Pack a Gun to Protect Valuables from Airline Theft or Loss [Air Travel Tip]

If you don't like your bags being out of your sight and it makes you uncomfortable to think that airline workers are rifling through your stuff, you can take advantage of the TSA's own security rules by—eek—packing a gun.

Photo by Vince Alongi.

Most of the time travelers are on the short-end of TSA regulations. In this instance, however, you can use travel rules to your advantage. If you're traveling with equipment you would prefer it locked up and watched more closely than your run of the mill luggage, you can pack a firearm with the equipment or luggage. Whether or not you own an actual firearm isn't important—the TSA considers a starter pistol a firearm, and it must be checked in and secured properly. Bruce Shneier, on his security and privacy centered blog, highlights how some creative professional photographers have been using this rule to their advantage. One of the photographers writes:

A “weapons” is defined as a rifle, shotgun, pistol, airgun, and STARTER PISTOL. Yes, starter pistols – those little guns that fire blanks at track and swim meets – are considered weapons…and do NOT have to be registered in any state in the United States.

I have a starter pistol for all my cases. All I have to do upon check-in is tell the airline ticket agent that I have a weapon to declare…I’m given a little card to sign, the card is put in the case, the case is given to a TSA official who takes my key and locks the case, and gives my key back to me.

That’s the procedure. The case is extra-tracked…TSA does not want to lose a weapons case. This reduces the chance of the case being lost to virtually zero.

It’s a great way to travel with camera gear…I’ve been doing this since Dec 2001 and have had no problems whatsoever.

You can pick up a super basic starter pistol for around $16-20—really nice starter pistols can easily cost $100-200, but you're not concerned about the quality—a rather small sum to ensure that your case of photograph equipment or personal effects will be watched more carefully and only opened in your presence.

Have your own off-beat way of keeping your stuff safe while traveling? Let’s hear about it in the comments.


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Most Popular Linux Posts of 2009 [Best Of 2009]

A new browser, two new Ubuntu releases, and more than one new netbook OS—2009 was a big year for open-source software. Here are the Linux-related posts that caught our readers' attention in 2009.

Last year, we compiled the most popular Linux downloads of 2008 and the most popular Linux posts. The most popular Linux downloads, however, tend to also be released for Windows and Mac systems, and we’d rather not repeat ourselves.

So! This year, we ran through our archives and pulled out the posts most directly related to Linux: informational, how-to, Linux-focused downloads, and the like. For good measure, though, we’ll list the most popular cross-platform downloads at the end, which will look very familiar to those posted in our Most Popular Free Mac Downloads of 2009 and Most Popular Free Windows Downloads of 2009 posts.

Portable Ubuntu Runs Ubuntu Inside Windows

And it really does, too, after a bit of command line tweaking. It’s a close relative of the andLinux system that lets you seamlessly run Linux apps on your Windows desktop. This one doesn’t require any installation, however, and you can even take it with you on a thumb drive. This holiday season, feel free to show Uncle Steve just how open and free Linux can be.

Linux Puts the Lie to WEP “Security”

Using a BackTrack 3 Live CD (which we previously profiled, Gina showed us how easy it was to crack a Wi-Fi network’s WEP password, offering a sound reason to upgrade your age-old router, and providing a kind of last-ditch solution for those in need of emergency connectivity. She also provided more WEP-cracking tools and tips, including some sound reasoning on why anyone would still use a fallible encryption scheme (or use something much stronger).

Looking Ahead to Ubuntu Releases

Every year, at least two versions of Ubuntu are released in six-month lockstep. This year gave us Keir Thomas’ peek at the 9.04 “Jaunty Jackalope” release, and our own screenshot tour. That release was more about subtle changes and improvements. Ubuntu 9.10, Karmic Koala, brought a whole new look to the free OS, along with some major decisions on default applications and immediate improvements like faster, slicker boot-ups and a universal software store. We are, as ever, eager to see what crops up in April.

VirtualBox Makes Linux Life Easier

Sun Microsystems’ free VirtualBox software is free, offers an open-source edition, and is generally easy enough for beginners to get into. Not coincidentally, it solves a big problem for Linux users who just occasionally need access to one or another Windows apps or features. It also keeps adding on new features, like support for Windows’ gaming graphics, and making life generally better for those running one system inside another.

