Two of the best Canadian Commercials ever...

Molson Canadian ads have always been excellent. Two of the best ever have to do with the “unwritten code in Canada”.
You agree? Let me know.
1st

and a close 2nd

ESXi 4.0

I recently realized I needed to update my skills from VMWare ESX 3.x to version 4.x.  So I recently converted one of my home lab machines from Windows Server to ESXi.  VMware is making its standalone ESXi hypervisor available at no cost in order to help companies of all sizes experience the benefits of virtualization.

VMware ESX and VMware ESXi are both bare-metal hypervisors that install directly on the server hardware. The difference resides in the architecture and the operational management of VMware ESXi. Although neither hypervisor relies on an OS for resource management, VMware ESX relies on a Linux operating system, called the service console, to perform two management functions: executing scripts and installing third party agents for hardware monitoring, backup or systems management. The service console has been removed from ESXi, drastically reducing the hypervisor footprint and completing the ongoing trend of migrating management functionality from the local command line interface to remote management tools. The smaller code base of ESXi represents a smaller “attack surface” and less code to patch, improving reliability and security.  From a security professional’s standpoint this appeals to me. The functionally of the service console is replaced by remote command line interfaces and management with the vSphere client.

While the official VMWare Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) does not list my test machine the install of ESXi 4 went very quickly and appears to be working fine.  The only requirement is a 64-bit capable processor, this machine does not have the Intel Virtualization extensions.

While I can’t get most of the advantages of shared SAN storage the 500 GB hard drive in this machine is more than enough space to run the permanent virtual machines I need as well as space to stand up specific environments to test or learn most scenarios.  This will also be the platform to learn Server 2008.

After registering with VMWare and downloading the code, the install took about 10 minutes:

1. In the BIOS disable “cpu id is limited” or set to set support to legacy /nt4
2. Boot the CD created from the downloaded ISO
3. Allow the installer to partition the drive as it wishes
4. Reboot when completed
5. A small management console will appear allowing you to set the IP address, root password etc
6. Install the vSphere client on another machine

I was up and running in no time.  While not a server class machine this will be more than sufficient for the experimentation and learning I need to do.  So far I am very impressed with this version of ESX and look forward to more experimentation.

Global Positioning System – GPX Files

As a recent owner of a Garmin GPS Navigation System I’ve been amazed at the accuracy of the data and the maps.  However, until the recent past, the machine had only travelled around my local city and a couple of short trips down the highway; nothing too elaborate.  Last week my parents took the unit with them to Kelowna, British Columbia.

Upon their return I decided I should spend some time trying to extract data in a useful format, something I could use to recreate the trip in Google Maps / Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth or something else.

So the rest of this post might be common knowledge for those who have been using their GPS for some time but this is all new to me, so I’m going to try and summarize.  In later posts I will try to get into a few more specifics of certain applications.

GPX

The GPS Exchange format file was introduced in 2002.  Most GPS units made since then are able to store files in that format or are able to convert to and from this format from their native file structures.  GPX files are XML based, here is the Wikipedia article and a link to the official GPX Website.

The GPX format contains three data types:

• Waypoints – are a collection of locations, typically not ordered in any fashion, such as a group of landmarks, or locations you have visited or have an interest in.
• Tracks – are also a collection of locations but are a record of where you have been, thus they are ordered by location and time.
• Routes – are suggestions of where you might go, so are only ordered by location

GPX Files on Garmin Nuvi

To get GPX files off the Garmin Nuvi models, simply attach the GPS unit to a computer via USB.  Assuming you have loaded the Garmin Communicator software (Nuvi Drivers) in the past the Garmin unit will appear as a removal drive to the operating system.  In a folder called GPX is the current.gpx file.  There are a few more files in my unit but they are fairly small.  I’m not sure yet if the file rolls over, but I am wondering if I should rename it on a regular basis or not.  If you copy this current.gpx file off you will be able to edit and manipulate it.  There are many websites that publish routes in GPX file format.  If you copy the downloaded GPX files onto the device, the next time it  boots up those routes and associated waypoints will be there.

