System Overlord

A blog about security engineering, research, and general hacking.

Gutsy is HERE!

18 Oct 2007 in Linux (Reading time: 1 minute)

Ubuntu Linux 7.10, the "Gutsy Gibbon", has arrived!  The mirrors are being hammered, so please use the torrents if possible.  Downloads are at: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download.  This version of Ubuntu Linux comes with several nice features in addition to the stability that Ubuntu is known for.

  • 3D Desktop Effects
  • Tracker Desktop Search
  • Fast User Switching
  • Dynamic X Configuration (Multi-monitor support, rotation, etc.)
  • True Printer Autoconfiguration
  • NTFS Write Support
  • Encrypted Hard Disk Support
  • Major Ubuntu Server Changes

Gutsy is Coming!

09 Oct 2007 in Linux (Reading time: 1 minute)

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iPhone Lawsuit: What are they thinking?

06 Oct 2007 in Misc (Reading time: 2 minute)

For anyone who knows me, they know I'm all for Open platforms and open source. So it probably comes as a surprise to hear me supporting Apple when they're being sued over bricked iPhones. But I am.

When a customer buys an iPhone, they AGREE not to attempt to modify it. The warranty SPECIFICALLY excludes modifications, as does the software EULA. They also agree to a 2-year contract with AT&T.

Apple does not have a monopoly on the smart phone market, so this hardly amounts to an anti-competitive practice. You can buy a Treo, or any number of Windows Mobile devices, or even the upcoming Neo 1973.

These people make a mockery of the American civil courts system. Essentially, they agree to a contract, knowing the terms of the contract, and then they run to the courts asking them to invalidate the contract.  Perhaps some people are just too stupid to own an iPhone.  I hope they get kicked out of the courtroom with nothing but a bill for Apple's attorneys.

Comcast's Torrent Filtering: Criminal Acts?

04 Sep 2007 in Misc (Reading time: 1 minute)

According to an article on cnet.com, the manner in which Comcast is filtering BitTorrent traffic may, in fact, be criminal.  Comcast is sending forged RST (reset) packets to the end-user, which may qualify as impersonating with the intent to profit.  (Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree).  Whether or not this plays out in court remains to be seen.

Windows Vista = BSoD

22 Aug 2007 in Misc (Reading time: 1 minute)

My brother just got a new HP notebook computer running (what else) Windows Vista. (Home Premium, if anyone cares.)  He was forced into the purchase after his previous notebook (and only computer) crashed on Sunday.  Within the first 24 hours of use, Windows Vista had already presented him with the infamous Blue Screen of Death.  Despite all of Microsoft's best efforts, it would seem that Windows Vista (running on Vista-certified hardware) still has stability issues.

He's since obtained a copy of the AMD64 build of Ubuntu Linux from me.  Seems like a decent solution to me.