Friday, August 31, 2007

WordPress install on a local server (desktop), yes on windows!

Yes on windows machine could host Apache and a whole other plethora of stuff that needs to server Wordpress pages on your Desktop Machine. If were you running Linux Deasktop like Ubuntu, you just install word press and test your blog designs!
Anyway since you have to use your windows; you will need;
* Apache 2.2.0;
* MySQL 5.0.20;
* PHP 5.1.2;
* eAccelerator 0.9.4-rc1;
* PHP-Switch 1.0;
* XAMPP Control 2.2;
* XAMPP Security 1.0;
* SQLite 2.8.15;
* OpenSSL 0.9.8a;
* phpMyAdmin 2.8.0.3;
* ADOdb 4.80;
* Mercury Mail Transport System 4.01b;
* FileZilla FTP Server 0.9.14a;
* Webalizer 2.01-10;
* Zend Optimizer 3.0.0.
Ha, yes all those usually comes with Linux! So here is the video telling you how to! added by Leachim6!


Thursday, August 30, 2007

Here we go Again, with Sony Rootkits!

Remember the Sony rootkit saga? yes the music cd's with hidden programs. You would think that someone will learn from his/her mistakes but I think Sony has utter disregard for us or is the corporation is filled with dumb nuts. Look at PS3, a great product, beaten by Wii and XBOX. Just to remind, when PS2 came out, I could not wait for it to come to USA, I got one from Japan! I still have not bought a PS3, But I do have Wii and a XBOX! My first digital camera was a Sony! Now I don't even look at Sony when it come to cameras. Canon and Olympus with Casio fills my camera racks. Believe me, there has been a few digital cameras since that first Sony! I think next time when I have to explain what is a moron is, I have a good candidate!
So what did Sony did this time?
F-Secure revealed on Monday;
"Hypothetical: Imagine that you visit your local mall and browse around for stuff to buy. And you decide to buy a new CD from your favorite artist and you also buy a brand new cool USB stick thingy on an impulse. You go home and stick the CD into your laptop's CD drive. It prompts you to install some software. You do so and while you are listening to the music, you open the USB stick package and start experimenting with your new toy. It has a fingerprint reader so you install the software for that as well. Guess what… you might have just installed, not one, but two different rootkit-like software on your laptop.

We received a report that our F-Secure DeepGuard HIPS system was warning about a USB stick software driver. The USB stick in question has a built-in fingerprint reader. The case seemed unusual so we ordered a couple of USB sticks with fingerprint authentication. We installed the software on a test machine and were quite surprised to see that after installation our F-Secure BlackLight (which I am running right now just to check, even though I have not bought this USB drive or any SONY CD's) rootkit detector was reporting hidden files on the system."
"T
his new rootkit (which can still be downloaded from sony.net) can be used by any malware author to hide any folder. We didn't want to go into the details about this in our public postings, but we suppose the cat's out of the bag now that our friends at McAfee blogged about this yesterday. If you simply extract one executable from the package and include it with malware, it will hide that malware's folder, no questions asked.

We still haven't received any kind of response from Sony International. Sony Sweden did however confirm in a public IDG story that the rootkit is indeed part of their software.
"

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Microsoft Fires all Humans

After reading this article the only way Microsoft could afford not to cause any "Human Error" only by firing all humans, if there were any there in the first place!
"Microsoft Corp. said late yesterday that last weekend's failure of the antipiracy process it requires of Windows XP and Vista was due to "human error" and shouldn't be called an "outage" since the servers didn't go off-line. The company also promised that changes have been made to avoid a repeat."
May be this guy got into the server room!

Excerpt came from a computerworld's article.

Monday, August 27, 2007

WGA runs amok

A problem with Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) over the weekend caused some users to mistakenly have their copies of Windows XP and Vista labeled as fraudulent. We have spoken about this before and it is also the only reason that I would not go Vista way!

Earlier WGA blog reported that they 've been receiving reports on our forum and through customer service starting last night that Windows Vista validations have been failing on genuine systems. It looks now as though the issue has been resolved and validations are being processed successfully. But they did not explain why.

The same article also mentioned that people with validation problems, who received an incorrect validation response can fix their system by revalidating on their site (http://www.microsoft.com/genuine). They encourage anyone who received a validation failure to revalidate and after successfully revalidating any affected system should be rebooted to ensure the genuine-only features are restored.

