Behold 'The DATAFLASK'

Hey all,

Here's a super nerdy post for all you techies out there.

I'm really a novice at all of this and there may have been better methods (which I would love to hear) and there may also be problems I have not yet encountered that others may be able to predict.

Essentially what I have done is created a personal, portable, operating system configuration on a portable hard drive. It allows me to work in a consistent environment with all of my personal files, software, and settings by plugging into any computer that will boot from a USB. In addition the system is designed to be a portable clone of both my work computer (on which which I cannot install Ubuntu due to policy) and my home computer and have all of the files from both available to me wherever I am.

Tools used:

Computer capable of booting from USB

320 GB Iomega eGo portable HD (Nicknamed DataFlask)

Ubuntu 10.04.1 Live CD (downloaded and burned .iso to CD)

Additional Software:

GParted

Unison

Truecrypt

Step 1: Partitioning

This was done using GParted on the Live CD. The first thing to do was to create the partition set-up on the portable drive. In order to keep my backed-up/synced folders accessible to the windows systems the first partition is left as a ~300 GB NTFS formatted partition. Next comes the boot partition; a 512 MB ext2 partition flagged as 'boot'. And finally the ~20 GB extended partition with a ext4 section and the swap area. Here is an attempt at a graphical representation:

| 300 GB NTFS | 512 MB ext2 *boot ||< extended | ~20 GB ext4 | swap | /extended >||

Step 2: Ubuntu install

From the Ubuntu Live CD I installed Ubuntu. Using manual partitioning, I selected the portable drive and designated the ext2 partition to mount from /boot and the ext4 partition as the root ' / '. IMPORTANT on the last page of the install wizard I selected the 'Advanced' option and designated the ext2 partition (sdc3 in my case) to be where the boot loader (Grub) is installed.

On restart I was able to log into Ubuntu on the portable drive with no problem. Also, and most importantly, I did not erase the MBR on the HD of the computer I was working on (at least not on the second try). Had I not selected the advanced option and designated where the boot loader would be, I would not be able to load Windows, or any system, without having the portable drive plugged in to the computer that did the installing.

Step 3: Setting up Security

Because this portable drive (which I will refer to as 'DataFlask') was going to contain all of my personal files and information the first thing I did was install Truecrypt. Using Truecrypt I created a 100 GB encrypted file on the NTFS partition (FYI: this took several hours). Because truecrypt works across platforms (i.e. works on windows and macs) and the file is located on the NTFS partition, all of my files are securely encrypted but still accessible on the external drive when I'm not running the Ubuntu operating system. I can just plug the DataFlask in while running windows and it functions like a regular external HD.

Step 4: Setting up file syncing

To sync my files between computers and the DataFlask I chose to use Unison ('sudo aptitude install unison-gtk') because, again, it is a cross platform software, and because it will sync both ways between folders. Using Unison I synced my user folder under windows (C:/Documents and Settings/usrname) to a file I called 'Work' within the truecrypt volume. I then went home and synced my home user folder to a separate folder in the truecrypt volume called 'Home'.

At this point I had a mountable, portable Ubuntu system with access to all of my personal files on whatever computer I boot into into. Also, the files are still accessible when plugging the DataFlask into a system already running Windows or MacOS (although I haven't tested it on a Mac).

As an added benefit the DataFlask and Hard Disks of each computer serve as back-ups for one another; protecting my files should one of the drives fail.

Step 5: Making it easier on myself

I found it most efficient to save files to the truecrypt volume while operating in Ubuntu and then sync to the 'real' (permanent) HD before shutting down. I put two folders on the Ubuntu desktop labeled 'Work' and 'Home' respectively. Within each I put links to the 'Desktop' and 'MyDocuments' folders on the synced folders for each windows computer within the truecrypt volume. This allows quick access to the files I care about in an organized way.

Drawbacks/problems I've found:

Obviosuly, start-up is not as fast as it would be if install on the computers own HD. It takes about 2 min total on my work machine. There is a scary blank screen that stares at you in between choosing the OS in Grub and visibly seeing Ubuntu load. However, being used to older computers running WindowsXP, I've actually been impressed by how quickly Ubuntu gets up and running and once up, everything zips along great.

The Ubuntu system itself is not encrypted, therefore files saved anywhere other than the truecrypt volume are vulnerable should the drive get stolen. I'd love to hear ideas on how to retro-encrypt the Linux system.

GParted seems to cause errors in the disk, even when not touching the partitions on the DataFlask. This results in unstable mounting of all media drives while using Ubuntu and failure to load Ubuntu on restart. Running fsck on the system drive either before rebooting using -force or using the Live CD seems to fix the problem when it crops up. I'm considering scripting fsck to run on every boot since it is so quick and easy.

Because the boot set-up is arranged in a sort of awkward way (at least to me) I once ran into trouble when I tried to update to Ubuntu 10.10. Doing this broke Grub and would drop me at the Grub rescue command line instead of loading. Someone with more experience with grub and boot loaders probably could have fixed it, but despite my best efforts I couldn't and ended up reinstalling everything.

