felipe1982’s useless blog about nothing

It feels so good to be done Semester 1 Year 1 at QUT. I finally feel like I have accomplished something, and I feel like I accomplished a lot.

1. Cryptology – learning the mathematics and concepts behind cryptography, the basis of information security techniques, technology, and protocols.
2. Security – understanding the reasons to enforce security policies, and the myriad ways in which to use information security models.
3. Digital Forensics – looked at the things forensic investigators have to face and to consider when collecting digital evidence. Looked at various methods of collecting digital evidence, and the obstacles an investigator must try to overcome to gain as much evidence as possible, without tampering or destroying it to ensure it is admissible as evidence in a court of law.
4. Project Management – I’m just glad its over!

Since I don’t have an iPhone, and I don’t use windows, I’m not quite sure what to make of free long distance phone calls with iCall. If you want to download it, install it, and use it, let me know how it functions. Or if you already have experience with it, give me a little feedback. Is it worth it? How is the call quality? Do they spam you? Is it really ‘free’? What restrictions does it have? Does it cut off your calls after 30 mins?

How can this be free?
iCall uses Voice Over IP (VoIP) technology which utilizes your existing Internet connection (cable, DSL, wireless, or dial-up) and your PC to plug you directly in to the regular telephone network. Stick it to the man – you already pay for your Internet connection, and the Internet is changing everything!

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I has been nearly 6 1/2 months since I left Canada, and arrived half-way around the world in Brisbane, Australia. it has been several months that I have not posted something that wasn’t computer or humour related… not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I’m fine.
There, does that satisfy? of course not =)
I’m cramming for exams, two down, two more to go. Security and Cryptology exams went well, IMO, but only time can tell for sure what the true results are. Next up is Computer forensics. My prof is keeping tight-lipped about this one. “The exam will be based on subject matter from all the lecture material. Review of the tutorial materials is also recommended.” That’s a nice way of saying, “Please memorise everything that we have ever discussed in class, as well as everything in tutorial.” He has also asked us to be aware of the material submitted for both of our assignments. This makes it quite difficult for me to narrow down my focus. I can’t be sure what is relevant, and what isn’t; or what will be tested on and what won’t; what i should study and what i should ignore. Welcome to university.
Haven’t make too many new friends. People just don’t seem to want to get a hold of me, despite me trying to get in touch with them, go out to eat, come over for a poker game, come over to watch some movies or TV, drink a beer. I must admit, however, that I have been doing less of that since exams start. They finish on June 23rd, so maybe then we can get back into the swing of things.

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My cousin has graduated from University! With exceptional honours and distinctions! I applaud his efforts, he has worked very hard and truly deserves this great honour. Congratulations primo.

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The hacks are troubling in that they appear to have rendered useless supposedly sophisticated Defense Department tools and procedures designed to prevent such breaches. The department and its branches spend millions of dollars each year on pricey security and antivirus software and employ legions of experts to deploy and manage the tools.

[...]

Equally troubling is the fact that the hacks appear to have originated outside the United States. Turkey is known to harbor significant elements of the al-Qaida network. It was not clear if “m0sted” has links to the terrorist group.

Idiot newspaper.

Having a blood-cousin in Australia is pretty cool. We met some weeks ago and went out for a few drinks. He likes Australia, and is studying to be a Chef, but is growing tired of working in a kitchen. In January, he plans to start school as a Mechanical Engineer. Good for him.