A newer article explains "The issue with processing validations began Friday afternoon at about 3:30 PM Pacific time and through a combination of posts to our forum and customer support the issue was discovered by evening. By about 11:15 AM Pacific on Saturday morning the issue affecting the validation service had been analyzed and resolved such that validations were again being processed properly. Our data shows that fewer than 12,000 systems were affected worldwide and that many of those have already revalidated and are fixed. This is encouraging news but we want to emphasize that one bad customer experience is one too many and that we're committed to learning from this experience and working to prevent this type of event from occurring again."

Good luck to those whe were foolish enough to follow the path of WGA. May be it is time you tried out like ubuntu! and Open Office and certainly it will not cost $1000 and no worries about WGA konking off!

A company spokesperson told that the problems lasted for 20 hours, stretching from Friday afternoon into late Saturday morning. The company is still determining the exact cause, although marketing general manager Joe Williams attributed the problem to a server failure on a company blog.

During the 20-hour outage, users who attempted to re-validate their copies of Windows were told that their software could not be validated. For Windows Vista Users, failing the validation check puts the system in a reduced functionality mode, disabling the Windows Aero interface, the Ready Boost cache utility, and non-critical security procedures in Windows Defender.

Stay up late, get up early either way you are in for a spectacular lunar eclipse

I am planing to do both! ha! I will stay up and watch the initial phase while setting up my camera and the telescope together with servos.
I need the telescope to track the moon and I do not have a T-Mount for my new Olympus. So the camera will be mounted on the telescope and the servos will make sure that photos are taken at pre set intervals. There is a 4GB MMC in the camera and it will be enough for the photo graphs I plan to take. The I will wake up at 3:40AM and complete the procedure!
I only hope the fog will not reach the hills!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Zango does Tango with FTC

The following comes straight from;
Benjamin Edelman - Spyware Research, Legislation, and Suits

Zango Practices Violating Zango's Recent Settlement with the FTC

"In my hands-on testing, Zango continues numerous practices likely to confuse, deceive, or otherwise harm typical users as well as practices specifically contrary to Zango's obligations under its November 2006 settlement with the FTC.

Among these practices are widespread, ongoing Zango-designed installation sequences which install Zango pop-up ad software without any on-screen disclosure of material terms. Instead, these installations mention Zango's effects only in a lengthy EULA – exactly contrary to the FTC settlement's requirements.
Zango's ongoing practices also include widespread in-toolbar ads without the labeling and hyperlinks specifically required under the FTC settlement. Other Zango ads, including desktop icons and even certain pop-ups, also lack these labels and links.

This article summarizes selected incidents I have recently observed. In particular:

  • Widespread Zango “ActiveX” Installations without Unavoidable, Prominent Disclosure of Material Terms (XP SP1 and Earlier). Details.
  • Widespread Zango Banner-Based Installations without Unavoidable, Prominent Disclosure of Material Terms (XP SP2). Details.
  • Ongoing Zango Installations with No Disclosure Whatsoever. Details.
  • Unlabeled Zango Ads - Toolbars, Desktop Icons, and Pop-Ups. Details.
  • Zango Ads for Bogus Sites that Attempt to Defraud Users. Details."

Friday, August 24, 2007

AT&T favouring iPhone over Blackberry and disables GPS

VOIP IP Telephony: AT&T favouring iPhone over Blackberry?

AdSense Checks and checking up on them

I remember the first Adsense check I received! Even though it was just enough for a good dinner, I have been waiting for it since it was marked as being mailed.
Whatever the case I did not have much trouble with checks and soon I will make it a direct deposit! If you have been having trouble with your check(s) or assumed that you did, there is a post on AdSense blog you might want to check out!
Inside AdSense: Check up on it

iPhone unlocked use any service

This time iPhone get unlocked. the picture shows with iPhone connected to T-mobile.
VOIP IP Telephony: iPhone unlocked

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Google AdSense ads between your blog posts

AdSense responding to your feedbacks about wanting to insert Google ads between your blog posts (in Blogger), and Google ads responded with good news!. The Blogger now supports this implementation through the AdSense widget. Well time to insert those ads!
Follow the link to get complete instructions with screen captures.
Inside AdSense: Get inline

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P2P AND File Sharing Business will reach $28 Billion in next five years!

The worldwide market for peer-to-peer and file sharing services is expected to generate nearly $28 billion in revenue for carriers and ISPs over the next five years. An ever increasing number of cellular and wireline service providers are offering legitimate file-sharing and downloading services geared to the requirements of their end-users. According to a new market research study from The Insight Research Corporation, peer-to-peer and file sharing services are widely available on fixed line and mobile networks. Carrier revenue from usage of peer-to-peer and file sharing services in Asia is nearly double North American revenue.

