Your Input Is Needed
by marks
Over the past month or so, interest in continuing to revive this publication has increased at a more than expected rate. I am pleased to present an issue that showcases the talents of some of those who indeed take seriously their roles on UnderNet and enjoy sharing for the good of all.
Hopefully those of you who have enjoyed our newsletter will find even more to interest you in this feature-packed release. Some had expressed an interest earlier of having a section devoted to technical issues, while others expressed an interest in having "more fun stuff" included. We have addressed both of those requests as well as a few others with this release.
I would like to mention that due to several articles submitted for publication here being incomplete, we were not able to include them. Hopefully, efforts to contact the authors will be productive, and these will be able to be included in the next issue. The newsletter has been released on an "issue-every-other-month" basis for the past several months. However, I am pleased to announce that if the enthusiasm continues, this schedule could be changed and upgraded to a monthly release. Other format changes may be on the way as well.
The staff of UnderCurrents is relatively new, as regular meetings are just now beginning to get underway. The Newsletter Project web site lists our staff personnel, and the names of those actively assisting with this publication will be kept on a current basis. Hopefully, this will encourage a higher degree of participation and provide recognition for those who are actually contributing the most to its success.
I would like to encourage you to contact us if you would like to assist in the efforts of the publication of the newsletter in some way. Most of those whom we presently have assisting have done just that. We are looking for well-written "help" articles, human interest stories, hardware and software reviews, interesting web site listings, and other items that would have a broad range of appeal to those individuals who use the resources of the UnderNet. Also, we are in the process of formulating a FAQ that will outline the requirements to assist those who might be interested.
As a final note, I would like to express my thanks to all of those who were kind enough to share their thoughts and knowledge through learning experiences with all of our readers. Continued interest of this kind will be the determining factor in how well this publication flourishes in the coming months. Also, I would like to mention that Idoru has spent a considerable amount of time in proofing and layout of this current edition, and appreciation is extended to him for those efforts. May this issue be one that provides helpful information, entertainment, and enjoyment for all those who choose to continue reading.
|
Netiquette
A Few Guidelines on Help Channel Etiquette
by #Userguide Staff Composite
1. Nobody is getting paid to help you; therefore, do not "demand" help.
2. There can be almost 50,000 users on the network, so ask your question
ONCE, and wait patiently for an answer. What may be a crisis to you
is no more urgent than anyone else's problem, so don't expect to jump
to the head of the line.
3. In most channels, do not message the ops or helpers unless asked
to do so. Ask all questions in the channel so that others who have the
same problems can learn without the helpers having to answer the same
question over and over.
4. K-lines, G-lines, and kills are not done on request. The network
would need about 200 opers online if everybody who nuked, cloned, or
swore at you got banned.
5. Give as much information as possible for the helper to get a good
picture of what is going on. Be prepared to supply logs, but do not
paste into the channel unless asked to do so.
6. Avoid using help channels as chat rooms, it confuses people seeking
help, and encourages others to do the same.
7. Try not to idle too long in help channels, as it becomes difficult
to keep track of who needs help, and who is just watching.
8. No help channels will get involved in the politics of other channels,
so try and sort those out yourself.
9. Channels involved in illegal activities such as kiddieporn or warez
(pirated software) will not normally be helped.
10. Try saying thank you when you are helped, and be understanding
when you cannot be helped.
This is just a brief overview for a better understanding, feel free
to visit any of the above channels, or drop by #userguide and ask one
of us.
|
Channel Management
Yes You Can Regain control of your Channel with X
by IrishM
As the Undernet grows everyday in the number of users and channels, some
new managers don't seem to comprehend that X and W are powerful tools
to help stabilise and aid in making channel management simple. And CService
is here to assist in using those commands that X orW make available to
them. A lot of users today just think that registering a channel and getting
X orW only means the channel is theirs. Little do some realise that X
and W have a wealth of tools to maintain their channel and make it a fun
place to chat.
Far too often recently new managers and high level ops come in to #CService
asking for help that they lost control of their channel and didn't know
they have the tools at hand in most cases to get their channel back.
Here is an actual case of this happening with some slight variations,
the users names(except mine)have been changed and The channel names were
changed to fictitious ones so not to reflect on the real ones.
This is one of many ways one can also use to regain their channel via
X or W. It isn't necessarily the fastest , since there are so many circumstances
that can exist in a take over.
*** DrCkTaiL (lamer@best.bloodymarys.net) has joined #CService
<DrCkTaiL> i have been victim of a take over on my channel anyone
can help me? help me!!!! it is set to invite!! help me please!!
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL how can we help you? and please enlighten us with
the name of the channel?
