SERVICE: Web Application Testing / Internet Security Audit Service

January 7, 2008 – 1:11 pm
The service is designed to rigorously push the defences of Internet networks and applications. It is suitable for commissioning, third party assurance, post-attack analysis, audit and regulatory purposes where independence and quality of service are important requirements. A final written report provides an analysis of any security or service problems discovered together with proposed solutions, links to detailed advisories and recommendations for improving the security of the service under test. Web Application Testing / Internet Security Audit Service covers: Configuration Errors Source Code Reviews Application holes in server software and/or code Testing for Vulnerabilities Reducing attack risk and / or discouraging attack through server hardening techniques Advice on patching and on-going security An example of the issues that ...

HOWTO: Build Your Own Linux Based Anti-Spam/Anti-Virus Filter Mail Relay Server - Steps 1 and 2 (Setting up your VMWare Virtual Machine and Installing Ubuntu 6.06 LTS Server)

December 6, 2007 – 1:30 pm
Now a days, with millions of psychopaths all siphoning email addresses from everywhere, there is a chronic need for companies (both small and large) to have their own spam filtering services. While you can purchase software that does this off the shelf, such as those from MessageLabs, MacAfee, Symantec, Barracuda Networks and others, there's nothing quite like having your own solution, that you look after, and that - most importantly - doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, this how-to will show you how to build one that costs you no money (unless you hire me to build it for you in which case I will I'm afraid have to charge you - but nothing like what these other guys charge). Now this is quite a lengthy process, meaning that it will take some time, and is comprised of a number of steps. We'll go through each ...

SERVICE: Pharmacy Repeat Prescription Management System (PRPMS Version 1.0)

December 6, 2007 – 1:23 pm
As mentioned in my previous entry (See: Previous Post), here are the details of the Pharmacy Repeat Prescription Management System (PRPMS) that I've recently developed, and that is available for any Pharmacy / Chemist store anywhere. Once the commercials are in place with the end-customer (Pharmacy/Chemist), I will install the system onto their hardware - a hosted version can and will be provided if there is demand for it, but it will be priced accordingly and hosting costs will also have to be taken into consideration.  If required, I can get a hosting (dedicated or virtual server depending on requirements) account from my preferred UK-based reputable provider (Fasthosts UK) in the name of the end-customer (Pharmacy/Chemist), configure it accordingly, and provide all the appropriate management and use credentials as part of the package. Here is a walk through in images of the entire system.  If you feel ...

HOWTO: Install O3Spaces on Windows 2003 Server (includes installing Java Runtime Environment on Windows 2003 Server)

December 6, 2007 – 1:22 pm
I don't know how many people are even aware of the O3Spaces application. For the purposes of this HOWTO, I'll assume that not many people know about this excellent application, and will give a brief run-down of what this software does. Essentially O3Spaces does for OpenOffice what Windows Sharepoint Services did for Microsoft Office, except that O3Spaces also does the same for Microsoft Office! The blurb on the O3Spaces website says: O3Spaces B.V. is a young organization built around an experienced and innovative team of software engineers based in the Netherlands. We have a proven track record in developing groupware for a broad range of industries, from Healthcare, Education and Industry. Inspired by the potential and the power of the open source concept in general and of ODF and OpenOffice.org in particular, we strive to be at the forefront of developments in tools and systems opening up new ways of collaboration. O3Spaces Workplace has firmly ...

HOWTO: Installing MySQL, PHP and PHPMyAdmin on IIS - Part 3 - PHP

December 6, 2007 – 1:20 pm
This is the third in the series of HOWTOs that I've decided to write following my painful experiences with installing PHP on Windows 2003 and running it under IIS6.  Hopefully they'll be found valuable by readers. The entire series can be found here: Installing and Configuring MySQL Server Installing, Configuring and Using MySQL Client Tools Installing and Configuring PHP for IIS Installing and Configuring PHPMyAdmin on IIS Without further ado, let's jump straight into Part 3: Part 3: Installing and Configuring PHP for IIS Planning As with any other serious install, planning is a major part of a having a successful installation/configuration session.  With this in mind, be sure that you have read this HOWTO in it's entirety prior to starting.  Otherwise, as long as you follow ...

