Energizer battery charger contains backdoor
“An attacker is able to remotely control a system, including the ability to list directories, send and receive files, and execute programs. The backdoor operates with the privileges of the logged-on user.”
When you buy off-the-shelf peripherals such as this, it’s easy to assume they have been tested and are safe, and wouldn’t normally pose much of a security risk to your computer. Remember, however, that Humans made them, and so they are still subject to the same flaws (or subterfuge) that something you download from the Internet is.
High End Desktop for a Low End price
Want to build a high end desktop computer for a low end price (around $600 or less)?
Note: I don’t include Windows 7 in the default build, as you can just download Ubuntu, Fedora, or OpenSuSE Linux etc. for free. However, I’ve included links for Windows 7 (student and normal) in the Additional options section.
I would like to suggest the following components for people that want a really nice system without breaking the bank.
I just built a new machine that could support running multiple VMware instances, encode FLAC quickly, and surf the web etc. without breaking the bank. I didn’t need or want video gaming support since I use a PS3 for that.
However, I’ll suggest a view options (including gaming cards) that will allow you to alter the basic system we’ll be discussing.
This build is based on AMD/ATI since it really does perform well and saves a good chunk of money, but the parts can be swapped very easily to make it an Intel system that won’t break the bank either.
I’ll expand on why I chose the parts and provide direct links as well. (I use Newegg, but use anyone you like)
CD Archival and Re-Encoding – Using FLAC and LAME
PART – I:
Purpose:
The purpose of this guide is to provide general information on the following items.
Suggested software/codec’s for digitally archiving your CD’s for long term storage and without losing an ounce of quality. (I.E. Using the Open Source FLAC lossless encoder)
Encode from the Archived FLAC files for the most currently used/popular portable format currently being used; IMHO it’s still MP3’s.
Tools I Used:
Operating System: Windows 7
Secure Ripper/Encoder: dBpoweramp 13.3: http://www.dbpoweramp.com/
Codec’s: Lossless = FLAC 1.2.1 and Lossy = Lame 3.98.2 (included in the install)
Disclaimer:
I’m not responsible for anything period…..these are just my opinions
Continue reading “CD Archival and Re-Encoding – Using FLAC and LAME”
Connect your blog with Facebook
Facebook keep redesigning their interface, and thus messing up instructions people have written for doing simple things such as integrating your blog posts with Facebook. If you have every wanted to make it so that your blog updates Facebook automatically, this is how, as of this writing:
1. Log in to Facebook
2. In the upper right, click the arrow next to Account and in the drop-down menu, choose Application Settings
3. In the list of applications, find Notes and click it
4. On the right is a box for Notes Settings. In it, click “Import a blog”
5. Enter the blog URL: http://www.yourblog.com
6. Check the box about agreeing to accept the terms
7. Click Start Importing
8. You are shown a preview of the blog import
9. On the right, click Confirm Import if all looks as it should
As long as your blog has a working RSS feed, Facebook will find it and use it to do the import.
Today’s Mind-Blowing Factoid
Amount that the U.S. wedding industry would gain each year if gays wed at the same rate as straights: $17,000,000,000
Amount that U.S. divorce attorneys would gain if gays also divorced at the same rate: $1,900,000,000
via The Searchable Harper’s Index.
How’s that for something mind boggling?
Bush: ‘Our Long National Nightmare Of Peace And Prosperity Is Finally Over’
Somehow, The Onion made one of the finest predictions ever in January 2001.
Bush: ‘Our Long National Nightmare Of Peace And Prosperity Is Finally Over’.
Not as funny as it was when I first read it.
Defective by Design
After reading yesterday’s announcement from Apple regarding the iPad, then browsing their site while drooling over the specs, I decided I would try and get one when they become available. I have become so accustomed to my iPhone 3Gs that I can’t imagine having a bigger extension of that for use around the house or while travelling.
But then, I started reading about all the Digital Restrictions Management that gets bundled with the product(s), and really started questioning my ideals. Being a proponent of the free and open source software movement, I am all about not being restricted to do what I want with devices and software I purchase. The sad fact of the matter is that everything Apple does works against that.
The people over at DefectiveByDesign.org lays it all out pretty well, which further convinced me that I have been duped by vendor lock-in, with restrictions on everything I can do with my devices. This sucks, and it is something I hope all of you think about and question. While the gadget lust is still there, I am feeling conflict from my true geek side, which tells me not to waste my money on something that is, in effect, defective by design.
You Dirty Rats
My latest musical endeavor, a band called You Dirty Rats, has been coming together quite nicely. Have a listen and let me know what you think.