<DrCkTaiL> #BestBloodyMarybar
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL one moment please, i will look
/msg w,x access #BestBloodyMarybar DrCkTaiL
-X- USER: DrCkTaiL (*!*lamer@best.bloodymarys.net) ACCESS: 500 P
-X- CHANNEL: #BestBloodyMarybar -- AUTOOP: ON
-X- End of access list
-W- That channel doesn't appear to be registered
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL first you need to log into X, then invite yourself
/MSG x invite #channel DrCkTaiL
<DrCkTaiL> don't you have do it for me?
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL no, you are the channel manager there and you
need to learn how to do these things, we are here to help with questions
on how to use X and W , not to run your channel for you
<IrishM> And please cut and paste here X's response to your login
<DrCkTaiL> oh, ok
<DrCkTaiL> -X- AUTHENTICATION SUCCESSFUL ON #BestBloodyMarybar!
<DrCkTaiL> it wont let me in!!! it says something about a key, what's
a key?
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL first please relax, and do this /MSG x status
#channel then Find the line that says "Modes:" - the Key will be the last
word on that line. NOTE: The Key IS case sensitive. Then use the invite
command again and then /join #channel key
<DrCkTaiL> cant you do that for me?
<IrishM> no, you must do it yourself
<DrCkTaiL> OK
<DrCkTaiL> it still wont let me in!!! it says I am banned
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL , before we go any further, can you tell me who
got ops to ban you?
<DrCkTaiL> well this guy from #screwdrivers said if i made him op
and give access to X he would give me new recipes for my bloody marys
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL OK, one moment
/MSG x access #BestBloodyMarybar -min 400
-X- USER: DrCkTaiL (*!*lamer@best.bloodymarys.net) ACCESS: 500 LMPU
-X- CHANNEL: #BestBloodyMarybar -- AUTOOP: ON
-X- USER: MaryMix (*!*MaryMix@*.bar.net) ACCESS: 400 P
-X- CHANNEL: #BestBloodyMarybar-- AUTOOP: ON
-X- USER: TakeOver (*!*takeover@*.youlostyourchannel.com) ACCESS: 499
LMPU
-X- CHANNEL: #BestBloodyMarybar-- AUTOOP: ON
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL hmm don't tell me, this person's name is takeover?
<DrCkTaiL> yes i just wanted to make friends
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL OK first you need to /MSG x remuser #channel Takeover
then /MSG x deop #channel Takeover and it has to be in that order OK?
then tell me when you did that and show me X's response from when you
use the remuser
<DrCkTaiL> IrishM i did it -X- I REMOVE USER Takeover (*!*Takeover@*.youlostyourchannel.com)
from #BestBloodyMarybar
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL OK now /MSG x unban #channel DrCkTaiL
<DrCkTaiL> OK i did that
<IrishM> OK now you have to do the invite and join with the key
again , you remember how?
<DrCkTaiL> yes
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL and once you are in you must type /mode #channel
-ik key to remove the Invite and Key
<DrCkTaiL> I AM IN!!!!! thanks IrishM
<IrishM> DrCkTaiL i do recommend you more carefully manage your
channel and also you should Visit #opschool to learn the other wealth
of tools X,W provide you to help manage your channel
X and W are powerful tools to make chatting a pleasant experience, take
the time to learn them. And #CService is there to help you with questions
relating on how to use those commands, the rest is up to you. Learning
to use them before you need them will make your chatting experience on
the Undernet so much nicer.
|
Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer
Latest rodent technology reviewed
Sick of having to clean out your gunkey old mouse? Aiming astray in
your shoot-em ups? Or just want a mouse that actually looks cool...?
Well look no further than the IntelliMouse Explorer! This mouse has
all the functionality of your existing mouse, and more.
Features
For a start, it has the now commonplace wheel for scrolling up and
down documents. It has the two usual buttons, and two extra user-definable
buttons. However, that which sets it apart from most other rodents is
the fact that there is no ball to be found underneath. Instead, there
is a red glow from the underside. This is an optical sensor that scans
the surface it is placed on 1500 times per second. What this means to
you or me is that it probably does its job a lot better than your dusty
old mouse. Furthermore, because there is no ball, you don't need to
clean it, and so it is more likely to be precise than ordinary mice.
Another advantage is that you can use it on any surface, even on your
leg, and it should still work.
Ergonomics: It feels good and fits the shape of your hand. It is comfortable
to use.
It comes with a USB connector as standard, although a PS/2 converter
is included. It is compatible with both PC and Mac. The cable is an
ample 2.5m, which should be enough for most people.
Gripes
The drivers which were included in the box were not compatible with
this version of the IntelliMouse, so make sure and go to http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/
and download the latest versions for full functionality. Mac users will
also need to visit that link for system software.
This mouse will probably be awkward to use if you are left-handed, as
it is shaped for the right hand, and has two buttons which are fairly
inaccessible to the left-handed. This is not stated on the box.
Because of it's optical nature, it does not work very well on surfaces
without detail. It will probably work just fine on your existing mousepad,
although this somewhat defeats the purpose of the IntelliEye's use-anywhere
feature.
