Chad's News

Security Vulnerability in Adobe Shockwave Player

Chad Cloman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:06:42 +0000

A critical security issue has been identified in the free Adobe Shockwave Player used by many web browsers. Adobe recommends installing the latest version (11.5.2.602). Since the Shockwave Player is not something that’s automatically updated or even checked for the need to update, you’ll have to do it manually. Note also that it may be necessary to perform the install multiple times, as there are different installers depending on which browser you use to download the software. Yes, really. But I think you only need to do it twice, once for Internet Explorer and once for everything else (on a Windows system).

Link: http://it.slashdot.org/…

A Thermite Weld in Action

Chad Cloman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:34:51 +0000

The linked videos are parts 1 and 2 of a pseudo-documentary where rail workers perform a “complete thermite weld” to connect train tracks. I was a bit surprised by the lack of safety equipment—the workers were manipulating molten metal in short-sleeve shirts. And the guy was pretty nonplussed when the handle of his sledgehammer caught on fire.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/…
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/…
(via Neatorama)

Perceptual Blindness

You Can Disable JavaScript?

Chad Cloman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:14:37 +0000

Long-term Chad’s News readers may recall this article, where a website was destroyed during a Google scan because the Google crawler doesn’t process JavaScript. And Firefox power users may be aware of the NoScript extension, which disables JavaScript for all websites by default (and which frequently shows up on “Top 10 Essential Add-ons” lists).

With all this in mind, you’d think web developers would know better than to design security measures that rely on JavaScript being enabled. But apparently not. Time Warner Cable distributed 65,000 cable modems that allow users to perform simple administrative functions via a web page interface. Advanced controls are hidden from the user, but they’re hidden via JavaScript. Disable scripting and poof! it’s a few easy steps to get the modem’s login credentials. To make matters worse, all 65,000 modems have the same username and password. Thus, a malicious hacker can reconfigure people’s modems from anywhere on the internet. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Link: http://www.wired.com/…
(via Kim Komando)

Daylight Saving Time Tonight

Chad Cloman — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:55:59 +0000

For the United States, tonight is when we “fall back” one hour and end daylight saving time.

Geek Horror Films

Chad Cloman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:50:19 +0000

Over at UserFriendly, artist J.D. “Illiad” Fraser lists five movie concepts that will terrorize your inner geek. My favorite is “Windows Me: The Rebirth.”

Link: http://ars.userfriendly.org/…

Sci-fi Pumpkins

Chad Cloman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:28:45 +0000

The linked article has some really neat jack-o-lanterns. The Spider-man one is good, but I think the Predator is the best by far.

Link: http://www.scifisquad.com/…

New Technology vs. Rightsholders — a 100-Year Perspective

Chad Cloman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:21:25 +0000

It seems like copyright holders go ballistic every time a new medium is developed, then that medium ends up becoming a major revenue source. Ars Technica did some research and has determined this is not a new phenomenon.

Link: http://arstechnica.com/…

More Windows 7

Chad Cloman — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:08:28 +0000

Lifehacker has posted the ultimate guide to Windows 7. If you need to know it, then the linked article probably has it.

Link: http://lifehacker.com/…

Microsoft Releases Windows 7

Chad Cloman — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:25:04 +0000

Windows 7 is now available for purchase. Apparently it’s much better than Windows Vista. PC World has a review with things you need to know about the new release, and Kim Komando also has some information. For the power user, Lifehacker has a list of tweaks that still work. If you’re planning to buy an upgrade version, be aware that there are limitations, and make sure that your existing hardware and software are supported.

Link: http://arstechnica.com/…

Targeting Cancer With Nanomedicine

Chad Cloman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:05:34 +0000

In yet another case of science fiction becoming science fact, researchers have been working on nanoparticles that home in on cancer cells and destroy them, without damaging the rest of the body. Much, much better than chemotherapy. I hope this technology makes it to the mainstream.

Link: http://hplusmagazine.com/…
(via Slashdot)

It’s All About Location, Location, Location

Chad Cloman — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:13:54 +0000

This photographer’s work is being shown at the most exclusive gallery of all: the Moon. Astronaut Charles Moss Duke left a family photo on the Moon during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.

Link: http://gizmodo.com/…
(via digg)

Adobe Security Updates

Chad Cloman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:16:58 +0000

Following in the footsteps of Microsoft this week, Adobe has released fixes for 28 security problems in Adobe Reader and Acrobat, including one for a vulnerability that’s in the wild. Since the web runs on PDF files, I suggest updating now.

Link: http://news.zdnet.com/…