Insight Research’s market analysis study, entitled “Peer to Peer & File-Sharing Services Market 2007-2011”, notes that peer-to-peer and file sharing services are part of a worldwide push by carriers to create new IP-enabled services for consumers and business users. The study notes that consumers of mobile and fixed line telecommunications services are adopting peer-to-peer and file sharing services along with other IP-enabled services such as video telephony, fixed-mobile convergence, presence, streaming, and location based services.

“Peer-to-peer and file sharing services have moved into the main stream and are now well beyond the early days when a few of the early service providers ended up in litigation” says Robert Rosenberg, president of Insight Research. “Peering and file sharing have now been embraced by fixed line and wireless operators, many of the intellectual property issues that led to legal fights have been resolved, and media and applications such as ring tones, games, music and large file videos are taking off. We see this market continuing to grow as consumers increasing rely on the utility of these applications,” Rosenberg concluded.

An excerpt, table of contents, and ordering information for “Peer to Peer & File-Sharing Services Market 2007-2011” market analysis study are available online at http://www.insight-corp.com/reports/ipappsp2p.asp.


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Monday, August 20, 2007

Unicode at work in Google India Labs


Google's birthday gift for India is a combination of interface to multiple languages of the land through a web interface. The Google India Lab will support 14 languages from India and surrounding countries in South East Asia.
This will be a boon to people who has internet access but not complete control of English or French (there are parts in India where fluency in French is no surprise) language to brows the Internet in their familiar language.
The world's languages were build on foundations like Sanskrit and the harmony all those languages had in India and surrounding countries together with information exchange that they had for thousand years may flourish with the new Google efforts. India and the sub continent it self is a interesting corner in the world that is very rich in history and knowledge and perhaps one day I will be able to translate some Sanskrit text into English and read the scriptures written 2000 to 3000 years ago! If you enjoy the new features or have questions please iform the people who are eager to hear from you. Also visit the new user community for discussion around the new technologies.
Fro Google post; Official Google Blog: Google Labs India
You don't need a special keyboard or software; all you need is a web browser, a mouse, and a Unicode font for your language. So whether you speak অসমীয়া (Assamese), বাংলা (Bengali), ગુજરાતી (Gujarati), हिंदी (Hindi), ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada), മലയാളം (Malayalam), मराठी (Marathi), नेपाली (Nepali), ଓଡ଼ିଆ (Oriya), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), संस्कृतम् (Sanskrit), සිංහල (Sinhala), தமிழ் (Tamil), or తెలుగు (Telugu), we can help you find content on the web in your language. To get started, add one or more of these iGoogle gadgets to your personalized iGoogle home page. You can use these gadgets to compose queries, and ask Google to search the vast Internet in your very own language.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Nooglers and Code testing at Google

Intersting reading about summer interns and software testing at Google.
Google Testing Blog: Abdul's Summer Intern Testimonial

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Japan's vending machine culture

This Japan Times article explains the vending machines and their place in Japan. When I was there a few years ago, I could practically live out of vending machines. Only thing that kept me from doing so was, I could not read instructions! ;) But it is not a laughing matter; According to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association, there are 5.51 million machines in Japan, taking a total of nearly 7 trillion yen (around $ 58 billion) a year. Here is the lead to the story...
"Throw a rock in Japan and there's a good chance that it will hit a vending machine. Their population currently stands at a whopping 5.51 million machines. And then there's the selection to choose from, ranging from coffee, alcohol and cigarettes to umbrellas, fresh vegetables and canned bread. Take a stroll with us past some of the more unusual examples of Japan's sidewalk vendors." Read story >>
ready-to-eat canned Ramen noodles to be the next hot vending-machine item in Akihabara.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Google Video shuts down Video sales program, DTO/DTR (download-to-own/rent) program

Tom at CNETTV Got email from the Google video stating that on August 10th. Looks like people are not very happy. It turns out they're shutting off all Google Videos after August 15. That's right, if you bought a video from Google Video store, looks like you won't be able to watch it after that date.
Unless you have a way of recording all your videos by 15th (in five days) you will have to settle for Google credit via Google Checkout.
Tom has posted the email he received online. Follow the link below for his post. May be I should start a campaign over at iWantMyGtv with Solarion!

