Next-Blogging

Hey there. Yes, YOU! You've arrived here via the Next Blog link, haven't you? I've found myself next-blogging quite a bit lately too.

In case you're wondering, by next-blogging, I'm referring to blog surfing via the Next Blog link on the navigation bar at the top of the page. I'm still trying to figure out how exactly that link works. Next blog implies that there's an order to the list of blogs, but that's not how it works. In reality, it seems to take you to a random blog each time you follow the link. I said it seems because from my brief experience in next-blogging, I've managed to hit a number of random blogs more than once. Considering the number of blogs out there, the chances of that happening is impossibly small if the link is completely random.

Regardless, I still like the feature. You never know where it's gonna take you. It has taken me to some excellent blogs, a number of annoying ones that are full of ads, and a few nasty ones that should never be seen by... anyone really. There are some seriously disturbed bloggers out there.

If you've not tried next-blogging before, go on. It's right there at the top of the page. You know you want to. Just don't get addicted to it.

World View: Cultural Creative

You scored as Cultural Creative.

Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.

Cultural Creative			94%
Materialist			94%
Existentialist			75%
Modernist			63%
Idealist			56%
Postmodernist			50%
Romanticist			44%
Fundamentalist			25%

What is Your World View?
created with QuizFarm.com

Dynamic Text Files

Ever wanted to dynamically create downloadable text files on your website? It couldn't be any simpler using a web scripting language, such as ASP or PHP. All that is required is to modify the response header of a dynamic web page. The text file does not actually exist on the web server. Instead, it is created and sent directly to the web client.

The following ASP code sample demonstrates how this can be achieved:

Response.ContentType = "application/text"
Response.AddHeader "Content-Disposition", _
                   "attachment; filename=greetings.txt"

Response.Write "Welcome to Unauthorised Blog"

Response.End

Normally, the response header sent by a dynamic web page would be that of a standard HTML page. By specifying the application/text content type and adding the additional content disposition information, the web client now expect any subsequent data it receives to be the content of a greetings.txt file.

The same technique can be used to create any type of file, provided that you are able to create raw data for that particular file type.

HOWTO Secure a Wireless Network

Wireless network is an ideal solution if you have a laptop that is constantly moving around the house, or if you simply wish to eliminate the miles of cabling that run all over the place. However, if not properly configured, wireless networks are very susceptible to attacks. These networks are possibly the most popular source of free Internet for... ahem. You know who they are.

The following are a few simple steps that can be taken to vastly improve the security of your wireless networks:

1. Change the default login on your network devices, especially the wireless access points, router, and the modem. The remaining steps are a pointless exercise if anyone could simply modify your settings and hijack your network.
   
   
2. Enable wireless authentication and encryption. Use the strongest authentication method and encryption algorithm supported by your wireless access point and all the wireless clients on the network. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) should be used where possible. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is easily cracked. WPA, not WPA2, has also been demonstrated to be vulnerable when weak encryption keys are used. If your only option is WEP or WPA, it is strongly recommended that the encryption key be changed regularly.
   
   
3. Choose a strong encryption key. Use the longest encryption key length supported by your wireless access points and all the wireless clients on the network. It is best if you could generate a random hex key. Otherwise, make sure you choose a strong pass phrase. Weak keys can easily be cracked by brute force attacks.
   
   
4. Disable SSID broadcast. The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is a name used to uniquely identify your wireless network, and must be specified when a client wishes to join the network. Usually, by default, the SSID is broadcasted at regular intervals to announce the presence of the wireless network. This may simplify configurations of your wireless clients but is also an invitation for hackers. Disabling SSID broadcast makes it more difficult, but not entirely impossible, for an attacker to obtain this information.
   
   
5. Rename the SSID. Following from the previous point, you should choose a unique SSID. Lists of default SSIDs are widely available. Additionally, a network with a default SSID suggest that it is poorly configured and is an appealing target for hackers.
   
   
6. Enable MAC address filtering. MAC address is a unique identification for network cards. MAC address filtering ensures that only your wireless devices have access to your wireless network. However, this is not a foolproof measure as the MAC address can easily be spoofed.
   
   
7. Disable remote administration, unless you absolutely know what you're doing. I'm sure you wouldn't want a hacker administering your network. Nuf said.
   

The steps detailed above are suggestions for improving your network security. Some of the features described may not be supported by your network devices, while others may be impractical for your network setup. If not supported, check to make sure that the manufacturer has not released new software or firmware upgrades. For those using Windows wireless client, the following Windows update may be required, if not already installed, to support WPA2:
KB893357 - Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) Update

In the end, you may find the network slightly more tedious to setup but it will be much more secure.