Computers and Technology

If you’re using Linux (I have Ubuntu), chmod is one of the first things you need to learn. Less important now that there is a GUI that does it, but still I’d learn the command line chmod. Here is a really good tutorial if you still need to learn it:

Tutorial for chmod

Well, I’ve known chmod for probably 20 years. I can’t get it to work now, though:

Code:

So, this is on an external USB hard drive (sdb1) mounted at /media/Iomega HDD. Why don’t the privs change?

I have a home office desktop and a laptop that I use when I travel to clients’ sites. I’d like to use the desktop as the main machine, so I need to synchronize any file changes from the laptop when I’m out of town back to my desktop. Also, the next time I go out of town, I need to synchronize any file changes from the desktop to the laptop, so that they’re in sync at the time I leave. For this purpose, the tool to use is a file synchronizer. I have finally moved over completely to Linux (Ubuntu) on both the laptop and desktop. Most people still use Windows, though (I would suggest staying there for now), and many use Macs. So, the best tool would be one that supports all three platforms.

So, I went out searching for such tools. Here is a list of what I’ve found.. Note that even though these file and folder synchronization tools store your data in more than one place, you should not use them as data backup solutions. File synchronization means that when you add, change, or delete a file from one location, the program will perform the same operation at the other location. Hence each copy of the data is the latest copy.

I decided to use Unison. If I remember, I’ll write a review later. Here is a list of file synchronization packages, based on what I discovered.

Open Source and Freeware

• rsync – NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SYNCHRONIZATION. For those who know how to use the command line, rsync is a fast incremental file transfer utility. Requires manual configuration to setup correctly. It only performs one way updating (in other words, mirroring), however, while Unison does a full two way synchronization.
• Unison – Developed by the University of Pennslyvania, Unison is similar to rsync and has been around for a while. It works on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris. It actually uses rsync underneath, but also allows for full two way synchronization.
• JFileSync – Used to sync files between two directories, either on one computer, between two computers, or between a computer and another storage device. I found some good reviews on this one.
• WinSCP – Mainly a SFTP and FTP transfer client for Windows, however, it also has the ability for directory synchronization in semi and fully automatic ways. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION, but I do recomend it as an FTP client, and I always used it on Windows for FTPing files.
• PowerFolder – Easier to use for those that are not technically inclined. Securely sync, share, backup and transfer files.
• Directory Synchronize (DirSync) – Very light-weight utility packed with lots of options for file and folder synchronization. Synchronize from PC to USB stick to PDA, etc.
• iFolder – Developed by Novell in 2001, iFolder is a cross-platform file synching application. Can synchronize one folder to multiple computers with different operating systems.
• FullSync – A universal file synchronization and backup utility that is highly customizable and expandable.
• OpenSync – Used to sync PIM data such as contacts, calendar, tasks, and notes between a personal computer and mobile device.
• Conduit – If you’re using GNOME (Linux), Conduit is an open source app to synchronize files, photos, emails, contacts, etc to another computer or device.
• SyncEXPERT – Extremely easy to use Windows tool to synchronize data between desktop computers, laptops, USB drives, and any other Microsoft storage device.
• Allway Sync – Free file and folder synchronization program with a multi-lingual interface and support for true folder synchronization.
• SyncBack – Older version is free and has basic file backup and synchronization tools. Easy to use and supports encryption and compression.
• BestSync – Synchronize files to network drives, FTP servers, USB drives, and many other features.
• SyncMate – Synchronize your Mac with a Pocket PC using SyncMate Free edition. Will sync text messages, documents, contacts, calendar entries, etc.
• FolderShare – Microsoft’s free file synchronization tool that works on Windows XP and later and Mac OS X. Files cannot exceed 2 GB and a library cannot have more than 10,000 files.
• SyncToy – Using the .NET framework, Synctoy is a simple to use Powertoy for synchronizing files and folders.
• Windows Mobile Device Center – Replacing ActiveSync, it is the new program to synchronize Windows CE based devices with the Windows operating system.
• Easy2Sync – Free version allows you to sync one directory between two computers, not including sub-directories.
• ViceVersa – Supports 3 file comparison methods, multiple synchronization methods, and manual copy and delete for manual file sync.

