Ramblin’ Dan

It had to happen sooner of later. Crackers (the undesirable version of a computer hacker) have been playing in my remote web servers. I thought it was secure but it seems the dedicated can ”crack” almost every deterrent. I won’t go into details (for security reasons) but they left their mark and I and my web service know who they are.

The problem may not have been noticed except the files they installed shut down some of my websites. THAT I definitely notice! I cleaned then out twice and made some changes after the second attack. We now know for what we should look.

If one of my sites stops working, I will be on top of the problem (I hope!).

There is now a division between Ramblin’ Dan and The Hobbyist’s Machine Shop postings. I have split off almost all the material within Ramblin’ Dan that was directed to my activities in the machine and work shop. There is a link to that information in the right hand column under Dan’s Retreats labeled A THMS Blog.

I may eventually have the URL for the THMS web site point to the blog rather than the website. The “front door” to the website will be through the blog.

A blog has proven to be a great place to post short snap shots of my workshop activities. So rather than mix in all the personal and family stuff with the very public THMS, all THMS will be together.

I am thinking about splitting off the workshop area of this blog and moving it into the “The Hobbyist’s Machine Shop” web site. That way the workshop info will be separate from my other family type ramblings. This opens the possibility to let other authors contribute (post) to the blog rather than just make comments on my posts. There is a small core of regular visitors that may be interested. Even if there isn’t, the blog as part of the Hobbyist’s website will tie everything workshop related together.

Just a thought for now.

I sent emails to the posted contact persons for two (as they identify themselves) North Texas home machinist groups. Neither post that they have a web site, just a contact email. I offered to create a free message system (either a Blog or BBS) for North Texas home machinists to contact each other. I don’t intend to start another organization, just a common communication site, since they do not seem to have one.  My involvement would be completely invisible other than top level administrator. The board activities would be controlled by others. In fact any group could have their own space if desired.

No feedback yet so it is as I suspected, probably old contact data or they are waiting for their next “meeting”. In any case, if you are located near Dallas (That includes Oklahoma or elsewhere) and would like to see a localized board for posting about home workshop activities let me know. Does anyone think a bigger “service” area should be included?

What I would like to see is a place where any creative hobby can be posted, metalworking, woodworking, boat building, quilting (huh!), etc..  A place to brag what you do or ask questions on how-to. Also a place to find out about something you need. Say a quilter is looking for someone local who could build a nice wooden storage case. Get the idea?

This Blog is too personal for this and TEDEX works well but is also too associated with my activities. I dislike commercial boards (Yahoo, etc.) as they are heavily marketing directed. Maybe people like the ads and the fact they are tracked.

The truth is the software is free and I have already paid for all the server cost in my other activities. Other than the time to set it up, there are no other costs. Just the time it takes for users and moderators to avail themselves of the service and to participate, no ads, no tracking.

Any takers? Comments?

The Vectric Software that I use for 3D carving and engraving design with my CNC machines (and the main reason for HB2) has just published a new creative design program named ASPIRE. It is kind of a blend and update to their previous products with additional creative ability for 3D designs. For a look-see follow this LINK.