How to change the log in email for blogger

In the beginning, It appears not easy to change the log in email for blogger but it is pretty easy by exploiting the guest blogger feature of blogger. You need to send an invitation to your new email address as guest blogger to your blog and then making the new email as administrator to the blog.

Steps as follows:

1. Login to Blogger using your current gmail email address.

2. Click on Settings on Dahboard for the blog you wish to transfer in case you have more than one blog set on blogger. Now, click on Permission under Settings tab.

3. Click on "ADD AUTHOR" under Blog Authors. Now type your second gmail address and click on Invite.

4. Now check your second gmail account and open the message from blogger. Click on the link provided in the email and sign in with your second Google Account to confirm the invitation and start posting to this blog as guest blogger.

5. Follow the step 2 and you will now see your second account as Guest under the Permissions sub tab of Settings. Now click on the "grant admin privileges" and confirm your action to grant the admin rights to your second email.

6. That's it. Now you can delete your first email address or leave it with Guest privileges.

Note: You will have to do the same for every blog you have with blogger.

See some of the screenshot for your reference:

How to block download of mp3, avi, mpeg, mpg and exe file using SQUID proxy server

Squid is a powerful caching proxy for Linux. If you are using Squid or planning to use Squid, it is better to know how are you going to block unnecessary traffic like downloading mp3, avi, mpeg, mpg or exe files which will save some of the bandwidth for legitimate use of network users. It also runs on Unix and Windows and is licensed under the GNU GPL.

Lets start to configure the Squid for our above said purpose. We will be adding few things in /etc/squid/squid.conf file and will also create a new file which will keep the extension detail of file types to be blocked.

Steps 1: Add few things to Squid configuration file

1. Open the Squid configuration file
# vi /etc/squid/squid.conf

2. Add the following lines to the Squid ACL section
acl blockfiles urlpath_regex "/etc/squid/blockedmedialist.acl"


Step 2: Create a new file

# vi /etc/squid/blockedmedialist.acl
\.[Ee][Xx][Ee]$
\.[Mm][Pp][Ee][Gg]$
\.[Mm][Pp][Gg]$
\.[Mm][Pp]3$
\.[Aa][Vv][Ii]$

You can add more file extension to the list and save the file and restart the Squid to take the changes in effect.

How to create combo box and drop down list in Micorosft office word documents?

Most of the Microsoft users doesn't know that creating a drop down list in Microsoft word is possible and it is so easy. This is helpful particularly if you are designing a form.

Steps are as follows:

1. First you need to turn on your Forms menu if it is not visible. Do do that, click on "View" -> "Toolbars" -> "Forms".

2. Once Form toolbar is visible, click on the "Drop-Down Form Field". This create a Drop button in the word document. Now click on the "Form Field Options" button in the Form tool bar and add the Drop-down item' by clicking on "Add".

3. Make sure you check "Drop-down enabled" option and click OK.

4. Now, click on the "Protect Form" button in the Form toolbar.

5. That's it. You should be able to use the drop down list now.

Read for advanced option: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306258

Security flaw has been detected in iPhone

A security flaw has been detected in iPhone which can allow unauthorized people to access virtually all the user information, including e-mail, contact details and gives access to 3G data surfing on Safari browser.

Canonical issued patch for Ubuntu security flaw

A security patch has been issued for Ubuntu from Canonical against a security flaw which could let a local attacker exploit this to execute arbitrary code as root, or crash the system, leading to a denial of service. Similar patch is also being issued by other Linux vendors too. So make sure your Linux OS is updated for this security flaw.

Internet Explorer 8 beta2 released

Microsoft announced the release of beta 2 of Internet explorer 8 on 27 Aug,08. considering being chipped away by Mozilla's Firefox browser, the latest version of Internet explorer replicates features found in Firefox 3, including smart address bar and has pledged to deliver more regular updates of Internet explorer. The Smart address bar remembers and redirects to website address visited before by user.

The beta release of Internet Explorer 8 can be downloaded at Microsoft.com/Internet explorer 8

W32.Gammima.AG worm makes to Orbit

NASA has confirmed that W32.Gammima.AG worm virus intended to steal passwords and send them to a remote server infected laptops in the Space Station in July,08.

The worm was first detected on Earth in August 2007 and lurks on infected machines waiting to steal login names for popular online games.

