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* Posts by adnim

2081 publicly visible posts • joined 11 Apr 2007

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11-YEAR-OLD code wizard hacks Greedy RuneScape geeks

adnim

hacking?

During a 'C' coding course I took in the early nineties I wrote code that emulated the login prompt. The system was Xenix. My code would dump both the user name and password to a file and return "password incorrect" regardless of the password entered, and then run the real login prompt. It emulated the Xenix logon exactly. I managed to do this just a couple of weeks into the course, so I was hardly a wizard or a competent programmer.

I ran it on the terminal that the course tutor used... The silly man always logged in as root.

I didn't consider that hacking because it wasn't... Neither is this.

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Profitless internet biz Pinterest seeks $2.5 BILLION valuation

adnim

I had a look once

and saw nothing of interest.

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Review: Living with Microsoft's new Surface Pro

adnim

Poor cognitive skills..

"Not bad at translating scrawl, but failed on the last word."

Perhaps it doesn't have hardwitny in its dictionary

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Crooks, think your Trojan looks legit? This one has a DIGITAL CERTIFICATE

adnim

A warning label

On all new kit sold to the general public.

"Use of this device could open you up to identity theft and fraud. Should this device be used without your knowledge to commit a crime, unless you can prove innocence, you may face criminal charges. This device may come with security software installed. Please be aware, this software does not make your device secure."

I wouldn't imagine such a warning label having much of an impact on sales, nor would I imagine it reducing by much the number of people that blindly trust code downloaded from the Internet. It would however be a more accurate description of how the device can behave compared to all the glossy advertising that extols nothing but the virtues of such devices..

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Facebook's Google, Bing events snub: It's a BUG, NOT a FEATURE

adnim
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Re: I woud rather

You maybe right Rob, but I don't accept cookies from Google so I would have to tick the box every search. Now if they put a tick box next to next to the search box that would be ideal.

I wonder, would a tick box for price comparison sites along with a block Facebook results tick box be too much to wish for?

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adnim

I woud rather

Facebook results are not shown on Google.

When I search it is usually for useful information.

There is absolutely nothing on Facebook that is of any use as a source of information.

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Web smut sites are SAFER than search engines, declares Cisco

adnim

I have been online

since around 1993, perhaps earlier. I cannot remember exactly when I first went online.

There wasn't much in the way of advertising then and surfing the the Internet was an adventure. I watched the commercialisation of the Internet and was not impressed.

Some of you may find this hard to believe but it is true. I have never ever clicked on an advertisement, seriously in all that time I haven't, and I never will. As soon as I discovered what the host file was for I made use of it to block all the crap. Now there is adblock which makes things a little easier.

I have never had a virus on my PC, at least none that I was aware of. Perhaps I have been owned in my ignorance, there are far more clever people out there than me.

Code red owned a network I was responsible for but then again it owned the whole corporate network and not just my site.

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Microsoft Office 2013 vs. Office 365: Is either right for you?

adnim

Microsoft is dangling the bait. Should you bite?

NO

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Help us out here: What's the POINT of Microsoft Office 2013?

adnim
Joke

" What's the POINT of Microsoft Office 2013?"

Perhaps it lies at the top of the 1 in 2013.

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Muslim vid protest hackers turn web-flood hosepipe away from US banks

adnim

We really

Shouldn't criticise such caring and tolerant religions.

I am not surprised that proponents, supporters, believers of/in Islamic fundamentalism are angry.

How would you like your actions and beliefs to be exposed for what they actually are?

</sarcasm>

Who is to blame if a person cannot see beyond their indoctrination?

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You thought watching cat videos was harmless fun? Think AGAIN

adnim
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Re: Purrfect

Quantum theory makes more sense than Scientology.

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adnim
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Re: How many creatures do humans kill each year to feed cats ?

A fully fed human will also go out and kill almost anything for fun, including each other.

I am sure to get down voted for this, I don't care.

Just because humans have opposable thumbs, can reach the moon, create computers and can dominate and eradicate just about every other species on the planet (perhaps bacteria and virus are exceptions) does not mean this planet is ours to do with what we wish, we share this place with billions of other life forms. We are an arrogant bunch of fuckers who think this planet, its resources and all its life is here for just for the purpose of us alone to exploit or kill for fun.

I am not against killing animals for food nor exploiting resources for human use. I use electricity, I eat chicken, I wouldn't like to live in a cave. Humans have always exploited animals and the planet's resources to improve and advance, to be honest I can't really see another way to advance as a species. What does make me angry is that we do not do this in harmony with or respect for the biosphere with which we are intimately connected.

