The Danesh Project

My password manager

I have always been using KeePass on my notebook as my password manager till recently when I moved back to KL. Read on to find out why.

The problem;

I have 3 windows based machines that I use regularly. 2 at home and 1 for the road. They all have access to the net. Firefox with Google’s browser sync extension is what I use to keep my bookmarks, urls and forms synchronized between them.

All the login details for my banking sites and secure work sites are stored in my trusty KeePass. When I get back I normally work on my desktops. I have to export the KeePass database from my notebook and import it into my into my notebooks and every time I have a new login added I have to repeat the export/import process all over again. This prompted me to start seaching for an alternative solution. Online password managers!!

The Solutions,

I found 2 possible solutions. PassPack and Clipperz .

PassPack

PassPack has been around for some time now(Dec 2006). It is feature packed,secure and I love the simple,functional and clean interface. The learning curve needed to get used to PassPack is almost 0 to none.

Some of the features that stand out to me are;

1. Auto Lock – PassPack will automatically save and lock my passwords with the packing key whenever the page if left ideal for 2 minutes.
2. Anonymous – I never provided my email addresses.
3. Password generator – cool built in password generator.
4. Scramble – Scrambles my password field on command when someone is passing by. On by default.
5. AES – AES is the encryption method approved by the US Gov.
6. Import/Export – Ability to easily import and export my password list. I used this in import from KeyPass.
7. PassPack Blog – Covers everything about PassPack.

I have using PassPack for a few days now and it’s awesome!!

Clipperz

Clipperz is the new kid on the block who is out to give PassPack a run for it’s money. It boosts a colorful and simple interface but I feel PassPack has a simpler interface.

Cool features;

1. Cool interface – The interface is simple with a good color scheme.
2. Direct Logins – Single sign on. Allows me to log in directly to a site directly provided yo have the site credentials already saved.
3. Bookmarklet – I can easily add a new website to my Clipperz.
4. Anonymous – No email address require.
5. Encrypt by browser – Data is encrypted by my browser before being sent to the Clipperz servers. Clipperz only stores my encrypted data.

What’s lacking;

1. Import/Export – No import feature yet. Export only exports to a printable version. I have to use the offline copy feature to save an offline copy.
2. Mozilla only – Only mozilla based browsers supported. Mozilla, Sea monkey and Firefox.
3. Java script – Clipperz uses opesource based cryptographic functions. Read more at Ajaxian. Who will I blame and take to court when my passwords are exploited?
4. Direct Login – Honey pot for hackers to reverse engineer? I think so.

Clipperz is a good tool. They are not quite there yet but I believe with other solutions out there like PassPack the developrers at Clipperz will surely push the envelope on futher enhancements.

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Dosh Dosh’s List of 17 Sponsored Blogging Networks

I was researching on the net last night and stumbled upon this post at DoshDosh. It talks about how to best utilize the various sponsored blogging services available today. 17 in total. The services covered are PayPerPost, ReviewMe ,SponsoredReview and 15 others.

My blog is still new and so am I to the whole blogging scene. I have to work hard for some time before I consider start looking at advertising on my blog.

For now I’m thinking of looking at sponsered posts. I think it will help me discipline myself in the blogging space by forcing me to blog frequently and with quality.

Are you into sponsored post? Tell me bout them…

Source: DoshDosh

Live traffic images by ITIS

Stay up2date with the current traffic situations around KL with ITIS (Integrated Transport Information system).

There are 2 services I like from ITIS. First is the “traffic images” which are live images from the various CCTV cameras setup along our roads. Second being “real time traffic information” areas.

Areas currently covered in traffic images;

KL-Seremban Highway
Federal Highway
Jalan Tun Razak
Jalan TAR
Jalan Kinabalu
Bukit Jalil
Jalan Kuching
Jalan Raja Laut
Jalan Loke Yew
MRR2
Lebuhraya Mahameru
Jalan Duta
Jalan Damansara

HongKiat.com defaced

You thought it will never happens to you but when it does are you prepared?

HongKiat.com was defaced yesterday. He lost his database and 2-3 days of posts.

Hong Kiat’s Fix:

1. Upgrade to WordPress 2.2.1

2. Restore the backup of the database. He was lucky to have one.

I visit Hong Kiat.com  almost everyday, his posts are quite good. It’s to know that he is back online.

Lesson to learn:

Make sure to always upgrade when a security patch is released. We don’t live in a perfect world anymore where people are nice and decent. Your best friend is prevention.

How to change the hostname in Linux

Changing your Linux machine’s hostname is easy. Just follow the steps below.

root# hostname [new-host-name]

root# vi /etc/sysconfig/network

HOSTNAME=[new-host-name]

root# vi /etc/hosts

Make sure your new host is updated in the hosts file.

root# service network restart

Done!!