Commercial Software

• Super Flexible File Synchronizer (SFFS) – Back up your data and synchronize PCs, Macs, servers, notebooks, and online storage space, including Amazon S3. I’ve read a lot of good reviews about this. 30 day free trial.
• Robocopy – Part of Windows VistaWindows VistaWindows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Robocopy is copy and xcopy on steriods. It has a mirror mode which keeps folders in sync, adding and deleting files.
• Synchronize It! 3 – Compare folders, unattended backup/sync, reporting and printing features also.
• Synchromagic – One-way or bi-directional synchronization of files and folders with many useful options.
• GoodSync – Listed under commercial because free version only lasts 30 days. Works with any file system, unlimited number of files can be synced, customizable interface, and more.
• SugarSync – Sync between your PC, Mac, and mobile device easily with remote access to your files from the Web or phone.
• Bamboo File Sync – Automated file backup and syncing with support for a large array of devices, including SD cards, HTPCs, MP3 players, NAS devices, and more.
• SureSync – Provides reliable and flexible file synchronization and replication between PCs or servers.
• SyncTogether – Synchronization utility for Mac users to sync contacts, bookmarks, calendars and other important data between Macs.
• iMobile – A corporate solution to keep data, files and software synced between mobile employees and company servers.
• beinsync – Syncs files between computers, share files quickly, access files from a Web browser, and backup files online.
• ViceVersa Pro – Much more advanced than the free version with multiple sync methods, no limits on data size, etc.

A large portion of this list comes thanks to http://mashable.com/2008/07/24/synching-files-and-folders/ which also has links for many of which I do not.

This story is File Synchronizers at Angulo Consulting

I can’t believe that this was such a problem. I am a software developer, and I don’t know a lot about networking. I have a client in Pittsburgh that has a Mac server and a Linux (RHEL) server on a LAN. They have a Netgear FVS 318v3 router on which they had once had a VPN running. A VPN lets me (and others given permission) to dial into the local network as though we were sitting in the office and physically plugged into the local network (LAN). It protects those servers from hackers, because it also acts as a firewall keeping all unauthenticated traffic out, and it changes the IPs of the servers as seen from the outside internet. They have a database running on their servers, so we needed to be on the same LAN in order to be able to use those database services.

Well, they moved the location of the servers, and they couldn’t get the VPN working again. At that point, I came in, so we needed to support a Linux client (my laptop or home PC being the client).

We hired a network consultant to set up the VPN (as I don’t know enough about it to do it myself). That consultant said he couldn’t use our Netgear router, so he would have to sell us his own router and charge a $100 per month fee to monitor it. This seemed outrageous, but in interest of getting the VPN up quickly, we agreed. He set up the router and gave us instructions to connect with a MAC or Windows client. When we asked a question about connecting with a Linux client, we received an e-mail stating: “I am sorry, this relationship is not working out. Please make arrangements to have another firewall installed and configured. We will plan to pick ours up late next week.” Unbelievable.

So, someone gave us a referral to another network consultant. After we explained what we needed, they were very unresponsive to our phone calls and e-mail. After 5 days, they called us and suggested we move our databases to a cloud server. That actually sounded reasonable to us, so we asked them to investigate it. Several days went by with them once again being unresponsive to both phone calls and e-mails. When they finally sent us an e-mail - after more than a week went by since the initial contact - they simply gave us a referral to another company.

I still can’t believe that this is so difficult! Lots of companies have VPNs that allow any client to connect!

Anyway, I wrote a question on LinuxQuestions.org at this thread:

    Thread at LinuxQuestions.org asking for help setting up VPN

Also, I started reading up about VPNs. I found out that the two main kinds of VPNs are IP-Sec and PPTP. The original VPN that my clients had running before they move the servers was an IP-Sec VPN. IP-Sec could be set up because they only had Mac laptops as clients. I’m told Mac laptops can be configured to connect to IP-SEC VPNs, but Linux (I have Ubuntu) clients cannot (NOTE: this turned out to be incorrect).

