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]
Yes, I’m still alive–just been really busy…
So, I ran across a disturbing article a few days ago. Many people worried about encroachment on our basic liberties, including myself, tend to throw around the term Orwellian a lot. A new proposal in the UK though takes it to a new level. They actually want to put 24/7 video surveillance inside the homes of the “worst” families. All that’s missing is the monitor showing the face of Big Brother. The UK has become the surveillance society but seriously, what the hell?
Sin Bins for Worst Families [Daily Express]
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]
Here’s your chance to drain local blogger (and awesome artist) Bearman’s bank account for a good cause. Support the Freestore/Foodbank by helping to publicize his site. Details in his post.
Beartoons Charity Drive [beartoons.com]
Anyone see a problem with this infobox of job postings on the Linux Today homepage?
Screenshot from LinuxToday
An interesting development in stem-cell research was just reported by Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International. Scientists have had a couple methods in the past to convert a patient’s own cells to stem cells but the methods had unacceptable risks for mutations. The new method uses skin cells and a cell-penetrating peptide (protein.) This avoids the risks of using retroviruses or chemical washes. Currently it takes longer but they believe the process can be refined.
Avoiding the thorny ethical issues of embryonic stem cells means research can progress rapidly. Also, using one’s own cells reduces rejection issues. Great progress…
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?
As Dan @ Queen City Survey points out, May is festival season in the Queen City. Head over to the QCS site for a listing of May events and his upcoming coverage of some of the bigger ones.
May Cincy Festivals [Queen City Survey]
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