XP Hosts File
Posted by Cody in 
C:/PATH TO WINDOWS/system32/drivers/etc/hosts
I use my hosts file in conjunction with my local network (to give names to my different computers without use of a DNS Server) as well as my XAMP installation (to run different development websites locally).
The host file lets you bind an IP address to a specific name. Usually your browser will check the hosts file first before contacting your DNS Server for the IP address.
The format is simple, IP – tab – Space separated list of host names.
Eg: 192.168.1.4 bender.home
Each new IP should start on a separate line.
Just a note: I only run XP for now, so I’ve no idea where this file is located in Vista or Windows 7. If you know, give me a bell 
Webmin for Ubuntu
If you’re playing around with Ubuntu Server I would seriously suggest you check out Webmin, it rocks.
I’ve got an old PC I got from my school (for some cans of food). It’s too hold to run Windows successfully, but it is perfect to use as a Ubuntu server to muck about on.
Definitely try the Webmin interface, it makes managing the system a breeze.
http://www.ubuntugeek.com/ubuntu-serverinstall-gui-and-webmin-in-ubuntu-810-intrepid-ibex-guide.html
Verizon forcing Bing on Blackberry Users
I’m an admitted computer geek, meaning I gladly take that label. Part of this responsibility (of geekiness) involves using different types of technology, not sticking to one thing. At home I run Linux on a machine as well as Windows on my personal laptop.
I also hold grudges when things annoy me. It’s silly, but if a program or company does something that really ticks me off, I may find myself going to their competition just to spite them. I’m sure I’m not alone there.
One example I can think of is with the browser search engines. I run Firefox, and I have my search engine set to Google as I like using Google to search, as well as Google for the keyword search. A year or so ago when GaiaOnline.com released their toolbar I installed it. Even today I’m still not sure how it happened, whether it was an unfortunate accident or intentional. Whatever the cause, the toolbar seemed to have some sort of contract with Yahoo. Upon installation my search changed to Yahoo, and worse (in my opinion) it changed my keyword search to Yahoo. The search bar could be changed back, however the keyword search was forced. If you switched it back (something you have to actually edit the config for Firefox) it would be forced back to Yahoo when the browser restarted. After reporting this, it was never fixed.
After that I’ve refused to use Yahoo (if I’m able to avoid it). Seemed tainted to me.
It looks like Bing (Microsoft) is heading in the same direction. Verizon has removed the search options from their Blackberries meaning users are forced to use Bing. Of course, forcing a specific setting (especially when forcing people to use a particular company’s software) when it was previously optional will cause users to hit the roof. Which it has.
Bing looks interesting, and I have tried it. But it doesn’t have that spark that’d cause me to jump ship from Google. The fact that it’s looking to force people on phones to use it just cements Google’s place as my search engine. I’m not a fan of tactics like these.
[polldaddy poll=2416800]
