practicalrambler.

How to Stop Geoclue on Ubuntu Linux (without losing the clock)

2013-02-09T18:38:00.002-03:30

For some reason in Ubuntu 12.04 (and possibly 12.10), the tray clock package (indicator-datetime) for unity has geoclue as a dependency. In other words, if you want to ditch geoclue, you lose your clock.

Here's a workaround:

1. Add the following to your /etc/hosts file (sudo gedit /etc/hosts):

127.0.0.1       geoname-lookup.ubuntu.com
127.0.0.1       videosearch.ubuntu.com
127.0.0.1       daisy.ubuntu.com
127.0.0.1       one.ubuntu.com
127.0.0.1       musicsearch.ubuntu.com

2. Change the permissions of the geoclue libs to prevent it from executing:

sudo chmod ugo-x /usr/lib/geoclue/geoclue-master

3. Restart. No more pesky connections to Canonical servers.

PS3 Media Server - Firewall Setup for Ubuntu 12.04 / Linux

2013-01-02T18:13:00.001-03:30

If you've installed PS3 Media Server in Ubuntu, and you're getting the message "No Renderers were Found" and a great big red "X" on the Status tab, give this a try. The most likely issue is your firewall is blocking your server from establishing a connection with your media playback device (e.g. your Playstation 3).

Steps:

1. Open a terminal (Ctrl-Alt-T)

2. Type the following command:

sudo ufw allow from <your_device's_ip> to any port 5001

This assumes you are using the default PS3 Media Server port of 5001. For example, if your PS3 uses the static IP 192.168.0.100, then do:

sudo ufw allow from 192.168.0.100 to any port 5001

If you aren't using static IPs on your devices but wish to open the server to any device connected to your router/subnet, you can specific a subnet mask, e.g. 192.168.0.1/24. If you're not using Ubuntu but are using iptables with your preferred linux distro, simply add an exception for port 5001, e.g.:

sudo iptables -A INPUT -s <your-device's-ip> -p tcp --dport 5001 -j ACCEPT

sudo iptables -A INPUT -s <your-device's-ip> -p udp --dport 5001 -j ACCEPT

This ought to do the trick.

Can You Make Money With Google AdSense?

2013-01-01T17:25:00.001-03:30

Yes! But don't quit your day job. Here's a few AdSense tips, pointers and general considerations for bloggers I've picked up over the last two years.

1. Your Content Matters

If you don't write good content, no one will ever see your site. Even if they do, they won't stick around long enough to even consider visiting an advertiser link. Don't listen to these SEO companies that promise top search engine billing - if you write good content, search engines (read: Google) will index your content quickly. Don't try SEO trickery like keyword-bombing - Google's algorithms have been wise to this nonsense for a long time. You need quality content, not SEO.

So what is good content? It is original, concise, and easy to read. If you can present a topic or solve an issue in a novel way, even better. Good content doesn't require navigating across multiple pages. It doesn't require javascript or flash to read. It isn't written just for the sake of adding more posts. It isn't flashy for the sake of being flashy. Keep it simple.

2. Your Audience Matters

Know your audience - and write content for them. Really, know yourself. Write about what you know. If you write useless content you know nothing about, you'll quickly be relegated to the bottom of search engine results, because no one will care what you have to say, and they certainly won't link to it. Links matter, and Google is great at spotting bullshit SEO-manufactured links.

Also consider the likelihood of your audience following an ad link. Last month, only slightly more than half of my audience was even served ads. My audience generally screws me as it is largely very technically proficient - and tend to use ad blocking or script-blocking software. They never even see the ads to begin with (fine by me, it's their right!).

3. Be Patient!

Hit counter not moving? No ad clicks? Alas, this is your likely fate for the first six months of your blog, unless you really strike gold with your content (don't rule it out, but don't count on it).

It won't happen overnight.

It takes time for things to happen. You can't simply publish a few posts and expect the hits to come rolling in. You have to keep publishing, and not just publishing for the sake of doing so.

Hits do not equal ad income; but more hits equals a higher likelihood of ad income. Whatever you do, don't try to cheat on clicks. You'll be suspended from AdSense quickly.

Don't spend too much time worrying about hits and clicks - spend your time on your content.

