first revamp to the license in 13 years."

America Supports You

The Defense Department has launched a new web site called 'America Supports You', it allows Americans to express their support for the men and women of the armed forces.

Microsoft Windows Update Services Evaluation

Microsoft has create a website for people to evaluate the new Windows Update Services (WUS). You have to complete the registration process to receive the files needed to install the product. The download is approximately 78.4 MB in size.

Note: WUS requires Background Intelligent Transfer Services (BITS) 2.0 beta to be installed. BITS enables the download of updates in the background using available network bandwidth.

CNN.com - Gates world's most spammed person

CNN.com reports that Bill Gates is the world's most spammed person. He receives 4 million emails per day, most of it spam.

Internet Porn: Worse than Crack?

Wired News reports: "Internet pornography is the new crack cocaine, leading to addiction, misogyny, pedophilia, boob jobs and erectile dysfunction, according to clinicians and researchers testifying before a Senate committee Thursday."

Wi-Fi Antenna

If you have a Wi-Fi network (802.11a/b/g), then you need to understand the importance of your Wireless Access Point's (WAP) antenna. The better your antenna, the better the transmissions signal will be for sending and receiving data.

Like most people you're probably using the standard antennas that came with your WAP. These antennas provide you with a few hundred feet of signal transmission strength, as long as it is not impeded by walls or other type of interference (such as microwaves, other Wi-Fi networks, etc..). By using a better antenna, the farther your signal will go and the better it will be received.

The needs of your Wi-Fi network, will determine the type of antenna you need. For example, there are several different types of antennas, like: unidirectional, omnidirectional, etc.. Each type of antenna, does something different, the omnidirectional antenna send the signal out in all directions, and unidirectional only sends the signal in one direction.

Wi-Fi Antenna Resources:

• FreeAntennas.com - DYI antenna resources
• Metrix Communication LLC - 802.11 wireless networking gear
• Building a Wi-Fi Antenna Out of a Tin Can
• Wi-Fi Antenna made from a Diskette

Google Scholar

Google Scholar allow you to search scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports from all broad areas of research. Use Google Scholar to find articles from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories and universities, as well as scholarly articles available across the web.

Scratch Resistant DVD

CNET News.com reports: "Researchers at electronics giant TDK have developed a tough new coating that promises to make scratched DVDs a thing of the past"

Ontrack Data Recovery Announces 2004 Top 10 List Of Data Disasters (Humor)

"Ontrack Data Recovery has unveiled its annual Top Ten list of the strangest and funniest computer mishaps."

IBM Creates Grid to Unraveling Disease

I.B.M. plans to create Grid project that harness unused computing power from millions of personal computers on the Internet to help unlock the genetic mysteries of illnesses like AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, malaria and cancer. The project, called the World Community Grid, was developed in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, the United Nations and other organizations. The goal is to combine computer resources and the shared knowledge of researchers to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery.

WereNotSorry.com

Some U.S. voters did not agree with the results of the last election. So one individual took it upon himself to setup a website to apologize to the world. The web site is known as 'Sorryeverybody.com', and was launched the day after the election. The site features a picture of, James Zetlen (the site's creator), holding a 'Sorry World' sign. This web site has gotten million of hits, and has received hundred of images from people around the world.

In response, President Bush supporters have launched other websites, like Werenotsorry.net.

New Version of Acrobat, and Yahoo Doubles its Free Storage

Wired reports: "Adobe has upgraded its flagship desktop publishing products, giving powerful new features to not only the authors of electronic documents but also their recipients."

Wired reports: "Yahoo is more than doubling its limits on free e-mail storage in its latest move to combat two of its biggest rivals, Google and Microsoft. E-mail accountholders will get up to 250 MB of free storage, up from 100 MB previously offered by Yahoo (YHOO)."

Wired News: Sun to Roll Out Free Solaris OS

Wired reports "After investing roughly $500 million and spending years of development time on its next-generation operating system, Sun Microsystems on Monday will announce an aggressive price for the software -- free."

Trial Shows How Spammers Operate

Excerpt from EWeek article: "As one of the world's most prolific spammers, Jeremy Jaynes pumped out at least 10 million e-mails a day with the help of 16 high-speed lines, the kind of Internet capacity a 1,000-employee company would need."

Check Your Phishing IQ? (v2.0)

Due to the popularity of their first their Phishing IQ Test, MailFrontier has released version 2.0. This test will show you how much you know and don't know about phishing scam, and how to spot them.

There are 10 new phishing scams that have been added to the test, and all them were actually received by real people. When you're finished taking the test you will be taken to a page where you can download a white paper, entitled 'Ten Tips for Finding a Fish.' You will also be offered a trial version of their MailFrontier Desktop and MailFrontier Gateway.

Is Encryption Doomed?

Technology Review reports: "Our entire information society rests on a fragile foundation that mathematicians are racing to dismantle."

Article: Spacecrafts powered by thunder

NewScientist.com news service reports: "Thunderous sound waves could one day propel spacecraft to the edge of the solar system, say engineers who have developed a new type of acoustic engine."

Favorite Quote from the Internet

"May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the RealPlayer developer who decided to stick icons in my system tray, Startup menu, and desktop, and may his arms be too short to scratch."
-Snarfed from Internet, author unknown.

MSN Search (Preview)

Microsoft has released a preview of their new MSN Search technology. Microsoft's is trying to challenge Google and Yahoo for the search engine king's crown. Which IMHO belongs to Google (side note: Google announced a few days ago that they have indexed 8 billion pages on the Internet).

New features in the preview are:
- Ways to adjust results by such measures as popularity and timeliness by moving sliding gauges on a secondary page.
- Ways fine-tune the results by limiting them to a local region.
- Answers to questions posed in natural language. For example, asking "What is the 10 times 2?". This feature is kind of cool, but it only can answer certain questions.

Free Virus Protection

If you're looking for free anti-virus software for your computer, below are some sites that offer this software:

- AVG Anti-Virus
- avast! 4 Home Edition

If you need scan or clean your system without downloading and installing a whole software application, check out these sites.