Google Earth

I will include more information on various items you can accomplish with GPX files and Google Earth later, mostly because I’m still playing with it, and do need some material for later posts.  For now, launch Google Earth and drag the GPX file onto the screen, it will offer some options and then import the file. You should see individual waypoints and a representation of the track you took.  (Note: Since Google Earth version 5, GPS support comes with the free version rather than just the Professional version, connect the Garmin via USB, go to the GPS menu in Google Earth and select Import).

GPSVisualizer

While searching for ways to manipulate GPX files I ran across this free web service, GPSVisualizer.  You can upload GPX files to this site, fill in several options in terms of output format, and receive a file.  This process normalizes the data a little bit, making the end result much smaller, it will also color code the route in terms of time or elevation.  I uploaded my Kelowna trip GPX file and got back a KML file (Google Earth’s native file format).

EasyGPS

EasyGPS is an easy (and free) way to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS.  Once this software is downloaded and installed it can read, edit, organize and create GPX files.  Those files can then be uploaded back in to the GPS unit if you wish.

PrimalPad

Ran across this one today.  Sapien has released a free, portable script editing tool.  While not a full featured IDE like its big brother PrimalScript, PrimalPad, is a tabbed interface single file, color coding editor for VBScript, JScript, HTML and PowerShell.

The best part of this tool is the fact that it is self contained in a single file, and requires no install.  For this reason it is portable, making it easy to update a script on a machine when you are away from your main development environment.

Copy it to a thumb drive or home drive on a network and always have access to an editor way better than the default notepad.

To get PrimalPad free go to: PrimalPad

Facebook Privacy Settings

Recently Facebook updated and adjusted their privacy settings.  This was done at the same time they updated the home page.

Now, when you login to Facebook, you’ll see a new privacy page under your account settings where you can now choose to share any of the following with the world: your profile (with sub-settings for Basic Info, Personal Info, Education Info and Work Info), Status Updates, Links, Wall Posts, Photos and Videos.

So why would anyone bother making their profile or updates public? Well, for now, Facebook is spinning the changes as a way to make yourself more discoverable. In other words, when your old friends search for you they’ll be able to find out more about you than just a message saying "you must be friends with this person in order to see their profile."

Further as you maybe aware there have been many news articles lately commenting on the issues with Facebook and lack of privacy.  They all have one core message, anything you put on the Internet is permanent, be careful.  Your friend list often includes professional contacts as well, some of those photos or status updates may not be appropriate for that group.  Teachers and students are another example of a relationship that shouldn’t have too much data sharing.

I recently ran across this blog posting concerning 10 Facebook Privacy Settings.  I don’t generally like re-posting others work but this is a very good posting and I highly encourage everyone to review this page.  The following topics are covered:

• Using Your Friend Lists
• Removing Yourself From Facebook Search Results
• Removing Yourself From Google
• Avoiding the Infamous Photo/Video Tag Mistake
• Protecting Your Albums
• Preventing Stories From Showing Up in Your Friends’ News Feeds
• Protecting Against Published Application Stories
• Making Your Contact Information Private
• Avoiding Embarrassing Wall Posts
• Keeping Your Friendships Private

I’ve recently gone through and implemented most of these suggestions, I highly recommend everyone reviewing and applying as you see fit.

Considerations for buying a projector

When selecting projectors the following four items are important considerations depending upon the application.  Keep in mind that increasing any of these typically introduces more cost.
• Resolution
• Brightness
• Weight and Portability
• Features

Resolution
The amount of data that can be displayed on the screen is a function of a projector's resolution. Resolution is the number of pixels the projector uses to create the image. The more pixels it uses, the higher the resolution. Resolution is generally shown in a form indicating the number of pixels horizontally the second number vertically, such as "1024x768". Refer to the table below for common names for different resolutions:

SVGA	800x600
XGA	1024x768
SXGA	1280x1024
SXGA+	1400x1050
UXGA	1600x1200

The best way to determine what resolution is necessary depends on the application.  If the primary use is PowerPoint presentations, displaying Excel spreadsheets or other typical business applications XGA is sufficient and are generally the best solution for the money.  If finer levels of detail are necessary consider a higher resolution.  Don't forget that the computer attached has to be capable of displaying this resolution as well.  You would be hard pressed to find a computer these days that can not display at least 1024x768.