Link: Computer viruses make it to orbit

How to enable packet filtering in Linux?

If you need to use Linux box for Ethernet bridge or router to route network traffic, you will need to enable packet forwarding in /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward file and set the value as 1. This can be achieved by directly editing the /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward file by issuing this command vi /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward. Alternatively, you can use another methods also to enable it:

1. echo 1> /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward

2. Edit /etc/sysctl.conf and set the value of net.ipv4.ip_forward=1. This is the Linux config file so be extra careful while editing it.

Also, check /etc/sysconfig/network file and set the value FORWARD_IPV4=true. The default value is FORWARD_IPV4=false.

List of Red Hat / Fedora Network configuration files

This is the list of network configuration files in Red hat and fedora. These files are very important when you want to configure network cards in Red Hat or Fedora. Network configuration files are as follows:

1. /etc/sysconfig/network: This is the network configuration file used by the system during boot process.

2. /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0: This is the configuration file for first Ethernet port 0. You can set various setting related to interface card in this file.

3. /etc/modprobe.conf (kernel 2.6) or /etc/modules.conf (kernel 2.4) or /etc/conf.modules (for older systems): This tells the kernel which device driver to use if configured as a loadable module.

You can also edit the network configuration file in Red Hat/Fedora by GUI tool. You can open the GUI tool by typing /usr/bin/system-config-network command from terminal.

Related: List of common TCP/IP Network Configuration Files in Linux

List of common TCP/IP Network Configuration Files in Linux

List of TCP/IP Network configuration files in Linux are as follows:

1. /etc/resolv.conf: This is the name resolver configuration file. This file will be updated automatically if you are using DHCP otherwise you have to add static IP address of the DNS server you will be using.

2. /etc/hosts: This file locally resolve host names to IP addresses.

3. /etc/nsswitch.conf: This is a Database and Name Service Switch configuration file.

Related Reading: List of Red Hat / Fedora Network configuration files

How to configure VLAN in Linux?

Follow the steps below to configure VLAN in RedHat:

1. Open the Terminal

2. You need to copy file /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 to /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0.X where X is the VLAN ID like 2, 3 or 4 and so on. Don't use 1 as VLAN ID.

Type this command while you are in terminal: cp /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0.3 (Note: i have chosen 3 as my VLAN ID)

3. Now, open the /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0.3 file and change following: (Note: Don't change anything /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 file.)

Command: vi /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0.3

Change following -
- DEVICE=ifcfg-eth0 to ifcfg-eth0.3
- Append VLAN=Yes
- Enter the correct IP addresses

Note: Don't enter gateway entry in any of the network config file except /etc/sysconfig/network file.

4. Now, Restart the network by issuing this command from Terminal
# /etc/init.d/network restart

Alternatively, you can also use vconfig command to configure VLAN.

What is VLAN?

VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. Virtual word used with LAN means that several VLANs can co-exist on a single physical switch and that can be configured via software, not through the hardware interface and combines multiple LANs at once.

Advantages of VLANs:
1. It improves the performance.
2. Ease of management
3. Improves security
4. Can be used as trunks
5. You don't need to change configuration of your hardware device when you move server to another location.

Related reading: How to configure VLAN in Linux?

Microsoft site "Photosynth" makes digital photos into panoramas

Photosynth.com is a Microsoft's site which will change the way you experience and share photos. First it was snapshot, then video and now is Photosynth. Photosynth transforms regular digital photos into a three-dimensional, 360-degree experience.

Imagine being able to share the places and things you love using the cinematic quality of a movie, the control of a video game, and the mind-blowing detail of the real world. With nothing more than a bunch of photos, Photosynth creates an amazing new experience.

- http://photosynth.net/about.aspx

Read full story: Microsoft Photosynth

Link 18 Aug, 08

1. How To Install Winxp And Linux To The Same Computer : This link is for those who want to install a double boot Linux/WINXP, but but want to keep the Windows boot menu to choose the operating system.

How to install StartDict Dictionary in Linux.

In Linux, two best dictionary tools are JaLingo and StartDict. I simply prefer StarDict because it is supported by many Linux distributions and particularly by Ubuntu as I am using Ubuntu in my Dell Laptop.

StarDict uses its own dictionary format. So, you have to install dictionaries before you actually start using StarDict. You can find a good selection of ready-to-use dictionaries at http://stardict.sourceforge.net/Dictionaries.php.