- BitDefender
- Trend Micro Housecall

OpenOffice.org 2.0 (Snapshot)

The OpenOffice.org (OOo) project has published a preview release of their OOo v2.0 application suite. For more information about the new feature, see the following article: OpenOffice.org 2.0 Office Suite - Guide to New Features.

Photo Story 3

Microsoft has released Photo Story 3 for Windows XP, the newest version of the digital photo slideshow application that was previously part of the Plus! Digital Media Edition add-on pack for Windows XP. The software is available free for download to anyone with a 'genuine copy' of Windows XP.

The application has a easy interface for turning your photos into animated videos, which can include music, voice-over narration, text, and visual effects. Some new functionality includes:

• Fundamental photo editing tools for color correction, red-eye retouching, and image rotating and cropping.
• You can create more nuanced effects such as rendering a photograph as a watercolor, as a negative, or in sepia tone.
• Templates that can be sent by e-mail to compatible devices that support these formats, such as Microsoft Portable Media Centers, Pocket PCs, and Windows-based Smartphones.
• And much more.

Check out the Photo Story 3 web site for examples, details, and tips.

Note: This software requires Windows XP, DirectX 9.0c, and Windows Media Player 10 to be able to use it.

Gigaset M34 USB

Siemens Information and Communication Mobile (AKA Siemens Mobile) has released a new device called Gigaset M34 USB adapter, it provides internet telephony (VoIP) and messaging (such as: instant messaging, emails, etc.) solutions for cordless phone device. This device was developed in partnership with Skype, and their SkypeOut service.

The way the Gigaset M34 USB adapter works is that it plugs in your computer USB port, then plugs in your cordless phone. When you make long distance or international calls it uses the SkypeOut service to perform VoIP communications. The device also offer an open interface to enable third party developers to integrate their phones and applications into the device.

The Gigaset M34 USB adapter is suppose to be available in Europe as of September
2004. More information about the Gigaset is available on Siemens web site.

FlightTracker

FlightTracker is one of these really cool Internet resources, IMHO. It allows you to graphically track almost any flight in the air. Be forewarned the site appears to be busy, so it might not always be available.

To see how it works, press the 'Track Flight' button under the section 'Track a Sample Flight' towards the top.

The 1-Box, with 10-1 Computing

Since modern computers sit mostly idle even when you're using them. A company called Userful has released a computer called '1-Box' that allows one PC to support up to ten workstations. Each user only requires a standard monitor, USB keyboard and mouse.

Review: Ten Extensions Enhance FireFox

It seems like everyone is talking about FireFox the stripped down browser from Mozilla.org. Since Firefox is designed a minimalist's browser, this article provides a brief introduction to some the extensions that are available for it. An extension is simply an add-on that extends the browser functionality.

Internet Video Links

I might have posted some of these videos before, but if you have none seen them then you may want to watch them. All of these movies are Windows Media Player format, and some of them contain semi-adult content (ie: language, but no nudity).

• Home-made spoof on Mac Advertisements.
• A souped up Suzuki going almost 200mph.
• The Lotus Exige being chased by a chopper.
• A fighter jet crashes into concrete wall.
• A spoof on Lord of the Rings played at the Oscars.

New PS2 for the Holidays

Sony recently repackaged its older PlayStation 2 (PS/2) into a new smaller form factor. The newer system is now about the size of hardcover book. In fact, the older system now looks huge next to its newer sibling.

The new PS/2 system is slated to go on sale in November. The new system is designed to be more portable, and is now about half the weight of the orginal system.

There is rumor that the PS/3 (if that is what they call it), might come out at next year's E3 show in May. It is suppose to support the new Blu-Ray discs (which have 54GB of storage).

Hacking: Fight Back - How A Criminal Might Infiltrate Your Network

This article does not show you how to hack into someone system, but it show how attackers can take advantage of your mistakes to break into your system. This article also shows you how to avoid the common pitfalls that attackers can exploit.

Brief quote from article: "One of the great mysteries in security management is the modus operandi of criminal hackers. If you don't know how they can attack you, how can you protect yourself from them?"

Damn Small Linux

Check out Damn Small Linux, it is a great Linux distribution for USB flash drives and older computers. It doesn't require a lot of RAM or storage space. It can be run USB flash drive, CD, or off the hard drive.

Below is a quote from the site about the applications it includes:

Damn Small Linux has a nearly complete desktop, including XMMS (MP3, and MPEG), FTP client, Dillo web browser, links-hacked web browser, spreadsheet, Sylpheed email, spellcheck (US English), a word-processor (Ted-GTK), four editors (SciTe, nVi, Zile [emacs clone], and Nano [Pico clone]), graphics editing and viewing (Xpaint, and xzgv), Xpdf, emelFM (file manager), Naim (AIM, ICQ, IRC), VNCviwer, Rdesktop, SSH/SCP server and client, DHCP client, PPP, PPPoE (ADSL), a web server, calculator, generic and GhostScript printer support, NFS, Fluxbox window manager, games, system monitoring apps, a host of command line tools, USB support, and pcmcia support, some wireless support. For more information check out the applications pages.

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advanced Notification Program

Microsoft announced that they will soon be making their 'Early Notification Program' opened to everyone. This program used to be only available to certain Microsoft customers, but now they're opening it to everyone. The formal name of this program will be 'Microsoft Security Bulletin Advanced Notification Program'.

The program will start in November, and consist of a public web page and an email notification list. Each email notifications will include a brief amount of information about each of the upcoming security bulletins three business days before the regular monthly release date. No specific information about the vulnerabilities will be released in this notification. The notification will include information about number of security bulletins being released, their expected severity rating, and a list of affected products.

Mounting ISO Images as Virtual CD-ROM Drive

Have you ever wanted to be able to mount a ISO image on the desktop so you didn't have to burn it to a CD. Other time, you may need to access the files in an ISO image, and you don't want to waste a CD to do it.

Check out these utilities, they allow you to mount ISO image or burn them to CDs if you like:

• Microsoft's 'Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel for Windows XP'. (Notes: This software is unsupported by Microsoft, and contains no setup file. The interface is very basic, so don't expect a polished tool. Make sure to read the README.TXT)
• ISO Recorder PowerToy
• Daemon Tools

Learning HTML and CSS

Have you wanted to learn HTML and CSS. There are several web sites out there that offer help.

