Joe Blog's A Day In The Life Of Your Average Joe

27Jan/0917

Facebook Easter Eggs?

Now...I don't know if this would technically be classed as an easter egg, nor how long it has been an option...but it's publically available, easy to find (if you take the time to check), and absolutely awesome.

I have the language on my facebook account set to English (Pirate). Yes, you did read that right! My friend Rich told me about it on IM, so I had a look....It's absolutely brilliant, it adds a new dimension to Facebook (if only in finding out what things mean again!). I don't think I'm likely to change it back either, it makes me laugh.

It's hard to put it into words, so take a look at the screenshot below :D

PirateBook

PirateBook

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18Jan/097

A Practical Guide To Ubuntu Linux

First off, you can find the book here.

I was asked if I'd be interested in proof reading/reviewing (I don't really know what else to call it) this book back in the middle of September. After a few confused questions on my part, I agreed. So a few weeks after I received the first of several chapters to proof read and comment on, which I enjoyed doing, partly as it gave me something to do, and partly because I'd never done anything like it before, so it was a new experience.

I actually learnt quite a bit in the process as well, for example the first chapter I received was on LDAP, which...I'd never used or looked into before. So I did a little research into basically what it was, and what it's purpose was, and then read the chapter on setting it up. Luckily we touched on the topic on my University course too, so I had a heads up on that one! :)

I really enjoyed reviewing this book, and I'll definitely be using it as a reference (I got my copy the other day!), and possibly reading the apache/ssh server sections to see if there's any tips on securing them, or any simple tweaks to improve them. I know a couple of other Ubuntu Forum Staff got asked to review it as well, as their names appear just in front of mine in the "Thanks" section at the front of the book.

So once again, I'd like to thank everybody I had contact with at Pearson publishing, both for giving me the opportunity to do this, and for putting up with me in the process (I'm sure I asked some stupid questions at some point, so it's best to apologize just in case ;) ). Hopefully I'll get asked next time too!

A Practical Guide To Ubuntu Linux

A Practical Guide To Ubuntu Linux

As Requested by Jacob

As Requested by Jacob

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17Jan/090

A Late New Years Resolution

I know we're well over 2 weeks into the new year, but I thought I'd post this anyway...partly as evidence.

Fact is, I procrastinate...a lot...and it's all too easy for me. So I've decided that when it comes to University work, I'll actually try and do it instead of sitting idling on IRC, browsing the forums, or going on Facebook. I mean...obviously I'll still be doing those, but it should be in between doing work. Not doing work in between doing those things.

I think this partly means I have to use Ubuntu more (yay!). Because I can never be bothered to fiddle with it all that much, but the main piece of work I have for Uni right now is to write a unix shell, so the 2 go hand in hand :) So that's my plan, and I'm sincerely hoping I stick to it.

Either way, there's now public evidence of me saying it, so we'll find out soon enough!!

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5Jan/0919

Privacy Becoming A Thing Of The Past?

More and more it seems to be the case that privacy just doesn't matter to Governments anymore. It's becoming a sad state of affairs in the UK now as well.

I was just reading an article on slashdot after being linked to it on IRC. And I have to say I'm frankly appalled that anything like this could even be passed as a viable and privacy respecting piece of legislation. Basically it says something along the lines of:

UK Police, in collaboration with other EU authorities will have the power to remotely search people's PC's to find evidence et al. All without a warrant.

Wait...I'm sorry what? So apparently, as a UK citizen I'm supposed to sit here and have some random people hack into my network and have a snoop around my PC for any evidence. Now I'm assuming this would only be if you're suspected of a crime, but either way it's not ethically right to be permitted to do this. It's equivilant to me thinking "Oh hey, I think that car might be fun to drive" and promptly walking into a showroom, and stealing it, then (possibly) bringing it back later (possibly) intact.

It just seems to me that the UK is becoming more and more of a Nanny/Police/Health & Safety Obsessed/Big Brother state, and I'm getting increasingly frustrated with it. I wouldn't want to have to move abroad just because of some quite frankly idiotic policies, but if it comes to that, it's something I'd have to do. I don't want to be living in a real world 1984 (the book)/Orwellian nation .

As I'm sure you've noticed, I'm pretty much 99% opposed to this, but if anybody can provide a good counter argument as to why this should ever be permitted...I'd love to hear it :)

2 Other Sources:
Slashdot Article
Times Online Article

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