Techorials

Minimal VPS Installation

Brandon — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:44:33 +0000

My server from YardVPS was already pretty darn close to a minimal installation. There were few more things left to do however:

Update the server
Install Midnight Commander (personally can't live without this thing!)
Stop and disable httpd (the Apache web server)
Stop and disable sendmail (mail server, ugh, i really don't trust those, don't want someone to hack and start spamming on your behalf! You can always set your mail to be handled by Google Apps)
Stop and disable saslauthd (do not need the authentication service)

yum -y update
yum -y install mc
echo export LANG=C >> .bash_profile
service httpd stop
service sendmail stop
service saslauthd stop
chkconfig httpd off
chkconfig sendmail off
chkconfig saslauthd off

Client and Server Side Cloaking

Brandon — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:57:05 +0000

What is cloaking?

Cloaking is the method of showing different content to user based on various factors.

Examples of Black-Hat SEO cloaking:

Search engine cloaking (serving content that ranks for a keyword to the engines in order to lure visitors in, but then redirect the visitor to another page or show them an offer for a product and/or service)
- This particular technique is against Google's webmaster guidelines and can really annoy visitors

Examples of White-Hat SEO cloaking:

Showing slightly different content based on
- the visitor's location
- the visitor's screen size
Banned users can be completely redirected or just straight up refused service

Client Side Cloaking Example

Put this code between the header tags:

Put this in your tag:

The number 1000 indicates time in milliseconds to wait before the page is redirected - set it to 0 to redirect immediately after the page is loaded.

Server Side Cloacking Example:

Put this somewhere in the header of your PHP file:

';
  echo "\n";
  echo '';
  echo '';
  exit(0);
}

?>

Intro to the Linux Command Line

Alex — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 05:09:05 +0000

The power of Linux lies in its ability to be infinitely modified to suit the individual user. To do this, you'll need to master the command line, a daunting task for most, but don't worry, Techorials is here to help!

The command line is the text-based interface allowing you to talk directly to the computer hardware using a set of commands you'll quickly master.�By knowing these commands, you'll be able to start any program, check hardware status information, see any and all files on your computer, and manipulate those files in any way imaginable. Some functions are only accessable through the command line, making it that much more valuable to master.

To begin, fire up whichever terminal client came with your Linux distribution. Konsole, Gnome-Terminal, and others. XTerm is almost always available too.

When you open the terminal client, you'll be met with a mostly-blank window, containing a hash mark (pound sign) or dollar sign, followed by a blinking�box, or line-shaped marker. This is called a prompt, since the aforementioned mark is prompting you to enter a command.

Start with a fun, simple command. Enter "whoami" and look at the return information. The terminal should return your username, or the name you log in to the system with, and then prompt you for another password.

All commands have a specified syntax, or an order in which you must construct the commands. The command is entered first, and generally followed by a modifier, called an option. Options change how the command is executed, and are usually preceeded by a hyphen. Commands often also include the name of the file or directory the command is operating on.�Finished commands often look like the following:

command -option file

Some of the most commonly used commands are:

cp - Copy, makes a duplicate of a file and moves it somewhere else. Syntax: cp /path/to/original/file /path/to/copied/file

mv - Move, does exactly what it says. Moves the targeted file from the original location to the new location. Same syntax as cp: mv /path/to/original/file /path/to/moved/file

rm - Remove, deletes the original file. Remember this: "rm is forever." Syntax: rm /path/to/file

cd - Change Directory, moves your position in the file system to the given location. Syntax: cd /path/to/location

ls - List, lists all the visible files in a directory. To execute this, just run it alone: ls

mkdir - Make Directory, makes a directory in the current location (shocking!), somewhat like creating a folder.

Finally, the all-important sudo. Sudo, or su, tells Linux to run the command you specify as if you were the super-user, or system administrator. Run this before a command, but be prepared to enter the superuser's password for confirmation. Note that this gives you access to literally everything in the system, so use it wisely, and sparingly if possible.

Techorials Mobile

Brandon — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:30:28 +0000

Techorials.com is completely mobile-browser friendly. Viewing our website in your mobile-browser displays an entirely optimized web page that allows quick and lightweight navigation through our website. Best of all, the theme is optimized to fit your mobile devices screen size so you won't have to do any zooming or scrolling around in order to read a techorial! Currently, the following list of platforms is supported by our mobile site.

Android, BlackBerry9500, BlackBerry9530, CUPCAKE, dream, iPhone, iPod, incognito, webOS, webmate

A preview of our mobile site as it displays in safari on the iPhone is displayed below.

Stay tuned in the coming days for an in-depth tutorial of how you can optimize your wordpress blog for mobile devices. In the meantime, please feel free to check us out on your smartphone and drop a bookmark so you can read our newest techorials on the go.

Getting started in JavaScript, AJAX, and jQuery, Part 1

Kyle Russell — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:22:09 +0000

The rise of Ajax, or Asynchronous JavaScript and�XML, has brought with it a movement towards more interactive Internet sites and the use of "web applications", without a need to install proprietary plug-ins. As nearly all personal computers and "smart" mobile devices now contain web�browsers�capable of showing JavaScript, those interested in making interactive sites and applications for a variety of platforms would do well to learn to use it, at least to the point where they can use the more advanced libraries that reduce the necessary workload.

