Archives for January, 2011
Thinking about OpenID
Jan 28, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I like the idea of OpenID and I use my OpenID to login to numerous websites and services. I use the following link elements in my site’s HTML to delegate my login:
<link rel="openid.server" href="http://www.myopenid.com/server">
<link rel="openid.delegate" href="http://corenominal.myopenid.com">
This means I can enter my own URL as my OpenID, which makes OpenID even easier to use — if I cannot remember my own URL, I might as well end it all now. Anyhow, I got to thinking that even though I use my OpenID on a daily basis, I have never really looked into how I might implement it, as a consumer, in one of my own sites.
This got me thinking about the CrunchBang Linux site and about how poorly it currently performs, in respect to how users login. Currently there are 2 areas of the site where users are required to login to gain write privileges, the forums and the wiki. These 2 areas are for all intents and purposes, completely separate entities. If a user wants to post something to the forums, they need to create an account. If that same person wants to contribute to the wiki, they have to create another account. Needing 2 different accounts on a single website is far from ideal and I am thinking it is something I would like to try and fix.
The cause of the problem is due to how I set-up the site. I used PunBB to provide the forum software and DokuWiki to provide the, erm, wiki, and both pieces of software use their own internal authentication systems. I believe there are some OpenID extensions/plugins available for both, but I am not sure this would negate the need to have two accounts.
Hmm, I need to research this some more.
Google Chrome FUD
Jan 15, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I enjoy using Google services and software. I use Google Search, Gmail, Google Reader, Google Adsense, Google Analytics, Google Language Tools, Google Android, Google Maps, Google Navigate, Google Public DNS and more. In very many ways, Google services and software really do help to make my life easier.
Just recently, I switched my web browser to Google Chrome. I also made Google Chrome the default browser in CrunchBang Linux. This change has led to some interesting discussions around the topics of security and privacy.
It did occur to me that the switch to Chrome might cause some ripples and I have not been surprised to read that some people have concerns about how Google Chrome tracks their web usage. A topic about this subject has started on the CrunchBang forums and it is good see people discussing it in a sensible manner.
Personally, I do not have any uneasy feelings of doubt, worry, or fear about using Google services or software; however, with all the FUD surrounding Google, I can understand why some people might.
I am now wondering if I should switch CrunchBang’s default browser to Chromium to appease those with concerns over Chrome. Or, with Firefox 4 just around the corner, should I wait a while longer?
I am also wondering which will be released first, Debian Squeeze or Firefox 4? I read that Firefox 4 could be here next month, and with the number of Squeeze bugs being rapidly reduced, I figure it cannot be too far away either. My money is on Squeeze! :)
Flattr
Jan 8, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I have joined Flattr. Actually, I joined Flattr a while ago, but I until today I had not actively used my account. For anyone unaware,
I have submitted CrunchBang Linux as a “thing” that can be flattred. I am not expecting to get rich by doing this. To be honest, I am not expecting anything from it at all, but if by using Flattr I can generate some money, it will certainly help with funding CrunchBang’s server costs.
Also, as a Flattr user, it feels good to be able to flattr other things — the first thing I flattred was the Linux Outlaws podcast. I will keep an eye open for other flattrable things too.