This mouse is likely to be more expensive than comparable non-optical
mice. This is to be expected as it is a new technology, however.
Summary
If you need a new mouse, and can afford this, certainly check it out.
Some novel features, and a cool look, in my opinion it is a nice mouse
to use. If you are left handed, look for a different model.
|
Frequently Asked Questions for New IRC Users
by linda_uk
Q: How do I join a channel and chat once I am logged on to an IRC
server?
Type /join #channel (#channel = channel you want to chat in).
Q: How do I leave a channel that I don't want to chat in anymore?
Type /part #channel (#channel = channel you no longer want to chat in).
Q: What does that "@" symbol by someone's nickname mean?
The "@" symbol by a user's nick, or nickname, means that the user is
a channel operator, and with this has the ability to perform special
commands to help run the channel, such as kicking or banning abusive
users or setting the channel topic. The "@" symbol is called "ops" for
short.
Q: How do I chat with someone in private?
There are three ways you can do this. You can type /MSG <nickname>
<message> and wait for a reply. You can also type /dcc chat <nickname>
and wait for the other user to acknowledge your chat request. While
talking in "MSG" or "DCC," nobody else in the active channel can see
what you say except for you and the other user you are chatting with.
The third way to talk to someone privately is to type /notice <nickname>
<message>. This will send your message in the active channel,
but nobody in the channel will see it except you and the other user
you are chatting with.
Q: How do I get a list of channels to chat in?
Type /raw list >4 in mIRC and /verbose list >4 in PIRCH. This
will give you a list of all the channels on the Undernet with more than
four people in them.
Q: How do I make an "Action" remark?
Type /me <message> or /action <message> and it will show
your message to the channel in purple-colored text as an action.
Q: How can I get information about another user if he or she is
currently online?
Type /whois <nickname>.
Q: How do I quit IRC with a message after I leave?
Type /quit <quit message here>.
Q: How do I set myself away when I'm away from my computer?
To set yourself "away," type /away <message explaining why you are
away>. To set yourself "BACK" from being away, type /away. This will
eliminate your /away message.
Q: If I want to invite someone to a channel I'm in, how do I do
that?
To "invite" another user to your channel, type /invite <nickname>
#channel.
Abbreviations
LOL - laughing out loud
BRB - be right back
BBL - be back later
WB - welcome back
BTW - by the way
OTP - on the phone
IMO - in my opinion
AFK - away from keyboard
NP - no problem
ROFL - rolling on floor laughing
LTNS - long time no see
GMTA - great minds think alike
Bots: Bots are allowed on the following servers: sandiego, newyork,
baltimore, newbrunswick, landers, and graz.at.Eu. Vancouver (only registered
and from .ca) Oslo-r only if registered.
Colour: In mIRC To colour a single word in a sentence
1. Type Control-K
2. Type a number between 0 and 15
3.Type the word,You can use the following key combinations to insert
control codes in text: Control-B for bold text, Control-U for underlined
text, Control-R for reverse text, Control-K for coloured text Control-O
to cancel all previous control codes.
DCC Problem: to fix Dcc Chat & Send, disconnect from your
IRC server (File->Disconnect) and in File->Setup, delete whatever
is present in the Local Host and IP fields...Check "Always get IP on
connect" box... exit mIRC... now restart mIRC
Linux help: http://jgo.local.net/~jgo/linuxhelp.html
and http://www.linux.org
Registration: To register your channel, you need to find 10
people (and their email addresses) who will support you, then go to
http://www.cservice.undernet.org/regist/
and fill out the form
Note to helpers
First, foremost AND always, please remember that there is NO such thing
as a 'stupid' question. Questions are asked because folk do not know
the answer; you may well and how well you give the information to the
question that may dictate if that person continues to use IRC!
So, with that in mind, always be courteous and allow the user the time
to ask their question, also English may well Not be their First language!
lwilliams@dial.pipex.com
simply complicated :-)
and a realistic optimist !
|
Bouncers
by lior
In this article, I will cover What is, Different kinds of, How to setup,
How it works, of Bouncers.
Bouncers are programs made to hide a user's real IP and Host. They
give the owner of the person who is using that bouncer, the IP and Host
the machine where this bouncer is running has. For those who don't know
what IP or Host is, it's what you see in a /whois <nick> after
the @ like:
| lior (lior@lior.lpsg.org) (Internic Non-Profit Organization <-
lior.lpsg.org is my Host and if you /dns lior.lpsg.org you will get
my IP. Your IP and Host are assigned to you by your Internet Service
Provider (ISP). In order to change those and hide them in IRC, you use
a bouncer.
