How to Set Up Google Chromecast : Windows 8

1.   Chromecast is a 2.83-inch (72 mm) HDMI dongle ,a digital media player developed by Google that plays audio/video content on a high-definition display by directly streaming it via Wi-Fi from the Internet or a local network. Users select the media to play using mobile apps and web apps that support the Google Cast technology. Alternatively, content can be mirrored from the Google Chrome web browser running on a personal computer, as well as from the screen of some Android devices.This post further brings you screen shots of the Chromecast setup as I set it up on one windows 8 Laptop...sadly it doesn't have a straight setup for UBUNTU OS...though I have seen few forums wherein a plugin mention in regular chrome browser would set the cast working...but alas not tried that...here it is a simply setting it up on Windows 8.

Step 1 : As you plugin the chromecast powered by USB Power in the HDMI slot ,you get a similar looking screen.

  

On your Chrome browser log onto google.com/chromecast/setup

As you click the above link you get a download setup file...around 800 kb...download that and your installation begins....

Typical Next Next.....

You get the device number as detected by the Laptop machine

Once connected a unique code is seen as below on the TV...just confirm that you see the same on your PC too as shown further below :

Unique code replicated on Laptop screen as below :

Click on That's My Code and continue as seen below :

Seen connecting to the network SSID

Setting up the Device on joining the network

and you are ready to cast :

The first time the device is ready to cast,expect recent update on the Chromecast dongle like seen below...likely to take few minutes...mine took 7-8 minutes

Updating still....12%

Updating still....61%

Updated and now applying updates

and the first look of the device on way to cast a Youtube stream as below :

What do I cast first ?...off course Rajinikanth....:-)

Few things to ponder and for info first time users :

- Why is not ready for Opensource OS?
- Works equally ready with Android devices with ease
- Does not work on a Windows OS running in Virtual Box/Machine.

VPN: Graduating to NECESSITY!!!!

1.   Years back in India some where in 1990's...computer was still a rich men's possession...so was the case with plain mobiles graduating further to smart phones..but over the years today both are part of routine possession of every one...PCs/Laptops/Tablets today have entered almost all domains of most of the minutes we spend with our eyes open...whether it is office...studies... entertainment.. personal life... everything...The growing dependence has made new problems too...prime being PRIVACY.The privacy issue has recently taken a more serious note with so many Cyber Espionage operations coming in open...wiki leaks happening...Snowden out in open with his story ...government backed cyber traffic monitoring projects incl few as mentioned below :

    PRISM
    ECHELON
    Carnivore
    DISHFIRE
    STONEGHOST
    Tempora
    Frenchelon
    Stellar Wind
    Fairview
    MYSTIC
    Bullrun
    Upstream
    

2.   The above list is actually endless with specific aims of collecting information in form of call records,location mapping,building profiles....all happening in the name of building Intelligence for the safeguard of respective individual nations.There is no way one naive citizen without a tech background of any country can safeguard himself from all above operations and projects.In recent times.....VPN has been increasingly showcased across various forums and even by the likes of Snowden and Julian Assange who have used it in their routine transactions of email...Skype and messaging someone..

VPN is a network that is constructed by using public wires — usually the Internet — to connect to a private network, such as a company's internal network.  There are a number of systems that enable you to create networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data. These systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.

3.  Now with the growing paranoia and due concern of Cyber Security and Privacy in general public too,the option of VPN has started gaining due focus....with free VPN Services in abundance...like openvpn, freevpn, vpnbook,Shrew Soft, Comodo Unite and the free/basic version of Hamachi etc...the lure is only becoming more tempting. Most people are coming out of the typical mindset of VPN being only a corporate protocol for business travellers and people who work remotely.VPN is thus gradually moving from an option today to a necessity.The good thing is that even the paid VPN services are not so costly to make an impact on pocket.With a VPN configured in ur PC/Laptop...u r rest assured safe from prying eyes of free wifi zones at Coffee shops or places like at airport.

Does VPN imply 100% Safety for the user?

4.   Like all security solutions, even the securest of VPNs can be compromised surprisingly since if the user is keen enough/careless to download malicious files, which is why the onus lies finally with the user habits of surfing safely.A VPN only makes sure that the traffic from user end is encrypted from third party eyes...it does not defy the need for Anti-virus software’s which are primarily responsible for detecting Virus/Malwares etc

DarkHotel APT : Story of Unusual Hospitality

A new social Cyber threat is currently being exploited by criminals vide using hotel Wi-Fi networks to hack the devices of business executives with the hope of gaining access to a company's sensitive information.The so-called "Dark Hotel" attack tricks hotel Wi-Fi users into downloading malicious software that appears to be a legitimate software update which actually is embedded with customised malware and trojan droppers.....This ppt gives a brief over view of the report ex Kaspersky Labs

   Dark Hotel APT

Thanks Kaspersky : Access full report at https://securelist.com/files/2014/11/darkhotel_kl_07.11.pdf

DD-WRT : Linux based Alternative OpenSource Firmware

1.   After we have heard and seen over last few years the rise of Open Source and their imminent threat to Mac and Windows!!!!,now I read about  , a Linux based alternative Open Source firmware suitable for a great variety of WLAN routers and embedded systems.