4. Ad Placement Isn't Everything

The oft-referred to Google Adsense Heatmap is probably right for most people. But if the recommended ad placement doesn't suit your design needs, or makes your site look awful, then place your ads as you see fit. Experiment with moving ads around until you find a placement that gives you clicks and suits your design needs.

And yes, I know this site could be a lot prettier.

5. Don't Plan to Retire Just Yet

Unless you come up with pure content gold, you're probably not going to be quitting your job to live off advertising revenues.

In December 2012, I earned a whopping $14.00 from AdSense. It's my best month ever. Most days, I earn a penny. Unless you can attract a LOT of hits and a decent amount of clicks every day, expect the same. Keep that in mind before telling your boss how you really feel about them.

Ubuntu 12.04 - Hide the Recent Items in the Dash and Stop the Logging!

2012-12-12T17:30:00.000-03:30

I really like Ubuntu 12.04. I even like the Unity Desktop (despite the general hatred it seems to attract amongst many users), it works really well on my netbook. However, Ubuntu has a lot of privacy issues, not the least of which is the integration of zeitgeist into Unity.

Here's what I did to get zeitgeist to stop logging. The "Privacy" app under System Settings never seemed to work properly, and clearing the history still left all sorts of information in the log files.

First, remove zeitgeist. I did this with synaptic. Don't remove the related libs, however, as Unity needs them. Restart the system.

Then, kill the running zeitgeist processes:

sudo killall -9 zeitgeist-fts zeitgeist-datahub zeitgeist-daemon

Then, remove the existing logs:

cd $HOME/.local/share/zeitgeist

rm activity*

You can use srm if you feel it is necessary. Restart the system.

Upon restart, Zeitgeist will recreate the log files, albeit they will be essentially empty. Now set them to read-only:

cd $HOME/.local/share/zeitgeist

sudo chmod ugo-w act*

Restart once more.

Once I did all this, the dash did not populate with recently used files, and the zeitgeist logs remained static. YMMV!

How to Install (or reinstall) Linux AMD / ATI Proprietary Video Drivers

2012-11-08T18:47:00.000-03:30

If you are running Linux on a machine with an ATI / AMD video card, such as the Radeon HD series of cards, getting the most out of your video card can be a major pain. The open source fglrx driver that comes with many distributions works very well for most people - but often will let you down when it comes to using non-standard monitors such as an HDTV.

In my case, the open source driver could not detect my HDTV properly, and as a result, my screen stretched far beyond the edges of the display. Without the Catalyst Control Center application, I couldn't adjust for overscan. Additionally, when the HDTV was turned off and then on again, sound output would fail, requiring a restart. Installing the proprietary driver fixed both these issues.

Here's how to install the AMD / ATI proprietary driver. As always, backup any important data before making any major system changes. If you break your system, you have no one to blame but yourself.

1. Visit this page and enter the information about your system.

If you don't know your video card model, open a terminal and enter:

lspci | grep Display

2. Download the driver package. Save it wherever you like.

3. Extract the driver package.

4. Change permissions to allow the .run file to execute. In Ubuntu 12.04, right-click, select Properties, select Permissions tab, and check the box for "Allow executing file as program". Alternatively, open a terminal and manually change the file permissions:

chmod +x yourfilenamehere

5. Run the installer. If you get a message about fglrx not being uninstalled, you'll need to open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt-get remove --purge fglrx fglrx_* fglrx-amdcccle* fglrx-dev*

Restart your system and run the installer again. Assuming it is successful, run Catalyst Contol Center and adjust the video settings to your needs.

If you've already installed the ATI / AMD drivers, and suddenly they are broken, you'll need to do a removal and reinstall. This happened to me following a system update that affected the linux kernel. The most common symptom of this seems to be that the Catalyst Control Center application simply will not run. If you are running Ubuntu's Unity desktop, it may always load in 2d mode even if you choose 3d upon logging in. You can check what mode Unity is running in by running the following in a terminal:

echo $DESKTOP_SESSION

If the result is "ubuntu", it's running in 3d mode.

To reinstall the drivers, do the following:

1. Open a terminal and run the following commands, one line at a time:

sudo sh /usr/share/ati/fglrx-uninstall.sh

sudo sh /usr/share/ati/amd-uninstall.sh

If either command gives you a message about files having changed and the uninstall failing, run them again with a --force option. Running the first command may not be necessary, but should cause no harm.