Features We Wanted to See from Ubuntu (and a Response)

“If every Ubuntu developer were assembled at one place, here are five things we’d ask them to accomplish.” That’s the grand daydream that launched our list of five features we want to see in Ubuntu, including strong sticking points like a decent video editor and a design-centric look. Not all of that is under of the Ubuntu team’s purview, but Community Manager Jono Bacon still took the time to respond to our wishlist, noting the progress on many of the fronts we wrote on. That was a very nice moment.

Dual-Boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu in Perfect Harmony

Simply installing Windows 7 and Ubuntu together isn't all that hard—just do Windows before Ubuntu, and leave a little room for the Linux. Fine-tuning it for convenience, access, and general usability, though—that's something we spent a lot of time thinking on. We wrote it all down, step by step, in this post.

Build a Cheap But Powerful Boxee Media Center

Following up on Adam’s guide to building a small, silent XBMC media center on the cheap, Lifehacker’s resident Linux nerd (Howdy!) wrote up an alternative guide to getting a more powerful, Linux-backed, Boxee-centered HTPC running. Seeing as how the upcoming Boxee beta and pre-built Boxee Box will include sped-up support for this very kind of NVIDIA-powered, Linux-based system, this Boxee setup will actually hit its real peak in 2010.

Nine Must-Have Features We Want to See in a Google OS

Now that we’ve actually seen what Chrome OS will look like, and even taken it on an open-source test drive, we can run through our initial wish list for the Linux-based netbook OS and do the tally: Three yays (speed, syncing, and blurred desktop/browser experience), two nays (“All kinds of hardware” and native Linux apps), and four shoulder shrugs (integrated Quicksilver-like app launcher, powerful keyboard shortcuts, user privacy, and enterprise-friendly setup). There’s a lot more bound to come in 2010, though, including the first official release, so stay tuned.

GNOME Do and Docky Are Slick Linux Interfaces

We dig GNOME Do as a Quicksilver-like application launcher that knows your system better than you do. When it rolled in a dock interface, it got a bit more unstable, but even more helpful—and notably more smooth and eye-pleasing than the standard GNOME interface. The two projects have since gone their separate ways, but, installed side by side, they still make for a better Linux experience.

Presto Loads a Streamlined Desktop in 15 Seconds

Well, we thought Presto looked like a pretty neat quick-boot alternative for Windows users, at least while it was free, and promising boot-ups in mere seconds. Then we tried it out and clocked it at a more human 15 seconds, found it to be kind of a simplified Xfce desktop, and, oh, right, this other operating system from some search company was announced. Not to say Presto is a dead option, but, at this point, it might need an overhaul (Chrome installed, maybe?) to grab much more than a glance.

Install Firefox 3.5 on Ubuntu with One Command

Even released every six months, Ubuntu still manages to make its users wait on some newly-released apps getting official support—like Firefox, most importantly. This little Python script makes short work of bringing your built-in Firefox up to the bleeding edge.

Ubuntu Pocket Guide Available as a Free Download

Author Keir Thomas did the freely-licensed thing with his pocket guide, and we were all very glad to have it.

Elisa is a Simple, Streamlined Media Center

Looking for something that just plays your music, shows your videos and pictures, and doesn’t get in your way or bog you down with flashy features? That’s what Elisa is, and it looks pretty nice while doing so.

Mac4Lin Gives Linux Desktops the Complete Mac Look

It really, really does. If you don’t mind the obvious break in your your free-as-in-speech fidelity, it’s a pretty nice setup.

Jolicloud Netbook OS Is a Bit Like Chrome OS with Awesome Desktop Applications

Adam's headline pretty much says it all—you get most of the benefits of a fast-loading, small-screen-oriented OS, but with far more adaptability and a wide range of awesome Linux apps you can install.

Popular Cross-Platform Apps

Google Chrome, Alpha and Beta Releases

Google Chrome, which just barely turned one, has actually been up and running on many Linux systems since its earliest days, due to the hard work of Chromium open-source hackers. You could grab the alpha in May, try out a CrossOver-built release in September, and grab the official beta last week. Been holding off on your Chromium and just now trying Chrome? Check out our power user’s guide to Google Chrome to get acquainted.

