I must be really dense or something to have not noticed the Encryption option in the right click context menu. Anyways, 8.04’s new keyring manager made some things easier.

Key making

First, you should make a key. Go to Applications>Accessories> Passwords and Encryption keys.

In the menu, click Key> Create New Key. Since you’re using this one for encryption, keep the type as PGP and click continue.

The next two dialogs will be the information for the key and the password. Fill it in and you’ll have a key.

Encrypting/Decrypting

Right click the file or folder and click encrypt, then choose the key you’re going to use. After you click ok it should be encrypted. (If it’s a folder it’ll ask for packaging)

Decryption is a simple matter of double clicking the .pgp file and giving the password.

Ubuntu 8.04 Released

April 24th, 2008

Ubuntu Hardy Heron was released today and I’ll be updating my laptop (Downloading right now) and getting back to blogging in a couple of days.

(From what I hear, this seems to be a really good release. I’m so excited!)

Firefox Personas

April 2nd, 2008

Mozilla Labs has made an extension for firefox that enables lightweight theming. This means that you can easily make and use custom themes without having to know the normal theme making process.

Here’s an example of the Groovy Blue theme:

Firefox Persona Groovy Blue<<<Clicky there

You can access the menu through the Tools menu or by clicking the little fox in the status bar.

To make your own, all you have to do is create a header image and footer image.

More information here:

http://labs.mozilla.com/featured-projects/#personas

And how to design one here:

http://people.mozilla.com/~cbeard/personas/designers/

(Load up your design by going to Preferences in the persona menu)

Here’s a small trick not worthy of being a recipe.

If you have Compiz Fusion enabled on Ubuntu, you can change the transparency of a window by holding the Alt key and scrolling with your mouse.

Just something neat I’d let people know :)

RBP: Objectives

March 15th, 2008

Here are the objectives for the robot before it’ll be considered finished:

  • Able to mix a drink
  • Can traverse around my house
  • Will be able to move autonomously according to a premade map of the area
  • Avoids collisions with people
  • Can be called to go to the computer you are currently working from (Destination determined by transmitted signal)

Draft:

RDP Draft 3.16.08

Ubuntu Typing Break

March 9th, 2008

Doing computer work for a long time can be bad for your health (ie wrist, neck, eye strain) so its good to take a break once in a while.

Too workaholic to take a break or know when to take one? Ubuntu’s Typing Break is a nifty little tool that locks up the screen so that you’ll be able to take a much needed break.

To turn it on, Go to System>Preferences>Keyboard in menu bar and go to the Typing Break tab.

Click the box next to “Lock screen to enforce typing break”

You can then adjust the times and allow break postponement if you are doing something time crucial.
Ubuntu Typing Break

Things have been boring lately, so what else to do but plan to make an asskickingly cool robot?

I don’t know exactly what it will be or exactly it will do, but I’ll keep updates on this blog and draft plans in either .kmz and/or .dwg format.

Feel free to give suggestions :)

Laptop Malfunction

February 18th, 2008

My laptop’s AC adapter has broken, so posts on this blog are delayed until I can get a new one, which will hopefully be by Wednesday or Thursday. (This is being typed from a friend’s computer)

Scratch that. I have an old computer up and running, so everything will be normal while I order the new adapter.

Pownce is now open for all

February 14th, 2008

It’s Valentines day, and Pownce has finally been released for everyone to use.

As stated in the newsletter, here are some of the newest features:

“- No invites are required, everyone can join!

- Import your friends. Find your Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and Flickr friends easily on Pownce.

- Pownce mobile site! http://m.pownce.com

- Choose from more themes or go pro and build your own.

- View videos and images in your notes.

- Keep track of your events with improved calendar views.

- Get email notifications with the full text of the note.”

So if you want to join and download Pownce, heres the link:

Pownce

About yesterday…

June 8th, 2007

We are sorry there could not be posts yesterday. This resulted from technical problems. Those problems have been fixed and posts will resume as normal.