2. Reinstall the driver as per the steps above.

Tested on Ubuntu 12.04.

Configuring PS3 Media Server with Windows 7 Firewall

2012-10-22T16:45:00.000-02:30

If you've installed PS3 Media Server, and you're getting the message "No Renderers were Found" and a great big red "X" on the Status tab, give the following a try. It worked for me.

(NOTE: These instructions are written for those using the Windows 7 Firewall. However, they should work for any other software-based firewall.)

1. Open Windows Firewall control (in Start Menu run box type "WF.msc")

2. You are going to create 2 new rules: 1 inbound and 1 outbound.

3. On the left side, select Inbound Rules. Then, on the right pane, you will see an option for a New Rule. Click it (see below).

4. In the New Inbound Rule Wizard (which should appear), do the following:

Choose Program and click Next

Select This Program Path, and enter the path to javaw.exe on your PC (typically \Program files\x86\java\jre6\bin)

Choose Allow the Connection, then Tick Private and Public.

Complete this process by naming the rule something notable (e.g. ! - PS3 Media Server). Repeat the process in Outbound Rules. Now restart PS3 Media Server. Provided everything else is in order, it should now work.

It is important to note that opening javaw.exe to inbound connections from any IP is a security risk. You may wish to limit the scope of these rules to your local subnet. You can do this by double-clicking on the rule, and selecting Scope. Here, you can limit the remote IPs that can connect to javaw.exe to your local subnet (or specific IP addresses, if you choose).

How to Convert FLAC or OGG to MP3 - The Easy Way

2012-10-22T16:06:00.000-02:30

Downloaded some music, only to find it is in .FLAC format rather than mp3, and it won't transfer to your iPod or play on your favorite media player?

Here's an easy way to convert, without using converter programs of questionable origin (some of which, despite my best efforts, are probably turning up in my advertising on this blog...)

1. Download foobar2000 , a fabulous free (and more importantly, reputable) media player. Even if you choose not to use foobar2000 as your default media player, it's great to keep around and takes up very little storage.

2. Download the LAME mp3 encoder. Save wherever you like - I drop files like this in c:\utils. Unzip.

3. Install foobar2000.

4. Run foobar2000. Select File -> Preferences -> Advanced. On the right pane, you will see an option for Tools (see below)

5. Select Converter -> Additional Command Line encoder paths. Add the path where you saved LAME (for me, c:\utils).

The above steps you will only need to do once. To save FLAC (or whatever format) to MP3, do the following:

1. Select File -> Add Files (or Add Folder, if you like)

2. Highlight the files in the foobar2000 main window, and right-click. Select Convert. Choose your options (I like 192kbps MP3).

3. Select Save Destination and convert!

Pinball Arcade PS3 - How to obtain DLC Trophies Without Redoing Wizard Goals

2012-09-04T18:44:00.000-02:30

Pinball Arcade for PS3 updated today to version 2.01, making minor tweaks to tables as well as enabling Trophies for the existing DLC tables (Funhouse, Medieval Madness, Cirqus Voltaire and Bride of Pinbot).

Unfortunately, if you have already earned the wizard goals for these tables, and don't wish to redo them, you won't be able to obtain the trophies without some effort.

Here's how to do it:

1. Backup your PBA save file to a USB stick: Game -> Saved Data Utility -> Go to Pinball Arcade (should be one save file) -> Press Triangle -> Copy -> Select USB (must be plugged in).

It is highly recommended to save in two separate locations in case anything goes wrong (i.e., on two separate USB drives)

2. Erase the PBA save file (same as #1, except Delete instead of Copy)

3. Load Pinball Arcade. You will be asked to create a save file, choose Yes.

4. Play each of the tables you are trying to unlock. You'll need to obtain the Standard Goals, and a top 5 score to unlock the first two trophies ("High Five" and "Master").

If you've managed to get the wizard goals in the past, this isn't going to be very difficult for you and will likely be achieved in one game. When you have completed these trophies, go to step 5.

5. Reload your original save file: Game -> Saved Data Utility -> USB Device (at the top of the menu) -> Select PBA save file -> Press Triangle -> Copy - Select Yes to Overwrite.

6. Load Pinball Arcade. You will have to play each table for a little while before the Wizard trophy will pop (took around 15 seconds for me, it may take longer than this for you. Be patient, play a full game).