At this point, I was told that we needed a PPTP VPN, and that the Netgear could not act as an endpoint, but can pass PPTP traffic to one of the servers if we set them up as a PPTP server (NOTE: this also turned out to be incorrect).

In the LinuxQuestions.org thread, I was given several links which help explain VPNs in general, and give help in setting them up. From this, it looks like I can set up my Linux machines (laptop and home desktop) to be IP-Sec clients, so we can set up IP-Sec which the Mac laptops as IP-Sec slients too (actually, I think the Macs are set up as peer-to-peer networks).

Here are the links that are helpful:

• Types of VPN available on Linux
• How to set up a Virtual Private Network with Linux. This is the place to start. It passes me off to the next link below
• How to configure a Linux firewall to masquerade IPsec- and PPTP-based Virtual Private Network traffic
• A link to OpenVPN software to download for the Mac, Windows, and Linux clients

This blog article is titled How to set up VPN to allow Mac, Windows, and Linux clients and is on the Angulo Consulting blog.

I can’t believe that this was such a problem. I am a software developer, and I don’t know a lot about networking. I have a client in Pittsburgh that has a Mac server and a Linux (RHEL) server on a LAN. They have a Netgear FVS 318v3 router on which they had once had a VPN running. A VPN lets me (and others given permission) to dial into the local network as though we were sitting in the office and physically plugged into the local network (LAN). It protects those servers from hackers, because it also acts as a firewall keeping all unauthenticated traffic out, and it changes the IPs of the servers as seen from the outside internet. They have a database running on their servers, so we needed to be on the same LAN in order to be able to use those database services.

Well, they moved the location of the servers, and they couldn’t get the VPN working again. At that point, I came in, so we needed to support a Linux client (my laptop or home PC being the client).

We hired a network consultant to set up the VPN (as I don’t know enough about it to do it myself). That consultant said he couldn’t use our Netgear router, so he would have to sell us his own router and charge a $100 per month fee to monitor it. This seemed outrageous, but in interest of getting the VPN up quickly, we agreed. He set up the router and gave us instructions to connect with a MAC or Windows client. When we asked a question about connecting with a Linux client, we received an e-mail stating: “I am sorry, this relationship is not working out. Please make arrangements to have another firewall installed and configured. We will plan to pick ours up late next week.” Unbelievable.

So, someone gave us a referral to another network consultant. After we explained what we needed, they were very unresponsive to our phone calls and e-mail. After 5 days, they called us and suggested we move our databases to a cloud server. That actually sounded reasonable to us, so we asked them to investigate it. Several days went by with them once again being unresponsive to both phone calls and e-mails. When they finally sent us an e-mail - after more than a week went by since the initial contact - they simply gave us a referral to another company.

I still can’t believe that this is so difficult! Lots of companies have VPNs that allow any client to connect!

Anyway, I wrote a question on LinuxQuestions.org at this thread:

    Thread at LinuxQuestions.org asking for help setting up VPN

Also, I started reading up about VPNs. I found out that the two main kinds of VPNs are IP-Sec and PPTP. The original VPN that my clients had running before they move the servers was an IP-Sec VPN. IP-Sec could be set up because they only had Mac laptops as clients. I’m told Mac laptops can be configured to connect to IP-SEC VPNs, but Linux (I have Ubuntu) clients cannot (NOTE: this turned out to be incorrect).

At this point, I was told that we needed a PPTP VPN, and that the Netgear could not act as an endpoint, but can pass PPTP traffic to one of the servers if we set them up as a PPTP server (NOTE: this also turned out to be incorrect).

In the LinuxQuestions.org thread, I was given several links which help explain VPNs in general, and give help in setting them up. From this, it looks like I can set up my Linux machines (laptop and home desktop) to be IP-Sec clients, so we can set up IP-Sec which the Mac laptops as IP-Sec slients too (actually, I think the Macs are set up as peer-to-peer networks).

