Computers and Security

I got into computers a little late in the game. While studying mechanical engineering during my first year of college, my friend Mike got me interested in Linux. After a great deal of trial and error, I had my own Slackware box set up in my dorm room - if memory serves me correctly, it took almost three full days to get X working. Between using Solaris in the school's computer labs and Linux in my dorm room, I realized that I wouldn't enjoy being a mechanical engineer nearly as much I was would like to goof with computers for a living.

I didn't seriously get into the security of computers until I was rooted. I would generally apply patches quickly as they were released - in this case, I even downloaded the patch, but for some reason I decided to wait to apply it (CVE-1999-0704). Within a day or so, I found my computer under someone else's control. I rebuilt the computer, and wrote my first ipchains firewall policy.

At the moment, I am running OS X, Gentoo, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. I am also running OpenWRT on a couple of access points for added fun. Some random screenshots from throughout the years can be seen here and here.

Capsaicin

I am a big fan of most anything that is hot. I grow my own peppers at home (though this year they are not doing so well) and avidly gather hot sauces from places I visit. My current favorite is probably Miss Anna's - made in St. Croix. As far as I know, you cannot get it outside of the U.S.V.I., but luckily I picked up a couple of bottles on my last trip (the left-most two bottles are the "tourist" hot sauces, but I couldn't help myself).

Pretty much everything I cook will have some sort of pepper in it, even if it is only a little cracked peppercorn. Some people joke, but I can't help it. There is practically a whole shelf in the fridge dedicated to hot sauces and random concoctions that I have made. It is one of those addicting things I guess. I used to chuckle at the people that would put hot sauce on their pizza, but now I swear by it.

Cars

Another nasty habit I have is a facination with older Volkswagons. I have a '74 Superbeetle with fat fenders, 1776cc engine with a fairly mild cam and dual carbs, and custom paint and interior that I love to death. Unfortunately, it is sitting alone right now; its a little dented up from where someone turned in front of me and I haven't really had the time or the money to get it properly fixed. Before I get it back on the road, I plan on a complete suspension upgrade and a bigger motor.