Hope this helps any other Pinball Arcade fanatics out there!

How to Save a YouTube Video as an MP3 file - Use Dirpy

2012-03-28T22:56:00.001-02:30

You can easily save any YouTube video (it works on a lot of other video sites too, such as Vimeo) as an mp3 file (up to 128kbps) at dirpy - simply enter the URL of the video you wish to save audio for, and you'll be presented with a menu which will allow you to save as an mp3. No point making a tutorial - it's too damn easy.

How to fix TVersity Error "Screenweaver MX was unable to LAUNCH one or more of its main windows"

2012-03-01T13:23:00.000-03:30

If the TVersity interface will not load for you, giving the error "Screenweaver MX was unable to LAUNCH one or more of its main windows. The application must close", here's how most will be able to fix it.

This guide applies to Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Steps:

1. Open System Properties (Right-click Computer, select Properties OR type "sysdm.cpl" in the Run box)
2. Select Advanced System Settings
3. Click Advanced Tab
4. Under "Performance", click Settings button
5. Click Data Execution Prevention Tab
6. Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" (see image below)

7. Click Add, and browse to find TVersity.exe (default install location is C:\Program Files (x86)\TVersity\Media Server\web\admin\TVersity.exe).

You might need a restart for the change to take effect.

If this issue started for you after installing EMET, you might need to do the following first:

1. Run EMET
2. Click Configure System button
3. Change DEP setting to "Application Opt Out" (see image below)

4. Restart, then complete the steps as detailed above.

Skyrim PS3 Patch 1.04 Released - And It Works

2012-02-10T12:11:00.001-03:30

Today, Bethesda released Skyrim update 1.04, and after 2 hours of play with the patch installed, I have noticed the following:

- Major improvement in lagging graphics / framerate - particularly in cities like Whiterun and Riften, and when wandering Skyrim in very graphically intensive areas.

- Major improvement in menu response times, particularly when accessing the maps, items etc.

- Mannequins and Weapon / Shield Racks in houses now working!

This is good news indeed for Skyrim players who have suffered with performance issues on the PS3. I still have all autosave functions disabled, as discussed here, but this patch appears to have fixed the worst grievances with the game. I'm keeping my fingers crossed the improvements continue!

How to Avoid Lag, Freezes, and Crashes in Skyrim for PS3

2012-01-14T16:43:00.001-03:30

The PS3 version of Skyrim has some serious issues. Players will quickly encounter lag in areas with many NPCs (e.g. Cities). Also, transitions between areas will often be very slow (e.g. moving from a store back outside to a city).

PS3 players will also notice that their save files growing in size very quickly. Mine was up to 7mb after only 20 hours of play, and I began to experience serious lag and complete system crashes. There's a lot of fanboy argument over whether or not this is Sony's fault or Bethesda's fault. Honestly, I don't care, I'd just like to see it fixed. Bethesda is promising that patch 1.04 will rectify the issue - however, given the issues that occured with Fallout 3 and FO New Vegas, I'm not holding my breath on a total fix.

In the meantime, I offer the following advice to avoid these issues, based on my own experience with the game. I play on a PS3 Slim 120gb model. YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY!

Tips to avoid (or at least minimize) problems on PS3 Skyrim:

1. Disable ALL autosave features (Start button -> System ->Settings -> Gameplay). Untick Save on Rest, Save on Wait, Save on Travel, and Save on Character Menu. I noted that upon making this change that speed between locations increased dramatically. Yes, it sucks to have to do this, and occasionally if you aren't careful, you will die and find yourself a lot further back than you'd like. But the trade-off is absolutely worth the inconvenience, and ultimately you'll save a lot more time due to the drastic increase in performance.

2. Do your best to avoid making a mess - that is, don't be dropping items all over the place in-game. Every item dropped has to be "remembered" by the game. Eventually it will disappear, but until it does, it's another thing for the save file to cope with. Even knocking a bowl off a table adds another piece of data to be saved.

3. Delete all but one or two of your most recent save files upon exiting the game. Back them up to an external device or Playstation Plus online just to be safe.

4. Avoid constant saving and reloading to get a particular outcome. You might really want to pass that speech check, but you should just accept the consequences and move on.