Here are the links that are helpful:

• Types of VPN available on Linux
• How to set up a Virtual Private Network with Linux. This is the place to start. It passes me off to the next link below
• How to configure a Linux firewall to masquerade IPsec- and PPTP-based Virtual Private Network traffic
• http://openvpn.net/”>A link to OpenVPN software to download for the Mac, Windows, and Linux clients

This blog article is titled How to set up VPN to allow Mac, Windows, and Linux clients and is on the Angulo Consulting blog.

I have been having slow internet response times for a while with Firefox under Ubuntu. I think there are probably multiple reasons here.

First, the recent memory leak fixes in Firefox seem to work in Windows, but it still seems to leak in Ubuntu.

Second, I’ve read in some forums that IPv6 might be a contributing factor. Evidently, when you type in a URL, both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses have to be looked up?

I’m trying these steps to disable IPv6:

1. I put these lines:

   Code:

   	alias net-pf-10 off
   	alias ipv6 off

   into the file /etc/modprobe.d/00local (I had to create the file since it didn’t already exist). I had to reboot after adding those lines. Here is an article describing how to do this in more detail.
   

2. I also turned off IPv6 in Firefox. This doght dmain names were resolved by the OS. Anyway, the way to do this in Firefox is to type about:config in the address box, then type ipv6 in the filter box. Double click the IPv6 line to change from disable:false to disable:true. Here is a screenshot.

I would appreciate comments or suggestions. This article is at Fix to slow internet in Ubuntu at Angulo Consulting. Unfortunately, I have comments turned off due to spammers, but if you create and validate an account, I’ll give you posting access.

Java Developer
Norfolk, VA
6-month CONTRACT-TO-HIRE

18-20 OPENINGS

**** MUST BE ABLE TO RELOCATE AND ABLE TO OBTAIN A SECRET CLEARANCE or ACTIVELY HOLD ONE ****

We currently have a client looking to bring on a large group of developers for a government contract. Interested candidates must be able to relocate to Norfolk, VA, be interested in going on as a permanent employee (these are all going permanent), and either hold an Active Secret clearance or have the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.

If interested, or if you know anyone who is interested, please feel free to pass this along or send your resume and HOURLY (W2) and SALARY requirements to jmarohn@apexsystemsinc.com

OOP/OOD - UML, Design Patterns, Gang of Four, EAI patterns.
Junit, TestNG - Unit testing framework.
Webservices - SOAP, RESTful, Messaging, WSDL, UDDI, XML, XSD
SQL Database
ORM - Hibernate

Who Oak Park Social Media/Web 2.0+
What Mobile & Social e.g. augmented reality, FourSquare, etc.
When Thurs Jul 29 7:00 PM
Where
   Poor Phil’s
   139 S. Marion
   Oak Park, IL 60302
   708-848-0871
Link http://www.meetup.com/Oak-Park-Social-Media-Web-2-0/calendar/13786772/

How to find us
We’ll be at a bar table near the door (at the front) with a sign on the table that reads, “social media meetup".

This Meetup repeats on the last Thursday of every month.

This meetup group facilitates digital professionals to discuss topics such as social media, digital strategy, best practices. Eventually, once there is a large enough group, I am hoping to organize events with guest speakers. To start, this is going to focus on a group discussion setting with predetermined topics. I find it helpful to share experiences with other professionals leveraging digital marketing and social media.

If you are a marketing professional, hands-on web designer, part-time blogger, web developer, or have a business you are promoting, you are welcome to join our group. This Social Media/Web 2.0 MeetUp isn’t limited to digital experts.

Announcing a new Meetup for The Chicago LAMP Meetup Group!

What ReAcquaint Meetup at Sync Technology Center
When Wednesday, June 30, 2010 6:00 PM
Where
   Sync Technology Center
   322 S. Green Street
   Chicago, IL 60607
Link http://www.meetup.com/The-Chicago-LAMP-Meetup-Group/calendar/13951324/?from=list&offset=0

Last minute meetup scheduled for this week: on Wed 6pm - 7:30pm. We’ve were lucky enough to find a Host in Sync Technology Center, which is a new Technology Incubator in the West Loop. Sync has a projector and you’d be welcome to show off your project / code.