The sites listed below are a great places to start:

• WESTCIV Downloadable Courses
• css.maxdesign.com.au
• Web Design Group
• W3Schools
• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

Digital Negative (DNG)

Adobe has released its Digital Negative (DNG) software, that converts digital camera Raw file formats that are generally proprietary
into a common format that can be read by Adobe products, and any other product that supports the format. The DNG software is free for you to download, and supports 60+ digital raw file formats.

Epson Fabricated World's First Ultra-Thin Multilayer Circuit Board With Inkjet Technology

Epson has created world's first ultra-thin multilayer circuit board using inkjet technology. The board was 20 layers thick, and was created with conductive and non-conductive inks.

Interesting Web Sites

Here are some interesting links that I have not posted yet:

• Listen to live Air Traffic Controller audio feed over the Internet. This is for those unique individuals that enjoy this stuff.
• Check out Maukie the Cat, it cute but useless.
• For those followers of the Darwin award check out the nominees.
• Greasecar vegetable Fuel Systems allow mechanically injected diesel vehicles to run on straight, filtered vegetable oil.

Kanguru Zipper HD 2.2GB review by PC Magazine

Check out the Kanguru Zipper HD 2.2GB USB drive, unlike most USB drives Kanguru uses a real 2.2GB hard disk. The device measures 2 by 2.4 by 0.6 inches, and weighs about 1.4 ounces. It's just as easy to carry as a flash-memory USB drive, but has more capacity and at lower price.

The Robots are Coming, The Robots are Coming...

One of my hobbies is to monitor the pulse of what is going on with technology. The latest trend that I have been seeing is a real revolution in robots for home, and for the hobbyist. Robotic devices and kits have been around for years, but I have been seeing trend where more and more articles have been appearing about new robotic devices and kits that now are available.

For example:

• iRobot readies for war--and the household
• Robots Compete for Your Interest

I really think that we are going to entering into Robotics revolution similar to the home PC revolution of the 70's and 80's. Robotics clubs and hobbyist have existed for several decades, but I believe we are going start number of these clubs and hobbyist shoot through the roof.

I believe eventually, this robotic revolution will start to make robots more and more main stream. Pretty soon you won't be able go into a house that doesn't have some type of robotic device doing something, such as vacuuming, cleaning, etc...

Khiba's PSP Tutorial

If use Paint Shop Pro (PSP), check out Khiba's PSP Tutorial. It is one of the best PSP tutorials that I have seen. These tutorials are interactive, so you're not just reading a lot of instructions on what to do you can actually see how to do it.

TechNet Virtual Lab

Microsoft's TechNet Virtual Lab, allows you to check out the company's latest software in a sandbox environment.

The site offers virtual servers for:
- Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
- Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) 2003
- Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003
- Microsoft Security Virtual Lab

The great news is that software in this lab is free to download, and it doesn't require you to format your hard drive to install or test it.

UWB Takes On 802.11n in the Wireless Fast Lane

This is an interest article about the current state of two types of wireless network technologies called UWB (UltraWideBand) and 802.11n. Both of these prestandard technologies, meaning that manufactures developed new products before the standard body finalize the technology specification.

Google Working to Recruit Brainy Elite

To work for the best and brightest companies you have to be very smart. Google has employed some interesting hiring practices, to attract the best and the brightest minds.

Hackers use Google to access photocopiers - ZDNet UK News

Hackers are using Google to access photocopiers. Photocopiers are the latest network devices to fall victum to hackers armed with nothing more than Google's search engine.

SanDisk doubles memory card capacities

SanDisk is introducing a 4GB Stick Pro card is priced at $799.99, and 2GB SD cards for $199.99. The new cards should ship next month.

Pluck the RSS Reader and More.

I came across a new program called 'Pluck' today, and I though I would share it with everyone. Pluck is a newsreader that integrates itself into the Internet Explorer browser. This is a great feature for those people who want to read newsfeeds inside their default browser.

Pluck is not just an RSS reader, it also offers additional features such as the ability to manage bookmarks across multiple computers, share Web pages and notes with friends, and sort and filter Amazon, eBay, and Google queries.

Before I will recommend any program I find on the Net, I like it make sure that it doesn't contain adware or spyware (see this page for more information). I would say check it out.

Cops track emergency call to malfunctioning TV

Earlier this month, a college student Chris van Rossman's year-old 20-inch flat-screen TV started broadcasting over the 121.5MHz frequency, the channel used for distress signals. Such signals are used by search and rescue workers to find airplanes that have crashed or boats that are missing at sea. Rossman's TV was picked up by search and rescue satellites and emergency crews were alerted.

GMail Drive

Use GMail Drive to turn your Google GMail account into a 1GB of online storage. This Shell Namespace Extension creates a virtual filesystem around your GMail account, allowing you to use GMail as a storage medium. You can save and retrieve files stored in your GMail account directly from inside Windows Explorer.

The GMail Drive application literally adds a new drive to your computer under the My Computer folder, where you can create new folders, copy and drag’n’drop files. The only downside is that it’s limited to 10MB per file (the GMail attachement limit).

2,000 pound bomb video

Ever wonder what it would be like to have a 2,000 pound laser guided bomb blow up in your backyard (see the hole that was left).

Ghost in Car Commercial

This is a car commercial, that when the crew finished shooting it noticed a ghostly white mist moving along the side of the car. The ad was never shown on TV because the unexplained ghostly phenomenon scared the the production crew so badly.

Make sure your sound on, so that you can hear the crackling noise when the mist appears. When watch the ad about halfway look and you will see the white mist crossing in front of the car then following it along the road.

Slayer 2.6 has Recently Been Released

Slayer 2.6 is one of the easiest way to setup a newly modifed Xbox. Slayer is a bundle of software tools auto-installs itself on modded XBoxes, when executed.

Slayer comes with applications like:
- EvoX
- Xbox Media Player
- dvd2xbox
- boXplorer
- and more.