Namebench Helps You Find the Fastest DNS Server for Your Computer

Google came out with a free DNS service, but many folks are learning, with the help of namebench or the also-excellent DNS Name Server Benchmark, that what the big G does isn’t always the best. Test out all the popular, public DNS systems to see what’s your own network’s best bet.

Google Earth 5.0 Released, Looks Incredible

Google Earth 5 is one of those lucky Linux products that Google still intends to keep up to date, unlike its sad cousin Picasa. So being able to put historical imagery, ocean maps, and improved world touring on a Linux desktop is A-OK with many readers.

Firefox (Of Course)

Firefox seemed to have met its first real challenge for the Best Alternative Browser this year, but it kept up with the modern web at its own pace. This year saw a big Firefox 3.5 release and a bunch of Firefox 3.6 betas (1, 2, 3, and 4). It’ll be interesting to see if Linux distributions consider Chrome as their default in 2010, but we expect Firefox to stick around for quite some time.

Thunderbird 3 Officially Released with New Features, Improved Look

A lot has changed since Thunderbird 2.0 release, but 3.0 brought enough savvy features—awesome search, smart syncing, and tabbed content—to make it an ultimate online/offline message hub.

HandBrake Updates to 0.9.4 with Over 1,000 Changes, 64-Bit Support

Yeah, Mac and Windows users probably find HandBrake really helpful. But Linux is where encoding to non-restricted formats can be crucial, so seeing regular development is a very nice thing. On any platform, Handbrake remains a favorite video encoder—even after developers dropped AVI/XviD support.

Since you’ve made it this far, let’s go ahead and put it up for vote:

What Was Your Favorite Linux Post or Download of 2009?(surveys)


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Computer Desk LED Plexiglass Case Mod

computer case mod

While most people stick to modding a typical computer case, this modder stepped it up a notch and built an entire desk to house his computer.  As you can see from the hardware specifics and the pictures below this is one absolute beast of a machine. Don’t miss the Xbox video build by the same modder we posted last week.

Hardware Specs:

  • Intel Q6600 G0 @ 3.5
  • Abit IP35 Pro
  • 4x 2gb Corsair DDR2
  • HIS HD2900 XT 512mb
  • SB X-Fi Elite Pro
  • 2x Ultra 550w psu
  • 2x 500gb Western Digital
  • 320gb Seagate pata
  • 250gb WD sata

Desktopmedium[1]

A close up shot of the overall desk with peripherals.

Yes, those are a stack of hard drives mounted entirely separately from the main case enclosed by a glowing custom enclosure.  Awesome!


The innards of the beast!  Man, this thing is a beauty!  Don’t miss out on our full collection of case mod projects:

More Case Mod Projects:

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Create a Secure Password with an MP3 or Web Site [Passwords]

The CyberNet News blog posts an interesting take on creating secure passwords you can actually remember, or at least remember how to retrieve—by posting a favorite web site, or an MP3 file, into an MD5 hash generator.

CyberNet splits up the method into two different takes, both utilizing the MD5 codes normally used to verify a downloaded file’s integrity. Entering a favorite, or, more securely, strange and unique web site into an online MD5 hash generator gives you a seriously long string of characters, uniquely linked to that URL. Grab the first eight characters from the string, and you’ve got a fairly unique password to use. Using this method for every site isn’t advisable, though, as anyone who figures out your methodology can grab all your passwords. Combine it with Gina’s method of a secure password plus a unique suffix, though, and you’ve got a system that only mind-readers could really crack.

A second technique uses the same MD5 hash characters, but uses an MP3 file as its unique generator. Assuming very few people know of your secret love for Starship, it’s also a fairly safe way to get a secure password, but also have a backup means of retrieving it. Hit the link for details and step-by-step tips on both methods.


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Google Holding Chrome OS Overview and Launch Plans Thursday [Operating Systems]

According to tech weblog TechCrunch, Google is hosting a Chrome OS event tomorrow in which they’ll provide a complete overview of the thus far top-secret operating system they announced in July. In fact, some early version of the operating system may be available this week. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors of a Chrome OS event, but we’re hopeful we’ll get to take a look at some of what Chrome OS has to offer very soon. [TechCrunch]


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Xbox 360 Arcade $199 w/ $100 GC on Saturday @ Walmart BM (YMMV?)

Rating: 6 Posted By: vcdburn
Views: 1048 Replies: 17

Stolen from SD: (everything)
So just saw this on Kotaku. Looks like WalMart is selling 360 Arcades for $199 with a $100 GC on Saturday.