Let's say your Internet Provider is Bla.com for example, and you always
get on IRC as god@ppp23.bla.com being ppp23 the dynamic part (it changes
every time you reconnect to your ISP) and you don't want this information
to show up and have a static host (never changes even if you reconnect
to your ISP), you need to get a shell on a computer connected to the
Internet 24 hours a day all 7 days of the week. To do this, you need
to get a shell. Let's say you got a shell on a machine with a host "getalife.com"
and your username is "god" and you use a bouncer on that machine, you
will get on IRC like this:
<yournick> is god@getalife.com <real name>.
That's what a bouncer is for, it makes your Host static and doesn't
show up your real host.
Different Kinds of Bouncer:
The most common Bouncers around are BNC, Ezbounce, and mUH.
BNC:
This is one of the most used bouncer along with mUH. With this bouncer,
you won't stay connected to an IRC server all day, it will quit IRC
every time you quit IRC, it has some features like changing your host
(if the machine has more than 1 host (called "vhosts" for virtual hosts)).
You can change your ident (username, what goes before the @host) if
the server is using the proper ident daemon (server). It supports encrypted
passwords, for security purposes. Those are the best features. All you
need to do is get it, upload it to your shell and on your shell type:
"gunzip bnc2.6.2.tar.gz ; tar -xvf bnc2.6.2.tar" that will uncompress
the file you downloaded. Go to the directory where it uncompressed it
by typing "cd bnc2.6.2", type "./configure ; make ; make install" to
compile the program, if everything goes well, edit the file example.conf,
you can do this with "pico example.conf" then when you are finished,
change the filename to bnc.conf with "mv example.conf bnc.conf" and
run the program like this: "./bnc bnc.conf". If you have any doubts
about UNIX/Linux commands contact your shell admin and ALWAYS read the
README file.
Just an advice, if you ever see bnc2.4.4.tar.gz available for download,
don't use that version, because it's "hackable", instead, use this one.
Rating: Good
You can get it at: http://shell.elite.be/~liorm/bnc2.6.2.tar.gz
mUH:
Many users started to use this bouncer because of it's nice features.
With mUH you will stay connected almost all day to the IRC server (unless
something out of your hands happens), it will log messages sent to you
when you were away, it's easy to set up, it can only use the host you
define in it's config file (in the bind part, you need to know the exact
IP of the host). All you need is get it, upload it to your shell, and
on the shell type: "CD ~" to go to your home directory, "gunzip muh2.04.tar.gz
; tar -xvf muh2.04.tar", to uncompress it, then type "CD muh2.04" "./configure
;make ;make install" to compile it. When all that is done, do: "CD ~/.muh"
like that and type: "pico muhrc" (that's the config file), then type:
"CD ~/muh" and type: "./muh". If you have any problems, again, contact
your shell admin or read the README file.
Rating: Very good
Get it at: http://mind.riot.org
Ezbounce:
It has all the features mUH has, it allows a bit more of protection
like what hosts can connect to the bouncer, and what hosts the bouncer
will refuse connections, kind of like a firewall. The only problem it
seems to have is that it will use almost 80% of CPU and RAM, my guess
is poor coding. Get it and follow what the README says, since I haven't
used it in a long time due to this problem (which it seems hasn't been
fixed yet).
Rating: poorly coded
Get it at: http://druglord.freelsd.org/ezbounce/
Here's a little advice for all the bouncers: ALWAYS use complicated
passwords so people can't guess them or decrypt them with a program
(if you are using bnc encrypted passwords). Second, in every bouncer,
you will have to use a port to connect to, you will have to use a port
higher than 1024 and lower than 65535 and it will have to be available
(once you use that port, no one else can use it.).
How to connect to your bouncer:
If you're using mIRC type: /server
<shell's host> <port you used on the config file>
If you're using BitchX type: BitchX
<nick> <shell's host>:<port you used on the config file>
If you're using any other one, for Windows, it's probably the same
as in mIRC.
If you use mUH, and you are using the function bind in the config file,
you MUST connect to the IP you stated in muhrc if it's different than
your shell's host (if you are using a virtual host).
|
User Focus
by pan---
Hello UnderNet Folks ;)
I am pan--- and I would like to introduce myself ( I hope you find my story interesting). My name is Panayiotis, and I was born in Larnaca ( Cyprus ) sixteen
years ago. I am a Greek Cypriot, still living here with my family.
My mother is from Greece and my father from Cyprus. My hobbies are rollerblades,
ski, ice skating, basketball and everything which is fast and dangerous.
Of course my third love is IRC, where i spend 1-2 hours everyday.
I remember well when I got my first computer. I was 8 years old, and I loved
it from the first moment. I began to use it playing cards (solitaire) and painting.
Two or three years later they opened an Internet cafe here in Larnaca.
I remember myself connecting to the "fantastic world" of Internet. It
was amazing.
The cafe was connecting to Dalnet IRC, so the first IRC network
I joined was Dalnet. After some weeks, users started joining the UnderNet IRC NetWork.
Then I got Internet service, and I found myself joining both Dalnet and UnderNet. I remember also the old" UnderNet, which I found to be the most friendly IRC Network I had even seen.