Unison sometimes runs into trouble with permissions discrepancies, probably due to the differences between how Windows and Lynux deal with them (?). Running Unison from the command line using: unison syncfile -perms=0 fixes the problem.

I've been using this tool for the past 6+ months or so and its been absolutely amazing. Everything I want is at my fingertips whenever and wherever I want it. Very useful for a graduates student that often brings work home.

Let me know your thoughts and how something similar could be done more simply or flaws and problems I haven't spotted yet. Thanks!

~JG

Beyond Battle

Metal collided against metal and a spark flashed into existence within the dark confines of the metal lined cell. It reached out to its surroundings and unleashed the burning anger of yet more fiery sparks. Within an instant an explosion was pressing against the confines of its cell.

The heavy barrier surged forward. Compelled by the fire behind it the lump of lead quickly accelerated ahead of the flame. Crushed and conformed by spiraling steel tracks it was forcefully ejected from the barrel of the gun and freed into the open expanse. The air came crashing into the chamber with a violent crack. As quickly as it came the fire faded from existence, never noticed, never remembered. Meanwhile, the bullet tore through the atmosphere like a dull blade through flesh. It beat its way through the wall of air faster than the air could respond, faster than sound. The bullet left its origin behind and found its new home.

Cotton, flesh, a glance of bone. The speeding shard tore through the progressively dense layers of his body, slowing ever so gradually as it bore its indifferent path through his flesh. Finally the projectile was forced to rest, hedged and enclosed again, but this time not by cold brass and steel, but by living flesh.

The pain flashed like fire in front of his vision. His senses were quickened beyond his belief by the impact and the trauma around him as the pain spread and set his nerves on fire. Every sight, every sound rushed into him as he fell. The very scent of the air, full of gunpowder, sweat, and blood seemed alive and pungent as his head struck the ground. His open eyes could see the boots of his comrades and enemies rushing forward and back, like branches in a turbulent wind. There was shouting and screaming everywhere, so much so that he was unaware of his own morbid cries. The battle continued on in indifference, but that mattered little... He had a struggle of his own.

The noise of gunshots and the shouts of desperate men faded into the background until they were no more than rain falling on a tin roof. His beautiful wife and baby were with him in his mind. There was so much he regretted! So much he wished he could have made right. But even those thoughts began to fade, and though he tried to cling to the memory of his loved ones, his world took on a new form.

He could still feel the pain in his flesh and hear the chaos about him but something else was pressing upon him. A tightness was surrounding his mind, crushing down on him now. The world was growing dim, losing its color as it does at dusk’s peak. The weight of his death was more than he could bear, squeezing his being into nothingness. He fought and writhed against the confines of his dying flesh trying to escape the crushing pressure.

A vibrant light flashed and a searing pain coursed through his body. The fallen soldier gasped. The pressure had slacked, his mind to took in its surroundings looking for the source of pain and release.

His eyes tried to focus but could not. The air was somehow different. It felt like he was breathing again for the first time. With difficulty and pain he inhaled the strange new atmosphere around him. The death dulled crashes of war were now overshadowed by crowing roars and screeches of nightmarish terror.

Something, hunched over him.

It slashed at him and another stream of vibrant pain coursed his being, another degree of relief from the crushing pressure washed over him. The war was even further away now. Or was it? As his vision became clearer, he could see the shadowy images of men charging in battle and fallen on the field. But they all seemed so small now, like toy figures on a great dark table. About them flashes of unnatural light exploded incessantly.

A fleeting object darted across the sky close above him.

These were not birds or planes. Nor were the giant figures he could now see leaping across the minuscule battle field anything like men. He did not remember any of this during the war. His eyes still could not see clearly, but it was apparent that great beastly entities darted about and above the battlefield on which his body lay somewhere between life and death.

The thing above him rose to strike again, but was prevented as another horrible creature rushed over them both with blinding speed. The dying soldier was knocked aside as the creatures tumbled, locked in ferocious battle. In the violence of the attack he was finally ejected from the crushing confines of his fading mortal body.

There was no time to savor his freedom; hideous living nightmares were rushing toward him from all directions. He was grabbed quickly from behind and hefted into the air. Whatever had him was fighting off the darker more insidious beasts that his eyes could now more clearly see. Upwards the attackers leapt, trying to reach his savior - or captor’s - helpless cargo but the thing was too great for those below. He could not make out what it was that held him, but it was certainly not human. No, the humans were far below now, mere ants among the giants set about in the greater, more violent war around him. The human struggle seemed futile in such a setting.

His escort turned suddenly to reveal another monstrosity making its way towards them through the fray. This assailant was larger and darker than the rest, clearly a formidable match for that which restrained him, clearly bent on bringing trouble their way.

An excruciating light blinded the soldier once again. For a moment the man could see nothing. He felt himself lurching upward as the un-earthly creature moved under him. His eyes began to adjust; his savage courier was scaling what seemed to be a beam of brilliant light. Upward they climbed with blazing speed through the sky. He could see the flashes of the larger battle below as the creatures there continued their raging struggle. Dark beasts leapt to follow them while others hurled bursts of energy into the sky. But they were far below now, their efforts were in vain and for that the soldier was grateful. Onward the pair climbed, one a helpless passenger, the other a thing of untold myth with intentions unknown. The world of giants was far below now and the monstrous cries blended with the ever present background of the mortal war.

