Site Changes: Added OpenSearch, Ico file, and Amazon and Google Search Engines

This Linux weekend isnt all that bad. I am picking things up pretty quickly.

As you can see, there is now an ICO file for this website. You will see it next to the URL and in your bookmarks if you choose add it. It was very easy to make in GIMP. Additionally, I added OpenSearch compatibility. So if you have a built in searchbar on your browser, you can likely add this site as a search location from its drop down menu. Finally, I added a new page that contains my custom Amazon and Google search engines, and I will be referring to it in future posts when appropriate.

And, as always, I am tweaking small things behind the scenes that I am not happy with. For instance, you can actually now see the navigation menu for the pages of this site at top center above the content. So if something seems jacked up, it probably is my fault. Please shoot me an email to make sure that I am aware of it. Thanks.

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It is going to be a Linux weekend – Fedora 10 and Ubuntu

For various reasons, three of my computers are down. Two laptops are completely disassembled, and one desktop has the graphics card ripped out. While I am waiting on parts for one laptop and the desktop, I am left with computers running only Linux. I have one laptop with Ubuntu, and one desktop with Fedora 10. Ive been putting it off for some time now, but it looks like I am being forced to learn the ins and outs of these Linux distros.

Should be fun.

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Filezilla Make Me Into Angry Gorilla.

Filezilla FTP client will leave your material more chopped & screwed than a session with the venerable DJ Screw himself. I thought this was free, reliable, and light client until I started to transfer large files (the Pentagon Memorial images). They would either not upload at all, or not measure up (embarrassing). I wanted a client to use when transferring files that do not warrant awakening Dreamweaver.

Now on a serious note, without the lewd references, I cannot see myself trusting this software enough to upload my content. It could be my settings. It could be the large file sizes. It could be a lot of things. But before I come to a concrete conclusion and slander extensively, I will have to test everything to exhaustion.

But for now, I will be on the hunt for some new software.

Suggestions?

(Thanks for the flame tutorial http://www.rnel.net/tutorial/Photoshop/12588)

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Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse Review

*Expedited summary at bottom.

I was recently in the market for new peripherals when both my keyboard and mouse began to die. I wanted something snazzy to compliment the rest of the hardware I was upgrading. The best mouse I saw at Best Buy for my purposes was the Logitech VX Revolution. I was comforted in my consideration of this product because I have had good results with other Logitech products in the past.

The mouse is classified as a wireless notebook mouse but it slightly larger than others in its class. It has a laser engine, scroll wheel and a ton of buttons. The buttons come programmed to perform typical tasks but can be reassigned to suit your needs through the supplied SetPoint software. The MicroGear Precision scroll wheel is very solid, fast, and also moves side-to-side. To the side of the left button is a slider that slides forwards and backwards to adjust the zoom of photos and documents. There is also a very useful button located behind the scroll wheel that enables you to search your computer, network or the web with one click. The forward and back buttons are both located on the left side by your thumb and can be used to navigate lists, slides, images, as well as web pages. A power gauge on the left side lights up for a few seconds when the mouse is first turned on to tell you the status of the battery.



The slider labeled “microgear” on the bottom of the mouse engages or disengages a gear to allow the scroll wheel to rotate freely or in increments. I disengaged as to not hear the saw-like sound typically associated with scroll wheels. Also located on the bottom of the mouse are the illuminated power button, AA battery storage, and USB receiver storage bay release. This storage bay is my favorite feature as it allows you to keep the 2.4GHz receiver completely enveloped inside the mouse when not in use. I did not use it at first and subsequently lost one receiver. I found replacement receivers readily available on Logitech’s website for a very reasonable price and it was shipped promptly. Synchronizing the replacement receiver was a breeze, and I was back in business in no time.

Overall, it feels solid, compact, and its rubber sides feel comfortable. I use it on my main computer running Windows XP. It also works on Vista and Mac’s OSX. If you use your computer 4-6 hours a day, one AA battery will last you about 3 months.

As a request from one reader, here is a quick summary . . .

SUMMARY: Size is a good compromise between full desktop mouse and small notebook mouse. Lots of intuitive, customizable buttons. Solid and reliable over the three months I have had it. You will not lose the receiver because it can be stored inside the mouse. Laser tracking precision, cordless. Comfortable shape and rubber grips. Made for right-handed people. Both Windows and Mac friendly. Single AA battery.

This is a sponsored review. If you would like to request a sponsored review, please do so here.

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Well, it was never really security in the first place. RFID.

In my opinion, security is just a typical game of cat and mouse. The rewards are just higher than usual.

RFID devices are not exempt from this perpetual cycle. Their integration into US passports, enhanced drivers’ licenses (EDL’s), EZ Pass, Speedpass, and anything else has been a potential problem since day one. RFID tags do not make it impossible to replicate what they are supposed to be securing, it only makes it a little harder (and more expensive). This can be seen in the recent article at The Register about how Chris Paget was able to build a proof of concept device to catch and clone RFID tags. Even while driving. The potential threat is nothing new in theory, but this is an actual instance of doing it in real life.

Please read the full story below . . .
Full Story at The Register

I guess you really should wrap everything you care about in tinfoil.

Image courtesy of http://www.phonedog.com/

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