Free Software Leftovers-
If the words CGA or Hercules raise sweet memories from your far away youth, the Mockup Clean & Green from u/awareofdistractions may hit you right in the heart. And if you like it so much, it may be used for real-life desktop environment using OpenBSD stock and ports material.
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At the Tor Project we practice user-centered design. This means we put our users at the heart of our development process, making a conscious effort to understand the contexts in which people use our tools and paying particular attention to the bumps they encounter along the way.
Many digital product companies rely heavily on data gathered from invasive tracking scripts to better understand their users’ behavior, further fueling the surveillance economy. However that’s not how we do things at Tor – instead, we aim to conduct research that respects the basic principles of privacy and consent.
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Tor Browser 10.5a11 is now available from the Tor Browser Alpha download page and also from our distribution directory.
Note: This is an alpha release, an experimental version for users who want to help us test new features. For everyone else, we recommend downloading the latest stable release instead.
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In our February Newsletter, we interview our founding president Georg Greve as part of our publication series to celebrate 20 Years FSFE, we reflect on I love Free Software Day and our FOSDEM participation, we advertise our new job vacancy and as usual we report on our diverse community activities.
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My previous article, Whatsapp and the domestication of users, got more attention than I was expecting. Some responses gave me a lot to think about,1 especially regarding actions we can take. I suggest reading that article first; it explained what “user domestication” is and why it’s a problem. It enumerated three countermeasures: FOSS, simplicity, and open platforms.
Hard problems, by definition, lack easy solutions. Simply choosing (or creating) a platform that avoids user domestication isn’t enough if that platform can change. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance; in addition to settling on the right platform, we must ensure that it honors its users in both the present and the future. Keeping a platform FOSS and simple is more straightforward2 than keeping a platform “open”.
How do we keep an open platform from becoming a closed platform in the future?
| Programming Leftovers
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Big Data is an all-inclusive term that refers to data sets so large and complex that they need to be processed by specially designed hardware and software tools. The data sets are typically of the order of tera or exabytes in size. These data sets are created from a diverse range of sources: sensors that gather climate information, publicly available information such as magazines, newspapers, articles. Other examples where big data is generated include purchase transaction records, web logs, medical records, military surveillance, video and image archives, and large-scale e-commerce.
There is a heightened interest in Big Data and Big Data analysis and the implications they have for businesses. Big Data analysis is the process of examining huge quantities of data to find patterns, correlations, and other useful information that can help firms become more responsive to change, and to make better informed decisions.
Big Data analysis can be performed with data mining software. However, the unstructured data sources used for big data analysis are not necessarily suitable for investigation by traditional data mining software.
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Pascal was easy to teach, and it covered a wide spectrum of applications, which was a significant advantage over Algol, Fortran, and Cobol. The Pascal System was efficient, compact, and easy to use. The language was strongly influenced by the new discipline of structured programming, advocated primarily by E.W. Dijkstra to avert the threatening software crisis (1968).
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Serializer is used in Django to convert the model instances or querysets into python supported data types that can be easily rendered into JSON, XML, or other formats. The deserialization can also be done by serializers to get back the original data from the serialized data. This feature is available in Django REST Framework. So, the users have to install this framework to use the serializers. Any webpage of the website may contain HTML, CSS, and data from the database tables. But the API does not understand these types of content, and it can understand the raw data only, that is, JSON data. How the serializers can be used to convert the model instance into JSON format has shown in this tutorial.
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Most of the web applications are implemented with the database now. queryset is used in the Django application to retrieve records by filtering or slicing or ordering the database table without changing the original data. The model used Django to create the table in the database. So, the knowledge of using the model in Django is necessary to understand the use of queryset. The main function of the queryset is to iterate the records of database tables by converting them into SQL queries. It can be used from the python command line or by writing the python script to display the browser’s output. The uses of queryset for retrieving data from a database table in different ways have been explained in this tutorial.