2.    This open-source firmware was developed for specific router models and is used as a replacement for the factory default firmware. This modification lifts restrictions built-in to the default firmware, providing advanced capabilities to make Internet and Home Network more controllable and versatile.Manufacturers develop routers for non-technical users in mind, making them simple and easy to use, while limiting their effectiveness as a web-access gateway. DD-WRT transforms a personal-class router with limited functionality into a powerful, multi-use, business-class router. With DD-WRT, a router's enterprise potential can be unlocked at a home user's price.

3.    The advantages offered are bought out below :

    - Stability of running a linux-based, non-proprietary firmware.
    - VPN (Virtual Private Network) passthrough capabilities.
    - Software support for the SD-Card hardware modification.
    - Advanced QoS (Quality of Service) controls for bandwidth allocation.
    - NAT (Network Address Translation) support.
    - Cycle router from the Administration settings.
    - Built-in DNS caching
    - Configure the router as a Wi-Fi hotspot using the integrated Chillispot          
    - Radius Authentication for additional wireless security.
    - VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) Support.
    - Create unique SSIDs (service set identifiers) when using multiple routers.

4.   But it is not a win win situation always,while flashing a router with DD-WRT is highly beneficial , the risks that are involved can sometimes outweigh the benefits . Flashing a router with DD-WRT can be risky and when done improperly, it may "brick" the router. For devices mainly used for private purposes, DD-WRT is freely available. Platforms used for commercial purposes require a paid license. Compared to the freely available version, the professional version also allows for configuration of the WLAN parameters, thus opening up the opportunity of creating e.g. reliable and powerful network infrastructures. Special demands can be fulfilled by specifically tailored versions of DD-WRT.

Installing Broadcom drivers : Kali Linux

1.     This post will show the installation of Broadcom's official Linux hybrid wireless driver. Using a Broadcom wireless USB adapter gives us the greatest possibility of success in terms of getting our wireless USB access point to work on Kali.

2.    Open a terminal window and download the appropriate Broadcom driver from http://www.broadcom.com/support/802.11/linux_sta.php

cd /tmp/

wget http://www.broadcom.com/docs/linux_sta/hybrid-portsrc_
x86_64-v5_100_82_112.tar.gz

3.     Extract the downloaded driver using the following script:

mkdir broadcom

tar xvfz hybrid-portsrc_x86_64-v5_100_82_112.tar.gz –C /tmp/broadcom

4.     Modify the wl_cfg80211.c file since there's a bug in version 5.100.82.112 that prevents compiling the code under kernel version 2.6.39

vim /tmp/broadcom/src/wl/sys/wl_cfg80211.c

Look at the following piece of code at line number 1814:

#if LINUX_VERSION_CODE > KERNEL_VERSION(2, 6, 39)

Replace it with the following:

#if LINUX_VERSION_CODE >= KERNEL_VERSION(2, 6, 39)

Save the changes.

5.     Compile the code:

make clean
make
make install

6.     Update the dependencies:

depmod -a

7.     Find loaded modules by issuing the following:

lsmod | grep b43\|ssb\|bcma

8.     Remove the modules found by executing the following command:

rmmod b43

Where could be b43 or ssb or bcma.

9.     Blacklist the modules to prevent them from loading at system startup:

echo "blacklist " >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

Where could be b43 or ssb or bcma or wl.

10.     Finally, add the new module to the Linux Kernel to make it a part of the boot process:

modprobe wl

4G drives to Indore in Cars and Motors via BSNL

1.   Indore is keeping its surfing grounds ready to welcome the 4G speed @ courtesy BSNL.Likely to be launched in some time May 2013......this will also be the first time some thing known as WiFi based "Internet on wheels" will be launched...but that is scheduled slightly later.

2.   Key features about the same :

 - 8 Mbps speed

-  Wi-Fi-based internet facility to motorists on move

-  Rough payment plans :
   
-   "BSNL's internet-activated car kit would be available in three ranges of one time payment plans that include : 
      - Rs 6500, 
      - Rs 27,500 
      - Rs 29,500

-  This will come along with a standard dial-up plan of Rs 250 per month.

3.  Here you go Indore'ites....all the best....but at the same time what props up is how will the gadgets handle this 4G speed....will the already held 3G mobiles and Tabs be able to take on the new G or are we awaiting new advertisements to lure us buying 4G devices!!!!

Raspberry Pi : Whats this?

1.    Over last few months I have been seeing this term being mentioned in newly raised OS and applications...in the form like such and such OS/Application is Raspberry Pi compatible...so initially it did not  make me enthu enough to do some google/wiki on this..but when I read about Kali Linux being compatible with this Raspberry Pi...i thought I must see this when knowing it is just a click away...so goes like this for the first time readers about Raspberry Pi......

