Feb 25 2008
For a long time I have used a program called chkrootkit for root kit scanning on Linux. This program recieved a much needed update in December of ‘07. To use it, download the package, extract it, and run make. Finally run chkrootkit > rootkit_scan.txt. After it finishes, view the results in rootkit_scan.txt. This is a really nice tool to add to your security arsenal.
Feb 24 2008
I seem to struggle with installing Sun’s Java on Fedora every time. Here are the quick steps to get it working including the Firefox plug-in. I hope this helps someone.
There are 2 programs which provide 'java'. Selection Command ----------------------------------------------- *+ 1 /usr/lib/jvm/jre-1.5.0-gcj/bin/java 2 /usr/java/latest/bin/java Enter to keep the current selection[+], or type selection number: 2
java version "1.6.0_04" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_04-b12) Java HotSpot(TM) Server VM (build 10.0-b19, mixed mode)
That should do it. Please let me know if you have any questions or find any problems with this little how-to.
Feb 23 2008
If you are a Ruby nut like I am or you are just beginning in the language, I highly recommend Russ Olsen’s Design Patterns in Ruby. The book covers many of the original “Gang of Four” patterns from the classic book Design Patterns but it applies all of the Ruby magic that is inherent in the language. For those new to Ruby, this is not really a starters book, but it does have a simple introduction to the language that would suffice for those with development experience in other languages, especially object oriented languages. The examples in the book are well thought out and include enough detail to allow the reader to understand the pattern in full, without going too far which could obscure the point of the example. Congratulation Russ, this is a fantastic book.
Feb 20 2008
The 5th project in Computer Graphics class was to create a composition that included modeled real-world objects built solely out of primitive shapes (cubes, spheres, pyramids, and cones). We were also required to incorporate at least one boolean in the composition. A boolean is when you use an object to cut a piece out of another object. The screwdrivers contain many booleans. The handle has the yellow spaces, the circular “dent” near where the blade meets the handle, and the tip of the blade. We were required to turn in 2 separate views of the same scene. The second view is below along with links to both full-sized images. Please let me know what you think.
Feb 10 2008
I am taking a computer graphics class this semester. The class teaches basic art principles using computer graphics as the medium. We use Bryce and Photoshop to create our masterpieces. Since I am more inclined to logic than art, this class is challenging and fun. Starting with this assignment (our fourth one), the projects have started to produce interesting results. The project requirements for the attached image were to create an abstract “sculpture” out of primitive shapes (cubes, spheres, pyramids, and cones) that was sitting on a “tabletop” with a wall behind it blocking out all of the sky. It must be created using a single texture on the sculpture and a single texture for the “table” and “wall”. I was really happy with how this turned out. Feel free to share your comments!
View the Full Sized Version!
