Hacker's Alias: Maturola

I think I am going to start using Electric Razor, less CO2

2010-12-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

I'm still a Gilette Fusion man myself but I might finally switch to an electric shaver after reading the carbon footprint breakdown: Electric razors use 30x less energy.

How does Slate figure? An electric razor runs on 5-6 watts, consuming 0.35 kilowatt-hours a year. But! Most dudes using a disposable razor use a quart of hot water, using 10.4 kilowatt-hours a year.

All told, when you consider other elements, like the CO2 produced by making each disposable razor and the like, an electric razor will save you 14.9 pounds of carbon dioxide per year—which isn't a lot—but every little bit helps. I suppose if you wanted to go ultra green, you could go ultra badass: a straight razor with no water.

Source: Gizmodo

Jailbreak FAQ and Commonly use Terms

2010-10-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

----------------- Glossary of Terms -----------------

CHROOT: on Unix operating systems is an operation that changes the apparent disk root directory for the current running process and its children. A program that is re-rooted to another directory cannot access or name files outside that directory, and the directory is called a "chroot jail" or (less commonly) a "chroot prison".

Jailbreak: Getting root access to the device by “escalating user Privilege”, Privilege escalation is the act of exploiting a bug, design flaw or configuration oversight in an operating system or software application to gain elevated access to resources that are normally protected from an application or user. The result is that an application with more privileges than intended by the application developer or system administrator can perform unauthorized actions.

In iOS the user only have access to an specific area (commonly know as “Userland”) by the mean of a CHROOT jail, breaking out of this limitation allow regular user to scale to “root” (yielding the name Jail Breaking).

Tethered Jailbreak: is when a computer or another device (external Harddrive, modChip. etc) is required to inject the Jailbreaking code at boot. So once your iDevice is successfully jailbroken, you'll need to connect your iDevice to your computer if you ever need to reboot your iPhone or your iPhone loses battery charge.

Untethered Jailbreak: Means that the Jailbraking code live somewhere inside the iDevice and it can be invoke at boot without the need of any external device.

BaseBand: Based band is the name given to the modem (radio) firmware, this is the code that control the hardware that allow the phone to communicate with the network, it hold the network stack (think about the language that the Network towers speaks).

Bootrom: Permanent code written on the Read Only Memory (ROM) of the Microcontroller, This allow the device to Boot and Initialized all the Peripherials, IOs and some hardware components. Since it is written on read only memory, this code cannot be update or change.

Unlocking: In some cases the baseband is force to communicate only with an specific network (Lock to that network). Unlocking refers to the process of modifying, tricking or working around this restriction and let the baseband to communicate with any compatible network.

DFU mode: DFU means Device Firmware Upgrade. Lots of jailbreak software make you put it in this mode in the process of jailbreaking. You do this by holding down the home button and the hold/wake button at the top for exactly ten seconds them release the wake button while still holding down the home bottom until DFU mode is reach . It's a good way to reset it if something goes wrong with it.

SSH: Secure Shell: Network protocol that allow data transfer and machine to machine communication using a secure channel (encrypted), it primarily used on Linux/UNIX system and it was design to replace unsecured protocols like Telnet.

OpenSSH: same protocol, licensed under the GNU (Source is public)

SFTP: is an extension of the SSH protocol that allow file transferring over a secure channel.

SHSH Blobs: Those are a series of files with Extension .shsh (yield the name), these are signature files which are verified against Apple Server. Apple only sign those files with the most current firmware release and them make iTunes check for it, so that way they force your to install the most current firmware (by design they didn't count on users saving these files locally)

Blobs: Binary Large Object, is a collection of binary data stored as a single entity in a database management system. Blobs are typically images, audio or other multimedia objects, though sometimes binary executable code is stored as a blob. Database support for blobs is not universal (Thanks to - aggie - )

Firmware Umbrella (Tiny Umbrella): Desktop application that allow you to save the SHSH blobs locally on your machine, also allow you to send the information require to Cydia servers so that they can request your Blobs in the future without the need of any users interaction.

