UNIX, Security, and Privacy

Many operating systems use the EUI-64 algorithm to generate IPv6 addresses. This algorithm derives the last 64 bits of the IPv6 address using the MAC address. Many see this as a privacy problem. The last half of your IP address will never change, and with MAC addresses being somewhat unique, the interface ID becomes close to a unique “cookie” identifying your system.

I got an oppertunity to upgrade my Cisco 2960G switch to something supporting SSH keys (12.2(58)SE2). I wanted to know how the process compares with my Juniper EX switches.

Interview Questions This is a collection of interview questions that I pick and choose from (nobody has to answer all them) when I talk with both technical and non-technical people. I’ve been collecting these for several years and I try to keep them updated along the way. Some have historical interest. Some may need to be updated, or you may find value in their historical nature. Its true that the industry makes fun of people who use AIX, or emacs.

Being something of a professional nerd, my idea of storage doesn’t always line up with consumer thinking. I’ve been building my own systems for quite a while, so the idea of building my own NAS was going to happen sooner or later.

Bits of information related to the best server operating system I’ve found.

Useful Apps

This is a list of some Apps (and links if they aren’t in the Apple App Store) I find useful (many are available through homebrew’s cask system).

pfSense is a great firewall/router for a nerdy home, or business. It offers all the standard features (stateful firewall, NAT, routing, IPv6, VPN, and high availability) for free.