Not sure whether this is for real or not, image is attached to show “proof.” If its true, definitely a great deal. Searched threads to see if this had been posted before and couldn’t find it anywhere. If this doesn’t belong in Hot Deals, my bad, just tell me and I’ll try and get it moved

ImagePICTURE

Online Coupons

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TouchCube: $150 Touchscreen Rubik’s Cube Can Solve Itself

Rubiks TouchcubeThe original Rubik’s Cube is an iconic mechanical puzzle game that dates back to 1974, with production and retail distribution starting in 1980. By some reports, it’s the most popular selling puzzle game of all time, with over 350 million cubes sold.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve tried your hand repeatedly at solving the classic puzzle and found it to be an enigma. Now an electronic version is here to save the day.

Dubbed the Rubik’s TouchCube, the $150 touchscreen version of the puzzle includes an accelerometer for quick swiping action, can solve itself, and can even teach you to become a master of the cube.

Though we’ve yet to get our hands on the device, the product demonstration videos lead us to believe that the next-generation toy, that you can swipe much like an iPhone, adds a whole new level of fascination to the original.

Here’s are some other features of the updated puzzle:

- The touch sensor technology means you can swipe your finger across squares and watch as the lights follow your motion. The swiping motion simulates the actual turning of a mechanical Rubik’s Cube.

- The TouchCube always knows the exact number of moves needed to solve the puzzle at any given time, which means it can teach you to solve it with hints when you get stuck.

- You can undo your last move.

- There are modern sound effects or ones that mimic a cube twist or turn.

- The cube comes with a recharging stand, and will solve itself while charging. This could make for one interesting light show.

Sure, purists may find no charm in the modern Rubik’s Cube, but we think it has just the right qualities to make an impression on consumers, if only as a great talking-piece.

[via Wired]

Tags: accelerometer, rubiks cube, rubiks touchcube, touchscreen

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GE shows off 1TB holographic discs but Wolf Blitzer remains skeptical

We’re confused as to how technology that was supposed to be available in 2006 can still be featured at an Emerging Tech conference in 2009, but so it is for General Electric’s attempt at holographic storage. Predicting drives for archival purposes in two or three years with consumer products around two years after that, manager Peter Lorraine claims Blu-ray has “two to four years of life to go” and expects licensees to clean up with speedy 3ms access time, 1TB+ storing (up from a mere 200GB), backwards compatible hardware. The latter portion, plus other breakthroughs in cost and reliability are listed as reasons to believe the market will catch HVD anytime soon, but right now it’s about as likely returning to a matching 2006-era MySpace page or believing Wolf was staring at anything other than a mark on the floor on Election Night.

[Via Physorg]

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GE shows off 1TB holographic discs but Wolf Blitzer remains skeptical originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Use TinEye to Find Source Images for Desktop Wallpaper [Image Search]

It turns out that TinEye, the image search engine, is good for more than simply finding carbon-copy matches of pictures. You can also use it to go from a screenshot of a desktop to the source image.

While reviewing the TinEye Firefox extension last week, we noted that results were rather precise in nature and that variations on an image were often excluded. While that is true to an extent, reader TheLostVikings pointed out a way he uses the database and that it wasn’t quite as narrow in scope as we initially believed:

Note on the “surgically precise” comment. I routinely use TinEye to find the actual background image when people post pictures o their desktops (complete with open windows, taskbars, docks, etc) and tineye will usually be able to locate the original picture.

To test this approach out we fired up Firefox with the TinEye extension and headed over the Lifehacker Desktop Show and Tell Pool. Chalk it up to luck or the popularity of the images people were using for their desktop background, but we were able to find 8 out of 10 of the source background images using TinEye.

The next time you see a capture of someone’s desktop and you’re dying to know where they got the cool background, give TinEye a shot at finding it for you. Thanks TheLostVikings!


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DIY Batman-Style Secret Bookcase Passageway

shakespear
Getting his inspiration directly from the Wayne Manor, this DIYer created his own secret “William Shakespeare sculpture” button to access a hidden passageway.  It’s a dirt simple circuit, basically the button activates a motor and presto, we have access.  Personally, I’d use a giant red button, but that’s just me.  For more details on the build, check out the build website.


More Batman Projects:

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