Author: Toby Seaman

Both MAES and Otto have been deprecated, meaning they are no longer in use or actively supported. Instead, all their functionality has been incorporated into netjuke, which now serves as the preferred platform. If you require a Netjuke account, you can find more information on how to obtain one. Feel free to email the site administrator and explain why you need the account, and they will provide further details or assistance accordingly. Netjuke should now cover all the features and capabilities that were previously available through MAES and Otto, ensuring a seamless and improved user experience.

Today, there are new kernel updates available across the board. The 2.4.20 series is now accessible for all presently supported releases and applicable to all Intel-type architectures. These kernel updates are essential for ensuring the stability and security of the systems, and users are advised to install them promptly.

In addition to the kernel updates, there is also a security fix for xinetd. Xinetd is a super-server that controls the launching of many services on Unix-like systems. Installing the security fix for xinetd is crucial to address any potential vulnerabilities and maintain the overall security of the system.

For a secure and stable computing environment, it is highly recommended to install the new kernel updates and the xinetd security fix without delay. Regularly updating software is a critical practice to safeguard against potential security threats and ensure smooth operation.

Today’s updates include fixes for MySQL and the “man” command.

Out of these updates, MySQL is the one that requires special attention. The update addresses both a denial of service issue and a root exploit, making it critical to apply promptly to ensure the security and stability of MySQL installations.

On the other hand, the “man” command vulnerability is considered minor and may not be as crucial, especially if there are no login accounts on the affected system. However, it is still advisable to keep software up to date to mitigate potential risks and maintain overall security.

As always, staying vigilant with software updates is essential to protect against vulnerabilities and ensure a safe computing environment.

On Thursday, May 1st, some peculiar log entries were observed on the TurboTas website. Despite having only 10 registered users and 20 posted articles, an individual or program has been excessively mirroring the entire site every 15 minutes for the past five days.

While the site’s traffic is relatively small, the owner has been intrigued to see what would result from this behavior. Surprisingly, there have been no inquiries or communication from people expressing interest in the site. Hence, they decided to delve deeper into the matter.

Firstly, the owner generated statistics using awstats (See Links) to get an overview of the site’s activity. Subsequently, they used half a day’s worth of data to gauge the bandwidth consumed by this mirror. It amounted to around 14 megabytes per day.

The owner believes that the activity is not a deliberate attempt to maliciously leech bandwidth, as 14 megs is insufficient for a significant attack profile. Instead, it is suspected that someone from the same network (IP address 213.130.128.227) might be responsible for this behavior, considering the other devices on the subnet, particularly an HP switch that indicates a non-IT-related user.

The IP address has been left unfiltered for further analysis as the owner finds the investigation intriguing.

Stay tuned for updates in the ongoing investigation!

Ethereal (now known as Wireshark): A network protocol analyzer used for troubleshooting and analysis of network traffic.

LPRng (Line Printer Daemon Next Generation): A modern and enhanced print spooler system for Unix-like operating systems.

Tcpdump: A command-line packet analyzer that captures and displays network packets for network troubleshooting and analysis.

Zlib: A widely used software library for data compression and decompression.

MySQL: An open-source relational database management system often used in web development and other applications.

Regarding the list, it’s important to keep a close eye on Zlib due to the severity of the last zlib bug and its potential vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit zlib through various means, including HTTP, email, and images. Therefore, regular monitoring and prompt updates for Zlib are essential to maintain the security of systems and data.

riseup.net has reported that there are plans for more anti-capitalist activities during this bank holiday weekend. This year’s events are unsurprisingly taking an anti-war stance.

The website has posted registered addresses in London for major Defense companies operating in Europe, suggesting potential targets for the protests. It’s advised to consider taking electronic precautions or implementing extra monitoring measures during this time. Worms and viruses are often timed around organized chaos events, so it’s essential to check for virus updates more frequently and be vigilant for any unusual gateway activity.

It’s worth noting that some anarchy-related sites have recently gone offline, possibly indicating actions taken by authorities or agencies.

As of now, riseup.net is still online, but it’s advisable to stay updated and check the website for any potential announcements or changes in status. If you think you might be affected by these events or want to stay informed, you can visit riseup.net for further details.

There have been significant updates and improvements at the TurboTas site. Firstly, the SSL site is now functioning correctly and has a proper Certificate and Chain, which should minimize security warnings for users. As a part of enhancing security, the non-SSL site has been deprecated.

MAES, which was previously available, is now deprecated as well. You can find details about accessing its replacement, Otto, from the original link provided. Otto supports only downloads (no streaming), but it boasts a faster database and a more user-friendly front-end. This change was implemented as MAES no longer meets the site owner’s requirements.

Additionally, HTML cleanups have been performed, and modules have been tidied up, resulting in the removal of unnecessary old content.

The site owner is eager to receive feedback on the changes and offers access to the authenticated areas for those who require it. If you have any thoughts or need access, feel free to get in touch with them.

Overall, these updates aim to provide a smoother and more secure experience for users, while also enhancing the performance and usability of the site.

The preliminary recommendations following the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia have been released on the official accident investigation site. It appears that NASA might be facing complacency, given that one possible cause of the accident, falling foam, has been an issue in previous flights.

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) has proposed two fundamental changes. Firstly, they suggest making Shuttle Imaging on Orbit a standard feature. This technology, although available within the US government, has been rarely used. Its purpose is to assess the orbiter’s condition after its ascent, ensuring a better understanding of potential risks.