This Week In Rust: This Week in Rust 379 [Ed: The usual paradox of developing "openly" while requiring people to get an account with Microsoft and then use proprietary software of Microsoft, which attacks Free software.]
This Week in Rust is openly developed on GitHub.
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BC, which stands for Basic Calculator, is a command in Bash that is used to provide the functionality of a scientific calculator within a Bash script. This can be useful for scripting with various arithmentic use cases and scenarios. This article shows you how to use BC in a Bash script.
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Security Leftovers
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My story for today is about ssh and how even public keys, while much better than simple passwords, are still not a perfect solution.
The danger is credential theft, which is a fancy way of saying “someone stole your private keys.” Back in the 1990s, that problem was pretty far from our minds; Windows 98 didn’t even have the concept of a separate administrator account, never mind the idea of app sandboxing or the inkling that someone might intentionally want to load malware onto your computer and encrypt all your files for ransomware. Those were the days when some people thought ActiveX controls (essentially loading .exe files from web sites) might be a good idea. Actually, maybe even a great idea as long as there was an “are you sure?” dialog box first.
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LastPass has recently changed its free account usage policy to be only available on one device, and a lot of its users are not happy about it. If you are a LastPass Free user and are looking to switch, here are four great LastPass alternatives you should check out. These services reserve their pricing tiers for more advanced, business-oriented users while still leaving free users with a powerful set of features to safeguard their online accounts data.
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Security updates have been issued by Arch Linux (ansible-base, keycloak, mumble, and postgresql), Debian (firefox-esr and nodejs), Fedora (dotnet3.1, dotnet5.0, keylime, php-horde-Horde-Text-Filter, radare2, scap-security-guide, and wireshark), openSUSE (postgresql, postgresql13 and python-djangorestframework), Red Hat (Ansible, firefox, and thunderbird), Scientific Linux (firefox and thunderbird), SUSE (php7, postgresql-jdbc, python-cryptography, rpmlint, and webkit2gtk3), and Ubuntu (dnsmasq, linux, linux-aws, linux-aws-5.4, linux-azure, linux-azure-5.4, linux-gcp, linux-gcp-5.4, linux-gke-5.4, linux-gkeop, linux-gkeop-5.4, linux-hwe-5.4, linux-kvm, linux-oracle, linux-oracle-5.4, linux-raspi, linux-raspi-5.4, linux, linux-aws, linux-aws-hwe, linux-azure, linux-azure-4.15, linux-dell300x, linux-gcp, linux-gcp-4.15, linux-gke-4.15, linux-hwe, linux-kvm, linux-oracle, linux-raspi2, linux-snapdragon, linux, linux-aws, linux-azure, linux-gcp, linux-hwe-5.8, linux-kvm, linux-oracle, linux-raspi, linux, linux-aws, linux-kvm, linux-lts-xenial, linux-raspi2, linux-snapdragon, linux-oem-5.10, linux-oem-5.6, screen, and xterm).
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President Biden signed an executive order Wednesday addressing growing concern over a global semiconductor shortage hampering the production of goods like automobiles and smartphones.
The White House’s executive order directs the federal government to conduct 100-day reviews of supply chains in four sets of products, including computer chips and large capacity batteries, like those used in electric vehicles, according to administration officials.
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On top of the 100-day review of the four key industries, Biden’s order will also direct yearlong reviews for six sectors: defense, public health, information technology, transportation, energy and food production.
Biden said his administration will implement the recommendations as soon as they are available. “We're not going to wait for the review to be completed before we start closing the existing gaps,” he said.
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Smith told the committee that the true scope of the intrusions is still unknown because most victims are not legally required to disclose attacks unless they involve sensitive information about individuals.
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Norwegian business journal E24 reported the attack on Espoo, Finland-based TietoEVRY on Tuesday, claiming to have spoken with Geir Remman, a communications director at the company. Remman acknowledged technical problems with several services that TietoEVRY provides to 25 customers, which are “due to a ransom attack,” according to the report.