I have much respect for animals, they are not motivated by greed.

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adnim

How many creatures

do humans kill each year?

26 2

Apple, Google tumble off top 20 trusted companies list

adnim
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Re: "Apple, Google tumble off top 20 trusted companies list"

Deception, lies, misinformation, half truths or perhaps compelling products for the sheeple.

All of the above?

I really don't know how they got there. They have always been on my list of most untrusted companies.

I await the down votes of the sheeple.

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Apple confirms 128GB iPad. A hundred bucks for an extra 64GB

adnim
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I thought you would be

smart enough to work it out. OK I will tell you.

VM web server and database server for web development. Vector and bitmap graphics editing, SD/HD video and music production. Multiple applications running at once without the system choking or having to wait for a context switch.

A tablet is not a serious computing device even if all the productivity software in the world was ported to iOS or Android. I am sure that with a couple of more years development they will be powerful enough to be taken as serious computing devices.

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adnim

"Taking a pot shot at the ailing desktop computer market, Apple marketing veep Phil Schiller suggested iPad owners could use the extra space on their tablets to store all their work and media without needing "their old PCs”.

Yup they sure could store 128Gb data in their 128Gb iPad or a 128Gb USB key.

What's that? I hear yells of... "it's much more than a storage device".

Yes it is, one can watch movies on it, browse the Internet, listen to music and buy software from Apple with it.

The iPad like all tablets is a toy and not a serious computing device. There is a reason I use a laptop and a desktop for work and a tablet as a media player and a browser.

29 6

Microsoft tries to sell home Office users on subscription pricing

adnim
Meh

They can charge

what they like, makes no odds to me. I just hope it supports ODF or earlier versions of Office file formats else wise all those people who use MS Office are not going to be able to open any documents I send to them.

Still that's their problem, just like opening proprietary standard documents in OO is my problem.

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Hackers squeeze through DVR hole, break into CCTV cameras

adnim
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Thanks

I enabled UPnP for some testing a short while ago I got distracted during the testing and and forgot to disable.

I run a web server at home and port 80 has been the only port ever visible from my public IP address. After reading your post I remembered I still had UPnP enabled and did a quick scan. I found port 443 open to the Internet. I connected using https:mydomainname.co.uk and my NAS logon appeared in the browser window!!!

I blocked https in and out over the WAN to both the NAS box and the web server yet my NAS log on still appeared when I connected over the Internet. I disabled UPnP and 443 is no longer open. So UPnP completely ignored my firewall rules.

I have always known UPnP was a security risk, but it was a shock to discover, at least on my router, that it just bypasses the firewall.

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Worst broadband notspots in the UK named and shamed

adnim

This must be

ISP dependent as some over subscribe. Contention ratios, the last time I checked were around 50:1 for domestic broadband. If most of the broadband connections to the local exchange are served by just a few ISP's then the contention ratio limits will soon be hit causing individual connections to suffer.

I would guess rather wildly that customers of BT, Sky and Virgin will suffer the most whilst users of not so well known ISP's such as Plusnet and Bethere don't notice any slowdowns at any time of the day. I have never had a problem streaming HD (1080p) content form Youtube or the BBC no matter what time. I don't use BT, Sky or Virgin and thus have no experience of their broadband services hence this is just speculation on my part.

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Microsoft blasts PC makers: It's YOUR fault Windows 8 crash landed

adnim

Form over substance

"As market conditions evolve, we will continue to work in tandem with PC makers on creating successful and compelling campaigns."

They should concentrate on creating a compelling product

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Squillions of bytes in one cup of DNA

adnim
Joke

"Both reading and writing DNA...

are error-prone, particularly if a DNA ‘letter’ repeats in the string"

So... Hook it up to an Intel 4004.

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iPhone hangs on in US, Japan, but EVERYONE ELSE bought an Android

adnim
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Meh

Re: Oh Mr Adnim...

If you wish to interpret my words that way so be it. However I would have actually used the word expert would that have been what I meant. I was implying experience not expertise.

I don't mind admitting that I am more a Jack of all trades than a master of one.

Now we have got past your misunderstanding, rather than critise people like you, I would prefer to hear your comment on the actual topic at hand. Your opinion on my level of expertise and what you read into my words is irrelevant.

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adnim
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Meh

Re: I bought an Android

I have no control over the phone hardware. I have no control over the tracking of the phone radio nor do I have control of the firmware in the radio module. I am not a security expert as you sarcastically presumed Mr Coward. Yet I still know the limits of my knowledge and control over the device.