It was full of people trying to learn, communicate and have fun. I loved
UnderNet, and I still love it. I have had great times, especially the day when I got
the e-mail from Cservice that my channel was accepted (the first one).
UnderNet is growing extremely fast, and that is mostly because of the
people, especially the User-Com people (old Pr-Com), as they are the most friendly
team I have found on UnderNet.
I would like to say a few words to the new users of UnderNet IRC. UnderNet is
a great network which supports friendly people, family chats, and people
who like communicating with others or spending their time with a nice
cup of coffee and chatting with others while doing so. Stay on UnderNet, and you won't
lose.
|
An Introduction to Programming Part 1 : Introduction
by Pingu
Programming is a vastly broad subject, and so an introduction broad
enough to give the uninitiated will not be easy, but in this series
of documents I will attempt to do so. You should be aware, however,
that as well as being multifaceted, the world of computer programming
is constantly in change. As new technologies become available, the programmer
must try to master the new programming techniques that accompany them.
One of the largest changes to programming in the last couple of years
has been the explosion of web based programming. The Internet
has opened up a whole new way of using programmes as browsers have become
more complex and incorporated ActiveX and Java technology. However,
in this series I will not be focusing on web based applications, or
any form of application for that matter, as it is up to you to choose
your direction. You will find that you quickly want to specialise in
one part of programming. There is far too much to learn it all!
"How do I choose my subject area?", I hear you ask. You have
to decide first what your target end user will be. Will your user be
performing scientific analysis of millions of data sets on a mainframe?
Will you be aiming at the home Windows user with your latest game? Are
you writing a web application that will be used by many people, regardless
of operating system? It is on these basis that you should choose what
area you move into. The choice of target user will dictate what language
you learn to programme in.
A programming language, like any other language, is a method
of communicating information. In this case, the information is a series
of instructions to be executed by the processor - the heart of
the computer. The instructions you write, however, will not be sent
directly to the CPU. They first have to be converted to machine code,
the binary format that processors can understand. The exact format of
these instructions depends on the class of processor. This translation
will either be done by a compiler or an interpreter, depending
on your choice of language. The difference between a compiler and an
interpreter is simple - a compiler will process your entire programme
and convert it to machine code - on a PC, in the form of a .EXE (executable)
file. This can then be loaded and executed by the operating system.
An interpreter, however, only translates the current line of execution,
that is to say, the line of code that is currently being run. An interpreter
has the advantage that you can stop the programme at any time and alter
it, and continue running from where you left off. Also, if you are using
a language such as Java, your applications can be made platform independent,
meaning they will run on any operating system that supports the Java
virtual machine. (The success to which Java actually accomplishes this
is debatable, but will not be discussed here). The disadvantages of
an interpreter, however, are that interpreted code is *much* slower
than compiled code. Other people can view and modify your source code,
and people will need a copy of the interpreter to run your programme.
Microsoft Visual Basic gives you the best of both worlds - while you
are creating your programme it runs in interpreted mode allowing you
to easily edit the programme, and when you have finished you can compile
it! This, however, is the exception not the rule.
There are many programming languages available, so how do you
choose one? Obviously I can only give you a very rough guide as I only
know of a tiny fraction of them, and have experience of even less. The
only systems I have programmed on are PCs running MS DOS or Windows.
This, however, is more than likely the system you will wish to programme
on. (If its not then please don't stop reading as I will try to keep
this series as platform and language independent as possible.) If you
do not intend on creating large or complex programmes then I would recommend
BASIC. The good news is, it comes free with Windows & DOS. (Windows
does not install it by default - you will have to look in the tools\oldmsdos
directory on your CD) BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction
Code) is an ideal language in which to learn about programming. For
Windows, you can use Visual Basic. This is still very easy to use, but
provides you with a much more powerful environment and allows you to
create much more complex programmes. However, Visual Basic is a commercial
application and must be paid for! The language I would personally recommend
is C++. It has had a long history (C was first created for automation
of telephone exchanges), and has proven itself to be very worthy. Although
not as easy to learn as BASIC, you will find it a much more powerful
tool. You can use it in DOS and Windows, as well as many other operating
systems such as UNIX, LINUX, Sun and Silicon Graphics stations. There
are free C++ compilers available, for example DJGPP [LINK HERE]
is highly recommended by some, although I personally found it somewhat
awkward to set up. If you intend to programme in Windows, I would recommend
Microsoft Visual C++ [LINK HERE]. The price tag may seem a little high,
but it is an extremely well made piece of software, and currently
at version 6. C++ is a very useful language, whatever your application.
Assembly is not something I would recommend, especially for a
beginner. Its only real use now is for short routines that are extremely
size or time critical, such as device drivers and graphics routines.
As you are beginning, neither of these things will concern you. It should
be noted that code produced by a good compiler can be just as good as
hand-coded assembly, and that most routine libraries are coded in assembly
anyway.