5. Free up as much space on your PS3 as you can (unconfirmed).

6. NO MARATHON PLAY SESSIONS! The longer you play, the worst the problem will become, and the more your save files will swell. Keep sessions to 2 hours or less, and then save / quit. You can reload the game right away if you wish.

Since implementing these "rules", my experience with Skyrim has been great, with very little lag and no crashes. My save file has only grown 1mb in 20+ hours of gameplay, and frequently shrinks in size slightly.

I only wish I'd done so immediately back when my head was on the executioner's block in Helgen....

How to Close Port 445 in Windows 7 / Vista

2011-10-03T17:30:00.001-02:30

If you are cautious / paranoid about open ports in Windows, you may have noticed port 445 open.

To close it, log in as an administrator, and do the following:

1. In the run box, type "services.msc" and run the Services console

2. Scroll down to find the service "Server"

3. Right-click "Server" and select Properties

4. Stop the service, and then click the drag-down box in the center, and select Disable.

5. Restart the system.

Keep in mind that any services that depend on the Server service (e.g. Homegroups, print sharing) will fail. Consider creating a System Restore point prior to making the change.

How to Disable Google Instant - No Google Search Autocomplete

2011-09-16T12:44:00.000-02:30

Hate Google Instant? Me too. It's not that it's an inherently bad feature - in fact, it's pretty cool (and often hilarious). However, on slower machines, it can lead to a slow, glitchy search experience.

To turn it off, go to http://www.google.com/preferences and near the bottom of the page, select Do Not Use Google Instant.

The problem with this, however, is that if you clear your cookies, this setting will be lost and Google Instant will return. If you use Google Search as your homepage, and wish to never use Google Instant, set your homepage to the following URL:

http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=0&hl=en

How to Revoke / Remove DigiNotar Certificates from Windows

2011-09-06T16:45:00.002-02:30

In light of the recent DigiNotar certificate hacking / theft incident, one should strongly consider removing DigiNotar's Root Certificates from any version of Windows. Theoretically, an attacker could use this certificate's trust to forge Windows Update data. It should be noted there are no confirmed attacks of this nature to date.

These instructions are applicable to Windows 2000, XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. You will need to be logged in as an Administrator. You may or may not find DigiNotar certifcates listed. For more information, see:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2607712.mspx

To remove certificates from Firefox, see http://technotechz.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-delete-or-remove-diginotar-ca.html

Steps:

1. Run the Microsoft Management Console - type mmc in the Run/Search box.

2. You will be presented with the console window. Select File -> Add/Remove Snap-in

3. Add the Certificates snap-in, selecting "Computer Account".

4. Select Certificates, and find Trusted Root Certification Authorities. You will be presented with a (large) alphabetical list of certification authorities.

5. Right-click any DigiNotar certificates, and select delete. Restart your system, and double-check to ensure Diginotar certificates remain removed.

How to View Older Netflix Titles in Fullscreen - Remove the Black Bars

2011-08-28T23:19:00.001-02:30

All content on Netflix is presented in its original aspect ratio, which for many titles, is 4:3. Unfortunately, most people view Netflix content on widescreen televisions, leading to black bars on the sides the image during playback.

Many Netflix playback devices (for example, the Playstation 3) do not allow you to set content to play in 16:9 widescreen mode. The workaround for this is simple - set your television to "16:9" or "widescreen" or "full screen". Typically you can change this on the fly with the "format" or "aspect" button on your remote control.

You might be thinking "well - obviously" - but many people do not realize this! You'll have to set it back to its original setting when you are finished watching. Until Netflix updates its playback software to change aspect ratio on the fly, this is the simplest solution.

Looking to improve Netflix performance? Netflix Router Optimization Guide.

How to Turn the Internet Upside Down

2011-08-26T02:24:00.000-02:30

Run Linux? People stealing your bandwidth? Turn their Internet upside down. Literally.

Netflix Router Optimization Guide - How to Improve Netflix Performance on Home Networks By Using Quality of Service (QoS)

2011-08-25T18:03:00.016-02:30

Unable to Connect to Netflix? Netflix fails will drive you crazy. This guide will show you how to optimize Netflix performance on your home router, without crippling network performance for other connected devices.

Netflix is a bandwidth-intensive application. Most home networks contain a LOT of devices (PCs, gaming consoles, network-connected media players, iPhones, etc.), and this can cause major network congestion - causing Netflix stuttering, decreased image quality and disconnects.