I have managed without mobile Internet access since I was born I really don't need it now. I might want it on occasion but this does not justify the security risk of using the phone radio for data comms. There are plenty of free wifi or cheap wifi hotpots should Internet access be important when not at home.

I don't have to audit every line of code, it is audited by the community. This doesn't mean the software is perfect or totally secure. however, the fact that every line of code can be scrutinised by anybody instills more confidence in me than any closed source system.

I have control of the ROM and the software installed on the device. I can proxy through Honeywall should I suspect the ROM or any installed software and monitor IP comms.

I shrug at the downvotes...The device is far more secure now than it was on the original ROM and is quite probably far more secure than any shipped Android based or iOS based device.

Do I trust it 100%? I probably trust it less than you trust your device.

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adnim

I bought an Android

Until a few days ago I only ever owned simple phones; voice and text. The last one had WAP (no comment)

Having used Android and iOS on the phones of friends, I wasn't particularly impressed with either.

They are consumer operating systems for mobile devices. Both are locked down, both are restrictive and both monitor the user (anonymously as stated by both Apple and Google or otherwise). Neither allow fine grain control over what hardware/data an application can access or transmit. Basically one does not own an Android or Apple phone, or tablet for that matter. One uses a device that is really owned, as in the sense pwned by Apple or Google.

I have been in IT for over 20 years and at various times responsible for the security of networks and servers.

Why would I use such a device? Why would any IT security professional use such a device? Why would anyone with a clue use such a device? A device that is partly under the control of a third party. A device which is basically controlled and monitored by a global corporation.

I can understand the average consumer being drawn to the convenience and feature list of both iOS and Android, they are wonderful consumer toys. Yet how many consumers realise that once they start using the OS they have become an Apple or Google product and asset?

I bought a HTC Wildfire for £30. It now has Cyanogen mod 7 as its OS.

I have replaced the hosts file. I have installed a terminal emulator and sshd.

I can edit every single file on the device and do whatever I want with it.

It's just like having small Linux PC in my pocket, it makes a damn fine audio media player too.

I could have bricked it had I made a mistake, but that was a risk I was prepared to take in order to have a phone which I fully owned and controlled.

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Game over for Atari? One life left as biz files for bankruptcy protection

adnim

I couldn't affiord...

a Mac. I was a music production technology student... Cuebase was the reason I bought an Atari 1040STE.

I learned so much with that STe.

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Surprised? Old Java exploit helped spread Red October spyware

adnim
Unhappy

I wish

I was smart enough to develop a website with all the usefulness and functionality of a site coded with html, css, ajax, javascript and php in html, css and php only.....

One that would satisfy the expectations of the consumer user.

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The 10 best … Windows Server 2012 features

adnim
Meh

it makes me feel somewhat sad

that when I read an article about Microsoft implementing new operating system features, in this case SMB3.0. I immediately think of gleeful hackers rubbing their hands together.

News like this should really fill IT professionals with hope and inspiration, not worry.

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5,000 UK pubs get free Wi-Fi... and they're not even all in London

adnim

Punch Taverns

look like commercial family venues and not purveyors of fine real ale. At least the one nearby does, there is a kiddies plaything outside.

I need a real ale with my WiFi and if they do real ale then they just might see some of my custom. If not, a couple of glasses of wine and a plate of chips in the beer garden on a sunny day could make a pleasant change from working at my desk.

It would be nice if it is really free, free as in no registration, no creating an account, no filling in forms that ask personal and irrelevant information. I would expect some advertising to support this which is fair enough. If the advertising is too intrusive then those that have control of their device can just block it.

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5.6TB helium disks could balloon, lift WD onto enterprise throne

adnim
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Re: Perhaps a Full Vacuum is the best Hard Drive environment then? (Patent Pending)

Yup it's called the Bernoulli effect. It has something to do with a moving fluid stream and pressure differentials.

The spinning disk drags air/helium with it so the head is stationary in a moving airstream, the head acts like a wing and is lifted off the platter.

Helium is less dense than the Nitrogen/Oxygen mixture that is air so drag is reduced and less power is required to rotate the disk at the same speed.

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Microsoft burgled, only the APPLE iPADS stolen - cops confirm

adnim
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Meh

Re: Sad sack

...but it kind of makes you feel bad for Microsoft

No it doesn't.

I might feel a little embarrassed for the Microsoft staff in the scenario you describe above.

However, I have over 20 years experience of working in IT and as such, I will never, ever feel anything for Microsoft.

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Windows Media Center EPG has SWITCHED OFF, wail Euro users

adnim
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@ChrisC - Re: Really?

So there is no EPG transmitted via satellite?