HOWTO: Installing MySQL, PHP and PHPMyAdmin on IIS - Part 1 MySQL Server

December 6, 2007 – 1:18 pm
Getting yourself a LAMP environment when you only have a Windows server to play with, can be a little daunting.  However, if you have a Windows 2003 Server (or even Windows 2000) with IIS Installed, then getting PHP and MySQL installed and ready for use is not that difficult. This guide will also work for installations on Windows Vista and Windows XP, however it should be noted that for best results you will be required to disable UAC on Windows Vista. In this short tutorial, we'll be going through the entire install process, starting with MySQL, and the PHP. We'll then install PHPMyAdmin a web-based tool for administrating MySQL that'll confirm that PHP and MySQL are talking, all within the framework of Microsoft's Internet Information Server. This HOWTO (and it's three corresponding sections) are all in response to the fact that PHP is now available for ...

OpenOffice 2.3 - Indepth Review

December 6, 2007 – 1:16 pm
Unlike previous 2.x releases, OpenOffice.org 2.3 is a new and enhanced feature release rather than a bug fix. There are several smart changes, a whole new approach to adding new features and of course the much anticipated new charting tool. This is definitely a release to get to know. I'll plunge right into what's new: A bunch of new and enhanced features like restoring the user-defined movement path in Impress and applying better default print settings in Calc. Check the release notes for complete information from OpenOffice.org. A significantly different chart tool. New extensions provided by Sun and other vendors. You will need to run 2.3 for the extensions to work. Read more about the new extensions on the OpenOffice.org web site. The new OpenOffice.org 2.3 features Here are some of ...

Installing an Ubuntu 6.06LTS LAMP Server

December 6, 2007 – 1:11 pm
Automatic LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) In about 15 minutes, the time it takes to install Ubuntu Server Edition, you can have a LAMP server up and ready to go. This feature, exclusive to Ubuntu Server Edition, is available at the time of installation. The LAMP option saves the trouble of installing and integrating each of the four separate LAMP components, a process which can take hours and requires someone who is skilled in the installation and configuration of the individual applications. You get increased security, reduced time to install, and reduced risk of misconfiguration, all of which results in a lower cost of ownership. Ubuntu LAMP server Install the following Versions Ubuntu Dapper Drake 6.06 LTS Apache 2 MySQL 5 PHP 5 First you need to download ...

Update Firmware, Debranding, and/or Change Language Pack on the Nokia N95

December 6, 2007 – 1:09 pm
If you are a new Nokia N95 owner, this might be helpful to you, especially those with missing features (such as those with the VoIP Crippled Vodafone Edition of the Nokia N95) and so on. Firstly; Download and install: Nemesis Service Suite (you need to only download and install the Nemesis Service Suite Beta 1.0.38.11) and the latest Nokia Software Update. Then follow the ten steps below, and you should be debranded and have a fully working Nokia N95 just as the engineers at Nokia intended.  You should be aware however, that performing these steps may invalidate your handset's warranty with your network provider, but I'm not entirely sure, so you're better off checking that with your network provider just to be sure (that is if you purchased the handset from them or got it as part of a pay-monthly contract). Right then, onto ...

Open XML Bi-Directional Translator Development

December 6, 2007 – 1:05 pm
Linspire, Inc. will join the current efforts to improve the ability of OpenOffice.org users to work with the Office Open XML format by increasing the interoperability between ODF and Open XML. Linspire is joining with others who have signed on to this effort, including Novell and Xandros, to create bi-directional open source translators for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations between ODF and Open XML. All future releases of Linspire and Freespire will include the bi-directional translators between ODF and Open XML. As a result, end users of Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org will be able to more easily share files, as documents will better maintain consistent formats, formulas and style templates across the two office productivity suites. The Open XML format is an open standard file format for office applications that can be freely implemented by multiple applications on multiple platforms. The Open XML format was ...