there’s a pretty slick device called the “thanko usb pc lock” that will unlock and lock your pc based on how close your are to it (physically).
the only downside is the software that comes with seems a bit wonky, but–bryan batchelder rolled up a better version which to address all the complaints we had, the future features look pretty sweet too.
forevergeek.com has a useful guide on speeding up firefox for broadband users. basically after getting to the hidden config settings you set the browser to request more data that it usually does.
1.Type “about:config” into the address bar and hit return. Scroll down and look for the following entries:
network.http.pipelining network.http.proxy.pipelining network.http.pipelining.maxrequests
Normally the browser will make one request to a web page at a time. When you enable pipelining it will make several at once, which really speeds up page loading.
2. Alter the entries as follows:
Set “network.http.pipelining” to “true”
Set “network.http.proxy.pipelining” to “true”
Set “network.http.pipelining.maxrequests” to some number like 30. This means it will make 30 requests at once.
3. Lastly right-click anywhere and select New-> Integer. Name it “nglayout.initialpaint.delay” and set its value to “0”. This value is the amount of time the browser waits before it acts on information it receives.
If you’re using a broadband connection you’ll load pages MUCH faster now!
in berlin there are rental bikes that you can a bit of money for, get a code and use the bike to go about your way. of course, something like this is an interesting challenge for people who like to figure stuff out. the hack a bike project replaced the software on the locks allowing a backdoor code so anyone, who knows the code can get some free bike action.
here’s a pretty cool diy project. if you have a dreamcast and want to make your own ddr mat (dance dance revolution) here’s a step by step that uses an old controller, carboard, toiler paper, cardboard and a bit of solder.
a couple folks sent this in (thanks!)–if you have an xm direct and want to use your pc to control it (and record with some of the apps that allow that) here’s a way to do it without paying $40 to $50 for the cables currently being sold, this one comes in at $15 and it’s a pretty simple project. nicely done jcdillin.
the enigma machine was invented in 1918 by arthur scherbius in berlin, it was, at the time a great way to encode messages, well, until it got beat. but now you can make one out of paper.
is there anything pdfs can’t do?
this machine is compatible with the original 3-rotor german enigma used during world war ii. for simplicity it omits the “ring settings” and plug board, but the primary workings of the machine are captured in this model. great as an educational tool, or just for fun!
a few of ya’ll sent this in, and it’s handy enough that it deserves a post!
portable firefox is a fully functional package of firefox optimized for use on a usb key drive. it has some specially-selected optimizations to make it perform faster and extend the life of your usb key as well as a specialized launcher that will allow most of your favorite extensions to work as you switch computers.
Continue reading “Portable Firefox, Browser On A Usb Device”