The horizon could be seen black and dirty against brilliant white. It curved downward at the edges. Above and around him other vibrant living things could be seen moving among other channels of light as they all raced onward and upward. Below him dark figures still surged in violent conflict. His currier was silent as they progressed; climbing, almost swimming through the beam of brilliant radiation. The horizon below now arched downward like a bow bent at the ready. Was that the curvature of the earth was seeing? It couldn’t be; he could still plainly make out the moving giants below.

Presently, the curling edges of the battlefield curled under and met to form an irregular orb. He was far away from that world now, its darkness throbbed and contorted as the battle raged within and upon it. But it was diminishing now as he sped away, both in size and quality. As the travelers continued their volatile ascent the atmosphere around them increasingly teemed with likewise speeding creatures of various and indescribable sorts.

So intense was the life energy he was surging into that the hideous battle below seem quiet and empty. The world of his birth seemed still less alive. Everything he had ever known on paled by comparison. It felt as though he had walked from a barren desert into a tropical jungle and further again into an unknown intensity of life.

The light ahead was blinding, almost searing. A vast expanse of new sounds, scents and colors were pressing in on him, flooding his senses. It was as though the very air were a living organism that filled the universe, that was the universe. It made the world he had known, even the life he had lived, seem vain and grey. He wasn’t sure he could take any more of this contrast against his own small insignificance. But he had no choice; he was being brought further and further into the very source of light and life, passing beyond unknown planes of reality.

Somewhere in the distance he heard someone calling his name. It sounded familiar. Was it from below, where his body lay lifeless in that plain empty world? Or from beyond the impenetrable glare? He had some vague understanding of where he was being taken. But what consumed his mind now was what he would find when he finally came to rest in the heart of eternity.

Four Times Eight Must Die

Justin A Guay

Having recently become aware of my gift of ordinal linguistic personification, I feel compelled to inform you all about a horrific heresy embedded within our own multiplication table. Although most of you apparently cannot see it, all of the single digits carry on their lives in a sensible relationship with one another. Whether adding subtracting dividing or multiplying they all behave according to their personalities and interact with predictable results. EXCEPT in the case of 4 times 8. 

You notice that I said that the numbers interact in sensible relationship. I did not say that they relate in harmony. Harmony is far from the truth, these numbers lead their lives in constant drama and conflict with one another that rivals that of the infamous Greek gods. There are distinct sides and a constant battle between good and evil. This battle is led on the side of good by the noble 1 and 2 who are the pillars and foundations of all sensible math. 

On the contrary side, evil has no distinct leaders, but is personified by insidious numbers such as 9, but is more commonly manifests itself in certain contexts and equations. Such equations include 7 – 4 = 3 in which case the cool and suave Seven overpowers the dainty feminine Four. Seven is not inherently evil, but in this case he clearly takes advantage of another number. The end product, as you can see, is a clear loss for good in that Three is an odd number and the route of power hungry Nine, the sneaky sultry Six, and border line insane Twenty-one.

In multi-digit numbers evil appears again in the form of numbers such as 13. 13 is obviously unlucky, but he is also dangerous in that he is a prime number meaning that his strength comes from within. Furthermore, Three, which would be pure evil were it not for its necessity in creating a multitude of equations, has sequestered the pure but helpless One to itself to further strengthen its selfish purposes. 

But, Four times Eight is just wrong. It is an affront to all reasonable numbers both good and bad. To begin with, a conflict between 4 and 8 is almost inconceivable. Despite being spirited, Four has no real power because all numbers divisible by Four are also divisible by Two. As you can imagine, Four has no unique personality of her own but simply mirrors the latest trend proffered by other numbers (and in particular the noble heroine Two). In a similar way Eight is even more obtuse, with little regard for appearance she is neutral in almost all cases and does very little on her own despite being a relatively large and strong number.

Thus, in the case of Four times Eight you have two placid unmotivated numbers supposedly in conflict. We just can't allow this foolishness to go on. Furthermore, if the equation is forced through the result is the hideous 32. What is 32? Sandwiched in between two prime numbers it leads with the devious and often corrupt Three, but then is followed by the righteous queen of numbers Two.

32 is an ugly, unnatural number. Three and two added together create Five, the enforcer of law among numbers, which might be considered good, were it not for the fact that 32 is completely indivisible by Five, nor does it have any common relationship to Four and Eight. This is a bad omen for 32. No other pair of multiples culminates in a 32 with the exception of the pure and innocent 16 (which is where the Fours table should have stopped). As you can see, 32 is alone and rejected by all other numbers; and for good reason.

I implore you all in the name of good and decent math to stop the madness and to veto, ban, and boycott Four times Eight. Email this to 16 / 4 other people or you will have 7 + 6 for 3 x 9 years.