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If you control a Linux box that sits on the net, go right now and get FreeS/WAN and install it. This is a free, open-source implementation of the IP/SEC protocols. Funded by John Gilmore (of Sun, Cygnus, EFF, and DEEP-CRACK fame), this software gives you secure Virtual Private Network support in Linux.

Set it up and create secure connections between your peers. Very soon it will support automatic keying using DNS-SEC (public keys kept in the DNS database).

Echelon makes little difference if everyone is using end-to-end transport level strong encryption.

Burris

Photon Micro-Lights make great geek gifts. I've given away hundreds of them. They are about the size of a quarter, unbreakable, fit on your keychain or clip to anything, and provide clear white light for 12-15 hours on a pair of included watch batteries. You can also get them in six other colors, including a really lovely blue LED, traditional red LED, orange, yellow, turquoise, and green.

You can easily read with them. You can find your way down a path in the woods, or find that keyhole to put your key into. They don't throw a focused beam for a long distance though. The most practical color for reading, etc is white, though the others are prettier for decorating yourself. It's easy to spot your friends in the dark if they hang one of these on their jacket.

At retail they're about $20 each. Serious geek givers can get them wholesale for close to half price, in quantity.

I gave one of these (with a www.freeswan.org logo) to each participant at the recent Hackers' Conference.

Get one for yourself too -- if you only get one, you'll hate to give it away!