This meetup will be partly

• Introductions
• Project blog-roll ( something I started online last week )
• Tech-Talk
• Networking

I think anyone who’s involved with LAMP, or wants to get an introduction to what we can have in July should come. I’m a jerk for not having these arrangements in advance. I promise to do a bit better in the months ahead.

Certainly, we’ve been getting some new members and there’s plenty of exciting projects.

More about the Sync Technology Center ( Syncubator ) and the Project blog-roll I set up at these links.

http://www.synctechcenter.com/
http://foursquare.com/venue/4435481
http://jessloren.wordpress.com/

For loopers and early birds, I’m getting a taste for Greek / Greektown, just around the corner at 5pm. If you’d like to make plans to join me, give a quick call at 224-531-9364 -RJK

Chicago Search Engine Marketing Meetup Group is having a meetup.

Come network with people interested in Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), and Social Media Optimization (SMO). Whether you are looking to network with other professionals in the field, seeking an SEM solution for your business, or just want to learn more about Search Engine Marketing, this is the group for you!

This Meetup repeats on the 4th Wednesday of every month.

Who Chicago Search Engine Marketing Meetup
what In this Meetup we will have a short presentation followed by actual case studies and a Q&A session.
Where TBA
When Wed Jun 30 @ 7:00 PM
Link http://www.chicagosem.org/calendar/13637463/?from=list&offset=0

What Chicago’s PHP Community Meetup
When Wednesday, July 28, 2010 6:30 PM
Where To Be Determined
Link http://www.meetup.com/Chicago-PHP-Meet-up/

This Meetup repeats on the 4th Wednesday of every month until August 25, 2010.

Mozilla today released Firefox 3.6.4 (download from here). This is an important upgrade because it contains a fix for the way Firefox handles links that are opened in a new browser window or tab (URL Spoofing, Code Injection), enabling attackers to inject arbitrary code into the new window or tab while still keeping a deceptive URL in the browser’s address bar. The vulnerability, in versions through 3.6.3, has the effect of tricking users into thinking that they’re visiting a legitimate site while instead sending arbitrary attacker-controlled code to their browsers.

The new version 3.6.4 also has installed a feature that runs plug-ins in separate processes, which keeps some crashes from occurring (see Firefox “Lorentz” Keeps Plugin Crashes Under Control).

To install the new version on Ubuntu, see the article How to Install and Use Firefox 3.6 in Ubuntu Linux.

For Ubuntu version 10.04 (Lucid), use this Apt line in the Synaptic Software Sources application:

Code:

Read article Firefox 3.6.4 Released at Angulo Consulting.

A new security threat, nick-named “Click Jacking,” is extremely difficult to thwart. Only the NoScript plug-in can stop it (see my prior articles What to do if your contacts get spam from you and Antivirus / Virus Protection / Spyware Protection on Linux Ubuntu). However, NoScript will also query clicks on Flash videos, commonly used on many websites - and it is not easy to install.

Hundreds of thousands of Facebook users are falling victim to this so-called “clickjacking” attacks, according to warnings from web security laboratoriess. Facebook members see links to subjects such as “World Cup 2010 in HD” or “Justin Bieber’s phone number” that their friends appear to have “liked". Clicking the link tricks users into recommending the site on Facebook too.

Security experts say the scam currently has no malicious intent but could be adapted to deliver malware. The link generally takes the user through to a page containing an instruction, such as asking them to click a button to confirm that they are over 18. However, wherever they click on the page it adds a link to their own Facebook profile saying they have also “liked” the site.

Currently the purpose of clickjacking is “trivial” and does not actively result in any malware or phishing attacks, said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. “At the moment the attacks which we’ve seen are more like old-school viruses - written for the heck of it to see how many fans they can get. But our feeling is that it would be fairly easy for the bad guys to introduce some revenue generation for themselves,” he told BBC News.

Clickjacking works across all computer operating systems, added Mr. Cluley.

The Facebook attack uses iFrames, which essentially places an invisible button over an entire web page, so that wherever the user clicks, they end up hitting the button - in this case a hidden Facebook “like” button.

