Suramya's Blog : Welcome to my crazy life…

March 10, 2006

Google: A giant hard disk in the sky?

Filed under: Computer Related,My Thoughts,Tech Related — Suramya @ 12:52 PM

There have been rumors to the affect that Google might be releasing a new service that allows users to store unlimited amount of data on their servers and access it from anywhere… While this sounds really neat and useful there are a couple of issues with it that you might want to think about (If you are planning on using it. I am not)

1. First as soon as the data is off your computer and on google’s they have full access to it, they can scan it to generate targeted ads. (They already do that with your email). If a google employee wanted to they could read you private documents (You tax returns, your love letters, your whatever… ). Not saying that they will just they can.

2. Storing it on Google’s servers will make it easier for law agencies/lawyers to get search access to your data using a subpeona. Adam Fields has a good writeup on why storing your data on google is a bad idea.

So if you still want to store stuff on google feel free to, but I am not. I might store encrypted files for a short time if I needed to free up space for something, but for a more long term solution I will stick to my DVD burner. 🙂

Original Article: Google: A giant hard disk in the sky?

– Suramya

March 9, 2006

New Biometrics scanner released

Filed under: Computer Hardware,Computer Security,Tech Related — Suramya @ 11:01 PM

This is an interesting new biometrics scanner that uses the layout of the veins in the user’s palm to authenticate them. Apparently its more reliable than fingerprints and safer. Couldn’t find any pricing information but I bet they are expensive right now. Hopefully the price will go down a lot so that I can afford to get one to play with.

Synopsis:

Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. on Wednesday announced the global launch of its PalmSecure biometric authentication system. The contactless system identifies users by examining the layout of the veins in the palms of their hands.

The PalmSecure device uses a near-infrared beam, similar to that used by television remote controls, to map the layout of veins carrying oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. According to Joel Hagberg, vice president of marketing and business development for Fujitsu, those vein patterns are unique in every person — even more so than fingerprints or DNA.

Complete Story: For security, Fujitsu talks to the hand – Computerworld

Thanks,
Suramya

March 8, 2006

An Introduction to awk

Filed under: Linux/Unix Related,Tutorials — Suramya @ 4:08 PM

A good introductory tutorial on awk. I have heard a lot about it, even used it a couple of times in shell scripts but never programmed using it. Check this article to learn more about it.

Synopsis:

The awk programming language often gets overlooked for Perl, which is a more capable language. Out in the real world, however awk is found even more ubiquitously than Perl. It also has a smaller learning curve than Perl does, and awk can be used almost everywhere in system monitoring scripts, where efficiency is key. This brief tutorial is designed to help you get started in awk programming.

The awk language is a small, C-style language designed for the processing of regularly formatted text. This usually includes database dumps and system log files. It’s built around regular expressions and pattern handling, much like Perl is. In fact, Perl is considered to be a grandchild of the awk language.

Complete Article: An Introduction to awk

– Suramya

March 6, 2006

Forwarded message I got and my response to it

Filed under: My Thoughts — Suramya @ 6:01 PM

Got the message below as a forwared email. So I sent back a reply with my comments on it. (Yes it was late and I was bored.). My comments are in Italics

Title of Email: Why ARE MEN HAPPIER?

Men Are Just Happier People– What do you expect from such simple Creatures?

> Your last name stays put.

True… You can also keep the same last name, just marry someone with the same last name as you…

> The garage is all yours.

Since your car is usually at the repair shop…

> You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

So can you. I don’t mind.. Honest.. 😀

> You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

So can you. I won’t mind… really. Honest

> Car Mechanics tell you the truth.

So you think…

> You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.

Ha ha, true.

> Same work, more pay.

More crap to deal with, more pay. Women are never asked to help move boxes around when the office runs out of space.

> People never stare at your chest when you are talking to them.

Unless I am wearing a T-Shirt with a smart ass comment on it.

> New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

So you think..

> You know stuff about tanks.

Yup. Actually got to ride in one a long time ago.

> If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Or you can just show up anyway’s regardless of invitation

> Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

Why do we need more again?

> You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Then maybe I need glasses?

> Everything on your face stays its original colour.

Unless I dye it.

> The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe even decades.

True…

> You only have to shave your face and neck.

Yeah, but we have to do it everyday.

> You can play with toys all your life.

So can you, just different ones…

> Your belly usually hides your big hips.

N/A

> You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.

Yup. Actually did that once.

> You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.

Yeah, Do I want to be lazy or not? Will my mom/sister/significant other yell at me or not?

> No wonder men are happier.

No wonder men get paid more… Women spend most of their time at work creating such lists 😉

March 4, 2006

Released Ver 2 of DFS Install Guide

Filed under: Article Releases,Linux/Unix Related,Website Updates — Suramya @ 5:10 PM

Hi Everyone,
I have released Ver 2 of my DFS (Debian From Scratch) install guide. This version covers the installation of dfs-0.6.19

Article URL: How to install and configure DFS.