If you want a dictionary for your Linux OS, then Lets install it now. Follow the steps below (Ubuntu Ubuntu 7.10- the Gutsy Gibbon):

1. Go to Application -> Accessories -> Terminal

2. Type this command and hit enter: sudo apt-get install stardict

3. It will ask for password and will start installing it after you agree to continue by pressing "y" for Yes.

4. Download the Dictionary of your choice from http://stardict.sourceforge.net/Dictionaries.php

5. Go back to terminal console again. Untar the dictionary file in current directory using command tar -xjvf stardict-freedict-eng-hin-2.4.2.tar.bz2 where stardict-freedict-eng-hin-2.4.2.tar.bz2 is the name of dictionary file which I downloaded for my laptop.

6. Now move the untar file to /usr/share/stardict/dic. Issue this command in Terminal - "sudo mv stardict-freedict-eng-hin-2.4.2 /usr/share/stardict/dic".

7. Installation is complete now. To Open the StarDict dictionary, Go to: Application -> Accessories -> StarDict

NOTE: If you are interested to know more about StarDict, Read this article - Two spiffy dictionary tools for Linux desktop users

Installation Screenshot:

How to diable Registry Editing in Windows

In some computers, you may come across this message that "registry editing has been disabled by your administrator". This is a good practice to disable registry editing to protect your computer from Visrus. Only problem with that is you can not install any program in your computer unless you enable the registry editing back on. Follow the steps below to disable the registry editing. This has been tested on my Windows XP operating system.

1. Go to Start -> Run and type gpedit.msc. This will open Group Policy Windows.

2. Navigate to User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Prevent access to registry editing tool.

3. Then Click on "Prevent access to registry editing tool" and select "Enabled" under Setting Tab and Click Apply and then OK.

4. Now try to edit the registry and You will see this error "Registry Editing has been disabled by your Administrator".

Links 13 Aug,08

Links for Drupal CMS:

1. How to block bots hotlinking and ban IP htaccess

Lockheed Martin to invest $300,000 in IIT Delhi

IANS has reported that Combat aircraft manufacturing giant Lockheed martin has chosen IIT, Delhi for research in bio and nano-technology. There is no doubt that IIT is an excellent technology institute. Now, it has started to being recognized by world .

Airtel and Vodafone set to launch the iPhone 3G in India on August 22

Apple has partnered with two different operators in India Airtel and Vodafone to launch its latest iconic gizmo iPhone 3G. Prices are not disclosed yet. Speculation is that it might cost between Rs. 25,000 and Rs.30, 000.

User Points Contributed modules for Drupal

This is a collection of modules that make use of User Points module API.

List of some contributed modules included in this project are:

1. user2userpoints: Allows users to send points to other users.

2. userpoints_reset: Resets all userpoints on the site.

3. userpoints_retroactive: Calculate userpoints for nodes and comments created so far.

4. referral_points: Allows referrers to get bonus points percentage points for all user points awarded to their referrees.

5. userpoints_ecommerce: Interfaces userpoints with ecommerce, so users can get points for purchases, as well as use points as a payment method for checkout.

6. userpoints_nodelimit: Enables a limit on node creation based on user points

7. userpoints_invite: Users earn points when they invite other, and when others register.

8. userpoints_cap: Limit the number of points a user can earn.

9. userpoints_reserve: Automatically set Ecommerce exchange rate based on a cash reserve.

10. userpoints_autoapprove: Automatically approves outstanding transactions after a chosen period.

11. userpoints_transaction_tools: Adds extra features to report on transactions.

12. userpoints_email: Userpoints email notification.

13. userpoints_expire: Inactive users lose a certain number of points every certain period.

14. userpoints_expire_every: Periodic expiry of userpoints for all users. Useful for contests.

15. userpoints_role: Users join/leave roles as they earn/lose certain points threshold.

16. userpoints_role_exempt: Exempts certain roles from earning userpoints. Useful for admin.

17. userpoints_no_negative: Prevents transactions that would cause accounts to be negative.


Link: User Points Contributed modules

Deadwood module for Drupal

Deadwood module is great tool for Drupal CMS which automate the task of updating a contributed module for Drupal API changes, and thereby simplify the task of porting contributed modules shortly after a new Drupal release.