In this article, I'll go over how to set up a working environment for programming in JavaScript. If you already have an understanding of these topics, Part 2 will start to go more in-depth with using Ajax and explaining how it works. It is�recommended that you already have an understanding of HTML and CSS so that you sites will not only be interactive, but also appeal to users�aesthetically.

When doing any kind of software development, the best thing to do first is to find a development environment that works best for you. Personally, for web development on Windows my personal favorite is Notepad++. It's got some great features, such as syntax highlighting and support for dozens of programming languages. However, if you don't feel like downloading Notepad++, you can always use good old-fashioned Notepad that comes installed on all Windows computers. However, when you need to save, you'll need to do three things. First, click Save As. Secondly, "Save as type:" should be set to "All Files". Finally, the file name should also include the file type. For example, in the following picture, I am saving a JavaScript file:

Fortunately for Mac users, despite not having any programs to recommend I can say that the included Notepad program should work just as well as the included one for Windows. If any readers have one to recommend, please put it in the comments.

Now that you've got an environment to work in, let's get started with a basic script. Open your editor of choice and enter the following:

Now, save this as an HTML file (put .html at the end). Find where you saved the file (I like to save small projects like this to the desktop, at least temporarily), and right click the file. Navigate to "Open With..." and select your web browser of choice. If you did everything correctly, this should appear in you browser:

And you're done! I'm sorry if this was a little trivial for some of you, but we have to get the beginners on track too!

SSH into iPhone with WinSCP (Windows)

Brandon — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:00:17 +0000

This Techorial is an introduction to SSH, and will teach you how to SSH into your iPhone, or other iDevice on a windows based machine. SSHing into your iDevice will allow you to directly edit OS files, or transfer files to your iDevice.

So what is SSH?
"Secure Shell or SSH is a network protocol that allows data to be exchanged using a secure channel between two networked devices.[1] Used primarily on Linux and Unix based systems to access shell accounts, SSH was designed as a replacement for Telnet and other insecure remote shells, which send information, notably passwords, in plaintext, rendering them susceptible to packet analysis.[2] The encryption used by SSH provides confidentiality and integrity of data over an insecure network, such as the Internet."

SSH Requirements:

Jailbroken iDevice
Windows Based Machine
WinSCP Installed (download here)
Wireless Network - Windows Machine and iDevice Connected

SSHing:

The first thing you must do before being able to SSH into your iPhone, is install OpenSSH onto your jailbroken device. Launch cydia, and then search for and install openSSH.

OpenSSH does not have a springboard icon, so in able to activate or deactivate SSH, you will need an app like SBSettings or BossPrefs. Both can be found in cydia as well, I recommend using SBSettings if you do not already. Once you have a settings controller installed, enable SSH.

Next, navigate into your system settings and then open the "Auto-Lock" settings in the "general" tap. Set Auto-Lock to never. This will prevent your device from going to sleep while you are trying to SSH, preventing any errors.

While in settings, navigate to Wi-Fi Networks. Next to the network that your iDevice (and windows machine) is connected to, will be a blue arrow. Clicking this arrow will take you to the network details. Once you have found the details, take note of your IP Address, as this will be used to connect to your device.

Turning to your Windows machine now, launch WinSCP. Fill in the following information in their respective fields.

Host name: The IP Address you noted.
Username: "Root"
Password: "Alpine"

"Root" and "Alpine" are the default username and password respectively, without quotes. All other settings should remain as-is.

Pressing login will navigate through the connection process. If a request to "cahce" appears, select yes.

Finally, you will be taken to the file manager screen. You have successfully SSHed into your iDevice.

Once you are done with SSH, remember to disable SSH and return your auto-lock settings to normal. If you forget, these two items will quickly drain your battery.

The Future of Mobile Computing

Alex — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 04:42:39 +0000

Kyle, editor-in-chief of JTHeadlines and a very dear friend wrote about his take on the future of the mobile market. Here's a taste:

"The mobile gadget realm is moving forward at an unprecedented pace (notice that I no longer say "smartphone", as Apple has shown that the tablet has finally caught on as a form factor as well). Silicon Valley is now engaged in a high stakes race to the top, or in the case of RIM, a race to stay at the top for as long as possible.

While the first half of the decade brought us multimedia devices galore and�smartphones�for savvier business users, the release of the iPhone in 2007 proved that, when wrapped in an accessible software interface, creating an "all in one" device could lead to mainstream success.

Flash forward to today, where�Google's�Android�platform is spreading from carrier to carrier like wildfire, Apple is doing its best to maintain its role as leader in innovation, and RIM and Microsoft alike struggle to remain relevant."

Read the full post�here.

Custom ROMs

Alex — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:52:04 +0000

The beauty of GNU/Linux lies in its ability to be modified almost infinitely, to the specifications of the user.