SwitchProxy

SwitchProxy is a free FireFox extension that allows you to quckly switch between different anonymous proxy servers. Anonymous proxy servers allow you to mask your true IP address, giving you an added layer on anonymity.

Free Tech and Programming Books

Here is a great resource for find free technology and computer science books. Topics include: Linux, Java, Microsoft, C/C++, Perl and Python, Science and Engineering, Networking, Security, and Databases.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) How To - NYCwireless

Looking for a way to add an addition access point, but no power outlet near by? Some guys at the NYC Wireless have figured out a way to run 12v power over the unused wires in a standard Ethernet cable.

TV-B-Gone

'TV-B-Gone' is a key-chain fob that looks like an automobile remote, but it is really a kind of universal remote that can turn off almost any TV. When the device is activated, it spends 209 different codes to turn off televisions, the most popular brands are transmitted first. When you activate the device, it can take over a minute for it to tranmit all of the codes to turn of the device.

Wired News: Plasma Beam Eyed in Space Travel

Imagine spaceships being catapulted and caught in space using high-energy plasma beams.

Reseller Selling Standalone Windows Media Center Software

One Microsoft reseller is selling standalone OEM versions of the new Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 software. Directron.com Inc. is exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's contracts to sell this software.

Intel kills plans for 4GHz Pentium.com

CNET News.com, reported that Intel killed it plans for 4GHz Pentium, it will make faster CPU through other technical means. It will start using large caches and dual-cores to increase the speed of its processors.

The Crusade Against Evolution

A left-wing article about Darwinism, vs. Intelligent Design (ie: Creationism).

The Electron Leak

Great article about all the power that your appliance consume when they're turned off.

Apple Does it Again...

For the last several years Apple has been setting computer trends and not following them, and the new iMac G5 is no exception. This system will probably set a new trend in case designs from the major PC makers down to the cheapest Asian computer manufacture. This happened with the last few iMacs, and will probably continue.

Apple has always tried to be a leader in computer design field, and never the follower. As far as I am have seen they have succeeded. I only have two problems with the Mac, one the limited software available for the platform, two the price.

Check Out These Links

Protecting Your Online Rights
The Chilling Effects Clearinghouse is a joint project of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley, University of San Francisco, University of Maine, and George Washington School of Law clinics. It's an web resource of your online digital rights, for example if you ever received letter asking you to remove information from your site or to stop engaging in an activity.

Computer of the Future
This is an interesting picture what computer scientists in 1954 envisioned what home computer would look like in the year 2004.

Awesome Video of a Jet
A movie clip showing a US F4 Phantom Jet crashing into a concrete wall built to withstand a nuclear blast, to test its strength by crashing it into at 500 MPH.

The Most Awesome Car Chase Video
This video contains the most awesome car chase that I have ever seen. Watch it, watch it, watch it.

Do You Speak Engrish
Engrish is a web site dedicated to the humorous English mistakes that appear in Japanese advertising and product design.

More and more links (updated)

When I started this blog, I intended it to include a lot more of my thoughts, views, and opinions. But it mostly contains links that I find during the week. This is not a bad thing from my point of view, generally what I post is something I find really interesting that I want to share with everyone.

I have posted a lot of links for entry, some of them might have seen on other sites a few months back. I intended to post most of these several months ago, but I am just now getting around to doing it.

General: Computers

• The Evolving Memory Landscape
• Memory Timings Explained
• Free SQL tutorial
• SQLCourse.com
• SQLCourse.com2

Linux/Windows

• Why Windows Still Beats Linux
• SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Technical Preview. Need a local database for you application development? Try out the latest version of MSDE.
• Windows Media Player 10 - Try out the latest version of WMP 10.
• Information on the newest version of Windows Update site, read Fred Langa's article.
• Microsoft Launches Web Messenger, now you can use MSN messenger in your browser without the client installed (Microsoft .NET Passport account).
• The final official release of Skype Launches Version One has finally been released. The new version has several great, and includes the ability to make calls PC-to-Phone call to anyone anywhere in the world (fee-based service).
• Tyrant is a graphical roguelike fantasy adventure game. It features intricate randomly generated landscapes, towns and dungeons. It is written in Java with a highly extensible game engine.

Technology

• CNET reviews Cell phone radiation levels. Find out the highest and lowest levels for your cell phone.
• An Artificial Brain with 20 Billion Neurons - Artificial Development from California developed an artificial brain running with Linux.
• RFtracker.com: Track RFID tags and their owners around the world. For more information. For a demo demo.

Humor

• Humor: Check out the new Computer Cookery 5000, it is a computer and an oven. By using the heat generated from Intel's new Prescott processor, you can surf the Internet, and heat your food all at the same time. This infomercial require Flash in order to play it.
• JibJab.com is an interesting site that contains some very funny flash animation. There is a very funny animated Bush/Kerry flash movies that lasts about 2 minutes. Note: this movie does contain some inapproaite lanuage, so please use your own disgression when watching it.

News of Interest

• NASA to build 10,000-processor Linux computer - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has given the green light to a project that will build the largest ever supercomputer based on Silicon Graphics Inc.'s (SGI) 512-processor Altix computers.

Sites of Interest

• Join the Digital Liberation Television Front - The FCC has madated that on July 1, 2005 all HDTV DVR (Digital Video Recorders) equipment must support a digital broadcast "flag" that protects the content from being copied and distributed. To help fight this EFF is posting information on how to create your own 'Legal' PVR (Personal Video Recorders).
• The Online Slang Dictionary
• American Museum of the Moving Image
• YouSendIt.com - A free service that allows you to send a file up to 1GB to another PC or person.

Free Bible Reference for Non-commercial Sites

Crossway Bibles is offering free access to their English Standard Version (ESV) Bible translation, for web developers to use in non-commercial (ie: personal, church, or Christian-organization) web sites. Web developers can access these Bible passages from Crossway's database for use in their application via their web services.

For more information, see their site.

Looking for a Job in I.T.

If you're out of work and looking for an I.T. related job, then you should checkout some of the following sites (see below). Post your resume, and start applying for jobs. When you apply for a job on these sites or any site, don't expect to be getting too many offers right away.