I have never used sat so I genuinely don't know. It does seem odd that EPG data not be transmitted with the programming. I could search the nets to find out for sure, but I care not.

DVBViewer does sat too.....

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adnim
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@Lamont Cranston. Re: yet more pseduo-news with a ridiculous headline

Because Microsoft (and allowed partners) want to know everything about you, your computer and internet usage in order to provide a better customer experience.

</sarcasm>

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adnim

Really?

I hadn't noticed. The EPG is transmitted, no need for third party TV guides, at least I don't have a need for them. But then again I don't use Windows media player, so why should I notice?

For watching DVB can I recommend DVBViewer? 15 Euro

No I am not affiliated, it's just awesome software. It really is. Just search the Internet.

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Amazon outage whacked Netflix US customers on Christmas Eve

adnim
Joke

Cloud services are fine

As long as one backs up ones cloud data locally.

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Trust the cloud with my PRECIOUS? You gotta be joking

adnim
Joke

If

one is good at remembering a long sequence of just two things, any lost data could be reconstructed using a simple two key input device.

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Facebook tests feature to let strangers pay to message you

adnim
Joke

Be patient

After a period of time perhaps FB will offer users the option of not receiving spam email for a dollar.

Advertisers pay FB so they can email you, you pay FB not to send them.

It's then a win win for FB

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Review: Samsung Series 9 super slim notebook

adnim
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Re: I have been

Thanks, It certainly gets good reviews. I do need 8Gb RAM though and the extra screen area helps.

Full HD would be nice but 1600x900 is fair enough.

I will wait till the sales season starts me thinks, I already have a Tab 2, so selling the freebie Tab gets me the Series 9 even cheaper.

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adnim
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Re: I have been

Update

I found this laptop cheaper here with a FREE 7" Galaxy Tab thrown in:

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Samsung_900X4C_1192065.html

Only one caveat, one has to claim the Tab from Samsung, it doesn't come with the laptop.

Hopefully this sub £900 example will undergo a sales price drop in a few weeks.

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adnim

I have been

looking for a new laptop for several months. This has to be the closest fit to my needs and desires so far.

I think I will wait till January and see if it comes up on sale somewhere. Perhaps then I can purchase it from a UK company that pays their taxes for the same or lower price than that of the item which is linked to in the article.

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The best tablets for Christmas

adnim
Joke

Best tablets for Christmas?

Well that depends.

Have children... Valium.

Don't have children... Take whatever floats your boat.

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Help-desk hell

adnim

Alas this is true

User: Hi, Bob. My PC isn't working.

Me:What's the problem

User:PC isn't working, it won't start.

Me: Is it plugged in, can you see any lights on the computer?

User: Yes, there are lights lit up on the PC but I cannot see if it is plugged in or not.

Me: Er... OK Alice, be with you in a moment.

Realising that attempting to resolve this over the phone might prove difficult and only being a floor away I popped up to see the user.

After fixing the problem in direct view of the user, she asked what the problem was.

"Not really a problem" I said, "I switched it on".

The power button on the desktop machine was obscured by the keyboard, Alice had been switching the monitor on and off.

Names have been changed to protect the stupid and the paranoid.

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Microsoft braces for Surface RT feedback storm

adnim
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Re: "Based on customer feedback"

How many of those people like it because they tried the release candidate and were suitably impressed?

How many of those people like it because they saw the glossy advertising and were suitably convinced?

How many of those people will learn to like it when they bought a new laptop and didn't think of the OS at all?

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adnim
Meh

Whichever number is the bigger....

"Tami Reller, had earlier claimed that Microsoft had sold 40 million Windows 8 licences since the October launch; she did not clarify the figure, though, and it’s not clear whether this number includes PCs sold to end users or simply licences to OEMs which are making Windows 8 PCs."

</cynicism>

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Microsoft STALKS YOU even more than supermarkets do, says dev

adnim
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Joke

Re: Citation?

Does the site have 66 pages?

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Apple cultists slaver as Mothership landing now foretold in 2016

adnim

It looks like

a walled garden.

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Ten... PC games you may have missed

adnim
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Re: PC Games?

Just about all PC games are console ports these days, some have a bit of DX10 or DX11 tagged on, some have a high res texture pack to download. I cannot tell you for sure but I guess the number of game titles developed for PC released in the last five years must be barely into double figures.

Hard Reset is the only one that comes to mind at the moment and should definitely be on this list. Gosh!! There is even a demo, remember those?

http://hardresetgame.com/

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Facebook lets admen have a rummage through your shopping bags

adnim

facebook.com##div.ego_section

There are advertisements on Facebook?

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