Remman told E24 that the company considers the attack “a serious criminal act.” TietoEVRY turned off the unspecified services and infrastructure affected “as a preventative measure” until it can recover relevant data, and restart systems “in a controlled manner,” he said.
| Ubuntu Leftovers
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New restrictions will be in place beginning with Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS this summer to try to enforce better quality releases with less regressions by enforcing better quality control.
The change beginning with Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS will require that stable release update (SRU) procedures are followed even for release blockers. This will require that every fix follows the same verification, regression analysis, and aging period process. The tighter quality controls will likely lead to slips in release targets if bugs are found in the release candidates for new point releases, as it will first need to go through the verification and aging process.
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Most of you probably haven't heard of DFI much in nearly two decades since the days of their colorful "LanParty" motherboards that were well known at the time, but these days they are focused on the industrial computer industry and have now teamed up with Canonical to partake in the Ubuntu IoT Hardware Certification Partner Program.
DFI is the first industrial computer vendor joining the Ubuntu IoT Hardware Certification Partner Program for Ubuntu-certified hardware focused on the Internet of Things and embracing over-the-air software updates.
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MEC, as ETSI defines it, stands for Multi-access Edge Computing and is sometimes referred to as Mobile edge computing. MEC is a solution that gives content providers and software developers cloud-computing capabilities which are close to the end users. This micro cloud deployed in the edge of mobile operators’ networks has ultra low latency and high bandwidth which enables new types of applications and business use cases. On top of that an application running on MEC can have real-time access to a subset of radio network information that can improve the overall experience.
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It's time to talk about post-RMS Free Software
It's time to talk about post-RMS Free Software
MIT scientist says Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre
MIT scientist says Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre was ‘entirely willing’: report
Another mention
MIT Students Think President L. Rafael Reif Should Also Resign Over Taking Jeffrey Epstein's Money
Noted MIT Computer Scientist Defends Jeffrey Epstein
Noted MIT Computer Scientist Defends Jeffrey Epstein in Leaked Emails
The tabloids too are on it (Daily Mail)
MIT scientist appears to DEFEND Jeffrey Epstein
Fox News
MIT professor defended Jeffrey Epstein associate in leaked emails, claimed victims were ‘entirely willing’
Where this started
Remove Richard Stallman
Now the news gets distorted altogether
MIT scientist defends pedophile Jeffrey Epstein [Ed: This headline is patently false.]
Changing the story
Epstein Victim Likely Was Willing, MIT Scientist Says [Ed: Check what Stallman actually said. Nothing like what these headlines claim. Tactless? Sure. Even tasteless. But this is distortion.]
Herald-Mail Media
MIT computer scientist describes Jeffrey Epstein victim as 'entirely willing' in alleged sexual assault
From libreplanet-discuss
[libreplanet-discuss] Is Stallman nuts?
Statement from Richard Stallman
Statements about Epstein
Richard Stallman Challenges 'Misleading' Coverage of His Comments on Marvin Minsky
MIT: Preliminary fact-finding about MIT and Jeffrey Epstein
Preliminary fact-finding about MIT and Jeffrey Epstein
Stallman defends himself over Epstein comments
Stallman defends himself over Epstein comments
Richard Stallman Does Not and Cannot Speak for the Free Software
Richard Stallman Does Not and Cannot Speak for the Free Software Movement
Resignations
Richard M. Stallman Resigns
Computer Scientist Richard Stallman Resigns From MIT Over Epstein Comments
Richard M. Stallman resigns
Techrights Responds
As Richard Stallman Resigns Let’s Consider Why GNU/Linux Without Stallman and Torvalds Would be a Victory to Microsoft
"Vice article takes one specific quote out of context"
[libreplanet-discuss] Is Stallman nuts?