• Monster
• HotJobs
• CareerBuilder

It is important to remember that major job boards (listed above) should only be a small part of your career search. You need to submitting your resume and applying for job at company web sites, and some of the smaller niche specific boards like:

• Dice.com

Also make sure that you tell everyone you know that you're looking for a job, and be ready to answer there questions about the type of job you're looking for. This type of network is one of the best tools for find a new job.

If there you want any more advice, I would be happy to share it with anyone. Just email me using the link on the side of this page.

The Bic Pen vs. the Bike Lock

Ever since I was a teenager, I have trusted Krypto bike locks to lockup my bikes. After, checking out this web site and watching these videos, I have seriously changed my mind about these lock.

This site demonstrates how comprise these locks with nothing more then a Bic ball point pen. This exploit is nothing new, it was first published in 1992 in a British bicycle magazine.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

While goofing around with Google, I found a link in the IMDB (Internet Movie Database) to a new movie called "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". I have also been a big fan of this book series (aka: the four book trilogy) :-)

There is not much information at this site, but the whole idea is Interesting.

Christian Links

I will never hide the fact that I am Christian, and where I stand in my beliefs. I will also never try to preach in this blog though, this is not the place for it.

The reason why I publish this Blog, is because I really like computers and technology. So today, I am going to publish some of my favorite Christian web sites and resources that are available on the Internet.

• Crosswalk.com (Christian web portal, bible references)
• AIR1 (Chirtian rock station)
• Bible Gateway (Bible references)
• e-Sword (Bible Software for your PC and PDA)
• Audio Treasures (Free/Paid MP3 versions of the Bible)
• Focus on the Family (Christian resources)

A two legged dog walks into a bar

Check out this article on the BBC web site. The photo almost looks fake but it is real. If you're wondering what I am talking about, there is a dog that was born with two good legs that walks upright. There is discussion of him showing up in the next Harry Potter movie.

The Theory of Relativity, explained simply

Do you understand Albert Einstein's The Theory of Relativity, there is a cute web site puts it is easy to understand terms, with light hearted animation and games. All the material is free and can be downloaded for off-line use.

Real-Life Experiences With XP's SP2

I have included a lot of coverage in this blog about Windows XP SP2, primarily because its a subject that effects a great number of people. To keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings with SP2 check out Fred Langa's latest article, entitled "Real-Life Experiences With XP's SP2". It includes several real user good and bad experiences installing SP2.

Free Windows XP SP2 CD

Microsoft is offering a free CD containing Windows XP SP2 (including shipping and handling). If you use dialup, it can be difficult to download 70-200MB depending on the updates you need and the options you choose. Updates this large are even slow on broadband connections.

Having the SP2 on CD is great if you need to loan itout, or need it around just incase you're reinstalling the OS.System Requirements To install Windows XP Service Pack 2 via CD, you need:

- Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Center, orTablet PC Edition installed on your PC
- 233Mhz CPU or faster
- 64MB of RAM or more
- 1.6GB of available space on your hard drive for theinstallation
- CD-ROM drive

More, and more links...

How eight pixels cost Microsoft millions
Microsoft's lack of multicultural savvy cost the Redmond company millions of dollars.

Funny Microsoft Q Articles
A collection of computer humor from Microsoft.

Paper Napkin
An email rejection letter service.

Microsoft Error Messages T-Shirts
The king daddy of all error messages.

Dannys Desktop Wallpapers
4,000 free desktop wallpapers, and some screensavers.

The Quantum Sleeper
A high-level security system for sleeping. (I don't think this is a joke)

MailFrontier Phishing IQ Test
Test Phishing IQ Test, and see how well you can identify phishing emails.

VoIP Newsletter
A Voice-over-IP newsletter

Free Clip Art and Templates for Microsoft Office
You can download free clip art and templates for Microsoft Office 97 and newer
- Microsoft Office Clip Art and Media
- Microsoft Office Templates

Misc. Links

- YouSendIt.com: A free service that allows you to send a file up to 1GB to another PC or person
- Why Windows Still Beats Linux

Security services:
- National Cyber Alert System
- Spyware Free Spy Software Blocking Tool
- Windows XP: Virus Protection and Security Checklist

Articles about memory:
- The Evolving Memory Landscape
- Memory Timings Explained

Free Internet Courses:
- SQLCourse.com (Free SQL tutorial)
- SQLCourse.com2 (Free SQL tutorial)

Product Guides and Reviews

PC Magazine's, has posted Windows XPand Longhorn product guides and reviews.

Check out eWeek's guide 64-Bit Desktop Computing

Windows XP SP2 Resources
- Knowledge base article 884130: Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer
- Knowledge base article 842242: Some programs seem to stop working after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2

Longhorn Concept Videos

Watch Longhorn video demonstrations, see Avalon, WinFS, and Indigo.

More and more interesting stuff...

RSS Weather Feed
Get the latest weather feeds in your RSS reader.

The 'Moo Cow Moo' PC
Take a hollow plastic cow and a Mini-ITX based motherboard, and you can have your own 'Moo Cow Moo' computer.

Paper Wad Game
Catch paper wads and throw it in the trash can.

City Data
Find out all sorts of interesting statistics about the city that you live in.

PrisonInmates
How about a pen-pal that is also an prison inmate.

Quantum Teleportation Breakthrough Made
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3811785.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3576594.stm

Interesting Statistic:
The AntiPhishing Working Group (APWG), reports that the average phishing web site stays alive for about 54 hours.

Misc. Links

PhotoStamps
Create your own photo-based stamps.

SIPphone: Internet Telephony Made Easy
Learn more about SIP-Based phones.

Top 10 Most Important Software Programs
According to John C. Dvorak.

ClamWin Free Antivirus
A free GNU General Public License GUI-based Antivirus for Microsoft Windows (NT/98/Me/2000/XP/2003).

Copyscape
Find out if someone is plagiarizing your web site's content. Enter your web sites URL, and it will shows you any site that might be using content from your site.

eWEEK.com's Special Report on Windows XP Evolution
A collection of articles about Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Some programs seem to stop working after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2
After installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), some programs may seem not to work properly. This article tells how to modify the Windows Internet Firewall, so that you can allow certain programs work properly.