Secondly, the CAIB recommends a comprehensive examination of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) components, utilizing all possible forms of non-destructive testing. This recommendation comes in response to the most probable cause of the orbiter’s loss, attributed to the failure of a structural RCC component in the leading edge of the left wing.

As of now, a final verdict on the root cause of the RCC component failure has not been reached. Speculation suggests that it could be due to pre-existing damage not detected during inspection or possibly a strike from other materials, such as foam from the tank.

The leading edge components in question are highly intricate, comprising multiple layers and treatments. If the thermal protection provided by the RCC parts is breached, even in a minor way, a superheated air stream can enter the wing and damage the structural aluminum components, leading to severe consequences.

Microsoft has recently made a confession, acknowledging that the registration problem in Office 2000 is, in fact, an unintended error in their code, designed to prevent registration.

The intriguing aspect of this situation is that Office 2000 includes code meant to prevent registration after April 15, 2003, with the intention of nudging users to consider upgrading to the next version or making a purchase. However, the humorous twist is that this particular code has malfunctioned, causing the registration box to persistently appear, ultimately leading to “reduced functionality” of the software.

It seems that Microsoft is now facing a scenario that they likely didn’t foresee, resulting in an unexpected and amusing turn of events. For more details, you can refer to the source article on The Register.

Great news! The site logout function, which went missing during a recent section spring-clean, has been discovered! It was found inside the settee, along with two toffees, 5 centimes, and two remote controls.

Thankfully, it has been restored to its rightful place on the right side of the main screen. Users can now once again easily access the logout function, ensuring a smoother and more convenient experience on the site. Happy browsing!

AOL has recently initiated a $10 million lawsuit against twelve individuals and companies, which could potentially lead to some intriguing developments. It’s been widely estimated that AOL accounts might contribute to as much as 20% of the spam issues plaguing the Western world.

The focus of these lawsuits is around addressing approximately 8 million complaints related to an astounding one billion pieces of spam. AOL is taking a significant step to combat spam and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The outcome of these legal actions could have implications for the spam landscape and may serve as a notable milestone in the ongoing efforts to reduce unsolicited and unwanted messages across the internet.

Are you constantly in a rush and struggling to find time for your morning shower and coffee? Well, here’s a solution for you – why not do both at once!

Introducing Shower-Shock soap, a unique product that delivers 200 milligrams of caffeine through your skin while you wash. Simply use this soap during your shower, and you’ll get the energizing benefits of caffeine without having to take the time for a separate coffee break.

Each bar of Shower-Shock lasts for 12 washes, and with each wash, it delivers 200mg of caffeine. If you’re interested in trying this innovative product, you can find it at Thinkgeek.com.

Please note that the effectiveness and safety of caffeine absorption through the skin may vary from person to person, so it’s essential to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or medical conditions.

Today, scientists from six cooperating countries (UK, USA, China, Japan, France, and Germany) have announced the near-completion of the mapping of the 3 billion base pair Human Genome. This achievement represents a significant milestone, as it marks the refinement of the data that was initially published in a rough form back in 2001. The preliminary data was also made available on the Turbotas site in the Gutenberg archives.

The year 2003 is fittingly chosen to commemorate the completion of the human genome mapping project, which had its inception in 1990. This groundbreaking effort began 50 years ago when the DNA double helix was first announced.

On Saturday, February 28th, Francis Crick and James Watson made their historic discovery about the DNA structure in the humble surroundings of a public house in Cambridge. Their pioneering work laid the foundation for the remarkable advancements in genomics that we witness today.

NetBSD has recently issued two new advisories regarding security vulnerabilities in Kerberos and Sendmail. The reason these advisories were not updated with other public warnings a week ago is unclear, and it raises a valid question.

It is possible that tomorrow, we might see new general warnings related to Sendmail and Kerberos to provide more comprehensive information about the security issues and their potential impact.

It is essential for users of NetBSD, as well as users of affected versions of Sendmail and Kerberos, to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any upcoming advisories or updates to ensure the security of their systems. Regularly checking for security updates is crucial in maintaining the integrity and safety of the software and systems being used.

The latest release, Open Office 1.1 beta, is now available, and it comes with significant improvements over version 1.0.1. You can download it from the Open Office website. The features and fixes in this version include:

1. PDF Export: Users can now export their files to PDF format directly from Open Office.
2. XHTML Export: Another added capability is the ability to export content in XHTML format.
3. MySQL Support in data sources: Open Office now provides support for MySQL in data sources, enhancing database integration.
4. Better internationalization: The software has been improved to better cater to international users and their language preferences.
5. Recovery feature for damaged OO files: Open Office now incorporates a recovery feature, allowing users to retrieve data from damaged OO files.
6. Improved detection for dictionaries/thesaurus: The detection of dictionaries and thesaurus resources has been enhanced for better usability.

Make sure to check out these new features and improvements by downloading Open Office 1.1 beta from the official website.

The Segway, with a top speed of 12mph, cannot be considered fast, but its unique design is sure to grab attention. Resembling a blend between a child’s scooter and a pogo stick, the rider stands on a small platform positioned between two wheels. A long shaft extends from the platform, featuring handlebars at the top.

Operating the Segway is simple; the rider tilts, and the Segway’s tilt sensors interpret the intended movement, responding accordingly. Steering is achieved through a handlebar control. With an approximate range of 15 miles under ideal conditions, the Segway is not intended for long journeys, yet it may find a specific niche.

As for its legal status, the situation in the UK remains unsettled, while most US states permit the use of Segways. However, the primary obstacle to broader adoption is the price. With £65 million invested in development costs, the £3000 price tag is reasonable but significantly limits its potential market.