Publication Date: February 4th 2005
ISSN 1445-1360
In this issue you will read:
Editorial: February 4th 2005
Definition: SSID
Hardware Review: D-Link DCS-900 Internet Camera
Quotable: Albert Einstein said...
Software Review: SMF 1.0.1
The Great Australian Joke: An Aussie Ventriloquist and a New Zealand Farmer
G'Day Blokes and Sheilas!
Well it seems that the latest version of the newsletter software I use is testing out very nicely. No complaints so far from any of my subscribers! The next step is to get a forum going for NetBloke subscribers and motivate them to read and participate in it.
I was thinking of how I could help motivate you all, and in turn thank you for your time and effort helping me build a community. I tried the NetBloke NOW! based off the old HotDog NOW! program I devised at Sausage, but it has not caught on. So I was thinking of combining the NetBloke NOW!, tell a friend and forum participation with a rewards program. The more you post, refer and participate the more points you would get to apply to domain names and hosting at Thinkers.com (yes my hosting company). Occasionally I may be able to offer other special prizes too, however what I would like is to hear from you and see what you think. The end goal is a bigger and better NetBloke that helps you get the most out of the Internet!
As I mentioned, I am looking to set up a forum. I have tried many different software packages, Invision, phpBB, YaBB, and vBulletin. One in particular has recently stood out and that is SMF. This issue I review SMF along with a really cool ethernet enabled Internet Camera.
As always remember you can email me with your questions, comments or criticism. I enjoy the feedback and that is why I have the site. Truth be told I do not make any money from it currently, but again that would be nice to change too!
Nathan Allan
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This technical term will be familiar with those of you who have wrestled with the set-up or use of a wireless network. Interchangeable with Network Name, SSID is short for Service Set IDentifier.
The SSID differentiates one wireless network from another. It is in no way a form of security as this information is easily accessible to those who know what they are looking for.
You may be on your laptop and find that their are multiple SSIDs being broadcast within range. The nice thing to do is to connect to the one you have permission to use.
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As regular readers will know I have or at least tried all of the products I review. They normally have a practical use for something that I am doing, and in turn I think could have a practical use for you as well. The D-Link Internet Camera is no exception, as an entry level camera it has some great features you can put to use around your home.
In my application I am using a couple of them for monitoring the grounds of the Bed and Breakfast. This could be just used to monitor a children's playroom, your backyard, the driveway or the front door. It is a great way of knowing what is happening where you want to see, but when you have to be sitting at the computer. The camera has a sturdy metal swivel base that can be mounted just about anywhere.
The camera is wired, meaning you have to run a ethernet cable to your hub or router. You also have a small power cable as well. This is great because the camera runs independently of your computer. In fact it has a built in web server that makes the camera accessible on the Internet if you so desire. You can also view and manage up to four cameras through the easy to use web interface. You can also have the camera monitor and record, giving you the ability to have a relatively easy to install security system.
I will soon have mine accessible through the web site, so you will be able to see what is happening here. At only $79.99 the two I purchased were a steal! However I was lucky enough to find them when D-Link was offering a $40 rebate. What a deal!
Visit: D-Link DCS-900 Internet Camera
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You can't solve a problem with the same kind of thinking that created it in the first place.
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Like I said in my editorial, I have tried a lot of forum software. I like SMF as it is open source, and has a very responsive community support forum. This means that there is someone who can help when you need it! Here is what the Simple Machines team has to say about it;
"Elegant. Effective. Powerful. Free.
SMF is all of the above. SMF is a next-generation community software package and is jam-packed with features, while at the same time having a minimal impact on resources. And, yes, it is free. Some of our features include; Comprehensive Themes, Blazing-Fast Database, Secure File Attachments and Automatic Mod Installation."
I found the installation and set-up to be flawless, and the addition of a themed look was extremely simple. If you can upload the files via FTP then you can get this forum working within 10 or 15 minutes. The power is then switched over to the administration interface where you can simply modify and control the set-up of the forum.
See it in action at: My Test Forum
Visit: SMF
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With the threat of losing my New Zealand audience I present the following joke...
An Australian ventriloquist visiting New Zealand walks into a small town and sees a local sitting on his porch patting his dog. He figures he'll have a little fun.
Ventriloquist: "G' day Mate! Good looking dog, mate. Mind if I speak to him?"
New Zealander: "The dog doesn't talk, you stupid Aussie."
Ventriloquist: "Hey dog, how's it going old mate?"
Dog: "Doin' all right."
New Zealander: (extreme look of shock)
Ventriloquist: "Is this Kiwi your owner?", pointing at New Zealander
Dog: "Yep"
Ventriloquist: "How does he treat you?"
Dog: "Real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds me great food, and takes me to the lake once a week to play."
New Zealander: (look of disbelief)
Ventriloquist: "Mind if I talk to your horse?"
New Zealander: "Uh, the horse doesn't talk either...I think."
Ventriloquist: "Hey horse, how's it going?"
Horse: "Cool."
New Zealander: (extreme look of shock)
Ventriloquist: "Is this your owner?" (pointing at New Zealander)
Horse: "Yep"
Ventriloquist: "How's he treat you?"
Horse: "Pretty good, thanks for asking. He rides me regularly, brushes me down often, and keeps me in the barn to protect me from the elements."
New Zealander: (total look of amazement)
Ventriloquist: "Mind if I talk to your sheep?"
New Zealander: "The sheep's a liar."
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