Thanks,
Suramya

March 2, 2006

Geekcorps: A Peace Corps for techies

Filed under: Interesting Sites,My Thoughts — Suramya @ 12:56 PM

This is another volunteer outfit that can essentially be thought of as a Peace Corps with a focus on PCs. The organization recruits technical experts to conceive ideas for integrating technology into local economies in a self-sustaining way.

This is extremely interesting, they pay you (airfare, accommodation, insurance and a monthly living stipend) to goto places like Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Romania), Central Asia (Armenia, Kyrgystan), Northeast Asia (Mongolia), Southeast Asia (Thailand), Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Mali) and the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan).

I will be taking part in this sometime next year as this year I have pre-existing obligations. The average tour is 4 months.

Group Website: Geekcorps.org
More details: TechRepublic Article

Thanks to Sonja’s Blog for the link to this.

– Suramya

March 1, 2006

Life is fun… esp when you are too busy to enjoy it

Filed under: My Life — Suramya @ 5:25 PM

Yup, life is fun. I havn’t been posting stuff because I didn’t feel like it because of a hectic schedule but the past few days have been fun:

The weekend of 18th Feb:

Went to the 81st birthday of Padmashree Mr. Ram V Sutar, a sculpturer whose sculptures have been put up everywhere. Check out this site for a list of some of his works. This was the first time I met a Padmashree reciepient and it was an awesome experience. I wish I had my camera with me at that time but…

Also met Richa, my cousin sister when she came over for lunch on Sunday. It was fun talking to her after such a long time.

The rest of the time:

Staying up late working on stuff. Waking up even later. Couple of times I went to bed at 11am – 12 pm. The only bad part was that since I was up my parents would ask me to come for a walk with them to the plot where we are building out house. Other than that it was just work/sleep/read books/watch TV.

Today/Yesterday:

Didn’t sleep all night (Was working), then left for Rajkumar Mama’s place at 6 am, came back at 12:30 pm (Didn’t sleep the entire time, ’cause I hate sleeping in a car.) Then when I got back I couldn’t sleep, so I read a book for a few hours and finally fell asleep at about 3:30 pm. Then at ~ 4:30 pm I got a call from a friend. I spoke to her for a while but I really have no idea what I talked about. I only remember who it was because I had wished her all the best for her exams earlier in the day. I hope I was making sense on the phone…

Then I went back to sleep and work up at 7:20 pm to start work. Now its almost 4 am but I still don’t feel sleepy.

Lets see… I think I will read something and then crash.

Oh, I also watched Final Destination 3. Its pathetic. No match for the original and even the sequel. Didn’t even bother to finish watching it.

Well there was a lot more stuff that happened since I last posted but I don’t feel like typing any more.

Will post more later (maybe).

– Suramya

February 18, 2006

CollageGen Ver 0.5 released

Filed under: Software Releases,Tech Related,Website Updates — Suramya @ 5:13 PM

Released Version 0.5 of the Collage Generator. This time the source code for the script is also available for download at the site.

I do have a working demonstration page but it don’t works if one person uses it at a time, because it queues up each request it recieves and process it in a FIFO (First In First Out) format, so if too many people are using it at the same time the page time’s out. Will probably switch to a threaded model to allow parallel processing of requests.

ChangeLog:

  • Rewrote the Backend Script to speed up the collage generator faster
  • Added XML-RPC support to allow better communication between the frontend and the backend

Your Feedback/Comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Suramya

February 17, 2006

Surabhi and Vinit’s Engagement Pics are online

Filed under: My Life,Website Updates — Suramya @ 1:41 PM

Hi Everyone,
After months of procrastination I have finally put Vinit and Surabhi’s Engagement photographs up in the photogallery.

Thanks,
Suramya

February 14, 2006

Free Geek: Helping the needy get nerdy

Filed under: Interesting Sites,Linux/Unix Related,My Thoughts,Tech Related — Suramya @ 4:43 PM

This is a really good program that combines volunteer work with computer education with helping underprivilidged get computer access.

Free Geek volunteers are a part of one of two programs, the Adoption Program or the Build Program. The Adoption Program gives each person, after 24 hours of volunteer service, a FreekBox, consisting of a rebuilt computer running Linux, as well as basic software, a monitor, keyboard, mouse, one year of tech support and classes on how to use it all. For the Build Program, which takes about 100 hours, volunteers build five computers and get to keep the sixth one, leaning more towards an educational focus.

They also have a couple of other projects you can help with. Check out How to Volunteer for details.

Unfortunately most of the projects require you to be in the Portland, OR area which kind of sucks as I would have loved to help out with this project. Luckily they do have a Coder section that lets people who are located remotely help out with the project. I am joining this mailing list as a volunteer, lets see how much fun/interesting its going to be. I will keep you posted.

URL: Free Geek: Home
Some media Coverage: Designtechnica.com

– Suramya

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