If we're lucky, we'll also see the Ferengi, the Borg, and some time-travelling aliens. Oh, and perhaps Spiderman and the Cylons will drop in for a visit too!
(And before anyone bitches, yes I know those are from Star Trek, not Star Wars. The moment I knew that Enterprise jumped the shark was the Ferengi episode, whom the federation had never seen before. Right. I call bullcrap.)
The first way (.htaccess) may work. The second way unfortunately doesn't work, as you can upload a PHP file as a.gif file and the server will execute it just fine. The third way is also a bit tricky as the server software will have to put the files somewhere when the upload is approved, requiring a writable directory eventually. I've adopted a manual process for handling these, but quite frankly it makes the whole push for PHP a bit distateful to me.
True, but PHP turns writable directories that should not have executables (images, uploads, etc) into fertile territory for attackers. I can secure cgi-bin in Perl and be reasonably comfortable (with the right Apache configuration) that a rogue script in a writable directory without execute permissions won't be able to be run. I cannot say the same for PHP, which makes every writable directory on the web server a target for attacks.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Part of the reason I'm not much of a fan of PHP is because this capability has burned one of my sites. If there is a way to keep an image / upload directory from running PHP scripts, I'm all ears.
The reason people find PHP so insecure is because you can plop a script practically anywhere on the server, and have it run. So, if one of the scripts allows someone to upload somewhere where they shouldn't, BAM, you're compromised.
I've found this out first-hand with a few PHP scripts I've run. It's amazingly easy to set up, but it's also a discipline in itself to ensure it keeps crackers out.
True, crap like the if-then-else clause I saw could show up anywhere. Unfortunately it was the icing on an already pretty bad tasting project. Funnily enough, it was also a project that was several years overdue, and had already used up lots of money in custom components. (Don't get me started on the third-party component market, and how un-portable that code can be, even amongst identical machines.)
Unfortunately, one of those things you learn as a programmer is "there is no such thing as a one-off application". Even the lowliest shell script to rename a bunch of files in a directory will one day rise up to be used again and again. It's best to use the right tool for the job.
Back in the VB 6 days, I was called in to bring an application that was coded in VB6 to a usable state. It was a sickly application, with programming constructs that would make children cry. (If-then-else constructs instead of a SQL where clause). I re-wrote it in Perl (Remember, this was 1998) and made it a web application, where the customer ultimately wanted the application.
And I see no problem using a chainsaw on a sapling. It's not overkill if it gets the job done, and scales properly. That said, I'm not about to write a complete C GUI application where a simple Perl script will do.
I think there's two reasons why people are so excited about Ajax. The first reason people are so excited about Ajax is because it doesn't require anything extra to make it work. Flash requires not only the plugin (which admittedly is pretty ubiquitous out there), but also requires a development package that isn't cross platform (at least I'm not aware if there's a Linux version of the development tools). Ajax allows the neat features to come through without having to resort to Flash. The second reason Ajax has caught on is server-side validation rules can also work on the client. One set of rules = no more trying to wrestle Javascript to do proper validation. For me, that's a huge win, as I'm no fan of Javascript.
It's because it's used whenever the speaker wants to sound like they've got the inside track on whatever is new or exciting. Unfortunately it's been so overused when describing new and exciting things, it's lost all of it's novelty and excitement. Now, when I hear the term "Web 2.0", my "bullcrap" meter is engaged instinctively.
I think the book may be more of a sit-down book for you, only because there's a bit of it that relies on Tomcat and JSPs. Outside of that hurdle, you'll likely find it pretty easy to work through. There's not that much to Ajax, all told, but this book will help you piece together the various parts to make it work better for you.
I think part of the problem with Napster mark 2 is that subscription models don't work for the same group of people that iTunes appeals to. I'd rather have access to the song for as long as I care to have access to it, not for as long as my subscription holds out. Also, most of the geek people know to stay away from Napster since they are a shell of their former selves. Even their logo looks less ominous than it used to be.
"Companies Puzzled by Lack of Consumer adoption of HD-DVD".
"Industry stagnates on HD-DVD sales".
"'No Thanks!' Consumers happy with current DVDs."
Part of the reason DVDs caught on so quickly was because of the portability and convenience. If companies continue to restrict this technology, I don't see any reason to adopt.
Blogger: My cat fifi terrorized me in the morning to get her some cat food. Bot: SPOTTED WORD *terror*. ALERTING AUTHORITIES TO LOOK FOR SUSPECT CAT FIFI. METHOD OF ATTACK: CAT FOOD SUPPLIES.
Cool! I'm glad you enjoy it! If you want, send me the modified script, and I'll put it in the next release.
Re:What exactly are you looking for?
on
Linux WebCam Software?
·
· Score: 3, Informative
Well, I wrote a webcam Perl script called "Poor Man's Cam" (http://decafbad.net/pmcam), but unfortunately it requires that you have a program to grab the images already. Once that's taken care of, the rest is pretty straightforward.
