Category: Geeks r Us
Ok, I've been busy the last couple days with a few new projects that add some cool new features to my computer... adding IPv6 connectivity to my PC, joining the Windows Live Mesh preview, and using Twitter. I'll cover all three below:
1. IPv6 Connectivity
Everyone is so used to the Internet nowadays... but few people relize how we connect to each other. IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the current standard, used by all computers on the Internet. You might be familiar with such addresses as 68.59.78.xxx )hidden because that's my real IPv4 address), or 192.168.1.x or similar IP addresses used by your router and home network, but that's gradually changing...
The next generation of connectivity is IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), which offers more addresses to more computers, removes the need for the workaround used in most home routers, and can give you your own set (subnet) of IP addresses. So, how does a IPv6 based IP addresses look? Like 2001:5C0:FFF8:FFFE:0000:xxxx (this is a close approximation of my actual IPv6 address). Hard to remember, isn't it?
Your ISP most likely doesn't offer IPv6 yet, and all of today's home routers certainly don't offer IPv6 support, but there is a way to add IPv6 connectivity to your system... using a service called Freenet6 (http://www.go6.net). It's simple to install, and you only have to do one thing to get ready (applies only to XP, as Vista has this already pre-installed by default)... Simply go to your Start Menu, go to run, and type "cmd" (remove the quotes, of course)... After you get the command prompt, type "netsh interface ipv6 install" )type this exactly, omitting the quotes), and hit Enter. It will inform you that it is installing (you can also just do "ipv6 install", and it will do the same thing). When you see "ok" or something similar, then it's installed... type "exit" at the prompt, and restart the PC. When it's restarted, and your logged back in, go to www.go6.net, and proceed to the Downloads page, find the link for the Gateway6 TSP client for Windows XP/Vista and download it. Next, install the software, and when that's done, go to your Start menu and find the Hexago folder, then Gateway6 Client, then Gateway6 Client Utility, and open it up. When you get to that screen... type anon.freenet6.net into the first edit box, and tab until you hit Apply. Press enter, then tab (or back tab) to the button labeled Connect, and hit enter. If all goes well, you will get a notification that you're connected to the IPv6 gateway server. To confirm, hit Control-Tab until you land on the Status tab, and use your screen reader to read the info provided... Wasn't that easy? Welcome to the next generation Internet.
2. Windows Live Mesh
I am beta testing for Microsoft a new service called Live Mesh, which is in a preview status, so you can't quite sign up yet. It allows the sharing of files in a "mesh" of devices... Place a file in a shared folder on your PC, and it will be able to be accessed by other PC's that are part of your "mesh" (Macs and mobile device support will be added soon)... Also, you can access a desktop on your PC (or other PC's in your "mesh" from each other or on the Live Mesh website... very easy, but not very accessible at this point (blame Silverlight). Of course, you have full control of what people & devices have access to your mesh, so don't worry... it's safe.
3. Twitter
I'm addicted to Twitter, a service which allows you to post updates about what you're up to on the Web, mobile phone or IM/desktop app...I use it to track my favorite podcasters, as well as to talk about my day. Check it out at www.twitter.com
-- Greg
verry nice. I'll have to check these out.
Just a quick addition to the IPv6 information... If you use a router, the Gateway6 client uses it's NAT (network address translation) hole punching mode, meaning that it will send a outgoing ping packet to the server at the remote end point, establishing the link, and ping the end point to keep the connection alive. The other way uses the built-in interface in XP/Vista to directly connect you to the server, but this doesn't work with a router between your PC and cable/DSL modem. I use the second method, as I have no router that the tunnel must punch through, therefore making things much easier. Don't mess with the settings in the Advanced or Log tabs in the client, as this might screw up your ability to connect to the IPv6 based Internet.
-- Greg
hmm, interesting indeed.
• 340 undecillion IP addresses for the whole world network devices
• Plug and Play configuration with or without DHCP
• Better network bandwidth efficiency using multicast and anycast without broadcast
• Better QOS support for all types of applications
• Native information security framework for both data and control packets
• Enhanced mobility with fast handover, better route optimization and hierarchical mobility
The 2nd and 3rd items almost seems worth the effort to make the change.
I'm honestly not yet convinced that its that much uber :)
Addicted to twitter also. Twitter.com/serrebi
Major twitter fan here too. http://www.twitter.com/simoncowan. The other things posted here don't seem my thing, however.
Serrebi... added you to the list of people I follow (nice... you follow BOL, too)
Yes, I listen to BOL! I tried calling in too, but didn't get aired, aw. Anyways back on topic... :D, Is there really a point with installing IPV6 if your ISP doesn't offer it yet?
As I noted in the post that started this thread, maybe.... If you are an early adopter of tech (any geek worth their salt is), then you can use Freenet6 to hop on and have a look around. If not, don't bother... not a lot of sites are up for the general public yet, and it's only good for experimenting right now. Watch this space.
-- Greg
P.S. - Look for a review of FireFox 3 beta 5 soon