Now that you have chosen your target user and your programming language,
its finally time to learn about programming! So where do you start?
Well, the first thing is Planning. *groan* I hear you say! Yes,
well, I doubt you will be taking this advice, but even so it must be
given! Remember PPPPP - Perfect Planning Prevents Pathetic Performance.
For small projects its OK to just dive in, but for moderate to large
programmes you will quickly find yourself rewriting bits due to lack
of forethought. This not only wastes time, but can leave your code in
quite a mess.
You will want to keep a notebook with you at all times. (eek,
you may even have to buy a pen and some paper! Remember those?) In it,
jot down any thoughts you have regarding your project, because if you
are anything like me they will be forgotten by the time you reach your
computer if you don't. Don't worry if your notes get messy, but do try
to keep notes for different projects separate. This would also be a
good time to get a book about your chosen programming language. If you
don't want to buy one, then just go to your local library. It *is* possible
to learn without the aid of books (I taught myself BASIC, Delphi and
C++), because every language comes with an invaluable help file, but
you will find your progress much faster if you have a good book to guide
you through.
Finally on to the good bit - how to write your programme.
A programme is generally made of 3 parts - Input, Control
and Output. That is, a programme takes input data, possibly from
the user but equally possibly from data files, sensors or anywhere information
is involved, processes the data in some way and acts accordingly. For
example, a programme could take input from the joystick, work out where
a player is and draw a spaceship on the screen. Equally, a programme
could read data from a temperature sensor linked to the computer and
adjust the temperature of your room accordingly. You will also find
that in a way your programmes become fractal - as each subroutine takes
an input, processes it and produces an output. And you will find that
each line in that subroutine does the same! The input-control-output
model is a very useful way of thinking about programmes.
That's it for this edition, next time I will be introducing you
to the layout of a programme. Good luck, and have fun!
---Pingu
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Viruses
by PrinZ
Viruses are everywhere around us, sooner or later you might get infected
by one. They can do the most harmless things to your PC, and they can
wreck it completely. But you're not doomed yet, if you get an Anti-Virus
software you can save yourself for much work later on.
The Causes
A virus can get into your computer on many ways. Floppy disks, Compact
Discs, and the greatest; Internet. There is made hundreds of new viruses
every week. And you have no guarantee for that your computer is 100%
clean.
What can you do?
In order to protect yourselves against viruses you have to come up
with some simple rules of what you put into your PC.
- Never download software from warez sites. They are often
infected with viruses. This is people, which have no other purposes
than to damage your system. Only download files\software from trusted
places on the web.
- Be very careful with copying disks which isn't not yours
into your system.
- Don't accept files people you don't know send you over IRC,
ICQ and so on. Never accept .exe files(!).
- Strange E-mails, there are now viruses that spreads through e-mail.
It can look as a friend is sending you a mail, but in fact: It could
be a virus. Be careful with opening your mail.
- Have backups available, if you get attacked by a virus you might
restore lost data.
- Get a Anti-Virus software to protect your system.
I'm not asking you to get hysterical, but sometimes there's better
to be watching than not caring about it.
How it get inside you computer
A computer virus is made to irritate, or bother people. In some cases
also to get inside information (passwords exc.)
3,5" disks was the greatest way to spread viruses earlier. If
you insert a disk from a machine that is infected, there's a chance
the files on that disk will harm your system. This case is rather small.
Cd-Roms become more a threat than the small 3,5 disks. The CD's has
a greater capacity, and more attractive today. Since CD-writers was
put out for sale virus attacks has increased by almost 40%. But the
biggest virus spreader is the net. Every day new viruses is made and
uploaded. No one can be absolute safe. In extreme cases it's enough
just to surf into a page, and you're fected. I must also add, that this
cases are very few. The newest type of viruses spread through mail.
E-mails with often odd subjects are cases of "mail viruses"
What they do to your system
It's ather hard to tell how a virus acts on your computer. If it takes
control over your boot-sector that's bad. CIH is one of those among
others. They might mess up your windows configuration, and make all
kinds of irritable and malicious things happen.
I have tested the following software on my system. Which is: Intel
PentiumII 400mhz, 128mb SD-RAM, Seagate 9,1GB Hard drive.
Programs:
- Panda Anti-virus 6.0 Platinum
- McAfee Anti-virus 4.03
- Norton Anti-virus 5.0
How the test was done
When the software was installed, I decided what I should lay weight
on, and what a good anti-virus should be like.
- Easy to use
- Fast Scanning
- Number of viruses the program recognizes
- Support, and updates
- Types of scanning
Results
Panda Anti-virus 6.0 Platinum
This program comes from Spain. It can detect up to 40,000 different
viruses, and is the tests 2nd most user-friendly program.