Are you looking for something that will just pop up a semi-frequently updated shot, or are you looking for streaming media? They are pretty different requirements. Also, you didn't mention what kind of camera you'll be running. It's been my experience that the USB cameras out there require a bit of work to get running under Linux. (And some won't even reward you with pictures after considerable effort).
You seem to think Apple is going to magically revise it's strategy just because they're using Intel chips. I don't see that happening at all.
Let me give you an example, OK?
Powerbook G4 Titanium 667MHz machine. G4 Processor, introduced 2002.04.29 at US$2,499 (667 MHz) and US$3,199 (800 MHz); replaced by SuperDrive model 2002.11.06. It's three months from being a 4 year old machine.
eBay prices: $760.00, $610.00, $560.99, $425.00, $610.02, $675.00, and $355.01 (That last one has some major cosmetic damage).
Now, let's find a similar model PC:
Do the search on eBay for 1GHz or more laptops with 256MB memory or more. Look at the numbers for the 1GHz machines: $300s, $400s, and the odd $600s for IBM Thinkpads. (Also most of these laptops didn't include a 17" screen).
What's the difference? Screen resolution? Maybe that's it, but I don't think so. This is a 4 year old laptop that is still fetching over $500 used on eBay.
Run the numbers, and do the comparisons. Just because Apple is moving to Intel doesn't preclude this phenomenon happening with their newer machines.
Also, take a look sometime at the insides of the iMac and the Powerbook. These are well designed machines with lots of thought going into each and every detail. These aren't just off-the-shelf boards slapped into a case... these are custom-made machines. You're talking about completely seperate market from the Beige Box vendors.
Ultimately, time will tell. If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong. (Would't be the first time), but I'm willing to wager that I'm right. Maybe if I hit the lottery I'll buy two machines (one Apple, one from another vendor) and sell them in four years time to see which held it's value better.:)
Slashdot Mirror
Yes, because all good science fiction uses administrative cock-ups as plot devices.
I'd be more willing to say that Armand Shimmerman has blackmail material on Richard Berman that requires him to be in every series of Star Trek.
If we're lucky, we'll also see the Ferengi, the Borg, and some time-travelling aliens. Oh, and perhaps Spiderman and the Cylons will drop in for a visit too!
(And before anyone bitches, yes I know those are from Star Trek, not Star Wars. The moment I knew that Enterprise jumped the shark was the Ferengi episode, whom the federation had never seen before. Right. I call bullcrap.)
More like Crash and Burn when the 3DO came out. At least Waverace had multiplayer. :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crash_n'_Burn
The first way (.htaccess) may work. The second way unfortunately doesn't work, as you can upload a PHP file as a .gif file and the server will execute it just fine. The third way is also a bit tricky as the server software will have to put the files somewhere when the upload is approved, requiring a writable directory eventually. I've adopted a manual process for handling these, but quite frankly it makes the whole push for PHP a bit distateful to me.
True, but PHP turns writable directories that should not have executables (images, uploads, etc) into fertile territory for attackers. I can secure cgi-bin in Perl and be reasonably comfortable (with the right Apache configuration) that a rogue script in a writable directory without execute permissions won't be able to be run. I cannot say the same for PHP, which makes every writable directory on the web server a target for attacks.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Part of the reason I'm not much of a fan of PHP is because this capability has burned one of my sites. If there is a way to keep an image / upload directory from running PHP scripts, I'm all ears.
The reason people find PHP so insecure is because you can plop a script practically anywhere on the server, and have it run. So, if one of the scripts allows someone to upload somewhere where they shouldn't, BAM, you're compromised.
I've found this out first-hand with a few PHP scripts I've run. It's amazingly easy to set up, but it's also a discipline in itself to ensure it keeps crackers out.
If Mr. Gates thinks kids won't sit typing into too small a screen, I'd suggest he take a look at the kids texting madly into their phones.
It is we who are the dinosaurs, Mr. Gates.
True, crap like the if-then-else clause I saw could show up anywhere. Unfortunately it was the icing on an already pretty bad tasting project. Funnily enough, it was also a project that was several years overdue, and had already used up lots of money in custom components. (Don't get me started on the third-party component market, and how un-portable that code can be, even amongst identical machines.)
Unfortunately, one of those things you learn as a programmer is "there is no such thing as a one-off application". Even the lowliest shell script to rename a bunch of files in a directory will one day rise up to be used again and again. It's best to use the right tool for the job.
Back in the VB 6 days, I was called in to bring an application that was coded in VB6 to a usable state. It was a sickly application, with programming constructs that would make children cry. (If-then-else constructs instead of a SQL where clause). I re-wrote it in Perl (Remember, this was 1998) and made it a web application, where the customer ultimately wanted the application.
And I see no problem using a chainsaw on a sapling. It's not overkill if it gets the job done, and scales properly. That said, I'm not about to write a complete C GUI application where a simple Perl script will do.
