I’m writing this post from my newest installed application on my Mac, Opera. It is my last hope!
Some 2 1/2 years ago I made the switch from Windows to Mac and I haven’t ever even teased the thought of going back. But I have one major complaint about OS X, the Internet browsers are all terrible! Maybe it is just me, but I’m pretty sure it isn’t….
Mozilla Firefox
Not too much wrong, love the plugins and the community. The killer is the load time! I just opened up Firefox on my machine and the icon in the dock bounced a total of 47 times! That is totally unacceptable.
Apple Safari
Safari on the other hand has a fantastic load time. This is mainly the reason that I keep going back to it. But the one major annoyance with it is its lack of ability to move on in loading a page after it gets stuck on an ‘item’. For example, I point the browser towards some page and the status bar starts going and tells me X of Y items loaded. All appears to be fine, but then it just hangs. The status bar will say something like 67 of 72 items loaded (3 errors) and it will just wait there. Below is a screen shot of the status bar from a tab that has Google Reader. The tab has been open for over a 1/2 hour and just sits there. Some images on the page won’t load because they are one of the remaining items left to load. I know the images work because I am able to right click and view the image in a new tab. Also when I try and load the page in Firefox, everything works fine.
Opera
I haven’t played around with it too much yet, but it seems like the page loads are fairly slow. Also the load time of the application was pretty slow. This might be cause it hasn’t been used too much and is still working on starting up the application efficiently. But it is my last hope. I’m intrigued by the Opera Turbo, but I’m skeptical of the whole application because it is not nearly as mainstream as Firefox or Safari.
If anyone else has had these issues and has a fix, I would be amazing if you could help me out. Computers are so frustrating sometimes.
So I’m taking a class called, “Network Security.” The first assignment was to send our professor two emails, one containing the word “devolution” and the second containing the word “fallow” during the hours of 00:00 and 23:59, yesterday. The project has a simple explanation, intercept all emails and create a spreadsheet telling the professor at what time each student in the class sent him an email with one of those two keywords. The first email with devolution had to be plain text and the second could be either plain text or encrypted.
To make things interesting, each student was allowed a max of 10 emails send to the professor or would face disqualification.
All of us were given logins to the email server and EXTREMELY limited permissions on what we could do. When logging on, we were greeted with the following message:
———————————————————————-
HELIOS v3.14159265
Here is what you can do:
1. Use tethereal_wrapper to sniff – the output goes to /tmp/<username>
2. Use tethereal_kill to kill the sniffer
3. Use chown_wrapper to make your /tmp file readable
4. Use ls to see what is in your directory
5. Use nano to view a file – e.g. nano /tmp/f####
6. Use scp to copy files to your account…
7. Use ssh to login to your account (not outbound though)
8. Use less to view a file
9. mail and mutt are available to send mail
Here is what you cannot do:
A. Just about everything else – do not squirrel files away
in some deep dark location.
B. Cry. Crying is prohibited.
C. Get root access. It’s easy and encouraged!
Note: If you have any requests send them to both
f####@#### and
n####@####
Happy Hunting
———————————————————————-
Throughout the day, the server went crazy. Things changed by the second. I don’t know how many of the things that were happening actually happened … but I am very interested to get back to class on Tuesday and find out all that did happen. Many times during the day someone would kick me off the server, at one point someone had deleted all my wireshark log files (but luckily I had been emailing out logs to myself all day to have local copies).
But then the kicker came. Just minutes after I sent in my first email with the keyword “devolution” I got the following email back from my professor:
Subject: You have reached your email limit
User-Agent: Heirloom mailx 12.4 7/29/08
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Status: R
Dear Student,
You have surpassed your maximum quota of emails (-100 points).
Please refrain from sending any more emails during this assignment.
J### F####
And just as quick as that, I was disqualified. Someone had spoofed my email address and quickly put me over the 10 max emails. But then I got paranoid and thought … well maybe someone spoofed the disqualification email and I’m still in the game! Granted, it seems as though this exact same thing happened to most other students.
Today, we got an email from the professor talking about the first project that I thought was very funny and then caused me to write this post. The email is pasted below. All in all, I really enjoyed the project and had a great time.
Dear Network Security student
As you can probably tell, this quarter’s Network Security class is chock-full of nefarious people. This is great news because they will be able to tell us some interesting ways that nefarious people try to compromise a computer. The most important lesson learned from this assignment is that Network Security can be no better than Computer Security – we can employ the most advanced techniques for keeping network traffic secure but these are all wasted if some machine through which the traffic flows is compromised.
Notes:
1. All OSes have vulnerabilities. This includes Linux,
Windows, FreeBSD and others.