-  Raspberry Pi is a Credit-Card-Sized Single-Board Computer developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation 

- Developed and introduced with the intention of promoting the teaching of basic computer science in schools....(sounds grt...we never had this...bugged with 8086 boards in our times...)

-  It has a Broadcom BCM2835 system on a chip (SoC)

-  Includes an ARM1176JZF-S 700 MHz processor 

-  Offers OEM Fiited 256 megabytes of RAM, later upgradable upto 512MB.

-  Does not include a built-in hard disk or solid-state drive, but uses an SD card for booting and long-term storage.

-  Extremely useful for Engineering Students for Projects Related to Robotics

2.    How does it look like ?

Click to Enlarge
Image Courtesy : http://www.derkbraakman.com

Click to Enlarge
Image Courtesy : http://www.raspberrypi.org

3.    More at http://www.raspberrypi.org/faqs

Blue Tooth handshakes Wifi: Here Comes BLUE FI

1.    Here some thing when technology meets technology....so till date I used to identify Blue Tooth with  proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances and WiFi with 802.11 IEEE standard...now when these two get mixed we get a BLUE FI.

2.  As per a paper "Blue-Fi: Enhancing Wi-Fi Performance using Bluetooth Signals by Ganesh Ananthanarayanan" Blue Fi is a system that predicts the availability of the Wi-Fi connectivity by using a combination of bluetooth contact-patterns and cell-tower information. This allows the device to intelligently switch the Wi-Fi interface on only when there is Wi-Fi connectivity available, thus avoiding the long periods in idle state and significantly reducing the the number of scans for discovery.Now the best part about this is that when I searched something on BLUE-FI,two prominent google searches included a Paper as mentioned above by an Indiuan and also the first implememntation in India at Bangalore City Railway Station that became the first in the railway network to offer BluFi.

3.   The passengers at Banglore railway station would be able to get Internet access, by sending their mobile numbers through the Wi-Fi registration portal. The passwords would be sent through SMS. A passenger could use Internet for 45 minutes; if he wished to continue, he had to start a fresh session....sounds a gr8 start....and promising

4.   Thanks http://www.thehindu.com/ and http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu

WiFi Amplified 10 times : Here comes WiGig™

1. WiFi,the term that has revolutionised our lives at home with ease of access and mobile internet connectivity is all set to receive a major boost in speed when the 60GHz frequency band comes into operation. Wi-Fi Alliance® confirmed an alliance with WiGig™ to expand the current WiFi band range. Current WiFi technologies will remain, with the new 60Ghz range coming in to compliment these already existing technologies. 60 GHz device connectivity will be an exciting enhancement to the capabilities of today's Wi-Fi technologies. It will expand the utility of Wi-Fi, used by hundreds of millions of people every day.The goal - to bring 7Gbps wireless connectivity to users!!!!

2. How does this happen? Basically transfer speeds that are 'turbo boosted'. Today maximum data transfer speeds are in the region of about 150 Mbps. Bringing in this new technology will boost that figure to anywhere between 1 Gbps to 7 Gbps. That is about 10 times faster than the norm today. On the flipside, higher frequency waves don't have the range of current lower frequencies, and the 60 Ghz band travels in a straight line, meaning one would need line of sight between two devices to transfer data.

3. Estimates are that this technology will be available in devices that have dual-band or tri-band capabilities, in approximately two years. These devices will most likely have the ability to switch between the current 2.4 Ghz or 5 Ghz, and the 60 Ghz band.

4. Thanks http://www.new-technology-world.com & http://wirelessgigabitalliance.org/

WiFi at home : Take precautions

1. Accessing WiFi at home is no more limited to tech geeks as the simple configuration has made it accessible to even a layman who hardly has any know how of how it works and what are the dangers floating around if he goes with the default settings.The two year back case of a hacker emailing from an open WiFi account in Mumbai reflects the deep dangers associated with such mishaps.Following are a set of desirable config changes any WiFi account holder at home and office whould take care of while configuring.....

Step 1: Change the default password

Step: 2: Change the default IP address

Step 3: Disable the DHCP service

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enables remote computers connected to the router to obtain an IP address and join the network without needing to know the IP and router address information. This is a simple and effective way of keeping intruders away. As far as possible, set up the computers on your network with static IP addresses. If you still want to use DHCP to make your own configuration easier, restrict the number of DHCP IP users to the number of computers on your network. For example, if you have five laptops running on the network, limit the DHCP IP addresses to 5 from the default 50.

Step 4: Restrict the network mode

Step 5: Change the default SSID

Step 6: Opt for WPA2 or PSK security over WEP

Step 7: Enable the MAC Filter

Step 8: Use the router’s firewall

Step 9: Use Internet Access Policies

Step 10: Disable remote administration

Step 11: Switch off the router when not in use

Step 12: Disconnect the Internet when not needed

Step 13: Position your router carefully

Step 14: Update the router firmware

Step 15: Scan for signal leaks from time to time

2. Also check out here.Thanks http://www.freealldown.com