Secunia Security Advisories

Covers the latest security vulnerabilities and security updates.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Resources for IT Professionals

Well it has been a few weeks since I last blogged, but I have not given up. I have just had a lot things happen in my life all at once that required my complete attention. If you don't already know, Microsoft (MS) has released the much anticipated Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) as of August 6, 2004. This is the first service pack (SP) in a long time that contains more then just bug fixes. MS stopped adding new features to service packs after Windows NT SP4. They have since released new features as optional add-ons to the OS.

If you have not been reading all the hype about SP4, there are already several well written articles on the subject. For example, check out this article.

This SP is all about security, so if you install it there is a good chance that some of your software may stop working (especially older software). MS has always had a philosophy of compatibility at any price, they always wanted the oldest applications to work with the latest generation of the OS. This allowed people to upgrade to a new OS, without having to throw away all their old software.

More information from Microsoft:
More on Security Enhancements in Windows XP Service Pack 2
Microsoft Security Bulletins MS02-055 (323255) through MS04-025 (867801) are included in Service Pack 2.

MBSA (v1.2.1) version is needed for Windows XP SP2 compatibility!
The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) version 1.2.1 update will be needed to provide compatibility and deeper integration with Windows XP SP2 security improvements.

Misc. Links

- The new Roomba, the little robotic vaccum that sucks. :-)
- Peter's Evil Overlord List - The Top 100 Things I'd Do, If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord
- The Super-Alpha-Uber-Geek, GeekMan!: The action figure for the rest of us...
- Star Trek Apartment: For about USD$1,000,000 you can have this place for yourself.
- Hybrid Medical Animation: Very cool medical animations.
- Abston Church of Christ: It's a church made of Legos. Check out the detail...
- Microsoft Research Site: See the latest in Microsoft research
- BBC Archive: The BBC is making their audio and video content available
- Google Blog: Inside the mind of Google.
- Software Development Cycle (Humor)
- moviemistakes.com: Bloopers and goofs from movies and TV shows
- InterNIC: Short for Internet Network Information Center, basically this site is a relic of the Internet's past. For more information, see Marznet's Great Moments in Computer History
- Fast Amphibious Sport Cars
- WaterCar
- Gibbs Aquada

Lots and lots of links

- Funny 404 error page
- Funny T-Shirt
- Shots from the new movie: "Stealth"
- Manual for learning Cisco router [Free]
- A 15-second Japanese TV commercial where a woman shopping in a convenience store faints and gives birth to a horse after seeing the low price of a program similar to Microsoft Office.
- Paul talks ... Windows Longhorn. Checkout the PowerPoint presentation.
- I got my GMail account do you? Actually I got the invention for having my blog on Blogger. There is also some Gmail competition called Walla.

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Know Your Cancer Risk

The Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention has created a site called "Your Cancer Risk". This site is an extention of their existing site called "Your Disease Risk", which calculates the chances of getting five different diseases in the US. All you have to do is answer a series of questions about your health, and it will display information about your risk levels. The site also offers tips for what you can do to further lower your risks.

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Is someone plaugerizing your web content?
Want to find out if someone is using your content without your permission, then check out Copyscape. All you have to do is enter the page you want to check, and Copyscape will show you any pages that are using that content.

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The Alibi and Excuse Club
Here is a description of the club from the site: "This Club was created to get out of any fix at any time! This club allows you to receive Alibis and Excuses from a support group of friends who have been in your shoes. If you need Alibis, let your support group help!!"

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Multi-Headed Linux

Since computers now have more processing power then most people can use. A computer lab in Brazil started a project looking for ways to better utilize the extra computational power. There idea was to setup one computer that four people could all share at once.

Their solution is being used by the C3SL (Center of Scientific Computation and Free Software) for the creation of a computer lab uses 15 computers to support 60 users. Each computer has 4 sets of displays, keyboards and mice, and each device operate independently. You can literally support four people using one computer.

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War, VoIP, and Taxes
What do the Spanish-American War, VoIP and taxes have in common? Read the excerpt from an article that I found recently.

IRS eyes Net phone taxes, July 7, 2004, CNET News.com, By: Ben Charny

"A 'temporary' tax created to pay for the Spanish-American War may result in higher fees for Internet telephone calls.

The IRS and the Treasury Department have suggested that an existing federal excise tax on phone calls should be interpreted to apply to voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, a move that promises to roil the fast-growing industry and follows similar attempts by state officials to tax or regulate the technology."

For the rest of the article

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NOVELL: Customer Communities: Linux Resource Kit Order Form

Novell is offering great opportunity to try out some of their current and upcoming software. All you have to do is fill out the following form, and wait. This Resource Kit contains all the Linux software and services you need, to be able to evaluate Novell's core Linux offerings in your home test lab.

The kit contains over 10GB of fully-functional software:
- SuSE 9.1 Professional (the very latest from SuSE)
- SuSE 8.0 Linux Enterprise Server
- Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0
- Ximian Desktop2 Eval
- GroupWise for Linux 1.0
- Red Carpet 2.02 Eval
- And lots more...

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Patrick you will be missed...

Patrick Norton left The Screen Savers, on July 1st 2004. He was a great host, and I know myself and several other people will miss him. I hate G4 for messing up all my favorite TechTV shows (TechLive, and the ScreenSavers). G4 didn't fire Patrick, but because of the show is moving to LA he has decided to leave it.

I really don't blame Patrick because LA stinks. Don't get me wrong, you have almost an unlimited amount of stuff to do, but it is so overcrowded and expensive to live. Not to mention the smog, crime, etc...

Kevin Rose is great host, but there is already a major holes that were created after Leo LaPort and Patrick left the air. I know Kevin will do a great job like he has always done, but I wonder who will cohost with him.

I also hope that Kevin Rose and Sarah Lane get married...

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MSN Sandbox

Want to check out or preview the latest Microsoft technologies, then check out the MSN Sandbox. This is where you can check out Microsoft's latest Google Killer. Personally I was not too impressed with it.