Google shutting off your purchased videos?

gridtech: Novell owns Unix and Unixware Copyrights Judge say so.

Woooha!
gridtech: Novell owns Unix and Unixware Copyrights Judge say so.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Google gives you, A simple way to get more storage

Google says it is changing storage policies! Looks like you can have upto 250GB if you want to. Follow the link at the end to get more information ad updates
When you reach the limit of free storage (i.e., 1GB for Picasa Web Albums, 2.8GB for Gmail), consider this your overflow solution. Plans start at $20/year for 6GB (yes, $5 cheaper than before), with larger plans ranging up to 250GB. If only testing everything were this easy. We'll update this post as soon as we're ready to take your order.
Official Google Blog: A simple way to get more storage

The Linux Ecosystem gets better As Google Becomes Its First End-User Licensee, thanks to OIN

Open Invention Network™

San Francisco (August 7, 2007) Open Invention Network (OIN), the company formed to spur innovation and protect the Linux System, today extended the Linux Ecosystem with the signing of Google as its first end-user licensee. By becoming a licensee, Google has joined the growing list of companies that are leveraging the Open Invention Network to share Linux–based intellectual property.

Patents owned by Open Invention Network are available royalty-free to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. This enables companies to continue to make significant corporate and capital expenditure investments in Linux – helping to fuel economic growth. By developing a web of Linux developers, distributors, sellers, resellers and end-users that license its patent portfolio, Open Invention Network is creating a supportive and shielded ecosystem to ensure the growth and adoption of Linux.

“As we look to grow the Linux Ecosystem, we are pleased to have Google become our first end-user licensee,” said Jerry Rosenthal, chief executive officer of Open Invention Network. “Google is one of a growing number of companies, of all sizes, that value the openness and collaborative culture of the Linux community. We applaud their support for Linux.”

“Linux plays a vital role at Google, and we're strongly committed to supporting the Linux developer community,” said Chris DiBona, Google open source programs manager. “We believe that by becoming an Open Invention Network licensee, we can encourage Linux development and foster innovation in a way that benefits everyone. We're proud to participate in OIN's mission to help Linux thrive.”

OIN has accumulated more than 100 strategic, worldwide patents and patent applications. These patents are available to all licensees as part of the patent portfolio that OIN is creating around, and in support of Linux. This makes it economically attractive for companies that want to repackage, embed and use Linux to host specialized services or create complementary products. Additionally, it helps ensure the continuation of innovation that has benefited software vendors, customers, emerging markets and investors.

The Open Invention Network license agreement can be found at www.openinventionnetwork.com/pat_license.php.

About Open Invention Network
Open Invention Network is an intellectual property company formed to further the Linux System by acquiring patents and ensuring their availability. It promotes a positive, fertile Linux Ecosystem, which in turn drives innovation and choice in the global marketplace. Open Invention Network has considerable industry backing. It was launched in 2005, and has received investments from IBM, NEC, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony. For more information go to www.openinventionnetwork.com.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

How I got to be Rank 1 at Technorati!


I am sure you can do too, sparse posting, bad English and a glitch at Technorati, that is all it takes! Click on the picture to get the real truth.

Hasta la Vista! or the WOW factor fading?

I read this interesting post on Vista, The flagship product of M$. I have it but erased the last install when I found out that WGA incident with XP was nothing compared to what Vista does. Looks like M$ is like Russia 25years ago. Only that KGB is out in the open!
Follow the link read how WOW might become meow!
The rest od the articles are fine stuff as well.

VOIP IP Telephony: Google Phone coming soon!

Finally an easy way to find G-Spot with your phone or a phone at Gspot.
VOIP IP Telephony: Google Phone coming soon!

Friday, August 03, 2007

It is hard for Bill Gates to let go of M$


One year into a planned two-year transition, there are few visible cues that Mr. Gates is ready to leave the world’s technology stage to devote his energies principally to the $33 billion foundation he established seven years ago with his wife.
Indeed at the company’s annual financial meeting last week Mr. Gates spoke first, outlining a decade-long agenda, not a mere 12-month outlook. He described a world in which the widespread availability of broadband networks would reshape computing, giving rise to what he said would be “natural user interfaces” like pen, voice and touch, replacing many functions of keyboards and mice.

Ray Ozzie, right, and Craig Mundie, center, will take over two of Bill Gates’s roles at Microsoft. But so far, Mr. Gates, Microsoft’s 51-year-old chairman, shows no sign of fading away.
Continue at NY Times.