Oct 23
Sun has released
Java 6 Update 10, with the primary goal of improving end-user experience. Java is a wonderful programming language and runtime platform for developing many types of applications. Unfortunately, running a Java application can be a stumbling block for end users, which, in my opinion, has been holding Java back from reaching its full potential. This update promises many welcome improvements to the platform.
Attention Alpha Playtesters: I'll be testing the new Java version soon, with the goal of officially updating the game's base Java requirements to this version. Playtesters are encouraged to try the new update and report any issues/improvements.
In the rest of this article, I give my two cents on Sun's approach to Java thus far, and examine a couple improvements I've been eagerly anticipating.
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Oct 16
Forgive the somewhat sensationalized title. This article does
not describe any actual attacks on MMORPG chat systems (e.g., no
World of Warcraft exploits). Nonetheless, there is good reason to believe that undisclosed chat exploits exist. This article explores the potential for exploiting MMORPG chat engines, based on related security vulnerabilities that are known to exist, which occur due to common software development practices. Anyone with experience in this matter is encouraged to comment, as there is a lack of community discussion on this subject.
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Oct 09
In support of
Cyber Security Awareness Month, this article is written as a tutorial on basic login security, including techniques to defend against potential vulnerabilities. I encourage anyone with a software security background to comment on this article. Although I have some years of software security experience, peer review is essential for building secure systems.
TIP: Any and all security techniques (including these) should be considered experimental until thoroughly reviewed by the security community.
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Oct 03
Students of software must be taught early the benefits of object oriented design, lest they succumb to the dark side of
static programming. When designing a software component, the temptation can be to write globally accessible
public static methods in lieu of instantiable objects. Even experienced developers must remain diligent to avoid being turned to this quicker, more seductive, approach.
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