Brightness
You can find projectors in a wide range of brightness options.  These are typically expressed in a measurement called lumens.  The brighter the projector the higher the number of lumens.  Be cautious brighter is not always better.  There are four primary considerations when choosing your projector's brightness.

1. How many people will typically be in the room? This determines the size of the image, you need to make sure that everyone can see it.  As the number of people in the room increases, the image has to get bigger. This will reduce the perceived brightness of the projector as the light is spread over a larger area.
2. How much light is in the room? A dark room will provide the best image regardless of projector brightness. However, most of the time some light will be necessary for taking notes and to allow the participants to interact. If you cannot dim the lights consider a brighter projector, just remember that increasing the brightness too much will make it too bright if the room is dark.
3. What surface is the image being projected on? This is probably the biggest factor, if there is a good screen with enough reflection of the image light even a low brightness projector will look fine.  If you have to project on a painted wall consider a projector with a higher brightness to compensate for the lack of reflection.
4. What is your application? Training or group discussions will require more brightness as the room will be brighter.  Photo shows can afford a darker room, and therefore less brightness.
   

Lumen Output Groupings

• Less than 1000 lumens - These are the lowest light output projectors and are the lest expensive.  The low light requires a darker room.
• 1000 to 2000 lumens - The next step up seems to be the most common for slightly darkened rooms.
• 2000 to 3000 lumens - These are high-performance projectors typically used in large conference rooms and classrooms.
• 3000 lumens and up - These are ultra-bright projectors they are used in a variety of large venue applications, including board rooms, conference rooms, training rooms, auditoriums, churches, concerts, nightclubs, and so forth.

Weight
Not much to say about this one, the smaller the projector the more portable it is.  Do you expect it to be moved a lot or stationary?  Consider going for a model with reduced weight if you intend to carry it around.

Features
As is the case with most items the features tend to add the wow factor but may have some use.  Consider this category the least important consideration.

• Zoom:   The advantage of zoom is that you can place the projector in different places and still adjust he image.  A unit with a zoom factor of 1.2:1 will only let you adjust picture size by 20%. You can often move the projector a foot or two either way and accomplish the same adjustment. If you have a fixed screen size you are trying to fill, even a small amount of zoom will make it easier to adjust the image to the screen.   Zoom settings typically range from 1.1:1 up to 2.0:1 or more. The higher the number, the greater the zoom range.
• Keystone Correction: If the projector will move a lot consider purchasing a machine with keystone settings.  The keystone effect happens when you project an image from any angle other than straight on, this results in an image that is not completely square. Many projectors now include a feature that corrects vertical keystone, which occurs when you are projecting downward or upward.
• Contrast: Contrast is the ratio between the brightest and darkest areas of the image. If there is lots of light in the room brightness will be a higher consideration than contrast.  With typical room lighting, a projector with 400:1 contrast and one with 1500:1 contrast will look almost identical.
• Video Signal Standards: Most projectors accept many types of video connections, the most important consideration here is to make sure the computer has an output that can attach to the projector.  It is hard to go wrong with the old standby VGA connector common to most computers.  However, if using modern laptops consider S-Video, DVI or HDMI.  Sometimes there are multiple inputs as well allowing one to connect multiple computers with different connection types.  USB connectors are becoming more common as well, USB typically makes connection very easy.

The risk of Single Sign-On

In any organization where single sign-on is being implemented it becomes extremely important to ensure accountability is retained.  Users need to be encouraged that they be the only one to log into a workstation.  If one person logs in, then all applications under the SSO umbrella will launch under the credentials of that user.  In an environment where one person logs onto a workstation then allows others to launch applications without first logging in as that other person, accountability is put at risk.

A core tenant of security is that every person (user) is uniquely identified to ensure that all actions of that user can be accounted for.  In many ways this is like an extension of the risk of sharing your password with others.