Another good feature of Tiny Umbrella is the option of upgrading to a new Official firmware without updating the baseband (for those who need to stay on older baseband in order to unlock) *This feature is currently only compatible with iPhone 4.

APT: Advanced Packaging Tool, is a free user interface that works with core libraries to handle the installation and removal of software on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution and its variants. APT simplifies the process of managing software on Unix-like computer systems by automating the retrieval, configuration and installation of software packages, either from binary files or by compiling source code

Cydia: is a software application for iOS that is a graphical front end to APT and the dpkg package management system. It allows a user to browse and download applications for a jailbroken iDevice. It was developed by Jay Freeman (also known as "saurik"). Cydia was originally released as an open-source alternative to Installer.app on iOS 1.1.x, but quickly became the most popular package manager upon 2.0's release.

Tethering: Also call "Internet Tethering" is the use of your cell phone -- or other Internet-enabled mobile device -- as a modem for another device, usually a notebook, PDA or another iDevice. The connection is made either with a cable (USB or serial) or wirelessly through bluetooth (or, in the good old days, via infrared or IrDA).

Pwnage Tool: is an Desktop application for Mac OS X that creates custom iOS firmware images to user-defined specifications and tak advatage of an exploit on the iOS to trick him into loading this custom firmware. These firmware images often contain the Apt interface Cydia as well as any number of additional Apt packages

iFile: is an iOS application that allow you for browser the file system, just like Windows explorer on Windows, or Finder on Mac OS, it is also packed with some additional features like, Web server (for file transfer using a any web browser), Media Player, installer, File preview and other.

iPhone Explorer (free): Desktop application develop by Macroplant, iPhone Explorer lets you use an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad as if it were in disk mode or a flash drive. iPhone Explorer is an iPhone browser for Mac & PC that lets you browse the files and folders on your iPhone as if it were a normal USB flash drive or pen drive. You can use the easy drag-and-drop methods to add or remove files and folders from the iPhone. Compatible with all iPhones and iPod Touches including the new iPhone 4 and iOS 4 firmware Note: afc2add Package may be required to be install on the iPhone in order to access the root partition on some iDevices ( thanks to Sidewinder)

PhoneDisk (free until Dec 1st 2010): iDevice Disk Mode is made easy with Phone Disk. Using your standard USB cable, this tiny program runs in the menu bar or system tray of your Mac or PC. When it finds an iPod Touch or iPhone it seamlessly mounts it to your file system so you can directly access its files using Windows Explorer, Finder and every other program

iDisk (Paid): Commercial desktop application similar to iPhone Explorer that allow you to browse your iDevice File System.

Cyberduck: is a MacOS X ftp application with SFTP support

WinSCP: Windows SSH client with SFTP support

------------------------- Frequently Ask Questions -------------------------

Is Jailbreaking illegal? really hot discussion about it everywhere you look, all we got is that in USA, the library of congress recently rule that Jailbreaking doesn’t violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Keep in mind that even if the act itself doesn’t, user may incur on non legal or gray area activities if they chose to, also Apple Warranty is void by it.

Can I Jailbreak my iDevice? This is almost an impossible question to answer without some information about your specific case (Phone version, current firmware version, baseband, bootrom). However the following rules Apply for most case, any iDevice release after the iPhone 3GS, will required SHSH blobs saved (locally or on Cydia servers) in order to downgrade to a previews firmware (no longer being sign by apples server).

So, if you got a iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 4, iPad, AppleTV 2G and the current firmware haven’t been Jailbroken yet, them you will need those SHSH blobs, if you don’t have them your only option is to wait for the current firmware to be jailbroken.

More info here: Jailbreak selection made simple - (Thanks to thelatinist)

How do I know if my SHSH blobs are saved? You can check Cydia home page and it should tell you in the top which SHSH you have saved however Cydia's servers can take some time to show your saved shshs or it may not show it accurately. Alternatively you can Download and run TinyUmbrella and it will tell you what SHSH you have saved and give you the option to store a copy locally.

How do I save my SHSH using Tiny Umbrella?, Well you Download it HERE and Run it =).

