All about URL rewriting

A few sources for good information and help on rewriting URLs.

• Mod_Rewrite Wizard: Using this tool you can transform long dynamic URLs into short static URLs. Enter your dynamic URL and click Start.
• An Introduction to Rewriting: The Apache server’s mod_rewrite module gives you the ability to transparently redirect one URL to another, without the user’s knowledge. This opens up all sorts of possibilities, from simply redirecting old URLs to new addresses, to cleaning up the ‘dirty’ URLs coming from a poor publishing system — giving you URLs that are friendlier to both readers and search engines.
• mod_rewrite Tips and Tricks for Apache .htaccess: A nicely compiled list of tips and tricks.

Also check out my blog post 'See what htaccess can do for you'

Suite of hacker tools with no install Linux distro

Knoppix STD is a Linux-based Security Tool. Actually, it is a collection of hundreds if not thousands of open source security tools. It's a Live Linux Distro, which means it runs from a bootable CD in memory without changing the native operating system of the host computer. Its sole purpose in life is to put as many security tools at your disposal with as slick an interface as it can.

Knoppix STD doesn't even have to be installed. Just burn it to a CD, place it in your CD drive, reboot the computer and let it boot from the CD. Knoppix STD will be setup for you. Couldn't be easier to play around with a Linux distro or in this case test out some hacker tools. (built ontop of Knoppix)

Link:
http://www.knoppix-std.org/


Other distros to check out:

• Slax - Some cool custom distros, each for a certain purpose (all fits on a single CD)
• Helix - Used for computer forensics (built on Knoppix)

Step by Step: Configuring SSL Under Apache

With a secure web server, clients can connect to your server secure in the knowledge both that it is who it claims to be and that the transaction is well-encrypted so their data is safe. The best way of doing this is with Apache 2, the leading Linux web server software, and Secure Sockets Layer, a secure communication protocol. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the successor to SSL, but they work in basically the same way. I'll refer from here on just to SSL.

Link:
http://www.onlamp.com/...

gOS Rocket Beta

Will gOS become something huge in the OS market?
Have you downloaded it and given it a try?

I haven't had the chance yet but am interested in it and when I get some time will probably do so. I just wanted to do a quick post since its move a bit more forward with the Rocket Beta release.

Link:
http://www.thinkgos.com

Computer forensics with Helix

Helix is a customized distribution of the Knoppix Live Linux CD. Helix is more than just a bootable live CD. You can still boot into a customized Linux environment that includes customized linux kernels, excellent hardware detection and many applications dedicated to Incident Response and Forensics.

Helix has been modified very carefully to NOT touch the host computer in any way and it is forensically sound. Helix wil not auto mount swap space, or auto mount any attached devices. Helix also has a special Windows autorun side for Incident Response and Forensics.

Link:
http://www.e-fense.com/helix/

What Software Powers Nine of the Largest Sites?

Have you ever wondered what software powers sites like YouTube, Flickr, and MySpace? Wonder no more because Pingdom has the scoop! The results are located in the table above, and as you can see Linux, Apache, and MySQL are among the most popular tools. In the end this is how the stats play out:

Link:
http://.../what-software-powers-nine-of-the-largest-sites/

Steve Ballmer lets the cat out of the bag

A team of Microsoft spokespeople have been working throughout the day to devise a plausible explanation for a comment made by CEO Steve Ballmer during a company gathering in the UK, which on its face appears to say it is considering litigation against users of Red Hat Linux for copyright infringement.

Read more:
http://...Microsoft_Scrambling_to_Explain_Ballmer_Comment/

Webserver On Stick (WOS)

WOS Portable: "WOS stands for the three letter abbreviation Webserver On Stick and makes it possible, to run a webserver based on Apache, MySQL and PHP from an USB Stick or any other writable media (harddrive, flash cards etc.) without installation under Windows (98 to Vista). There are three different versions of WOS:"

This is a great way to showcase a PHP website when you have no control over the location. Simply place the website on a USB drive, carry to the location, showcase your work and accept pat on the back.

Link:
http://www.chsoftware.net/en/useware/wos/wos.htm

Another Windows user switches to Linux

Read the on going story of one Windows users journey into the land of Linux. Will he make it? Will he stay? Will he be back for Windows 7 ? (queue cliffhanging music).

Link:
http://.../index.php?topic=8777

3D Desktop is simply amazing and probably the future

If you haven't seen any of the video of the 3D Desktops that are floating around, boy are you missing out. You have to check the videos out and see how amazing a 3D Desktop can be.

Link:
http://crave.cnet.com/...

On a Linux server, then see what htaccess can do for you

If you have never heard of an htaccess file that you may missing on some very powerful things that you can be doing on your website. Instead of spelling it all out here I will provide some links to some of the best website on htaccess.

htaccess Generator:
http://cooletips.de/htaccess/

.HTACCESS files useful tips and tricks:
http://www.garnetchaney.com/htaccess_tips_and_tricks.shtml

Using the .htaccess File:
http://www.wise-women.org/tutorials/htaccess/