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Browser based photo editing

Published by biff in Life, Technology on December 23rd, 2011

The evolution of browser based applications is something I have watched for years. We are finally getting to the point with many of them that they are really good enough to meet 90% of the average users need. I recently did an upgrade and reload of a computer and installed Google Chrome browser. I typically do not install any extensions, bells, etc. I want a fast smooth experience, and those typically introduce variables to that.

I did a little browsing this time around, and added a couple of extensions. One of them being a photo editing app called Aviary – This adds a nice photo editing app that allows you to capture pics on web sites (like clipping a portion of a page) make it a PNG and save it to your local computer. The application itself is dead easy to use and you can quickly capture a portion of a web page or picture you like, crop it and save it to your desktop like I did with the picture below from a web site.

There are lots of options out there and things to try in this space, but if you need a nice functional photo editor without having to install a bunch of software, or spend any money. Then give this little gem a try. They also have a bunch of other apps that I have not tried but I like what I see so far.

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US Predator computers have keylogger virus

Published by biff in Technology, WTF on October 7th, 2011

I had to chuckle a little when I saw this story. This is supposed to be a closed network with no outside access. The presumption is that external drives probably caused the virus. Of course many other theories I am sure could be conceived (with tinfoil hat firmly in place) like China installed them on the drives, the DOD actually put them there on purpose to monitor pilots and others and the AV accidentally picked it up, etc.

In any case, its funny to consider, I figure its likely just incompetence and running a Windows based OS that is probably not patched to current levels since they are on a “closed” network with no Internet. Like we try to teach folks – dont let technology remove your common sense. You the user still have to practice safe computing. There was likely some update done to the removable drive software, and that did it. I also think its funny they say….”yeah it just keeps coming back”. Um OK even after a clean reinstall. Ok good…I am glad nobody is overly concerned yet. I still want to read those emails to Mom.

Original story here

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Air Force sees the light – Secure Linux release

Published by biff in Technology on September 27th, 2011

So a new release and it has been reported finally – The Air Force secure Linux distro – LPS – Lightweight Portable Security (been in the works for a while internally) but more public now and on Distrowatch with a July/August public release date.

: Anti Tamper Software Protection

Anti Tamper – the whole notion of open source software is to tamper with it – that makes me smile.

Its funny to me because I spent 21 years in the Air Force. Could not get anyone to pay any attention to Linux when I was working hard on my distro and working on many flavors of Linux that were looked at with disdain amongst others I worked with. This primarily because they simply did not understand. So many of the internal systems in the AF are incredibly layered messes of authentication and disparate systems and bolt on controls and security mechanisms. I even recently tried to get to a “retiree” web site and the links were humorously broken into an endless loop (.mil addresses). So I have to chuckle a little when they release this, and lots of instructions on how to make it work, and discussion of putting in on a thumb drive or CD and using it when by default many AF systems have explicit rules against portable media use and have disabled USB ports, etc…

Lots of talk in the Military about “joint forces” and working together which many branches do every day and do a great job, but some day I will tell stories about my attempts to get “joint” systems to work together and the 9 layers of hell it was in the computer and technology world.

Warning Air Force – people will take this and modify it and “tamper” with it, because they can and its fun and they will want to do other things. Maybe we are finally seeing a shift in policy and focus, and it really makes no difference to me now, but I will watch with curiosity as this and other initiatives like it in Govt/DOD continue to evolve.

Link to article http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/the-air-forces-secure-linux-distribution/9618

Link to distro page – http://www.spi.dod.mil/lipose.htm

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Spotify = WTF?

Published by biff in Music, WTF on September 27th, 2011

Funny I invite people to Spotify…they love it. I use it a lot – I love it. Then I see they now have the incredibly dumb requirement for a Facebook account for new users…..So Spotify how does it feel to sell your soul? Quite profitable I am sure, but I think this is a mistake. Thanks for making me look like a chimp by telling everyone about you only to have them look at me like I am from mars with the Facebook requirement now…plus nobody needs invites now anyway…hah…

In any case, 30 days Spotify – then I cancel my premium unless you change course…Not that I matter since you have those new shiny Facebook Polo shirts and cool new friends.

Epic Fail – but you have a chance to change course…we shall see.

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Spotify = Music Goodness

Published by biff in Music, Technology on September 25th, 2011

I have been using Spotify for a while now, and I love it. I have about 15 invites for the free version of Spotify if you want to try it out. Its like iTunes in the cloud. A lot of really good music available, lots of customization, social aspects, and works on just about every platform. I pay for the premium version, but I have it on my laptop, cell phone (see ya iPod), and it even runs on Linux which is a bonus for a nerd like me. Also the offline mode is nice and I use it when flying so you can listen to playlists you identify that will download local copies of songs when you are “cloudless” -

I kind of find it funny that when I am in the clouds (flying) that my cloud based technologies dont work. Cmon airlines – get wifi. (some do, and I have tested – but thats a post for another day….)