Here is a couple of guide and step by steps: Windows - OS X

Can Jailbreake harm or damage my iDevice in any way or affect my battery life? the Jailbreaking process itself is as safe as updating your firmware using iTunes. if a lighting strike your house while the process is ongoing, you may experienced some difficulties, however chances of that are very low. What you do after you are jailbroken (with root access) could potentially be dangerous, however most issues can be resolve with a simple “Firmware Restore”

How can I downgrade using Tiny Umbrella?

Credit for step by step by: Myzhi - http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost...00&postcount=4

Download and run Tinyumbrella:
1) Make sure you Iphone is detected.
2) check "Advanced Options."
3) In new window, under "Device / Version," select the firmware version you want to restore to.
4) Click on "Save my SHSH." Pray Cydia has them. If you don't get an error, it has been saved onto your computer.
5) Repeat to save other firmware hashes if you wish.
6) Now, click on "Display SHSHs." It should listed all hashes you have saved on your computer and the firmware you can restore with. If it's not there, you can't restore to it.
7) Start "TSS server," download official firmware file somewhere (google) and restore through iTunes with that file.
8) If you phone get stuck during the restore process, try "Kick out of recovery..."'in Tinyumbrella.
9) Using safari on the phone, go to jailbreakme.com to JB.

How can Downgrade WITHOUT Tiny Umbrella (Manually)

Credit for step by step by: kre62 and Sidewinder

1. Make sure your device has an iOS 4.0 or 4.0.1 SHSH saved on the Cydia server. You can do this by opening Cydia and looking at the top of the home screen just below where it says "Home - Cydia". If yes, then proceed to the next step.

2. Download the firmware for your device to your computer from here (or some other source):

http://ios.e-lite.org/

For example, if you have an iPhone 4 and an SHSH for iOS 4.0.1, click on the text "historical (click to expand)" at the bottom of the page and download the iPhone 4 "4.0.1 (8A306)" firmware.

3. Manually edit your hosts file to include this line:

74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com

Windows: Open Notepad as an administrator. The hosts file is in windows\system32\drivers\etc\ The file does not have an extension, so change option to All Files to find it.

OS X: go here - http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=7556

4. Open iTunes, select your iPhone in the device list, then hold shift (option for Mac) and click restore. Locate and "Choose" the firmware you download in step 2 and click on "Restore".

If you performed all the steps correctly, iTunes will now restore your iPhone to the version of firmware selected in step 2.

New Apple TV JailBroken.

2010-10-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sweet, it didn't take but just a few hours after the new Apple TV units start arriving to customer hand when we can see how the New Exploit for iOS was put to good use and Jailbroke the AppleTV, I got mine yesterday, but it is still on the Box, I am waiting for 2 things, 1) an Official Jailbreake to see what type of App and access are we talking about here, what worries me the most is the limited User input that the device has. 2) Google TV is suppose to have a line up on Oct 6th.

iPhone 4 GBA Emulator

2010-08-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

After 2 iPhones revisions and several OS upgrades (even nam change from iPhone OS to iOS) I got my favorite GBA ROMs back into my iPhone =)

Working on Objective-C =) - Maturola is coming to the AppStore!

2010-07-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

With all the hipe of the iPhone 4 and the new iPad I decided to give it a shot at Objective-C and see what all the fuzz is about. I am working on getting me an iPad to work with and start working on a couple of cool App ideas that i got for quite sometime.

So far all i got is the sample "hello world" program included with Xcode LOL, but I'll post something as soon as I am up and running.

iPhone 4 is here!

2010-07-19T13:01:00.001-07:00

Well,

I haven't really post anything in a long while so I think this is a perfect opportunity to restart, My iPhone 4 is here, and I am loving it, if you haven't been living under a rock you know by now of all of the issues the iPhone 4 have, however I am happy to report that I am one of those with a good unit, haven't had any signal of drop call issues, my camera and screen don't have any yellow or green and the retina display is so incredible.

Pretty happy to be honest.!