Conversely, some Netflix-connected devices (particularly the Playstation 3), will use all your bandwidth, overwhelming your network and choking / crippling Internet traffic to other devices on the network.

Most home routers have a feature called a Quality of Service (QoS) Engine (sometimes known as Traffic Shaping) which allows you to customize how your router handles network traffic. Before I implemented QoS rules, if a PS3 on the network was streaming Netflix, other devices connected to the network would often experience very slow Internet access, or get disconnected from the network altogether. Since implementing these rules, issues have been rare. Obviously - your mileage may vary.

Things to Consider:

1. It's not possible to detail the specific steps for every kind of router - there are simply too many. If you are clueless about how to set up wireless routers, there's no shame in that. Consider using a reference guide.

2. Some routers do not have QoS options; some do but offer less customization than others. Your mileage may vary.

3. Some routers also have features listed under QoS such as "Automatic Classification" and "Dynamic Fragmentation". Leave these enabled unless you have good reason to disable them.

4. If your Internet bandwidth is too low, you're going to run into problems no matter what QoS rules you implement. Streaming video is bandwidth intensive; streaming HD video is very bandwidth intensive.

Steps:

1. Make a list of all your network-connected devices and their IP addresses. Place them in order of desired bandwidth priority. If you haven't already, you'll have to reserve static IP addresses for each connected device, to ensure the device IP is always the same. For example, your list might look like:

1 - PS3 in living room - IP address 192.168.0.199 (netflix player)
2 - PC in office - IP address 192.168.0.197
3 - PC in kid's room - IP address 192.168.0.198
4 - iPad - IP address 192.168.0.195
5 - iPod Touch - IP address 192.168.0.196

2. Access your router's settings interface. If you don't know how, try one of the following links:

http://192.168.0.1

http://192.168.1.1

http://192.168.2.1

If you don't know your password, consult this page, which has default router login/passwords for pretty much every router. As a general rule, the default is login: admin, password: admin (of course, if that's your password - CHANGE IT).

3. Find the Quality of Service (QoS) Engine settings (sometimes called Traffic Shaping).On D-Link routers, this is usually found on the Advanced tab. On Linksys routers, this is usually found on the Applications & Gaming tab. Your router may differ; consult the manual if you cannot find it - or google your router make & model + "quality of service".

4. Assign the desired priority to each device on your network. For example, if you want to give top priority to your Netflix device(s), assign these devices a priority of 1. If you want to give top priority to connected PCs to ensure Internet traffic is not slowed or interrupted, assign the PCs a priority of 1. (See D-Link example below).

5. Save settings and reboot the router. Ultimately, you will want to experiment with different configurations. Personally, I like to assign top priority to my PCs, so that web-browsing / email etc. is not slowed or interrupted if another device is streaming Netflix. Every network will be different based on the needs of the user(s). If you want to really optimize your router, consider installing the DD-WRT Firmware.

How to Use PeerBlock - A Simple Guide to Using PeerBlock Peer Blocking Software

2011-08-23T18:32:00.005-02:30

This guide will show you how to install PeerBlock, and how to use it more effectively. The default installation of PeerBlock blocks many known malicious and/or problematic hosts. By adding additional block lists, you can customize the IP ranges you wish to prevent from communicating with your machine. It is very useful for blocking domains associated with bots / zombies, and known attack ranges.

Preliminary Considerations:

1. A default PeerBlock install will block Microsoft IP addresses. In order for Windows Update to work (and you want this!), you'll need to either allow the MS IPs, or disable PeerBlock and run your update manually.

2. PeerBlock lists may also block domains associated with legitimate programs, such as some antivirus programs, NoScript and others. A big problem is caused by the vast number of programs that have outsourced their net presence to the "cloud" - leading to a lot of confusion about certain hosts (e.g. Amazon, Akamai, e100.net, etc.). It is a good idea to disable PeerBlock temporarily and run these updates manually, or alternatively, add an allow rule for hosts you know are safe.

3. Using block lists does NOT guarantee security. It is simply an added layer. Your mileage may vary.

Steps:

1. Download PeerBlock. I would suggest getting the latest stable release.

2. Install PeerBlock. You can choose to have PeerBlock run when the system starts, this is recommended as it is very easy to forget to run it.