2. J#### L######, J### W########, J#### B#####, N####
H##### and I (principally L##### and I – so do
not blame the others) tried our best to harden helios
against attack but we apparently did not know as much
about unix as some other students who figured out how
to exploit the wrappers. Please realize that this is
common – a systems administrator of a networked
system must know as much about security as all people
on the rest of the planet to keep a system secure (ok
slight exaggeration) to prevent that one person who
knows something more from compromising the computer
and since systems are so complex, this has become a
major challenge.
3. It is interesting that about six people were capable
of getting out of jail but in the end only one was
dominant. Hopefully we will find out why.
4. Everyone who participated will receive full credit
for doing the assignment. Do not think that the final
score as calculated according to the assignment is
going to be used to compute a homework score – it is
only going to be used to determine the prize winner.
5. Some people sent email to gauss instead of helios.
I will consider those people as participating.
6. Due to the craziness involved, I will now have to
read over 2500 emails. It may be some time before a
prize is given. If the top scorer turns out not to
be the nefarious dominator, I will award two $25
prizes – one to each.
7. Finally – I would have used the word “sketchy” to
describe the people who caused so much havoc but the
definition of nefarious is closer to being accurate
- see for yourself:
Nefarious Ne*fa”ri*ous, a. [L. nefarius, fr. nefas crime,
wrong; ne not + fas divine law; akin to fari to speak. See
No, adv., and Fate.]
Wicked in the extreme; abominable; iniquitous; atrociously
villainous; execrable; detestably vile.
That’s all for now J### F#####
[Edit 14:49 4/11/2010]
Just received another email from the professor with the following noted:
At least one student received a nasty email which had
me as the sender – I never sent such an email.
Melissa and I are increasing the size of our family by +1. We are very excited to introduce to you: ___________!
That’s right, we don’t have a name yet! I will post a picture of our new puppy (2 year old, female, mix, but seems to be some german shepherd in her face) below and we want you to visit our survey monkey survey and let us know what name you like the most, second most, and third most.
Last night, I finished Marcus Luttrell and Partrick Robinson’s book, “Lone Survivor”. It was rather interesting. Marcus Luttrell is a Navy SEAL that during Operation Redwing was as the title says (and not giving away much of the story) the lone survivor.
Overall, it was a very quick read. The book reads in a very personal fashion from Luttrell’s perspective. He makes no attempt to hide his opinions about politics, news corporations, nor how awesome the Navy SEALs truly are.
The aspect I enjoyed most about his retelling of his story is that he includes more than just the facts of Operation Redwing. He talks about growing up, surviving BUD/S and touches on a few other missions him and his SEAL team went through. This in addition to his personal account of Operation Redwing, when his team was MIA, he tells the story of his family and friends back home, that he only found out later upon returning home.
Many times through the telling of his story, especially in Afghanistan, I found myself questioning the details of his story. ”How could this possibly have happened? How is he not dead right now!?!” But a lot of these questions go by the wayside when you remember the training they went through. He only touches the surface of the amount of training he had, and it is seriously impressive.
The story isn’t all that “deep” really. In fact, it is really just the story with one man’s opinions on paper. Don’t expect to be analyzing the mental state of US Navy SEALs nor the Taliban or al Qaeda, but do expect to be entertained, captivated, and appreciative.
Here is the summary from the back of the #1 National Bestseller, Back Bay Books, Paperback edition:
On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission: to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader. Less than twenty-four hours later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive.
This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. But it is also, more than anything, the story of the men who fought ferociously beside him until he was the last one left. Luttrell recalls their valiant efforts in one of the most powerful narratives every written about modern warfare – a stirring tribute to his teammates, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
You know how you sometimes get urgent letters from the chancellor of Nigeria’s brother’s second cousin’s financial adviser saying that if you wire $10 to some remote location to help the Prince’s dog get a rabies shot they will repay you with 1 bazillion dollars?
Well recently I got an email from a “man” named Michael Dale.
Let me tell you a little bit about Michael Dale. Well actually, let me quote his email and he will tell you a little bit about himself:
Bro. Michael Dale,The legal adviser to late Mr. Mike & Carol Hall, a God fearing and dedicated couple. They were very wealthy but had no child. They travelled to Patong-Thailand for Christmas holiday but met death on the 26th of December 2004 during the Tsunami disaster
HAH
I love spammers. I love them so much that I just have to play along
After I replied to his first email, I did not expect a response. But quickly my dear Michael replied and I had ourselves a conversation … for a little while. Enjoy the copy pastes below:
From: “michaeldale@juno.com” <michaeldale@juno.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:39:46 GMT
To: michaeldale2uk@hotmail.com
Subject: How does a person become a born again Christian?