Installing Scorpio SR-i900 on a CBR1000rr (2008)

2009-09-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

From Scorpio SR-i900

I got all the add-on:

3-Stage proximity sensor
Emergency engine cut of
Battery Backup

I was able to find the Fuel Pump control signal right next to the Fuse box so i didn't have to remove chase it by the fuel tank like others post out there but more of that later.

1) Remove Rear Cowl / Fairing and Driver seat (Check your owner manual on how to remove the Driver seat), the rear part is easy, just take off 4 screws on the top and pull the side to the outside.

2) I ordered the Factory Hardness for the Honda 08 CBR1000rr however they sent me the wrong one (I got HON-7 which is for all Shadows), Scorpio website listed the right harness as HON-12

So I end up using the Universal harness included on the Alarm which is very easy to use and no really need to cut cables.

I placed the MUM unit on the very back of the trunk compartment and Secure it with a dual wire tire around the main Battery compartment (under the driver seat). DO NOT TIGHT IT YET, you need to hide all the wires and make sure there is enough clearance for the trunk key lock before doing that.

3) right in the top of the Fuse box, you'll fine 2 factory harness, take the harness on the left side of the bike, it have 4 wires going out of it, Green (GND) , Brown (Tail light), Orange and Blue (turn Lights) - (double check the owners manual in case you have a custom install or a different bike)

Take the wire clipons that are included on the Universal harness and clip them on to each of those wires.

Next.... remove the Fuel pump relay (second top from right to left)

Next.... let's wire the Engine cutoff unit, we need to find the fuel pump control line, on the top of the Fuse box, get a flat screw driver and unlock the lock that keep the fuse hold.

Next....cut the thick brown wire (input to the Fuel pump Relay), I used Wire ties I got from walmart to connect the engineer cut off unit. VERY IMPORTANT: This is your fuel pump control signal, whatever you do, make sure wires are well connected, and well cover. I used electrical black tape to avoid any miss connection.

Next.... Place the Fuse box back on his place, place the fuel pump relay back and wire the engine cutoff unit to the location show on the next picture.

Next... Lets do the Proximity sensor, Place the sensor FLAT, I placed it on the top of the batterry as recommended, wire the connection back to the MCU.

Tape or wirewrap all excess of wires and make it look clean. (as you can see, no alterations need it, and everything looks like stock)

go back to the trunk, make sure the MCU is clear of the trunk key lock and tight the wire tight that it is holding it.

Connect the Power to the Positive (+) of the battery, and Test the Alarm.

Make sure to test everything, The engine cut off and the proximity sensor.

Place the RFID antenna on the left side of the bike on the trunk and use electrical tape to make a 12'' long straigt line for the FM antenna.

Put the Keylock back and assembly the bike back.

Congratulations, you got your Alarm installed. It took me about 2 1/2 hours to completed it but i was drinking so it shouldn't take any more than maybe 1 hour.

Let me know if you have any question.

2009-06-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Watch out for this guys, he is lose on Jackson MS

Apple Market share on Colleges and Universities increasing

2009-05-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Chart show the amount of student at University of Virginia that came with a Apple laptop, you can see how the amount of Windows machine have decrease in the latest years. Found it really interesting

Trying out Windows 7 on my Macbook

2009-05-17T19:53:00.001-07:00

Decided to try Windows 7 RC on my Macbook, let's start saying that it runs really smooth on VMware Fusion. that said, Windows 7 to me is Windows Vista second edition, MS basically smooth out the graphics, polish a little bit the interface (making look more like KDE) and got rid of some of the most annoying bugs on vista. Overall is a sep forward in the Right direction.

One of the big features that I really like is the "XP mode", Windows 7 have a full Windows XP virtual machine build-in so you can actually run all your XP-only software and application, this is specially helpfully for developers since most of the development tools are not vista friendly.

I can also install the VPN client for my company now and actually do some work inside the corporate network on my Mac while away.

YES, I AM A GEEK!

2009-05-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Really hard Saturday night

2009-05-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night was one of hardest days of my life, I really don't want to get into details but in summary my heart that was already shattered got completed smashed. I saw someone I care a lot with someone else, basically letting me know that the only problem was ME. I think it was good at the end because it had helped me to finally move on. But I cannot lie, it really hurt.