Richard Stallman has resigned from the Free Software Foundation
Richard Stallman has resigned from the Free Software Foundation and MIT
Amid Epstein Controversy, Richard Stallman is Forced to Resign
Amid Epstein Controversy, Richard Stallman is Forced to Resign as FSF President
Richard Stallman resigns from the FSF
Richard Stallman resigns from the FSF
Richard Stallman Resigns From The Free Software Foundation
Richard Stallman Resigns From The Free Software Foundation
Richard Stallman jumps from MIT...
Richard Stallman jumps from MIT after controversial Epstein comments
Executive Director of the GNOME Foundation
GNOME relationship with GNU and the FSF
Ricardo Wurmus (Guix)
Rekado: Thoughts on GNU and Richard Stallman
Molly de Blanc, whom RMS gave an award some months back
Molly de Blanc: Thinkers
Michael Meeks: 2019-09-17 Tuesday.
Michael Meeks: 2019-09-17 Tuesday.
SJVN has just defamed RMS; Right from the headline
Richard Stallman resigns from Free Software Foundation after defending Jeffrey Epstein behavior
Lots in the news today (still many defamatory headlines)
Scientist Defends Epstein Associate in Leaked MIT Emails
MIT Scientist Says He Doesn't Think Pedophilia Is Okay Any More
MIT scientist resigns over Jeffrey Epstein comments he calls 'misunderstandings and mischaracterizations'
Famed MIT Computer Scientist Who Defended Epstein Resigns
MIT Scientist Richard Stallman, Who Defended an Associate of Epstein, Resigns From CSAIL
MIT scientist who appeared to DEFEND Jeffrey Epsteinin alleged rape case resigns from his post
Richard Stallman quits positions at both Free Software Foundation and MIT
GNU founder Richard Stallman resigns from MIT, Free Software Foundation
GNU-Founder Richard Stallman ‘Quits’ Free Software Foundation & MIT CSAIL
Stallman's final interview as FSF president: Last week we quizzed him over Microsoft visit. Now he quits top roles amid Epstein email storm
Computer scientist Richard Stallman resigns from MIT after defending Jeffrey Epstein
Richard Stallman, author of the GNU manifesto, resigns from the Free Software Foundation
MIT scientist resigns over Jeffrey Epstein comments he calls 'misunderstandings and mischaracterizations'
Richard Stallman resigns from MIT over Epstein comments
Patheos coverage
MIT Professor Defends Epstein, Blames the Victim
FSF resignations
FSF resignations
FSFE Statement
Richard Stallman resigns as president of the Free Software Foundation
Jason at Forbes
Richard Stallman Has Resigned As President Of The Free Software Foundation
By Swapnil Bhartiya
Richard Stallman Resigns from Free Software Foundation
Tim Lee at Ars
Richard Stallman leaves MIT after controversial remarks on rape
Boing Boing
Richard Stallman resigns from MIT and the Free Software Foundation
WP Tavern
GPL Author Richard Stallman Resigns from Free Software Foundation
Don't sacrifice the right ideas to win the right words
Don't sacrifice the right ideas to win the right words
"Fall of the Clueless Nerd"
Richard Stallman and the Fall of the Clueless Nerd
Open letter to the Free Software Foundation Board of Directors
Open letter to the Free Software Foundation Board of Directors
ACS on RMS
Top computer scientist quits MIT
A couple more articles
Computer scientist Richard Stallman resigns from MIT after comments about Epstein scandal
Another Epstein-Related Resignation
Stallman steps down MIT, FSF posts
Stallman steps down MIT, FSF posts
OS News/Thom Holwerda says RMS "defending child rape"
Richard Stallman resigns from FSF, MIT after defending child rape [Ed: Why am I not surprised that Thom Holwerda is defaming RMS?]