This functionality extends also to the Android operating system. Unfortunately, since only a handful of people possess the technical knowledge required to manipulate source code to fit user-specific needs. Rather than study up on the nuances of Java, JavaScript, Linux, and Bash, one may turn to pre-compiled ROM images, saving the end-user a lot of work.

Several developers have created their own versions of the stock ROM releases, along with countless custom theme packages, application and widget skins, and indeed, whole new applications usable only by users who have gained root access.

Benefits of custom ROM builds include, but are not limited to: the ability to theme or skin all or part of the Android user interface, access to previously unavailable functionality of the device hardware, processor overclocking, and modification of core system files via either an application or the now available command line interface.

Installing a custom ROM:

First, you must find a ROM image that seems suitable to your tastes. The most popular ROMs for the Motorola Droid are Pete's Bugless Beast, JRummy's CyanogenMod, Team Chaos' Red Rum, and Chevy's Simply Stunning.

When you download the ROM image, it will come in a zip file. This file is installed one of two ways: either by nandroid backup, or by the install from zip functions on SPRecovery and Clockwork Recovery.

Depending on the type of installation, you will have to do one of the following:

Nandroid Backup Installation:

Download the ROM zip file and unpack it to the /sdcard/nandroid/ location on your device.
Reboot the phone into recovery mode.
In ClockworkMod Recovery, select nandroid, Restore, and then the name of the backup you just unpacked.

Zip File Installation

Download the ROM's zip file and move it to /sdcard/ on your device.
Reboot your phone into recovery mode.
In ClockworkMod Recovery, select "install zip from sdcard," then "choose zip from sdcard."
Select the zip file you wish to install, and let the installation continue until you are notified it has finished, whereupon you can reboot your phone and enjoy the new ROM.

Installation of custom ROM builds can be expedited with the use of the ROM Manager application, which I strongly recommend.

To install with ROM Manager:

Open the ROM Manager application.
Navigate to and select Download ROM from the ROM Management list.
Select the ROM you wish to install, and then the version of that ROM you wish to install.
Allow the ROM to download (you will be notified of download progress in the notifications dropdown menu), then choose whether or not to make a backup of your current ROM, and whether or not to perform a factory reset and cache wipe prior to installation, when prompted.

It is important to note that some developers have included customization options from within the ROM Manager. For example, JRummy's CyanogenMod releases can be themed, or have applications added to or removed from them, from within the ROM Manager application.

When upgrading from one release to another, for example, from Android 2.1 "Eclair" to 2.2 "FroYo," it is important to use the factory reset and cache wipe tools, either when prompted by ROM Manager, or in recovery mode prior to installation. Users upgrading to a new ROM of the same version generally do not need to perform a factory reset and cache wipe, though it is sometimes necessary.

Enjoy your ROMs!

iPhone Quick Tip #3

Brandon — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:13:56 +0000

If your iDevice ever freezes completely or locks up on a black screen, it is impossible to recover from it on-the-go unless you know how to do a hard reboot.

Letting your iDevice's battery dissipate completely or plugging it into iTunes will also unfreeze it, however neither are necessary or practical. To reboot your iDevice simply press and HOLD both the power button and the home button simultaneously. Your iDevice will power down. Keep holding both buttons and your iDevice will reboot. Once you see the apple logo, you device has begun powering up and you can release both buttons.

Increasing iDevice Battery Life

Brandon — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:53:57 +0000

The relatively short battery life apple has damned us with on our iDevice's poses a huge issue for heavy users. This techorial is geared toward helping users maximize the batter life on their iDevices for maximum usage!

1. Brightness - Nothing consumes more power than your big-ol' LCD screen. Turn it's brightness down when feasible and you will extend your battery life significantly.

2. Auto-Lock - While on the topic of your LCD and it's battery consumption, what better way to save your battery than to keep it off. Set your Auto-Lock time to one minute.

3. 3G - If you aren't streaming music, browsing YouTube, or surfing the web, you have no need for 3G. 3G consumes your battery much quicker than edge. Turn it off.

4. WiFi - Leaving it on will keep your phone constantly searching for networks. Turn it off.

5. Bluetooth - Our devices have limited to no uses for Bluetooth anyways unless jailbroken. If you aren't using it, then keep it off.

6. Location Services - (See Above) If you aren't using maps, a GPS app, or geo tagging, turn location services off. This will significantly reduce network communication, thus increasing battery life.

7. Push Notifications - By allowing apps to push notifications, you are allowing them to run background processes and notify you when an event occurs. This kills your batter. Turn it off.

8. Email Fetch - Having Fetch enabled means that you want your email app to check for new emails automatically on a preset interval. This allows the app to communicate with the network on it's own, which is unnecessary for the average user. Check for new emails manually. Turn it off.

9. SSH (Jailbroken Only) - If your iDevice is jailbroken and you have installed an SSH extension, make sure SSH is disabled when you are not using it. The best solution to keep it disabled is SBSettings. If you leave SSH on, you will literally be able to watch your battery meter drain. Keep it off.

Collectively, these items should help you manage your battery life for maximum usage.

If your device is jailbroken, I suggest using SBSettings to easily manage brightness, wifi toggles, network toggles, location toggles, and SSH toggles. More information on SBSettings can be found here.