I finally implemented a method for dynamically updating my DNS records over the internet. All the machines need to have in order to be able to update is to have a way to occasionally connect to a website and provide HTTP POST data. If you can't do post data, it also supports sending everything in HTTP GET. I had to do this for my Irix box that doesn't have a modern copy of wget and doesn't have a compiler. If you want to use the service to have a dynamic hostname of form hostname.dyn.blade.io, just comment and I'll give you instructions (and a host passcode). I'll probably link to the source code once I'm less ashamed of it. It isn't very efficient. It is of order m * n where m is the number of lines in the old zone file and n is the number of hosts that it has to deal with. This isn't a big deal because I have less than 20 hosts to deal with and it only updates once a day.
Part ii
I'm considering building a rack-mount box. By this, I mean a box in which one would mount rack-mount equipment. I have already found a supplier that sells rackstrip and a reasonably priced model of rack-mount case that I could use to replace all of my current boxes (at least at rose). Currently, I am attempting to determine how much supplies would cost. I would only need a saw, screws and MDF. Unfortunately, Lowe's website doesn't do a very good job of describing its lumber offerings. I'll probably go tomorrow to attempt to determine what sort of costs I'd be looking at. If I can build the rack for less than say $175, there is a good chance that I will do it. Especially since I already have the equipment necessary to stain it. Just a note, I'm aiming for 44U. Posted by Crosspost! software.
I sent an email yesterday asking for a copy of the Open Forum video about RHIT presidential candidate Tom Hanley. I was told:
A copy of The Open Forum is not available and it is not available online. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Thank you
Tammy Shaffer
Executive Assistant to the President
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Now, that's too bad. Maybe I can help them out somehow?
If given a little time and access to the video, I could make a copy if that would be helpful. It is a trivial process to duplicate the video or provide online access to it. Such a thing would allow myself (and others) to view it at our leisure. In fact, it could even be put in the game room for lending to the student body. I would think that any increase in distribution of the video would increase campus awareness about the presidential candidates and provide greater feedback.
-Guy
I'd like to know the truth behind their refusal to allow copies to escape the president's office. If I am given a straight and reasonable answer, I will stop pressing the issue. Until then, however, I intend to fight for openness and honesty especially with regard to something as important as selecting a new president.
Last time we chose one, it didn't go over very well. I'd like to make sure that this one goes over better. That can't happen if we are quiet and secretive about the candidates. Posted by Crosspost! software.
Now, I was slightly confused. Why would I have to go down there in order to see the film? I went down and asked if I could get a copy of it as it really is difficult to find time during 9th or 10th week between 8 and 5 to come and sit somewhere for an hour. They told me they weren't allowed to give it out. When I commented about how that seemed sort of odd, they stimply told me that it was the "policy the President's Office had set." I wonder what is so secretive about this that they cannot afford to let copies of it be online or floating around. As such, I sent an email in replay asking these very questions. If I do not get a satisfactory reply, I intend to ask her boss. If I don't get a good reply then, I shall continue going upward and making noise until I get an answer that makes sense. I encourage all of you to do the same. Posted by Crosspost! software.
Today, I reinstall Windows 2000 on emeralda, my gaming machine. I was having odd problems until I realized that it had the same mac address as my router. The reinstall took a while (I had to install service pack 4 plus all the updates since then), but I think it is working fine now. I'll test it with Half-Life 2 soon enough.
I've been playing Polarium now that I've beaten Under the Knife. It is a puzzle game that is simple, yet suprisingly challenging. I've completed 59 of the premade puzzles. I'm currently having difficulty with number 57, which is I must beat in order to unlock the next set of 10 puzzles. Maybe tomorrow... Posted by Crosspost! software.
Yeah, so I just beat Trama Center: Under the Knife. It was a completely different type of game than I'd played before. Essentially, you are a doctor and have to perform various surgeries. It is really fun. However, some of the levels are obscenely hard. Most notably, the last level of the game took me over a dozen tries to beat. It had a 10 minute time limit and I had 7 seconds remaining when I beat it if that gives you an idea.
In other news, apparently I've got myself some sort of sickness. Sinus draining, running nose, fever, all that fun stuff. I have been given decongestant. Hopefully it will be sufficient. Posted by Crosspost! software.