Free Software Pioneer Quits MIT Over His Comments
Free Software Pioneer Quits MIT Over His Comments On Epstein Sex Trafficking Case
Yesterday's media coverage
MIT scientist Richard Stallman resigns in the wake of his Jeffrey Epstein remarks
Software Activist Richard Stallman Resigns from MIT over Defense of Jeffrey Epstein
Richard Stallman resigns from Free Software Foundation and MIT CSAIL
Richard Stallman resigns from MIT after comments about Jeffrey Epstein
MIT scientist Richard Stallman resigns over Epstein remarks
Boston magazine
After Saying Sex with Minors Is Not Always Sexual Assault, MIT Scientist Resigns
Richard Stallman resigns from MIT after facing backlash
Richard Stallman resigns from MIT after facing backlash over Minsky comments
A reflection on the departure of RMS
A reflection on the departure of RMS
Thorsten from LibreOffice
Statement on the RMS situation
Mails leaked to News Corp.-owned Vice
Remove Richard Stallman: Appendix A
GNOME' Philip Chimento: The Cause and the Effect
Philip Chimento: The Cause and the Effect
Stallman response
Stallman response
"We should all do something a little different now."
We should all do something a little different now.
More articles that mention Stallman right more
MIT's Epstein scandal kept student Mani Mengiste up at night — so she decided to fight aback
‘Am I as brave as I think I am?’ MIT Media Lab student Arwa Mboya on the aftermath of a scandal
Weekly Roundup: The Passion Of Saint iGNUcius Edition
Weekly Roundup: The Passion Of Saint iGNUcius Edition
RMS mentioned in "MIT president Rafael Reif is suddenly..."
MIT president Rafael Reif is suddenly at the center of a storm
"Defending Epstein, Pedophilia"
Software Activist Resigns From MIT After Defending Epstein, Pedophilia
Throwing stones in glass houses
Richard Stallman’s Exit Heralds a New Era in Tech [Ed: Conde Nast, whose staff actually rapes kids, is attacking RMS again, pretending he's "not inclusive"]
Bruce Byfield on Stallman
Yesterday’s Man: The Fall of Richard Stallman
How Hackaday covered RMS exiting
Links: September 22, 2019 | Hackaday
Low grade "journalists" and internet mob attack RMS with lies
Low grade "journalists" and internet mob attack RMS with lies. In-depth review.
The New York Times
The Week in Tech: An Emerging Twist on Antitrust
Boston magazine
After Saying Sex with Minors Is Not Always Sexual Assault, MIT Scientist Resigns [Ed: Coverage bumped up again, seemingly with a new headline]
Do we need to rethink what free software is?
Do we need to rethink what free software is?
This one too mentions RMS (and Gates)
MIT's Epstein scandal kept student Mani Mengiste up at night — so she decided to fight back
Open letter to the Free Software movement
Open letter to the Free Software movement
Lubomir Rintel: Open letter to Neil McGovern
Lubomir Rintel: Open letter to Neil McGovern
CBC News
What MIT Media Lab's funding scandal says about sexism in tech
WHY RICHARD STALLMAN BECAME FAMOUS
WHY RICHARD STALLMAN BECAME FAMOUS
CJR Today
Some lessons from the MIT Media Lab controversy
Analysis: The Fall Of Stallman by Alessandro Ebersol
Analysis: The Fall Of Stallman
"DO NOT MAKE FREE SOFTWARE AS YOUR SOURCE OF INCOME"
DO NOT MAKE FREE SOFTWARE AS YOUR SOURCE OF INCOME, IT WILL MAKE YOU WEAK, POLITICALLY
Against sfconservancy, we call for Stallman to step UP....
Against sfconservancy, we call for Stallman to step UP from his positions in the free software movement
Microsoft-funded sites continue to shift attention to RMS
Industry Watch: Why our industry must admit #metoo
Two months later and it's back
The case of Seth Lloyd is a microcosm of the systemic problems at MIT
The Boston Globe mentions Stallman agaiin
MIT’s Inconvenient Truth
Again Stallman mentioned
MIT Suspends Another Professor for Epstein Ties
Again mentioned in the news today
Peggy Siegal Sends Her Regrets
Techdirt Podcast Episode 238: Larry Lessig Defends His Suit
Techdirt Podcast Episode 238: Larry Lessig Defends His 'Clickbait Defamation' Lawsuit