3. Add Blocklists. PeerBlock comes with some basic and useful blocklists, but you will likely want to add more. Visit I-Blocklist and add the desired lists. Consider carefully which classes of peers you wish to block. This will be different for everyone, but at minimum adding known hijacked hosts is a good idea.

For each list (on the right side of the page), an update URL is listed. Highlight the text, right-click and select Copy (or "Copy Link Location" in Firefox) (see below):

In the PeerBlock Interface, click List Manager (see below):

Click Add (see below):

Paste the List URL link into the Add URL box. You can also add a description for later reference (see below):

4. Click OK and close the List Manager. PeerBlock should automatically check for updates to these lists.

5. For web browsing, you can click Allow HTTP which will allow HTTP traffic to bypass the block lists. Generally, you need not do this unless a particular website is not working properly. That being said, there may be a good reason for traffic to be blocked. As always, exercise caution.

Sony Releases Identity Theft Protection Offer for Canada and Europe PSN Users - Details are Scarce

2011-08-11T01:54:00.004-02:30

Sony emailed Playstation Network users in Canada and Europe today with the following information:

CSIDENTITY® GLOBAL ID PROTECTOR

Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment have made arrangements with CSIdentity to offer Global ID Protector to eligible PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders in Canada who are concerned about identity theft.

Global ID Protector is a premium identity protection service that uses a proprietary technology which proactively detects stolen personally identifiable information to help keep your identity safe. The service also provides identity theft insurance coverage and restoration assistance from expert fraud investigators should your identity become compromised.

Sony has arranged, at no charge to eligible PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders, for twelve months of this service to be provided by CSIdentity to those who choose to enroll. In order to be eligible, account holders must be residents of Canada with active accounts as of April 20, 2011.

If interested, please submit your email address by 03/10/2011 at 11:59:59 PM CST at:
http://www.playstation.ca/identity-theft-protection/. Please note, you must enter the same email address used to register your Playstation Network or Qriocity account. Once your email address is validated you will be sent your Global ID Protector activation code.

Sincerely,

Sony Computer Entertainment & Sony Network Entertainment

A visit to the link provided yields little information - only that one should submit their email if interested in the offer, which Sony will cover for 12 months. No link is provided to CSIdentity's website, and no details about the offer can be found on either Sony or CSIdentity's website. Sony's site notes that:

"Global ID Protector is a service offered by CSIdentity and not by Sony, so if you are interested in signing up for the service, please be certain to review all the information about the program on the CSIdentity website. The service is subject to the CSIdentity terms and conditions."

Sony - how about some more details for your affected users? Can you provide some indepedent reviews as to CSIdentity's effectiveness and reputation? What are the terms and conditions? What information must Canadians provide to a U.S.-based company?

One wonders if Sony wants anyone to take advantage of this program at all. Forum discussions are appearing where users are questioning if the offer is even legit - or simply email address harvesting. Sony, if you want us to love you again - a little clarity would be a good start.

How To Switch Projection Modes in Windows 7

2011-08-02T13:57:00.001-02:30

If you often use a projector for displaying media or presentations, you are probably sick of fooling around with third-party projection software.

If you run Windows 7, you can type Win+P (the "Windows" icon key plus P), and be presented with a dialog to switch between projector modes (e.g. only display on projector, display on PC and projector, etc.). Very helpful.

How To Remove Space Between Blogger Gadgets / Widgets

2011-07-25T14:05:00.001-02:30

If you use Blogger you may have noticed that by default, Blogger places space between gadgets appearing in your sidebar (or sidebars).

Removing the space between HTML/Javascript gadgets (such as AdSense ads) is easy - simply merge the HTML scripts together. For example, if you have an AdSense script and an image link (like in my sidebar), cut and paste the script from the second gadget, and add it to the bottom of the first gadget. Remove the second HTML gadget. Apply to blog, and test it out to ensure proper formatting. You can stack as many HTML gadgets together as you like.

Removing the space between non-HTML/Javascript gadgets (such as the Blog archive, hit counter, etc.) is a little trickier. However, this blog has posted an excellent guide. Given the complexity of this, I strongly suggest backing up your blog first - click the Settings tab in the Dashboard, and choose "Export Blog" to save a copy to your computer. If something goes horribly wrong, you can always restore it.

How To Deal With a Malware Infection - Steps to Take Following a Malware Infection

2011-07-15T15:06:00.004-02:30

So you've discovered something nasty residing in your computer - now what do you do?

