GeekTimeLinux

Sometimes it is good to find out who you are having dinner with! I recently had the pleasure of having dinner with a couple of gentlemen in Chicago, one of whom is the President and the other the Director of On-Line Sales and Marketing for NEUROS.

It was during this dinner that Collin Anderson, President of the Corporation introduced himself and made me aware of their product, The NEUROS MPEG- 4 Recorder, and Johan Abadie gave our table a small demonstration.

What first caught my ear was that their system runs on a Linux base and that they have several Linux programmers on staff.

Their product, the Neuros OSD, lets you record from cable, satellite TV, DVD, TiVo/DVR, Camcorder or VCR over RCA or S-video cable and distribute or play back recordings over a LAN, memory card, USB or RCA cables.

Collin explained, through the course of dinner that their technology, which is basically creating an “analog hole” in digital technology is catching on rapidly and judging by the many uses, it is easy to see why.

Imagine my surprise when I opened this months ( April, 2007) issue of Linux Journal and found a review of NEUROS on page 16. The whole project fascinates me, as I am sure it will many of you, because of the Linux base and the many things it can do.

With these steps you can share info with Linux and Windows for Firefox and Mozilla. All your bookmarks, history etc. will be the same from Linux to Windows. Mail sent, received etc. will be the same from Windows to Linux.

First thing you need is to have a dual boot system set up. I have Windows Ubuntu Suse and Pclinux.
Next needed is a Fat32 partition (not needed for multi linux OS’s). And read write permision. This is what my fstab looks like for my fat32 partition. /dev/hda7 /mnt/share vfat mask=0,user,codepage=850,iocharset=iso8859-1,exec 0 0
The part (/mnt/share) is the way that I mount that partition. You would need to change this to your preferences. Then we create a directory to put the shared data in. After you have read/write permision, use the md command to make a folder, or as I did, right click and choose create folder in your file manager. I used my name (just in case there were to be multiple users). So my directory tree looks like this mnt/share/Mike.
Under that directory I created two more. One for FireFox and one for ThunderBird.

[mike@localhost ~]$ cd /mnt/share/Mike
[mike@localhost Mike]$ ls
FireFox/ Thunderbird/
[mike@localhost Mike]$

Now for the fun part. You need to copy your data folder either from your Windows or Linux into the new folder. In linux the mozilla data folder is hidden /home/mike/.mozilla/firefox/b4vptfrz.default. Yours will be different than /b4vptfrz but will end in .default. In Windows it will be Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles. Yours will be under your own users name not Michael (unless that is your name :thumbsup: ). I copied my /b4vptfrz.default folder to the new folder /mnt/share/Mike/FireFox.
Follow the same for ThunderBird except I created another folder called ThunderBird /mnt/share/Mike/Thunderbird.
Now we edit the profiles.ini file to guide it to the new data location. This file is in both directories one for ThunderBird and one for Mozilla. This is what my profiles.ini looks like in Linux.

Thunderbird;

[General]
StartWithLastProfile=1
[Profile0]
Name=default
IsRelative=0
Path=/home/mike/share/Mike/Thunderbird/6qayv6i6.default

Mozilla

[General]
StartWithLastProfile=1
[Profile0]
Name=default
IsRelative=0
Path=/home/mike/share/Mike/FireFox/b4vptfrz.default

This is what my profiles.ini looks like in Windows.

Thunderbird;

[General]
StartWithLastProfile=1
[Profile1]
Name=Michael
IsRelative=0
Path=D:\Mike\Thunderbird\6qayv6i6.default
Default=1

Mozilla;

[General]
StartWithLastProfile=1
[Profile0]
Name=default
IsRelative=0
Path=D:\Mike\FireFox\b4vptfrz.default

Note: that this line IsRelative=1 is changed to IsRelative=0 and the path= line now directs to the new data folder location. (under windows the / should be \) Also make sure the path= points to your path.Do both profiles.ini files one for Mozilla and one for ThunderBird in Windows and in Linux. Now enjoy.

Note: The versions of Firefox must be the same on all operating systems or the add-ons and extensions will not work. If you are not using extensions or add-ons then it is ok. Problems or comments? Join us on the geektimelinux forums.

_________________
Registered Linux User #413785
www.geektimelinux.com

A Geek is a Geek is a Geek! There, I’ve said it and I feel somewhat better. I have been a Linux geek for sometime and have loved the journey into a world I had never known. Going to a place where I could modify programs, write my own, work with command line or icons. It has been a major learning experience. For that I am known in the family as a “GEEK”!

I am continuing with my Linux learning while getting involved with another project. This week, I was given two Mac G3s (beige case..I think…color blind you know) and a Power PC which my Google search tells me is a Mac clone.

I have fired up, or attempted, all three. One G3 and the Power PC both come up with no problem, the third appears to have a bad video board. OK, so they fire up, do they work? Well, the one G3 appears to have some programs on it and I went to the library today to see what I could find on the unit. I also have a copy of UBUNTU PPC burning as I write this.

