Google Chrome, Linux (selinux), and Google Docs "Aw, Snap!"

For people getting an "Aw, Snap!" when opening Google docs in Google's Chrome browser (OS is Linux, with selinux enabled, can be determined by running "getenforce"), you should be able to fix this by running the following :

grep chrome /var/log/audit/audit.log|audit2allow -M chromepolicy

This will greate a chromepolicy.pp file in the current directory.  It is a binary file, so don't panic if you less or vi the file and can't read it.  It basically spits what was being denied by selinux through audit2allow to create the policy.

Once done, it prints this nice little line :

[root@cyanide var]# grep chrome /var/log/audit/audit.log|audit2allow -M chromepolicy******************** IMPORTANT ***********************
To make this policy package active, execute:

semodule -i chromepolicy.pp

[root@cyanide var]

That "semodule -i chromepolicy.pp" line is the new key to making it work.  If you then run that, it will allow Chrome to do the things it's been denied.  This is a better option for those that want to keep selinux enabled.  (Disabling it is bad if you don't trust people around you.)

Arduino : Interrupt-Driven Alarm System

Okay, I have now figured out how to do the interrupt-driven arduino alarm system, using a series of diodes for each input. I also found out that the resistors were pointless, as the inputs on the arduino typically contain a pull-up or pull-down resistor already embeded on the device. It makes it quite nice to set up an input.

The code is available from  http://svn.silverhawk.net/files/interrupt_alarm.pde  , you just need an appropriate Arduino, the Ethernet Shield (with the SD card), a small prototyping board, wire, and some diodes.  It's configurable (on an SD card), and will connect to a server.  It uses encryption, so sniffing minds can't easily see what is being communicated (pretty effective PSK-based "algorithm" considering the low processing power of an Arduino - it's a simple PSK XOR mechanism).  If you need a schematic, let me know.  E-Mail address is in the code header.

Lumberjack - An open source logging mechanism

Hey;

Just as an announcement, after watching some non-opensource log mechanisms, I thought I'd give a shot at creating my own.  The source is available for free, though the code isn't exactly "open source".  I'll do what I can to get patches committed into the application, for other releases.  If this becomes a stable and enterprise-ready platform, I might just release the control of it into the opensource world.

You can obtain a copy of the source from :

http://www.silverhawk.net/files/lumberjack-0.1.tgz

Also, you can test it with the following instructions :

1. First, compile, prepare, and launch :
   
   if [ -e Makefile ]; then make rmproper; fi && ./configure --modules-dir=modules && make && make modules && ./server/lumberjack -bd -f server/lumberjack.conf
   
2. In another window, CD into clients, and compile the test client :
   
   make clean && make && ./followlog -v --no-daemon --verbose --type apache --path test/info.log --report-back plain://localhost:5820
   
3. In a third window, add something to the log file :
   
   echo '['`date '+%a %b %d %H:%M:%S %Y'`']' - warning : work >> test/info.log

Okay, carpeting is finally installed.  Woohooo!  New car smell is back!  This is the most the car has been put together in 14 years!  Carpeting is installed.  Now I need some panels, and some speakers.  Some photos of the installed carpet :

Note that the center console still hasn't been finished.  I have the wiring in position, but still need to cover the shifter (after converting from the TH350 automatic to a new Tremec TKO II standard).  I dropped a sheet over the passengers foot pan to protect the carpets for a little bit.

And another photo of the rear compartment area, without the panels :

Next up, is to pick up panels, finish the shifter console, get the rest of the wiring installed, install speakers, install a battery and then the door glass (and then the door panels), and the dash board.

Then, headlights, plumb and lube the engine, and the suspension and steering joints and bearings, and then put the hood on.  Might get a little expensive (the only thing holding it back right now).  But, it's coming along!

Update on the car

Wow.  A little time and it's amazing what you can accomplish.  So far, I have installed Dynamat Superlite in the seat and floor pan areas of both sides, along the sides of the drive train tunnel, and along the dash board.  I have installed Reflectix on top of that (using some 3M 8090 Super Trim Adhesive stuff), and tacked that down, plus, tacked down the carpet on top of that stuff (with the same 8090 adhesive - it's a contact adhesive, spraying both sides, let it set for 5 minutes, and then tack them together, give them an hour to cure, and viola!).  So, I now have two pieces of carpeting installed.  I'll still need to trim it up once I have the panel components, but seriously, there is carpet where each of the seats go!  Woohoo!

The next step is to procure four speakers so that I can install the dashboard.  Two under the dash pad, and two at the kick panels.  I also need to pick up the kick panels, and the windshield trim, plus the t-top center trim and rear quarter panels.  With that stuff installed, it's the rear compartment area, the storage boxes, and the rear speakers (might go with 10" subs, or 6"x9" mids - in that small of an area, the subs might be useless).  Plus, install the door glass (after the battery goes in so I can adjust it), install the door panels, and some various trim pieces.  Given a week, and all of the parts, I could have the interior complete.  Wow.

Main Website Revamp

Time for a technology-related post.  I finally finished revamping the layout for the main website.  Yes, the redesign took 6 MONTHS.  It's ridiculous.

The problem comes when I do work at work, and when I get home, I am done with computers.  I'll keep on handling the content changes as the domain is converted to my own personal playground.  But, it is definitely on it's way.

Still the site that advertises consultation that is being migrated, I will honor consultations that existed prior to 6 months ago on that owner (but not before that one), plus, new consultations are accepted until the site is migrated.

So, there you have the status.

Updated arduino code

Okay, I have now figured out how to do the interrupt-driven arduino alarm system, using a series of diodes for each input. I also found out that the resistors were pointless, as the inputs on the arduino typically contain a pull-up or pull-down resistor already embeded on the device. It makes it quite nice to set up an input. I'll furnish the schematics and the code for anyone that wants it.