I’m oddly looking forward to the release of Ubuntu Lucid Lynx. With 2 of my 3 main computers running Ubuntu now it should be interesting.
Archive for the 'Tech' Category
07
Apr
Lucid Lynx is coming…
Grrrr. Instead of constantly telling us how the Constitution doesn’t apply, how about the feds leave us alone?
Feds push for tracking cell phones [cnet.com]
If you haven’t heard of the latest security toy “backscatter x-ray” then you are living under a rock (and didn’t see my last post.) There has been quite a bit of outrage in the UK where they are becoming mandatory in the airports. Supposedly the best thing for security since sliced bread, there is no possible way for people’s privacy to be violated. I also have a bridge I can sell you for a very good price sir…
Exposed: Naked Body Scanner Images Of Film Star Printed, Circulated By Airport Staff [PrisonPlanet]
09
Nov
Happy Birthday Firefox
Firefox, my favorite web browser, turned 5 years old. I started using it when it was known as Firebird although there was one earlier name Phoenix. Anyway, ars technica has a glimpse back at their original coverage. Check it out.
Firefox turns five… [ars technica]
I ran across a very nice straightforward article showing how to setup secure file deletion in Linux with full Gnome/Nautilus integration. You may be familiar with the command-line “shred” utility but you may not know how to get that to be an option when “right-clicking.” It’s a useful trick.
Delete Files Securely in Nautilus [Web Upd8 blog]
07
Jun
The history of Unix
With the approaching 40th birthday of the Unix operating system (August), ComputerWorld has an interesting feature on its history. Unix has been a powerful force in computing in both a practical and philosophical way. (Not to mention a very big part of my IT career.) Very interesting reading.
Unix Turns 40… [ComputerWorld]
Anyone see a problem with this infobox of job postings on the Linux Today homepage?
Screenshot from LinuxToday
Another guy with time on his hands playing with old hardware. Live demo of 1960’s 300 baud acoustic modem being used to connect to the internet. Interestingly enough, I worked at a company that had a 1200 baud acoustic modem still in daily use in 2000 (the same company also had a 286 computer still in production.)
ArsTechnica has an excellent article laying out why the major ISP’s claims that they need data caps to avoid financial ruin just don’t hold water. Just like their opposition to the various “net neutrality” proposals we continue to see evidence of what we already expected–they are just being greedy.
Now, the libertarian side of me believes in a free capitalist market. But keep in mind that in most areas the major telcos/cable operators have a government-approved and somewhat protected monopoly. That isn’t a free market and the lack of competition means they don’t truly operate at the levels that the “market would bear” without such constructs.
In areas where there is more competition we see things can be done better at some pretty amazing costs. However, the major players are always ready to fiercely protect their restricted markets even lobbying government to actively prohibit municipal and other independent providers. I call foul. For a recent example, just see what Time Warner is doing in North Carolina.
ISP’s costs, revenues don’t support… [ars technica]
Time Warner lobbies government… [neowin]
What do you think?
What to do with that ancient computer equipment lying around and a whole lot of spare time? Use it play some Queen of course. This guy obviously has too much of the latter.
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