You can have Panda scanning in the background while doing something
else. Since this is the 2nd fastest program in this test,
doesn't it take long to scan your hard drive(s). Panda can also scan
your e-mails, downloaded Internet files and web pages you are surfing
on. The creators of this program is offering you a hotline support.
If you somehow should discover a new virus the makers of Panda guarantee
you that they will send you a new Anti-virus within 24 hours. Panda
also scores for its good update functions.
Summary: A good, user-friendly program, which scan your drive
fast and good. I'd recommend this program for new, and advanced users.
McAfee Anti-virus 4.03
This is the program which finds most viruses, 42,975 stored in the
Dbase. McAfee is the fastest program within this test, nor it is way
more difficult to use. This program is made for advanced users, but
I don't think it would be that hard to get into it. McAfee scans your
e-mails, and when you're surfing the net, McAfee alerts you of destructive
web pages, great function! For experienced surfers I recommend this
software nr.1
It has an virus update function, which should be a standard in anti
virus applications. I discovered one negative thing with this program.
Sometimes the update part crashes windows. I'm not to surprised if
the makers of this program come with an fix soon.
Summary: Very good and stabile program, it warns you if you're
n destructive pages on the web. And protects against most viruses
of the tested software. I suggest advanced users to get this program,
as a newbie you don't get as much out of the program.
Norton Anti-virus 5.0
The easiest program to use, it has a good user interface, and even
my mom can use it ;) Norton uses much system resources when scanning
your hard drive. It can also scan network drives. Too bad this program
is SLOW, it used 40mins. To scan my 9,1GB hard drive. And Norton only
supports nearly 20,000 viruses, the weakest in this test. Again it
is the cheapest one. 320.-NOK.
That will be about 40 dollars. Norton scans your e-mail, and downloaded
Internet files. But don't discover malicious websites. Norton is a
very aggressive program, it detects files when you use explorer, or
just are viewing your hard drive. If it detects a virus it enables
a "bluescreen" which warns you. It also put files in quarantine, and
Norton promise you updates within a week, if you should find a new
virus.
Summary: Very user-friendly! It is the simplest program to
work with. Not the best, but good enough for basic users. This is
also the cheapest program.
What to choose?
Still confused?
ADVANCED
Well, if you are an advanced user you should choose McAfee, it is a
very good program, and protects your computer best of all the software
tested here.
BASIC USERS
I think you should consider getting Panda Anti-virus, it is a very
user-friendly program, which protects you against almost everything.
NEW TO COMPUTING
The most user-friendly program tested, it has limits of what it protects
you from, but if are a wise, and awake user this software is best for
you. This is also the cheapest alternative.
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The Trojan Scourge
by Daniel Vigil
What is a Trojan Horse?
In Greek mythology the Greeks besieged Troy for nine years. They finally
won when, pretending to depart, they left a wooden horse, which the
Trojans took into the city. Warriors hidden in the horse opened the
city gates to the Greek army, which sacked Troy.
In modern times a Trojan horse is any kind of program or script that
pretends to be one thing but when executed either performs some destructive
function such as deleting files or allows remote control of your computer.
A typical Trojan might be named coolgame.exe but when you run the program
it will vanish or exit with an error. At this point the damage has already
been done in most cases. Some changes to the registry or file replacements
may not happen until you reboot.
How do I get one?
The most common way to get a Trojan is to accept a DCC (Direct Client
Connection) send from another user on IRC. It is a good practice to
NEVER accept files from another user. Always download files from their
source home page or ftp. Downloading files from an untrusted source
such as warez sites is always dangerous. Some programs will have trojans
attached or simply be standalone Trojans.
Unfortunately, if you accept or download a program with a Trojan you
probably won?t know it. Several volunteers have been cleaning SubSeven
infected users and the number has topped 300 clients in just two days.
That is only one of hundreds of different Trojans.
Trojans are often difficult to remove because once one is installed
it is used as a gateway to install more. Some of the Trojans will reinstall
each other if one is removed.
I calculate the number of infected clients on Undernet alone could
easily top 5000.
How do I protect myself?
The best defense is common sense! Don't accept files from strangers
and don't download warez. Run at least one good anti-virus program and
one good anti-Trojan program. That?s right, anti-virus alone is not
enough!
Software Recommendations
I like these programs and I suggest to anyone that they evaluate them!
The Cleaner
Trojan Defense Suite
Norton Antivirus
AntiVirus Toolkit Pro
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|
Fun Stuff
by Robinb
Emoticons
:-) Your basic smilie. This smilie is used to inflect a sarcastic
or joking statement since we can't hear voice inflection over IRC.
;-) Winky smilie. User just made a flirtatious and/or sarcastic
remark. More of a "don't hit me for what I just said" smilie.
:-( Frowning smilie. User did not like that last statement
or is upset or depressed about something.
:-I Indifferent smilie. Better than a Frowning smilie but
not quite as good as a happy smilie
:-> User just made a really biting sarcastic remark. Worse
than a :-).