(alcohol helped too)

Crawfish Boil 09 - Jackson MS

2009-05-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Crawfish Boil Concert on Jackson MS, it was actually pretty fun. At one point I felt like the oldest one on the place, when only a very few people knew who "Filter" was.

Snoop Dog put out a show as always and I have to say that I enjoyed.

Ft Lauderdale trip

2009-04-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Reasons why to Date a Geek.

2009-03-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

(Wrote by: some smart girl in the internet)

In the wide world of dating, there are many options. Do you go for the flashy guy with the smooth smile, or the dude in the corner typing away on his laptop?
The following are reasons why I think my fellow females should pay more attention to the quiet geeks and nerds, and less attention to the flashy boys.

1.) While geeks and nerds may be awkward, they’re well-meaning 9 out of 10 times. That smooth dude with the sly grin and the spider hands? Wonder what HIS intentions are... plus, I’ve never had a geek guy not call me when he said he would. Score major points THERE.

2.) They’re useful. In this tech-savvy world, it’s great to have a b/f who can make your laptop, desktop, and just about anything else that plugs into a wall behave itself.

3.) They’re more romantic than they’re given credit for. Ok true, their idea of romance might be to make up a spiffy web-page with all the reasons why they love you, with links to pics of you and sonnets and such... but hey. It lasts longer than flowers, plus you can show your friends.

4.) Due to their neglected status, there are plenty to choose from. You like ‘em tall and slender? There are plenty of geeks/nerds who are. You like ‘em smaller with more meat on their bones? Got that too.

5.) They’ve got brains. Come on now, how can intelligence be a bad thing?

6.) Most are quite good at remembering dates. Like birthdates and such, especially if they know it’ll make you happy. Due again to their neglected status, they’re more attentive than guys who “have more options”. Plus, with all that down time without a steady girlfriend, they’ll likely have mental lists of all the things they’d love to do once they GOT a girlfriend.

7.) Sex. Yep. Sex. I’m not really familiar with this myself, but I’ve friends who’ve been intimate with geek guys and it’s raves all around. They say a virgin wrote the Kama Sutra... all that time thinking about sex, imagining sex, dreaming about sex, (they are male after all) coupled with a desire to make you happy? Use your imagination.

8.) They’re relatively low-maintenance. Most can be fueled on pizza, Twinkies and Mt Dew. No complicated dinners needed here, so if you’re not the best cook, eh. Can you order a pizza?

9.) Most frequent bars as often as slugs frequent salt mines. You won’t have to worry much about your geek guy getting his “groove” on with club hotties because, frankly, he’ll be too busy rooting around under his computer wondering where that spare cable went. You won’t have to worry about him flirting with other women because, 9 out of 10 times, he’ll zip right by them in a perfect b-line towards the nearest electronics store. I’ve seen this happen.

Me: “Eww. Victoria Secret’s Models... They’re so skinny.

How is that feminine? You can see her ribs!”

Geek Guy: “ooooooo...”

Me: “Hey!” *notices he is staring lustfully towards the computer store*

Geek Guy: “What?”

Me: “Never mind...”

10.) Although he may not want to go to every outing with you, you can arrange swaps, as in, you’ll go to his Gamer Con dressed as an elf princess if he’ll take you to the ballet. Plus, if he doesn’t want to go someplace with you, you won’t have to worry much about what he’s up to. You’ll probably come home to find him asleep on his keyboard in a sea of Mt. Dew cans with code blinking from the screen. It’s ok. He’s used to this. Just toss a blanket over him and turn out the light.

11.) His friends aren’t jerks. I can’t stress this enough. You’ll more likely get “Omg! A GIRL!! Can I see?!” than “Hey hot stuff back that ass up here and let me get some grub on...” They’re awkward geeks too and will, 9 times out of 10, treat you with the utmost respect and, more than likely, a note of awe. A cute girl picked one of their clan to date? It could happen to them! Hope! Drag some of your single girlfriends over, open up a pack of Mt. Dew, crack open the DnD set and get working. Nothing impresses geek guys more than a girl who can hack-n-slash (well ok maybe if she can code... a geek can dream).