Dear in Christ,
This is a personal email directed to you and I request that it be treate=
d as such. God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him i=
n truth and in spirit. Based on this scripture, it became obvious that I=
should do the right thing if I must enter into the kingdom of God .
I am, Bro. Michael Dale,The legal adviser to late Mr. Mike & Carol Hall,=
a God fearing and dedicated couple. They were very wealthy but had no c=
hild. They travelled to Patong-Thailand for Christmas holiday but met de=
ath on the 26th of December 2004 during the Tsunami disaster (http://new=
s.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4153821.stm).
As their legal adviser, before their death, the husband Mr. Mike Hall in=
structed me to write his WILL, because they had no child, he dedicated t=
heir wealth to God. They had a lot of landed properties houses Stocks/bo=
nds, etc.
According to the WILL, their assets should be given out to a ministry fo=
r the work of God. As their legal adviser, all the documents for the fun=
d that are deposited with the Vault Company are in my care. As a born ag=
ain Christian, I have been reading my bible and I have to do what is law=
ful and right in the sight of God by giving out the fund to the chosen m=
inistry for the purpose of God\'s work as instructed by the owners befor=
e there death. After my fasting and prayers Today, I asked God to make h=
is choice and direct me to an honest Christian or the chosen ministry th=
at deserves this fund by his Grace. I then came across your addresses on=
the Internet and decided to contact you.
However, before I proceed further, I will like you to answer the followi=
ng question(s).
1. According to John chapter one, Jesus Christ is what?
2. How does a person become a born again Christian?
3. Do you believe in the rapture of the church?
4. If you do believe in the rapture, then when will it come in relation =
to the tribulation?
5. At what point during the tribulation does the Battle of Armageddon ex=
plode?
6. If I would ask you for one Scripture above all others in the New Test=
ament that should identify you as being a brother in Christ, what would =
it be?
These questions should not offend you as all spiritual brothers and sist=
ers in Christ that have spent time in God's word do understand it.
May God bless you as you make up your mind to work for God.
Thanks.
Bro. Michael Dale.
Email: michaledalle@yahoo.com
My first reply is as follows:
Subject: Re: How does a person become a born again Christian?
From: Jason Pawlak <blog@pwlk.net>
To: "michaeldale@juno.com" <michaeldale@juno.com>, michaledalle@yahoo.com,
michaeldale2uk@hotmail.com
Dear Michael Dale (or is it Michale Dalle) -
Before I answer your questions, I would like to verify your credentials.
What qualifies you to be legal adviser to the late Mr. and Mrs. Hall? With
what organizations are you affiliated? Why is it that you listed three
different email addresses with two different names? Any why if this email
is directed to me, does it not list my name anywhere in the body?
How can I trust that this is no scam and that you are not trying to take
advantage of your fellow Christians?
Jason
I wasn't trying to be too polite or play along too much at first. But then he actually replied and that's when I decided it was time to see where this could go.
From: Michael Dale <michaeldale2uk@hotmail.com>
To: <blog@pwlk.net>
Subject: The Peace of our Father in Heaven be with you.
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:45:35 +0000
Dearest Jason,
Loving greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,I must say that your response is truly an evidence that your are capable of handling this project which will bring about joy and happiness to the Kingdom and I have no doubt in my mind that you will do what is right.
like I said in my previous mail,I am one of the Honorary Advisor of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland,England and also the legal adviser to late Mr. Mike & Carol Hall who where victims of the 26th of December 2004 during the Tsunami disaster (May their gentle souls rest in Peace). In line with their instructions, I am to distribute their wealth for the propagation of God's word. it was based on this I contacted you;
I got your contact details from an intensive search on the Internet for a God fearing person after days of prayer to God for whom will assist me in carrying out the wishes of Mr. Mike and Carol hall bearing in mind that I am also advanced in age. Therefore immediately I came across your website I knew by the ministration that yes you are the right person for this project and thus I contacted you.
So all you have to do now is to draw yourself closer to God and put everything in prayers and confidential so that you can be able to resist any form of temptations that Satan will want to throw at you this period.
Remain blessed in the vineyard of the Lord as I await your prompt response.
In Him always
Micheal Dale.
London,UK
NB The Name is MICHEAL DALE and the three different emails are mine.However at times to send email through a particuler one may be difficult due to net traffic and maybe my connection so I use the other.
Ok - Fine, don't answer any of my questions, but I'll reply.
Subject: Re: The Peace of our Father in Heaven be with you.