The Power PC has beautiful graphics, boots very quickly and appears to have everything I could want on it with one caveat…it is password protected. Everything looks good at boot, but when I attempt to access anything…I am requested to enter a password. I have tried several I have been told are common, but to no avail. I am thinking about reloading the Mac OS on this machine and then going from there with upgrades or whatever

As crazy as this sounds, I wanted a G3 for the sole purpose of installing Yellow Dot Linux. I have heard many good things about the distro, but have never had the hardware to run the system. In researching, I find that Fedora Core is also a great distro for PPC use as is Suse and the list goes on.

I am going to document my progress (or lack thereof) and will be posting about in the coming weeks or possibly months.

I don’t want anyone to think that this is my only project. I will continue to work with new distros and do all the things we do with Geektime, but this is a new challenge and at my age, I need a new challenge everyday. It’s why I get out of bed every day!

There is something that is exciting about seeing your son’s picture on the cover of a book. It’s even more exciting when he is a true Linux Geek and was responsible for me getting started and continues to keep the old man sharp!

The new book is RUN YOUR OWN WEB SERVER USING LINUX AND APACHE” authored by Stuart Landridge and my son Tony Steidler-Dennison.

The book from Sitepoint.com covers a variety of information including:

Setup

Learn to install Linux (Fedora), Apache 2.0, PHP 5 & MySQL 4.1

Day-to-Day Usage

Using the GNOME Desktop Graphical User Interface

Surf the Linux file system and handle file permissions like a pro

Working with the command line and shell

Automate routine tasks using cron and anacron

Administration

Setting up new users & groups

Install and use Webmin for admin tasks

Configuring Apache 2.0 using the HTTP Config Tool

Optimize server settings for maximum performance

Securely manage your server remotely via SSH and VNC

Manage backups, log file rotation, and traffic reporting

Security

Configure your machine’s firewall using Firestarter

Use Tripwire and snort to ensure that your server is not compromised

Disable unnecessary services to improve security

This is simply the most practical hands-on guide to web server management.

Head on over to Sitepoint today and treat your favorite Geek or yourself to some great reading!

Password Security and Safety - Part 1 of 2

There is nothing more important that password security in world of technology. It is the first step to creating a safe and secure environment. If your password becomes compromised, there are limitless consequences to what could happen. There are a few very important factors in keeping your passwords safe and secure that everyone should adhere to.

Do not tell anyone your password
No one should every know your password, your bosses, your friends, or your bank. None of them should ever know your personal passwords. Any help desk, company, or organization will have administrators or technicians that can reset your password if they need to do something with your account. Organizations will never ask for your password over the telephone or e-mail!

Do not write your passwords down
The key to a good password is one that you can remember easily, but is hard to guess. It’s very important not to write your password down. Hiding it inside your desk, a book, in a picture is just waiting for someone snoopy to find it. Some organizations will require the writing down of passwords, but generally these are Administrator positions and the password books are locked up in a controlled safe or secure location. Your boss shouldn’t have all your personal passwords in his desk!

Be aware all the time
When you are entering your password at the computer, or at a bank machine, be aware of who is around you. If you think someone is trying to look at what you are typing, ask them to step back, turn their head, or cover up the keyboard or keypad with your other hand. If you think that anyone may have your password or has seen you enter it, change your password immediately.

Do not use the same password
Far too many people only use one password for everything they do, it makes it easier to remember, but compromises their security. If you use the same password for chatting on a web forum and your online banking password, you are just asking for trouble. Use unique passwords for different projects, websites, and logins.

Password complexity
Password complexity is a very important issue with most users. Often usWiFi ers will have small passwords that are very simple because they worry about trying to remember them. It’s very important to have a password that is complex enough to stop people from guessing it, or using automated programs to randomly break it. I will outline good and bad characteristics of passwords below, along with some tips for creating passwords.

Part 2 coming in days.

Courtest Ken Dennis-RSS.homeip.net

I’ve been running the new Deluxe Edition of XANDROS Desktop OS since Christmas. As those familiar with this site are aware, this is not the first XANDROS distro that has been on a machine in the lab, and I guarantee it will not be the last.

If you check the various Linux sites, you will find that everyone is reviewing this distro and the conclusion of all is the same, THIS IS TRULY A DESKTOP DISTRO WORTHY OF THE NAME!

I started using XANDROS back with Version 2.0 and was impressed with the ease of installation, selection of software and the overall simplicity of the system. Version 2.5 Business further convinced me that newbies and old timers should check out this product and now I can’t tell enough people about Desktop 3 Deluxe. From a look, feel and usability standpoint, this distro is exceptional.

Installation is slick and easy. While I could bore you with the details, the install is not much more than booting from the CD-ROM, answering a few questions and waiting for the install to finish. The exception is if you intend to dual boot with a Windows machine. That will require a little more thought, however the documentation from XANDROS is clear and concise.

The Deluxe version is a two CD distro. The first disc containing the installation, while Disc 2 contains additional value-added software such as Gimp 2.0.5 image editor, Firefox 1.0 web browser, Ximian Evolution 1.4.6. kernel sources, development tools and the Gtk+ 2.4 toolkit.