At a bare minimum, you should:

Remove the infection. If you have any doubts whatsoever that infection removal has failed, you should strongly consider doing a full OS reinstall, including wiping and restoring the Master Boot Record. For particularly stubborn infections, consider following Ako's Procedure.
Be cautious about removable / backed-up files. Watch out for re-infection by backed up files, particularly on removable media like USB drives. Disable autorun for external devices.
Change all your passwords. Get on a machine you know is not infected. Change all your passwords online, starting first with your primary email account. Move on to any and all sites you do business with online - your bank, Amazon, PayPal, everything. Whatever you do, do NOT use the same or similar passwords for any site, and use strong passwords for everything. A strong password is going to be difficult to remember (at first). Don't ever login to important accounts on strange machines, like in an Internet cafe or at a friend's place, unless you are confident the machine is clean.
If you have conducted online financial transactions, such as using credit cards for online purchases, request a new card. This one is a no-brainer - if your credit card number was entered or displayed, it has likely been compromised. Request a new one, and keep a careful eye on your bill for fraudulent transactions.
Increase security measures. At a minimum, take basic security measures on your computer and network.
Write down your router settings, and flash the memory. Manually restore your router settings, and increase password strength for the admin account. Some infections can compromise your network at the router level, redirecting site requests to malicious URLs, without your (or your browser's) knowledge.
Try to figure out the source of the infection, if possible. You can have all the security in the world - if you haven't been surfing carefully, you'll be infected again in no time. Don't download any programs without checking out their reputations first. Fortify your browser with NoScript (Firefox), or NotScripts (Chrome). Don't browse sketchy URLs. If your machine is used by multiple users, set up limited accounts for everyone else. Above all, be cautious!

Windows 7 Default Listening Ports - Ports 49152 - 49160

2011-07-15T02:11:00.002-02:30

If you are running Windows 7, you may have noticed processes listening on ports between 49152 and 49160. For example, these are the ports that were listening on my fresh install of Windows 7 Home Premium, after disabling some unneeded services:

wininit.exe - 49152
svchost.exe - 135, 49153, 49154
lsass.exe - 49159
services.exe - 49160
System Process - 445

I won't get into why these ports listen - the point is - it is normal to see Windows 7 system processes listening in this range of ports. This, of course, does NOT rule out malware infection - just that this behaviour, on its face, is normal for Windows 7.

If you think you may be infected with spy/malware/rootkits, consider running TCPView and checking for strange ports and / or traffic to strange IP addresses. And of course - take some basic security precautions.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Sucks on the PS3 - A Rant.

2011-07-12T21:58:00.001-02:30

Me.

After a week of rage-quits, I finally broke and rage-sold my copy of Black Ops for the PS3.

OK, I know what you're thinking. You think I just suck at the game. And that's a fair comment. I've never been amazing at it. My best round of Team Deathmatch was something like 29-6. Typically, I'll be somewhere closer to 15-10. I *know* I'm not exactly a Black Ops master.

That being said, I was pretty good. 4 Prestiges done. Not bad. An OK player who usually is in the middle of the pack, and occasionally at the top.

Since "patch" version 1.10, however, the game is a very different beast. "Connection Interrupted" occurs much more frequently, happening as often as 1 in 5 matches. Framerate skipping or "lag" is very frequent. Yes, I have an Open NAT. I even tried DMZ. No other internet traffic on the connection whatsoever, from any connected device. I'm not using WiFi. A fast connection that until a couple of weeks ago, was just fine.

All of a sudden, I'm lucky to be getting 4 or 5 kills a match, and I'm dying 20 times. I absolutely unload a clip into the back of an enemy's head (often with a high-powered weapon like a FAL), and they turn and kill me. The killcam, of course, shows a very different story - my character not even raising his weapon, let alone firing it. Apparently Black Ops uses peer-to-peer matchmaking, and the problems I am experiencing are all-too-common.

I didn't do this, but I sympathize...

The frustration has simply become too much, and it feels as if victory or defeat comes down to one thing: network latency. In a game designed to test one's reflexes to the millisecond - an issue like this is catastrophic to having fun. Perhaps the use of dedicated servers, which is ~~promised~~ being discussed for Modern Warfare 3, will alleviate this. One can only hope!