From: Jason Pawlak <blog@pwlk.net>
To: Michael Dale <michaeldale2uk@hotmail.com>
Michael -
So what you are saying is that if I draw myself closer to God and put
everything in prayers and confidential so that I can be able to resist any
form of temptations that Satan will want to throw at me this period I will
then be given money?
But Michael, how can such good fortune be true?
Jason
And finally! Here comes the punch line. My dear friend Michael puts the boat out in the water and starts phishing.
From: Michael Dale <michaeldale2uk@hotmail.com>
To: <blog@pwlk.net>
Subject: RE: The Peace of our Father in Heaven be with you.
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:19:25 +0000
Dearest Jason,
Loving greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Your mail is well received and I very much understand your mail.
However,I want you to know that there in no need for you to be suspicious and everything I have told you are very true and if you want,I can invite you at my expense to fly to the UK so we can meet in person and together fill all needed documents to transfer of the estate to you.
I have also Attached to this mail a copy of the Final Will and Testament of the Halls regarding the estate and I want you to go through it carefully and take notes then destroy it as no one apart from me is supposed to see it but since you are a true Christian and knowing your confidentiality in this matter I am sending it to you not only as proof but for you to see that the integral part of the dying wish of the Halls was for the estate to be released to a God fearing Christian just like you.
I also know that our Father in Heaven has seen your heart and knowing that you are an upright person who is dedicated to his work and that is why this estate of the Halls is being directed to you. Therefore I have no doubt in my mind that you will do what is right according to the wishes of my late clients, Mr and Mrs Carol Hall.
So you just put everything into prayers and have TRUST,BELIEVE and have FAITH and I assure you that everything is going to be fine.
Their bank as their finance mangers has disposed of all their assets in line with the instructions they gave. Everything came to a total of Four Million Seven Hundred Thousand British Pounds Sterling.The money is currently being held in trust by the bank and they have mandated me to forward to them information on how I wish the fund dispersed.
Now for us to proceed, and for you to collect the estate without any hitch. I will need to make some Documentation changes that is making you the beneficiary of the fund.And for this to be successfully done,I will require the following.
I will need you to send me by E-mail your complete name and address, I will also want you to send me your telephone and fax numbers for alternative communication.
These aforementioned information will be used by used by me to go to the High Court of Justice to secure you the relevant documentation in your favour.These documents include a Sworn Affidavit in your favour, a Certificate of Legality.
It is these documents that will make you the legal beneficiary of the fund and cause the bank to open communication with you on the modalities of transfer. These documents are very vital as without them the funds will not be released to you by the Finance firm where it is currently been held as you will have to provide copies to them before they can release the funds to you without any troubles.On this note, I will be very happy if you could send me these information's as soon as possible so that I can facilitate things and hopefully by the grace of the Almighty God on or before next week the funds will be with you.
Once again always remember that this project requires absolute confidentiality and as such I want you to give it all the secrecy that it deserves. Feel free to call me as soon as you receive this mail on my direct line +44-7024025883 for further clarifications its very important. Remain blessed in the vineyard of the Lord as I await your prompt response.
In Him always
Michael Dale.
London,UK
Here are attachments of the "will" he gave me:
Not to bad of phishing all things considered. But still it is a start. At this I decided to make a request that would probably end the conversation (and so far, it has). This is my last reply to him. It was two days ago that I sent this message, and previously he had been so prompt! I guess my friend Michael has decided to move on.
Subject: Re: The Peace of our Father in Heaven be with you.
From: Jason Pawlak <blog@pwlk.net>
To: Michael Dale <michaeldale2uk@hotmail.com>
Hello Michael -
Thank you for such prompt replies. You are quickly gaining my trust.
Please understand my concerns as now in the year 2010 there are many people
who would do such an evil thing as put on the facade of a Christian only to
do harm to you. This is much like the Taliban that my country is at war
with. They mask themselves as ordinary citizens only to put fellow citizens
in harms way. They are cowardly as is anyone who puts others in danger in
place of themselves.
However, due to the grand nature of this conversation, I do ask one more
favor in return for my cooperation. It might seem an odd request, but
please understand that I only ask this in attempt to completely verify the
validity of our conversation. You appear to be an upstanding man who has
complete and honest intentions, and I would like to assist you if you so
wish.
My request is that you take a picture of yourself from the waist up holding
a piece of paper that has my website address written on it:
http://www.pwlk.net.
I do this so that I know you are truthful and honest in your claims.
Best regards,
Jason
[ http://www.pwlk.net
I guess my phishing friend has bid me farewell. If not, I guess I just broke the confidentiality agreement ... so much for my millions.
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