A free plug-in called NoScript, built for the Firefox web browser, includes pop-up warnings about potential clickjacks. However, it will also query clicks on Flash videos, commonly used on many websites - and it is not easy to install, said Mr. Cluley. “You have to be a little bit nerdy to configure it.”

Read Article New Facebook Security Threat Targets Windows, Mac, and Linux deny from Browsers at Angulo Consulting

Lately, I have received spam from a number of my friends. Somehow, spammers are breaking into their accounts and stealing their contact list. My friends frequently do not know what to do when this happens to their account. Here are my suggestions:

1. Run a thorough virus check.
2. Make sure you’re running
   1. virus software
      free suggestion: Avast! (http://www.avast.com)
      
   2. firewall
      free suggestion: ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonealarm.com/)
      
   3. spy blocker
      free suggestion: Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org)
      
   4. hostsman (http://abelhadigital.com)
3. Do not use IE. Use firefox
4. Make sure you have the plug-ins below installed in your firefox. These are free, and you find them from within firefox itself. See my the Firefox Plugins section in my previous article. (Note the previous article is about Linux security, but the Firefox section applies to all operating systems, including all Windows versions). Here are my suggestions on plugins to install:
   
   
   1. BetterPrivacy
   2. NoScript
   3. CS Lite
   4. Ad Block Plus
5. Change your password at your ISP and wherever you have your e-mail hosted

Please contact me if you have questions or suggestions to add to this list.

Read article What to do if your contacts get spam from you at Angulo Consulting

Contact:
Michael Lipinski
Sr. Recruiter
NueVista
630-200-9563 - cell
mjl1976@yahoo.com

Java Web Developer
• 3+ years Java development experience in OO and distributed environments.
• 3+ years Development experience with web technologies(e.g. Spring MVC, JSP, HTML, AJAX, JavaScript, SiteMesh, GWT).
• 3+ years experience with SQL and Relational databases (e.g. Oracle). This includes having in depth experience of complex multi-table structures. Must be able to performance tune queries to run efficiently with high volumes of data.
• 1+ years with Linux/Unix.
• Experience with Spring Framework, a must.
• Experience using Tomcat or other Java Application Server for executing applications.
• Experience with Eclipse, Maven, Bamboo and ClearCase a plus.
• Knowledge of open source libraries such as Log4j, JUnit, Ant, UC4 and Apache Commons, a plus.
• Ability to learn existing applications quickly and to be able to make modifications to them.
• Ability to work independently.

Java & PL/SQL developer:
BSc degree in Computer Science or related engineering field.
5+ years of J2EE and 3+ years of large scale application design and coding experience.
Strong experience in Java 2 core libraries, multi-threading and design patterns.
Strong experience with Oracle 9i/10g/11g and PostgreSQL databases.
Ability to learn, apply and explain new tools and technologies quickly.
Working knowledge of ClearCase, SVN and Maven.
Experience in using Spring application framework and Hibernate.
Working knowledge of JBoss Application Server and Tomcat web container.
Working knowledge of Linux (RedHat), Unix (Solaris 10) and shell scripting.
Familiarity with GIS platforms, and geo-spatial tools and APIs is a plus.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio and UML modeling tools.
Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Creative, problem-solving approach with developed multi-tasking ability.
Ability to effectively function in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Java/J2ee (SOA) Architect:
BSc degree in Computer Science or related engineering field. MSc is preferred.
5+ years of J2EE and 5+ years of SOA application design and coding experience.
Proven track of delivering large scale and high performance Internet applications with sub-second response times and stringent SLAs.
Ability to learn, apply and explain new tools and technologies quickly.
Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies, and ability to act as Scrum Master.
Strong experience in performance tuning highly concurrent Java applications running on Linux and x86.
Strong experience in using Spring application framework and Hibernate.
Strong knowledge of SOAP, REST, XSD, WSDL and WS-* standards.
Working knowledge of JMS standard and implementations (e.g. Apache Qpid).
Working knowledge of JBoss Application Server and Tomcat.
Working knowledge of Linux (RedHat) and Unix (Solaris 10).
Familiarity with Apache Hadoop, HDFS, Solr, Lucene, and Katta is a big plus.
Familiarity with XMPP and other messaging technologies.
Familiarity with Java based business rules engines such as JBoss Drools and Guvnor.
Familiarity with Oracle 10g/11g, MySQL and PostgreSQL databases.
Familiarity with GIS platforms, and geo-spatial tools and APIs is a plus.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio and UML modeling tools.
Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Creative, problem-solving approach with developed multi-tasking ability.
Ability to effectively function in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Sharepoint Developer
Key Responsibilities Include:

