I don’t think people appreciate how useful rsync is. It’s an old utility but is still actively used for things like synchronizing file download mirror sites. I ran across a really good howto on using it (and ssh for the all important encryption) at Jeremy Mate’s site. Also check out his blog.
Archive for the 'Tech' Category
18
Apr
rsync – Oldie but Goodie
Today I needed to extend a logical volume in the native LVM of RHEL 5. I remembered how to extend the volume but wanted to review the exact method for resizing the (ext3) filesystem on it. All the documentation I could find including on RedHat’s knowledgebase indicated the command “ext2online” should be used (based on RHEL 4.) No such command existed on the RHEL 5 system and I could find no official sources to install it. I finally ran across this post indicating someone’s similar frustration that apparently RH changed the command to “resize2fs” without any warning. With this information, I was able to do the resize in seconds. Thanks RedHat.
I ran across a very useful little how-to on setting idle timeouts for shell logins in Linux (any bash actually.) It’s funny how you can work with something for years and miss the little tricks.
Bash Timeout (Danesh Project)
A friend of mine is the digital architect of the virtual version (in the Second Life metaverse) of the “Newseum” which is based on the physical museum under construction in Washington DC. The Washington Post has an article discussing the history of museums and how they are adapting to the digital world citing this project as an example. Neither the virtual or physical location are open yet but you can check out their website to see what they are about.
Although it wasn’t quite what I expected, the Ohio Linuxfest was an interesting get-away. I chatted with some fellow geeks (hello out there Stephen, Ed, John, and Ronnie.) My favorite speaker was Jon “Maddog” Hall who spoke about “computing off the grid.” My favorite tech item was the prototype of the OLPC laptop at the Fedora booth. Blue-GNU has some commentary on the proceedings and of course some pictures. Maybe I will get back there next year, especially if someone else foots the bill. BTW, the Ontario Linuxfest spawned by the Ohio version is imminent if that interests you.
A pretty quick reaction by Steve Jobs to the outrage of iPhone early-adopters (regarding the $200 price-cut.)Â A $100 Apple credit is on the way.
I would love to have one of these phones but alas this poor blogger can’t afford it even with the price drop.  To those lucky enough to get one immediately who are now complaining about the reduced price, I say “sour grapes.” That is the risk/price you pay for being the first to have a shiny new toy. Apple is being generous with their credit so enjoy it.
This article claims that at least one SIP-based VOIP solution is vulnerable to a pretty serious exploit. Although they are withholding details while the vendor is releasing patches, researchers discovered that they could get a SIP phone to silently answer meaning one could listen in on the room. They theorize that other vendors will be vulnerable as well.
I just found a useful tool for checking your email anti-virus filtering. The EICAR test file(s) have long been the standard way for safely testing your configuration as it contains no actual virus code but nearly all anti-virus products pretend it does. The problem is, since so many mail providers are scanning outbound mail now (this is generally a good thing) it can be hard to send the test file without triggering a response from your ISP before it can get back to you.
This site will handle mailing you any combination of the test files. Test your setup to make sure you are really protected. The site recommended by my mail server software doesn’t seem to exist anymore so I was happy to find another.
A post over at Consumerist reports on a small victory for consumers. The 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals has ruled the mandatory arbitration clause in Cingular/ATT’s contract in “unconscionable” under California law.
While the scope of this is limited, it is a crack in the armor of the mega corporations that attempt to strip consumers of any rights they still have.  Virtually every service contract you see these days includes this arbitration crap. Score one for the little guys.
NASA says that no fix is necessary for the shuttle based on their thermal studies. Despite objections from the JSC engineering team and Nobel Prize winning physicist Douglas Osheroff, the decision is apparently made. Osheroff was on the investigation board following the Columbia disaster four years ago.
The crew are putting on a brave face, astronauts Alvin Drew and Barbara Morgan both indicated their support for the decision. Of course Alvin is placing his trust in the engineering expertise of those on the ground and the engineers at JSC (Houston) wanted to do the repairs.
In any case, I renew by previous sentiment and wish the crew the best of luck and hope they will be home safe soon.
Update [8/21]: They’re home safe!
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