CookieSmasherGus

I used a VPN on a router to change my IP address for all devices connected to it, I first checked my IP address per instructions, then set up a VPN and manually double checked IP addresses if they were indeed changed.

Source: https://www.darkreading.com/nordlocker-invites-ethical-hackers-to-crack-encrypted-locker-worth-$10000/d/d-id/1337631?_mc=rss_x_drr_edt_aud_dr_x_x-rss-simple It's cool to see tech companies take security seriously while also being open about it. Now, I'm no hacker myself, but I'm not sure if $10k is enough for someone to try and find some flaws in closed source software and also decipher the data inside. Still though, I'm curious to see how this will pan out.

This is cool, but it won't stop me from using adblock, the reputation of ads is beyond saving at this point. And many sites that I do visit have things like sponsored content that isn't blocked by software. I can live with that because they're less intrusive and also not malware.

Playing guitar and working out

Looks like I need a Pitta mask when spring comes around, pollen allergies are killing me and I really need an excuse to start dressing in cyberpunk fashion.

None taken. And if you get better productivity from using a Mac then go for it, it all depends on your priorities. I personally feel more productive on a more familiar platform (Windows) while the appeal of Linux is the fact that it's free and customizable.

This is why I never buy games as soon as they release, always gotta wait and see, maybe wait for some discounts. There are plenty of games to choose from and there's very little reason to get this hyped for anything. Have to stay cool and not rush into buying. And no pre-purchasing.

I'd stay with Windows or go to Linux for some novelty. And I don't really like Apple as a company so I wouldn't use Mac.

It's fine. I'm much rather in the mood to play games when it's chilly out like in autumn, rather than spring, so this delay is kind of a win. And if helps to avoid crunch time for the developers then it's a double win.

I'd be ok with that. Recently I've been watching more of Tech Linked (which doesn't have that much Linus anyway) instead of the main channel so I'd barely even notice that he's gone. It's kind of funny - Pewdiepie is also taking a break this year. Perhaps more big time youtubers are deciding to take breaks for the new decade and to ponder their options.

Lots of indie games with the boys like Terraria, Stardew Valley and Minecraft. Most played game is Warframe, though I kind of stopped this decade, needed something fresh. I know it got an update, but I don't want to get sucked in again.

At the moment it's SWTOR and Warframe. There's just something appealing about space exploration, shooting bad aliens and living in some crazy bizarre galaxy filled with all sorts of weird extra terrestrials.

When you have a great weekend but have to go back to your regular mundane life on Monday.

Have not been feeling very optimistic lately about our future.

My brother still uses win 7 because he can't be bothered to get legitimate win10. Though I was also surprised when he mentioned that he's considering moving to Linux because it's free. I've considered that idea myself, but I'd like to try it out first somehow.

I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. A little bit of cardio to warm up, then some heavy lifting and calisthetics, some isolation exercises and then core exercises at the end. I'm very happy with it, been doing it for quite a few years as a way to get out more and away from the computer. Weight has stayed pretty much the same but I have noticed some gainz so all is very good. Diet is pretty much all over the place - sometimes I do intermittent fasting, sometimes I go hard on eggs, chicken, rice and oats to try and gain some extra muscle but I have a hard time shoveling so much food. Maybe I'm a hardgainer. I don't try to overthink it too much though - just less sugar, less alcohol and less processed food. More focus on making my own food with some meats, grains and veggies. People talk a lot how you should avoid carbs but I can't live like that - seems too depriving and I'm not that hardcore on the whole fitness thing. And there is a lot of conflicting information about fitness and health - some say fasting great, others say overall caloric intake is most important, carbs bad, carbs necessary because without it your body is under stress. It's a mess so I think it's best to just stick with what works for you individually because that's the important thing - the ability to do it consistently. Otherwise you'll start to hate it and be back to square one.

Free vpns aren't great if your priority is security and privacy - they might giving out your data to make ends meet. Better to save up and pay for one - something like NordVPN, ExpressVPN ir even PIA. Best do your own research and figure out what works best for you. Not sure what to recommend for anti malware stuff though - usually common sense is enough - aka not downloading suspicious files, not giving out permission to various websites and not using random USB sticks found on the street. I use (have installed) Malwarebytes and it seems ok.

Anyone remember voat.co? It was touted as a cool and freedom respecting alternative to Reddit. I checked it out a few times and it seemed like it was co-opted by the alt-right. Don't know how it looks right now because it seems that you have to have an account to see what's going on. Now I'm not saying that the same will happen with Mastodon, but it's a possibility if they're really going to be unmoderated like that. Personally I don't even use Twitter but I'm curious to see how this will unfold.

The main things that could use an upgrade are the SSD/HDD combo, maybe a better graphics card. A new pc case because I'm using some old recycled one and though it does the job it's kind of shitty looking. And if I'll feel extra fancy perhaps a new monitor as well.

Agreed, this whole event is being blown wayyyy out of proportion. I mean, it's just one server, no actual serious damage has been done. Considering how big NordVPN is this is a fairly minor incidend. And besides, it seems to have an ulterior motive - Tech Crunch is owned by Verizon and they released their own VPN some time ago (source https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180807/08182440385/verizon-launched-vpn-without-bothering-to-write-real-privacy-policy.shtml) so it could just be some desperate attempt to make Nord seem unreliable to push their own service. It just feels like everyone is reading the headline, see the word "hacked" and then just lose their minds.

I use Nord and it's definitely an improvement over the usual free vpn's I used in the past. It's compatible with a lot of different devices, works pretty consistently and the speeds are good. I agree that their marketing is a bit misleading and can be improved, but I can understand the desire to maximize sales in any way possible. Overall it's pretty good and worth a try.

Technology is constantly pushing the boundaries and advancing in unforeseen ways. Sometimes it's scary or absurd, but overall it has improved our lives in amazing ways and I'm just excited to see how tech makes our lives a lot more interesting. But I do have to admit that I'm a bit weary of the environmental impact of this rapid advancement.

I'm not sure what the situation with tech stuff is in South Africa but it's always cheaper to build a rig yourself