12.) They’re rarely if ever possessive. They trust you, so you can be yourself around them. You like to walk around the house in a ratty t-shirt for comfort? He won’t care. He does too! They won’t get pissy if you don’t wear make-up or don’t want to bother primping your hair. If you gain a few pounds, they won’t try their best to make you feel like crap.

13.) They’re usually very well educated. Physics majors and the like. See #5. You won’t have to listen to him blathering on about his car (ok maybe a little), he’ll have loads of other interesting things to talk about. Politics, world events, how much the chicken burgers down at the local place rock, so long as you douse them in hot sauce...

14.) You’ll almost never have to hear, “Yaw dawg whazzap!!” plop out of their mouths. Unless it’s in jest. They spell properly, use correct punctuation, and are able to tell the difference between the toilet and the floor. They almost never get “wasted”, so you won’t have to worry about coming home to find him and his friends passed out on the floor amidst a pile of beer bottles. Mt. Dew cans, perhaps...

15.) And the final reason why geeks and nerds make great boyfriends: They actually give a damn about you. Not how you look (though that’s a plus), not how skinny you are, not how much make-up you primp yourself up with, but they like you for you. That kind of thing lasts longer than “DaMN baby you got a fine ass!!!” Believe me.

Jackson MS - Saint Patrick's day parade

2009-03-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Fun times, little out there for me but I had fun, I wish I could have
share it with someone that actually was in there but that's a diferent
set of pictures LOL

Pretty place on my trip to Virginia

2009-03-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

This was the backyard of the hotel, the most snow I've seen on my
life, it was so amazing, I notice how all of the other color look more
alive when everything is cover with snow

My jailbroken iPhone

2009-03-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Rock and Rolling with my new Macbook

2008-12-26T09:10:00.001-08:00

I am witting my first post on my brand new Aluminum 13'' Macbook, and I couldn't be any happier, I wanted to get a OSX machine for a while. but it wasn't until now that I actually made the move. my iPhone is now syncing with my Macbook, mobileme is a great addition to keep my contacts and calendar organized between work, mobiles and my desktop machine.

I think my next step is an iMac for my desktop, but i am waiting for MacWorld on January to see if they will refresh the line.

I am also prepering a short review of some programs that I am using that I have to say I am "loving it".

Resident Evil 5 - this game is going to rock release on Mar 09

2008-12-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

GamePro have a review and sneak peek at the of the incoming Xbox360 Resident Evil 5, I have to say I am looking forward to this title.

Getting back to the Train!

2008-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well.. I haven't really write anything since July so let's get back to it.

Wrath of the Lich King was released a few weeks ago, the second expansion pack for World of Warcraft, my beloved warlock is level 74 and I have a new Death Knight lvl 56 which I am exited about. My quest to level 80 is already on. My guild is already working on Naxx so I hope to join them soon.

Also on the Xbox360, Gear of War 2 was also released about a month ago, wow this game is as addictive as it is good, the online multilayer is just out of this world, the new game mode, "Horde" where you have to basically fight waves and waves of locus coming to you is just insane.

Maturola at Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco CA

2008-07-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hellboy II: The Golden Army - Hmmm... I don't know

2008-07-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

I am in Beautiful San Francisco today, I had some free time before my actually work start tomorrow so I went to checkout the city (I have to say I really love the "City Life") anyway I stopped by the movie theater and The Dark Knight was sold out so I went for Hellboy II.

Good movie, great visual effects and the jokes are not that pushy, however the story line,,,,,I don't know I felt it a bit of a stretch, The ending was really sudden, like writers just got bore of the movei and tried to end it quickly.

Anyways I would say if there isn't any other option you can stop see it and won't be disappointed, but I wouldn't make it my main movie for the evening

Wall-E - Real life Animatronic Wall-E Spotted

2008-05-16T06:15:00.001-07:00

Wall-E Spotted in LA! from Blink on Vimeo.

This is Too Funny - Darth Vader Voice was a Ninja

2008-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00