Month: January 2006

Linksys Router No Longer Open Source

This link is mostly for my reference, but some of my geek readers might find it interesting.

I’ve recommended for several people the Linksys WRT54G router. It’s a good router, and, up until v. 5 of the router, used open-source firmware so a lot of great hacks were out there to make the thing a full-fledged firewall solution.

Unfortunately, with version 5 of the router came a firmware from another company that is not open-source, so none of the firewall hacks mentioned in the link above work.

So when you buy one of these routers, make sure it’s either a version 4 (or less) version of the above WRT54G router, or buy their new WRT54GL version of the router which uses the open-source firmware.

More details here. Link via BB.

January 1, 2006

Best Use of a Tivo Ever

If you really want to freak an avid lotto player out, Tivo last week’s drawing, buy him a ticket with those same numbers, and then replay the drawing while he’s watching (without him knowing it was a recording).

Modern technology can sometimes make practical jokes far too easy.

January 1, 2006

This Is Going In My Speed Dial

OK, so I’m a bit slow and missed this before, but I’m putting 1-800-FREE411 in my cell phone’s speed dial. All you have to do is listen to a quick advertisement, and it’s free (which is better than what my cell phone company charges for 411 access).

January 1, 2006

Trade In Your CDs For An iPod

I could probably round up 85 CDs and get myself a used Nano.

Oh, and Happy New Year! How many times have you written 1/1/05 today (I’m guilty of three, so far).

January 1, 2006