Engadget has a great how-to on building a firewall using an old computer and Linux. They walk you through the process, so even a Windows user Linux neophyte can follow along. The set up seems pretty decent (in fact, it is similar to the set up I use at my office), though for the best possible security I don't recommend using your firewall to provide any services (like DNS or DHCP). This would make a fun weekend project (and help you protect your home network) if you have a spare computer laying around (you're geeks, I know you have at least one).

How-To: Build your own network firewall [via Engadget]
Technorati tags: DIY computers security firewall

There is a great retrospective on Fosfor Gadgets that takes a look at data storage media from years past. While the list is by no means comprehensive, it does touch on the major formats that were available. Check it out. (Especially if you love retro-computer-porn.)

History of data storage [via Fosfor Gadgets]
Technorati Tags: gadgets computers history

Lifehack.org has a great post (that some how I missed the first time around) that suggests being more pirate like may help you be more successful. While the post doesn't mention stealing a boat and cruising the Caribbean looking for booty to plunder (probably a bad idea anyhow), it does however mention things like focusing on the goal and not the vehicle to achieve that goal:

A Pirate is not His Ship

Pirates are the ultimate underdogs. They often have a lesser quality ship (or product or service). To compensate, they have to be more creative and clever in dealing with their opponents. They don't view their ship (or their product) as home base. They view it as a means to beat the opponent, by capturing or sinking their enemy's ship. How can you go after your enemy? How can you look at your own product or service as a means to an end?

There is a strong business minded slant to the article, but most of the concepts can be applied to any endeavor. (By the way, if you liked this piece of booty, be sure to check out Simplenomics' post about selling like a pirate. Coincidentally, that is where I pirated the artwork for this post... ARRR!!!!

Work Like a Pirate [via Lifehack.org]
Sell Like a Pirate [via Lifehack.org]
Technorati Tags: productivity lifehacks pirates

I must be in a list sort of mood today, because here is another one. The Sci Fi Tech blog has put together a great list of 10 gadgets for the budget conscious. While they may not be "best of breed" products, they still deliver a great bang for your buck. Best of all, you do not need to be independently wealthy to own these great gadgets. I should mention that some items on the list are relatively budget friendly, like the $999 HDTV. (Though I don't think that it takes away from the list. If you want a HDTV, just under a grand is a pretty good price for the TV's size.) On a side note, I can personally vouch for #3, the Philips 642/37 DVD player. I bought one for my brother last Christmas and he loves it (the wide variety of formats it supports means it plays ALL of his media).

Top 10 Gadgets You Can Actually Afford [via Digg]
Technorati Tags: budget gadgets lists