I think there's two reasons why people are so excited about Ajax. The first reason people are so excited about Ajax is because it doesn't require anything extra to make it work. Flash requires not only the plugin (which admittedly is pretty ubiquitous out there), but also requires a development package that isn't cross platform (at least I'm not aware if there's a Linux version of the development tools). Ajax allows the neat features to come through without having to resort to Flash. The second reason Ajax has caught on is server-side validation rules can also work on the client. One set of rules = no more trying to wrestle Javascript to do proper validation. For me, that's a huge win, as I'm no fan of Javascript.
It's because it's used whenever the speaker wants to sound like they've got the inside track on whatever is new or exciting. Unfortunately it's been so overused when describing new and exciting things, it's lost all of it's novelty and excitement. Now, when I hear the term "Web 2.0", my "bullcrap" meter is engaged instinctively.
I think the book may be more of a sit-down book for you, only because there's a bit of it that relies on Tomcat and JSPs. Outside of that hurdle, you'll likely find it pretty easy to work through. There's not that much to Ajax, all told, but this book will help you piece together the various parts to make it work better for you.
Hope this helps!
That was by design. I hate the term Web 2.0, and will personally spoon out the brains of anyone who uses the term with a straight face.
I think part of the problem with Napster mark 2 is that subscription models don't work for the same group of people that iTunes appeals to. I'd rather have access to the song for as long as I care to have access to it, not for as long as my subscription holds out. Also, most of the geek people know to stay away from Napster since they are a shell of their former selves. Even their logo looks less ominous than it used to be.
Somewhere, in the deep recesses of my mind, I think I heard something similar to this idea bandied about.
"Companies Puzzled by Lack of Consumer adoption of HD-DVD".
"Industry stagnates on HD-DVD sales".
"'No Thanks!' Consumers happy with current DVDs."
Part of the reason DVDs caught on so quickly was because of the portability and convenience. If companies continue to restrict this technology, I don't see any reason to adopt.
Sadly, the first thing I thought of when I read this article was:
"Simpson's did it!"
My parents got me an Atari 400 with a staggering 16K of RAM, and an Atari 410 tape recorder, with the BASIC language cartridge.
Blogger: My cat fifi terrorized me in the morning to get her some cat food.
Bot: SPOTTED WORD *terror*. ALERTING AUTHORITIES TO LOOK FOR SUSPECT CAT FIFI. METHOD OF ATTACK: CAT FOOD SUPPLIES.
So in essence Windows is like the Motel 6 down the street. Vulnerabilities can have a cheap, comfortable room.
I'm so changing my startup sound on my work machine to "I'm Tom Bodett, and we'll leave the light on for you".
Cool! I'm glad you enjoy it! If you want, send me the modified script, and I'll put it in the next release.
Well, I wrote a webcam Perl script called "Poor Man's Cam" (http://decafbad.net/pmcam), but unfortunately it requires that you have a program to grab the images already. Once that's taken care of, the rest is pretty straightforward.
Hope this helps!
Are you looking for something that will just pop up a semi-frequently updated shot, or are you looking for streaming media? They are pretty different requirements. Also, you didn't mention what kind of camera you'll be running. It's been my experience that the USB cameras out there require a bit of work to get running under Linux. (And some won't even reward you with pictures after considerable effort).
Better not leave the top down, or you might loose the bass (literally).
You seem to think Apple is going to magically revise it's strategy just because they're using Intel chips. I don't see that happening at all.
:)
Let me give you an example, OK?
Powerbook G4 Titanium 667MHz machine.
G4 Processor, introduced 2002.04.29 at US$2,499 (667 MHz) and US$3,199 (800 MHz); replaced by SuperDrive model 2002.11.06.
It's three months from being a 4 year old machine.
eBay prices: $760.00, $610.00, $560.99, $425.00, $610.02, $675.00, and $355.01 (That last one has some major cosmetic damage).
Now, let's find a similar model PC:
Do the search on eBay for 1GHz or more laptops with 256MB memory or more. Look at the numbers for the 1GHz machines: $300s, $400s, and the odd $600s for IBM Thinkpads. (Also most of these laptops didn't include a 17" screen).
What's the difference? Screen resolution? Maybe that's it, but I don't think so. This is a 4 year old laptop that is still fetching over $500 used on eBay.
Run the numbers, and do the comparisons. Just because Apple is moving to Intel doesn't preclude this phenomenon happening with their newer machines.
Also, take a look sometime at the insides of the iMac and the Powerbook. These are well designed machines with lots of thought going into each and every detail. These aren't just off-the-shelf boards slapped into a case... these are custom-made machines. You're talking about completely seperate market from the Beige Box vendors.
Ultimately, time will tell. If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong. (Would't be the first time), but I'm willing to wager that I'm right. Maybe if I hit the lottery I'll buy two machines (one Apple, one from another vendor) and sell them in four years time to see which held it's value better.