I tried searching for my blog to see what I can find, and I could not find it. I have to admit I only did a few basic searches, so I would have to use it more before I can pass any real judgement.

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Novell releases Mono 1.0

Here is an interesting story, Novell releases Mono 1.0 an ASP.NET 1.x compatiable application server. The same day I found a release from Microsoft for ASP.NET 2.0 beta (see: .NET Framework Developer Center: Rearchitect Your Web Applications for Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0).

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Web Page Analyzer

Check the speed you web site with the Web Page Analyzer. Its provides a free website optimization performance analysis. Which includes: page size, composition, and page download times.

Presidental Campaign Claim Fact Checking
Do want to know if the claims that your candidate is making are true, then check out the FactCheck.org project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The site validates or invalidates any claims that the candidates are making about each other.

Get out and vote! If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem...

Go Bush...

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Intel Chipsets

Today Intel will officially ship its 925X, 915P, 915G chipset based motherboard. Below is a list of the common features that most of the chipset support, but the features will vary depending on the chipset you buy.

- P4 LGA 755 socket CPU
- High-bandwidth PCI Express buses for I/O and graphics cards; (support up to 1 PCI-Express 16x, 4 PCI-Express 1x; 8 PCI (100/133) slots )
- Dual-channel DDR2 memory
- 800MHz system bus
- Four SATA150 ports, Raid 0, Raid 1, and ATA100
- Max 8 USB 2.0 ports
- Intel HD Audio, 7.1 surround, Dolby Digital, DTS. Audio codec support for 192 kHz quality, multiple streams, and better voice input for speech recognition and voice-over-IP
- Intel Wireless 2225B/G supported
- Intel GMA900 Video, for widescreen LCD, DirectX 9 3D

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First Linux PC To Run All Windows Apps Unveiled

I am a big fan of both Linux and Windows. Personally I would like to Linux get more of the personal desktop market, because it is a great operating system and its free (or low cost). This week I found an interesting story about a Linux-based sub-$1000 tablet PC from Element Computer that can run all Windows executables by using software from Netraverse called WinLauncher. One of the biggest barriers by mainstream businesses that has prevented widespread adoption of Linux on desktops has been Windows application compatiblity.

Now lets see what happens...

I Can See ClearPlay Now

If you worry about what your kids watch on your DVDs, check out this article on the ClearPlay technology. It will actually removes nudity and cursing from a movie. Although, right now all it come with is the RCA's DRC232N DVD player. You can get a subscription from ClearPlay to keep the DVD player up-to-date with the latest movies.

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Check out Troy...
Its a concept PC with unified communication sessions for e-mail, phone calls, and video applications. With VoIP (Voice over IP), Wi-Fi, and other communications technolgies are built-in.

The SphereXP

The SphereXP is a 3D desktop replacement for Microsoft Windows XP. Taking the known concept of three-dimensional desktops to its own level. It offers a new way to organize objects on the desktop such a icons and applications.

More Web Sites for You...

Privacy Site
Do you hate having to registering at web sites to be able to access their content (for example http://www.nytimes.com). BugMeNot.com allow you to bypass compulsory web site registration by providing you with pre-existing usernames and passwords for sites.

Fun Site
Odd Todd a web-based cartoon series about the trials and tribulations of being an unemployed after the tech boom of the '90s.

Yahoo: Find Cheap Gas Prices
Yahoo's announced a new shortcuts that helps you find cheap gas prices around the country. To access it, enter the keyword GAS and a zip code. The search will display information GasPriceWatch and GasBuddy web sites.

MoreGoogle
MoreGoogle is a free Internet Explorer toolbar that adds extra features to Google. These features include: site thumbnails, site access statistics, related site web look, etc.

Information on Windows XP Service Pack 2

With the expected Windows XP SP2 release date set for June 15, 2004. SP2 is one of the most significant and controversal service packs for Windows in years, because of all the feature enhancements.

There is going to be a hoopla about this product, after it is released. I have included some web sites where you can get more information about this release and how it might effect you.

- Windows XP SP2 Blog
- How to Make Your Web Site Work with Windows XP Service Pack 2
- Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

DNA Study Finds Chihuahuas Aren’t Dogs

We have known this for years, and now we have proof...

“As part of an ambitious effort to identify genes that cause disease in dogs and humans, scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle analyzed DNA collected from 414 dogs representing 85 breeds, including some of the most popular. The findings have sent reverberations though the ranks of dog fanciers, who primp and preen their beloved companions for shows and take great pride in their pedigrees….Among other findings, the analysis determined that the Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine.”

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Hack Your Linksys WRT54G

The Linksys WRT54G, is a 802.11g wireless access point and router that includes a four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch and can be bought for as little as $69.99 according to Froogle. It comes with a 200 MHz MIPS processor, up to 32MB RAM, and up to 8MB flash RAM storage. The Linksys router uses Linux as its operating system, and publish its source code under the open source GPL making it free for anyone to download

Here is the cool part, by using Sveasoft firmware you get all the original Linksys functionality; plus: SSH, Wonder Shaper, L7 regexp iptables filtering, frottle, parprouted, the latest Busybox utilities, several custom modifications to DHCP and dnsmasq, a PPTP server, static DHCP address mapping, OSPF routing, external logging, as well as support for client, ad hoc, AP, and WDS wireless modes.

Wonder Shaper is a traffic-shaping utility that does a very intelligent job of prioritizing packets to dramatically improve the usability of almost any broadband connection. Frottle's job is to cure the hidden node problem that was left unsolved in the original Wireless Distribution System (WDS) 802.11 specification from 1999. Hidden nodes are wireless clients or access points that are out of range from one party in a client-AP data transfer. 802.11's CSMA/CD technology assumes that all parties can listen on the line and avoid collisions. The box also supports OSPF mesh networking, which allows distant clients to reach edge nodes by hopping through other clients en route.

Microsoft Considering Xbox/PC Hybrid

Microsoft is exploring combining PC functionality with the new Xbox. Read the article for more information, but basically it is a teaser. There is really not much information here.