The desktop contains icons for Trash, Home, Quick Start Guide, Web Browser and Xandros Networks. A quick click on the Xandros Networks icon and your system is updated.

In checking my system (an old 1.2G Athlon) all hardware had been detected automatically including a CUPS Printer on my lab’s network.

One of the programs included with Deluxe 3.0 is Crossover Office 4.1. I have used several versions of Crossover Office, but this one features some new programs including iTunes 4.6. If you are just coming into the Linux environment and can’t give up IE, there’s good news, with Crossover office you can still use IE. Office XP also runs well.

XANDROS has another key feature worthy of mentioning, “Drag and Drop” CD/DVD burning support. All you need to do is click one of the icons labeled “Create music CD”, “Create data disc”, or “Blank Disc” and you’re started. Simply drag the files you want to burn to the XFM. It’s as simple as that. Another feature for those with lap top computers with built in wireless cards, XANDROS should configure automatically.

Since XANDROS is built on a Debian kernel, APT-GET is available. If you have never used this program, it’s as simple as opening a console, changing to ROOT, and typing: APT-GET UPDATE. When you are returned to the Root Prompt, type APT-GET UPGRADE. This will upgrade your system with all the new programs available in the XANDROS Repository. Another feature of APT-GET is the Install function. To use APT-GET to Install, type APT-GET INSTALL (Program Name). If available, it will be installed on your hard drive. To further enhance the number of programs available, go to the XANDROS Network icon and click. Once there, click on Edit -> Set Application Source and enable Debian Unsupported site. This will open the door to many more programs.

Put it all together; Simplicity of Installation, Network capabilities, Power and Polish in an elegant package and you have XANDROS DESKTOP 3 DELUXE.

During my normal cruise around the web, I stumbled across a little article regarding a couple of security bugs in Linux and Samba. Being a Windows user primarily, but frequenting this community, I decided to make a post here, in case any of you would be affected. This has been rated as a critical bug, geared towards machines that are networked with Windows machines for file and printer sharing.

The chief security officer for a German security consulting firm, recently reported that he had discovered security flaws in Linux and Samba that would allow an attacker use a buffer overflow to run code, or execute DoS attacks, depending on which flaw was being exploited.

You can read the full article at the Linux Pipeline.

Have you ever installed an operating system that just felt right? I just did and couldn’t wait to share the information.SimplyMepis is a new product from the folks at Mepis. This one disc distro can be installed on the hard drive or used as a live distro and while a high performance system, it is usable on some of the less than state-of-the-art systems.

Having downloaded the distro and burned it to CD, the install went differently than any I have done to date. With BIOS set to boot from CD on my old PIII, I was greeted with an option for the 2.4.26 kernel or the new 2.6.7. I selected the newer and the system took over. In what seemed like too little time, I was being asked to log in. I logged in as root, using root as the password, something I had been prompted to do in an install guide on the Mepis home web site.

The splash screen gave me access to do everything on the live disc including install. Once I selected “INSTALL” there was little else to do. A nice GUI ask about hard drive partitioning, setting the time, setting up GRUB as the boot loader. I would later be asked for a user name and password as well as a root password and computer name.

It was at this point that the install seemed to change drastically from the norm. I really had nothing further to do. The SimplyMepis installer did the work.

How did it do? Well, the PIII has some really old cards on-board. It found E-net, sound, mouse, configured video and even found my old HP-930C printer. This without me lifting a finger.

It gets even better. After a reboot, I realized that the install had taken less than 10 minutes and here I am preparing to log into this system for the first time. User name and password and I was greeted by the Mepis wallpaper.

The KDE sound signature indicated that the sound card was working and I immediately clicked on Mozilla. I had to go to the address bar and type “ABOUT PLUGINS”. Mercy, I didn’t expect what I saw! The Mozilla ver 1.7 browser was loaded with; Java, Shockwave and Flash, Quicktime and Helix RealPlayer for Linux. OK, they are there, do they work? I went to the weather on my Yahoo home page and clicked on Severe Weather. Up came the video and audio! I almost felt deprived not having to set up these programs! Next, I went to Yahoo and downloaded Instant Messenger as a Debian package. Over to a console and logged in as root and used “dpkg -i” to install the program. There was my family list and I was logged on as invisible.

OK…nothing broken yet, lets try something else. From the console, still logged in as root, I typed “APT-GET UPDATE”. The console was suddenly full of programs and seconds later, I would type “APT-GET UPGRADE”. This would install all programs that needed upgrading or might have security issues that had been discovered by Debian.

I have set up and configured Kopete, an instant message program, although I am using Ymessenger from Yahoo, I have Mozilla Mail up and running, have changed the wallpaper to one of those exotic scenes from a vacation to Hawaii and am writing this review in the latest version of Open Office included in SimplyMepis.

I go back to my opening comment about finding something that just feels right, I believe this might be it!

My hat is off to Warren Woodford and the crew at Mepis for the outstanding job they have done with this distro. It is one that I would whole heartedly recommend to anyone starting out in Linux and to Linux “junkies” like myself, who love getting enough features to keep ‘em busy for a long time.

Give SimplyMepis a try. I believe you will like what you see.