• SharePoint 2010 Enterprise development for multi-client portals
• Evaluating and utilizing pre-built and customized SharePoint Web Parts
• Comprehensive use of key SharePoint functionality, including Content Management and Search
• Performing technical analysis
• Creating and reviewing technical documentation
• Leading team of SharePoint developers to deliver on-time, within budget, and with high quality
• Contributing to team-wide process improvements, best practices and development standards

Requirements

• BS Computer Science or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of experience in an IT/IS role
• Strong experience in architecting, designing, and developing technology solutions
• Expertise in SharePoint MOSS 2007 and ability to leverage skills to SharePoint 2010
• Proficient in .NET programming, ASP.NET, and web services
• Practical experience in utilizing design patterns
• Practical experience in creating good user experiences in web sites that incorporate high design and usability standards
• Must be self-motivated, have a strong team orientation, and be able to learn quickly
• Must be well organized and capable of handling multiple projects and deadlines
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work with a wide variety of people and roles, including end users, business analysts, and executives.

QA Analyst
Recruiting for a QA tester with a development background. Candidate should be proficient with testing methodologies preferably iterative approach. The candidate must be proficient with SQL, UNIX/LINUX, and messaging technologies preferably TIBCO. In addition, they candidate must have prior experience testing large systems. In addition, the candidate must have prior experience integrating large systems.

Microsoft announced that it is ending support for some versions of Windows

• Support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended on April 13, 2010.
• Support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) will end on July 13, 2010.
• Support for Windows 2000 is also being terminated
• The company will still support SP3 for Windows XP

If you’re running one of these versions after support ends, you won’t get security updates for Windows. These include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal your personal information. Windows Update also installs the latest software updates to improve the reliability of Windows—new drivers for your hardware and more.

Finding out which version of Windows you’re running can help you determine which features are available on your computer. Here’s how to check.

• Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, type winver in the search box, and then press Enter.
• If the steps above don’t work on your computer, you might be running a previous version of Windows. To check, click Start, click Run, type winver, and then press Enter.

Read blog article Microsoft ends support for XP and some versions of Vista at Angulo Consulting

Parts of Facebook seem to be down for me today.

I have written many times about problems with Google services. Just this morning, I wrote about the Google GSS Reader (iGoogle) down and included links to my older articles about service disruptions in gmail, gmail POP3 interface, Google’s RSS reader, and Google’s search engine. I’ve written so many times, I just assumed that I had written about Facebook too, but a search shows I haven’t.

I decided to write today because I was wondering what people who use the Facebook games (Mafia Wars, etc.) were doing without those services.

I guess, though, a more thorough article is necessary. Facebook users should consult the Down Right Now site. They have a page for Facebook that shows its current status as well as the status of Facebook for the past 24 hours. Right now, it reports that there were serious issues about an hour ago, after which it came up for a while. However, now it shows it as down again.

Anyone need a free F15 bomber for their Mafia Wars collection?

Today Google’s RSS reader (iGoogle at http://www.google.com/ig or http://igoogle.com) is down. DownRightNow (http://downrightnow.com) does not have a page for iGoogle, only for gMail.

This follows a long string of problems with Google services. See my related stories at:

• Google gmail pop3 interface down on November 22, 2009
• Google gmail down?? on September 21, 2009
• GMail outage on September 1, 2009
• Google RSS Reader (iGoogle) down on March 25, 2010
• Google Search engine down on March 25, 2010

And then, of course, there’s my long running complaint about submitting bugs to Google:

• Submitting bugs to Google or Gmail

Tomorrow (Thursday, April 28, 2010) Canonical will release the next incarnation of Ubuntu, version 10.04, codenamed ”Lucid Lynx.” This release does something that no other OS has done and integrate “social” right into the OS. Lucid Lynx will bring with it a whole host of UI betterments, but the aspect that ZDNet author Adrian Kingsley-Hughes thinks will be a big hit amongst users is social integration. Ubuntu 10.04 will come, out of the box, equipped with a browser, an email client, and IM client and a music store.