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Small World Project

Check out the Small World Project project is designed to test the principle of 'Six Degrees Of Separation'. This principle that state any two person can be connected to each other within six degrees of separation.

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Webby Awards

Every year for the last several years, I always try to check out what's going on at the Webby Awards. I am always looking for new sites to visit, or see what is the now the latest and greatest web technology.

As always there is something new and interesting, but also seems like 90% of sites they select were last year's winners as well. This is only my opinion, it still a great site to check out.

Waste of Time Corner
- Yahoo! News - Homer's 'Iliad' Now in 'Messenger Speak'
- Things You Never Knew Existed
- Yahoo! News - Top Stories Photos - AP

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CNET's Help.com (Free Online Instructor Led Courses)

Help.com Online Courses is pleased to offer FREE online education. Each month we will be offering additional courses, taught by an expert in the field, to help you in your business. The courses will cover topics from business to technology to personal development.

While the courses are non-accredited, the learning is real. Instructors talk to students and students talk with each other on the Help.com Online Courses message boards. All courses include supplemental products ranging from computers to peripherals to books. Help.com Online Courses is designed to provide a solid educational experience, and there are many features to help you.

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Free Copy Of Visual Basic

Microsoft is giving away free copies of Visual Basic .NET 2003 Standard Edition. All you have to watch 5 promotional videos and answer a short ratings surveys. After you completed the videos and surveys, you will get a screen requesting some personal information, then they will email you a special code you can use to get a free copy of the software.

Other Sites:
- Datadocktor'n: Defragmenting your hard drive (this is a joke)
- MiniTutorials: Mini-tutorial on various computer subjects.

Articles about Microsoft's Longhorn
- Microsoft Shakes Up Windows with 'Modular' Longhorn
- PC Magazine Longhorn Preview
- 829967 - Release Notes for Microsoft Windows Code Named "Longhorn" Preview Release

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Movies and Clocks

Thunderbirds (the Movie)
"I can't believe they turned this show into a movie, but I will probably go to see it." It you don't know about the Thunderbirds, it was a SciFi show in the 60's (I think) done with Super marionettes. By today's standards it is very primitive, but the marionettes were pretty interesting.

Bar Code Art
This is an interesting web site. It is art done with bar codes. Here are a few examples:
- Bar Code Clock
- Bar Code Jesus

The Human Clock
It's a human clock, check it out...

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"Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All Time"

Obviously it is not April, but I thought this was funny. So, here it is...

Remember: don't be gullible..

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The Channel 9 Guys - Who We Are

"We are five guys at Microsoft who want a new level of communication between Microsoft and developers. We believe that we will all benefit from a little dialogue these days. This is our first attempt to move beyond the newsgroup, the blog, and the press release to talk with each other, human to human."

Microsoft quietly rolled a new web site called 'Channel 9' that is designed to facilitate communication between Microsoft and its developer and customer constituencies.

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TechTV lays off San Francisco staff

"TechTV told 285 San Francisco employees on Thursday that their jobs are being eliminated, a move that was widely feared by workers after Comcast announced in March that it would acquire the technology cable channel. "

I am sad for all the people that are being laid off at TechTV, but I hope this doesn't effect the shows like ScreenSavers or TechLive.

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Getting rid of your junk...

It use to be if you wanted to get rid of your junk; you would toss it, give it away or sell it on eBay. Now you have Freecycling If you want to give something, this is a new way to do it.

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Cool links of the Week

The Adventures of Seinfeld & Superman
Very funny commercial, but it is a little long and drawn out...

Fun IQ Test
This is a fun IQ test, that asks you 11 questions that you have to answer very quickly...

There are 600,426,974,379,824,381,952 ways to spell Viagra
The title of this link says it all...

Miscellanous:
- BoomerangIt: A service that will help you get your stuff back.
- ParkingTicket.com: Do you want to fight a parking ticket that you have received.
- Dot Mixer: Part of the San Francisco Exploratorium Accidental Scientist Online Music Exhibit.

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Payday Loan, Pt. 3

Alternatives to paydays loans. This site has a great article about it.

Personal Note: I realize this subject is kind off the main theme (technology and Internet) of my blog, but this is just one my many rants about modern society. I have lots more stuff I would like to publish here, but most of it is in half written states. I am mostly trying to decide weather I will publish here, or try to publish it in a magazine somewhere.
- Jason

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It's Expensive to be Poor

If you have good credit and a good paying job, then you will be able to buy products and services at much lower prices then if you didn't have these resources. There are millions of Americans families that are at or near the poverty lines and are just barely make it from paycheck to paycheck.

Some of these people make too much money to get government assistance, and too little money to provide for all the needs of their family. There are several businesses that cater to these individuals, but charge high prices for services they provide.

There are a great deal of services that some people can take for granted because of the credit rating they might have. Although, for people who don't have good credit they have to pay a higher cost for same service. For them, it becomes a vicious cycle, of credit debt and working just to make minimum payments on their bills. Thus stuggling for several years just to try to pay back some of the debt they have accumulated.

Below are a few examples:
- Furniture Rental Stores: These stores rent/sell you low-quality overpriced furniture.
- Prepaid cellular & phone cards: The more minutes you buy will reduce the price that you pay, but these minutes can be expensive. Especially if you can qualify for a regular cellular plan.
- Check cashing and cash advanced services: Charge high percentage fees, for cashing a paycheck.
- Secured Credit Cards: Charge high credit card fees for making purchases against money that you pre-deposit into your account.
- Easy/No Credit: Several businesses offer these services, but charge incredible high finance fees and interest.

2nd Class Citizens
If you don't have credit or a credit card, you are pretty much treaded a second class citizen in today's society. For example, if you don't have a credit card you will have problems renting a hotel room or a car. If you don't have credit, you will have to higher interest rates for things that you want to buy.

Some other grips are:
- High health insurance costs (effects everyone even those with insurance).
- Fewer tax breaks for the single parents and singles.
- Low paying jobs, without health benefits.
- Lotteries feeding off the hopes of desperatation of people, looking for a quick fix to their problems.
- Fraudulent credit repair services that make big promises they can't keep, and sometimes making the problems worse.

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