>:-> User just made a really devilish remark.
>;-> Winky and devil combined. A very lewd remark was
just made.
Everything I really need to know I learned from Noah's Ark:
1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah build the ark.
2. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do
something really big.
3. Don't listen to critics. Do what has to be done.
4. Build on the high ground.
5. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
6. Two heads are better than one.
7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but
so was the snails.
8. If you can't fight or flee--float.
9. Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.
10. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
11. When the doo-doo gets really deep, don't sit there and complain--shovel!
12. Stay below deck during the storm.
13. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs & the Titanic was
built by professionals.
14. If you have to start over, have a friend by your side.
15. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than
the storm outside.
16. No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the other
side.
17. DON'T MISS THE BOAT !!!!
The Engineer's Dictionary
- Major Technological Breakthrough - Back to the drawing board.
- Developed after years of intensive research - It was discovered
by accident.
- Project slightly behind original schedule due to unforeseen difficulties
- We are working on something else.
- The designs are well within allowable limits - We just made it,
stretching a point or two.
- Customer satisfaction is believed assured - We are so far behind
schedule that the customer was happy to get anything at all from us.
- Close project co-ordination - We should have asked someone else;
or, let's spread the responsibility for this.
- The design will be finalised in the next reporting period - We haven't
started this job yet, but we've got to say something.
- A number of different approaches are being tried - We don't know
where we're going, but we're moving.
- Test results were extremely gratifying - It works, and are we surprised!
- Extensive effort is being applied on a fresh approach to the problem
- We just hired three new guys; we'll let them kick it around for
a while.
- Preliminary operational tests are inconclusive - The darn thing
blew up when we threw the switch.
Not!
A duel was fought between Alexander Shott and John Nott. Nott was shot
and Shott was not. In this case it is better to be Shott than Nott.
Some said that Nott was not shot. But Shott says that he shot Nott.
It may be that the shot Shott shot, shot Nott, or it may be possible
that the shot Shott shot, shot Shott himself. We think, however, that
the shot Shott shot, shot not Shott, but Nott. Anyway it is hard to
tell which was shot and which was not.
Trivia
- There is an elevator company named Schindler's, meaning that there
are Schindler's lifts!
- If you find that your eyes are puffy in the mornings, it could be
that your head isn't high enough when you sleep. If your head is below
or at the same level as your heart, the blood is going to pool and
cause puffiness. Raise your pillow.
- The longest skating 'rink' in the world is Ottawa, Canada's Rideau
Canal at 7.6 km or just over 5 miles, which freezes over each winter.
- The Gatorade Drink was created at the University of Florida.
- The Chinese were the first to invent ketchup, which was, called
ke-tsiap and which had pickled fish and spices (no tomatoes). In the
1870’s New England colonists mixed tomatoes into the sauce creating
present day ketchup.
- Santa Fe was founded in 1607 making it the oldest continuously occupied
state capital.
- Alaska could hold the 21 smallest States.
- The sport with highest ratio of officials to participants is tennis.
A singles match should have 13; ten linesmen, one net, one foot-fault,
plus an umpire.
- Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.
- It takes forty minutes to hard-boil an ostrich egg.
- Kermit the Frog is left handed.
- It takes eighteen minutes to cool hot chocolate into a Hershey's
Kiss.
- At 3,212 Feet, Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's highest
waterfall.
- If you put a raisin in a glass of champagne, it will keep floating
to the top and sinking to the bottom
A few interesting web sites for your amusement and entertainment
|
Useful links
by linda_uk
Undernet and IRC related websites
Undernet main site: http://www.undernet.org/
Class-docs: http://www.user-com.undernet.org/class/
Clients: http://www.wildstar.net/irc/clients/
for a list of different IRC clients
CService: http://www.cservice.undernet.org/
Coder-com: http://coder-com.undernet.org/
Documents: http://www.undernet.org/documents/
mIRC: http://www.mirc.co.uk/
mIRC-links: http://www.mirc.co.uk/links.html
Promotions: http://www.user-com.undernet.org/promotions/
Routing com: http://www.routing-com.undernet.org/
User-com: http://www.user-com.undernet.org/
Userguide: http://www.user-com.undernet.org/userguide/
Raw numeric IRC commands: http://www.teleport.com/~jeepster/numeric.html
Time zones: http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/zones.html
System Protection
Cleaner: http://www.dynamsol.com/moosoft/
Dms-cleanup: ftp://ftp.dynamsol.com/pub/freeware/dmcleanup.exe
Netscanner: http://www.nwpsw.com/nstdl.html
Nukenabber: http://www.dynamsol.com/puppet/
Mailing lists
user-com: user-com@undernet.org
userguide: userguide@undernet.org
help: help@undernet.org
cservice: cservice@undernet.org
live events: liveevents@undernet.org
docs: documents@undernet.org
abuse: abuse@undernet.org
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