The music store comes in the form of Ubuntu One, an iTunes without the DRM that gives users access to millions of tunes. An app going by the odd name of Gwibber allows users to combine data from Twitter, Facebook, Digg and other online services. This microblogging app is built directly into the OS so users can boot and and hook into their data streams effortlessly. No other OS, not Windows, not Mac OS X, not the even the “hyped to the heavens” iPhone and iPad platform, offers users so much social integration right out of the box. No additional software required.

It’s still early, but this OS could allow Linux to get an additional foothold in the OEM market, targeting a more mainstream user base. Courting social network enthusiasts could be a good move for Canonical and Ubuntu - because if the OS is popular, these people could be very influential and help spread the word to a new audience.

Read article Can Ubuntu 10.04 “Lucid Lynx” lure the social crowd? at Angulo Consulting

Fake anti-virus software that infect PCs with malicious code are a growing threat, according to a study by Google. Its analysis of 240m web pages over 13 months showed that fake anti-virus programs accounted for 15% of all malicious software.

Scammers trick people into downloading programs by convincing them that their PC is infected with a virus. Once installed, the software may steal data or force people to make a payment to register the fake product. “Surprisingly, many users fall victim to these attacks and pay to register the fake [anti-virus software],” the study said. “To add insult to injury, Fake anti-viruses often are bundled with other malware, which remains on a victim’s computer regardless of whether a payment is made.”

‘Be suspicious’

The study, which was presented at the Usenix Workshop on Large-Scale Exploits and Emergent Threats in California, analysed websites between January 2009 and February 2010. It discovered more than 11,000 web domains involved in its distribution of fake anti-virus. More than half of the fake software was delivered via adverts, Google said.

Graham Cluley of security firm Sophos, who was not involved in the study, said that one of the key ways that hackers spread fake anti-virus was so-called black hat search engine optimisation techniques. “The hackers track trending news stories - such as the death of Michael Jackson,” he said. “They then create websites stuffed with content, which in many cases can appear on the first page of search results.” Anyone clicking on the link, he said, would be confronted with a pop-up with a link to fake anti-virus software.

Google uses tools to filter out booby-trapped websites, but the firm said that hackers were managing to avoid detection by moving between domains quickly.

Mr Cluley said that people should be familiar with their own anti-virus software and should “always be suspicious” if they were confronted with a pop-up telling them you need to download something extra or spend money to clean up a computer. “If you already have anti-virus installed you shouldn’t need to do that,” he said

Read article Google warning on fake anti-virus software at Angulo Consulting

Google is investigating a growing number of reports that hackers are breaking into legitimate Gmail accounts and then using them to send spam messages. The problem started about April 13 but seems to have escalated over the past few days.

“The Gmail team takes security very seriously and is investigating the reports we’ve seen in our user forums over the past few days,” Google said Tuesday in an e-mailed statement. “We encourage users who suspect their accounts have been compromised to immediately change their passwords and to follow the advice at the following page: http://www.google.com/help/security/.”

Antispam vendor CloudMark noticed an uptick in Gmail-based pharmaceutical spam just a few days ago, according to Jamie Tomasello, the company’s abuse operations manager. “We really saw this activity pick up on Friday and Saturday,” she said via instant message.

A case in point is that of Cassandra Robertson who walked into a Gmail spam mess on Monday morning. “I noticed I had all these returned messages from people who were vaguely irate that I had sent them something that appeared to be spam,” she said. About 250 of her Gmail contacts received messages that contained a link to a Web site called Canadian Health&Care Mall, which offers Viagra for just $1.85 per pill. That was embarrassing, said Robertson, a project manager with a Portland, Oregon, engineering firm. “I sent out that e-mail to everybody in my address book, which included people I had sent résumés to when I was job searching,” she said.