We have all seen those sites that help you pick secure passwords by generating a random string of what ever length you desire (GRC has a great one). The only problem with the passwords that they generate is they are not very easy to remember (unless you have a photographic memory). So how do you pick a password that is complex enough to withstand a dictionary attack and long enough to make a brute force attack difficult. The method I use is simple and creates a password that is easy to remember.

Really Linux has a great article that covers 5 commonly held myths about Linux that may keep some people from giving Linux a spin. The article covers concerns like Linux being hard to install and and questions like "What if I am not sure I want to install Linux, but I'ld like to try it out?" to support, software, and compatibility issues. It is a good read, especially if you are considering using Linux but are unsure about taking the plunge. You may also want to check out our own article here on Geek In Gear entitled "10 tips for a better Linux experience" which covers some things that a user new to Linux can do to ensure they have the best possible experience.

Killing the Five Myths Against Linux @ Really Linux
computers, software, operating systems, Linux

Once more, I would like to apologize for my flub earlier this week in reporting iTunes would let you download all the content off your iPod (when in fact it only allows you to transfer purchased content). I personally blame Steve Job's reality distortion field. Disappointed with iTunes (though I have a feeling an evil 4 letter organization may have had a hand in neutering iTunes 'Pod to PC transfer system), I still wanted to transfer my iTunes library to my laptop. Looking at my options, I decided on a handy little piece of software called PodUtil.

UPDATE: Seems I made a slight error in my reporting that the new version of iTunes can transfer your library via your iPod. iTunes will only transfer your purchased content. Kinda lame in my opinion, but thats what we are stuck with (at least from Apple). Sorry for the mix-up. You can send all your hate mail to john at geek in gear dot com.

Well, Apple's "It's Showtime" event is wrapping up on the West coast and there is quite a bit of news coming out of it: new versions of all three iPod models, movie downloads from the iTunes Music Store, and a new media connector type box dubbed the iTV. One of the coolest announcements (at least for me) is the new version of iTunes. Apple has listened to its customers and added a feature to iTunes that lets you transfer your library between computers using your iPod. According to Steve, when you connect your iPod to a computer that is authorized on the same account as your first computer it will transfer your content from the iPod to your "other" computer. This is something I have wanted since I started using iTunes (and so have many others). The currently available third-party options to do this were a little clunky and not very user friendly. I am glad to see Apple finally added this feature to iTunes. In addition to the new computer to computer transfer feature Apple is also letting you download album art for free from iTunes if you have an account, so all your music you ripped from CDs or otherwise imported will now have album art without any major effort on your part. As soon as I can get my hands on the new iTunes, I will try out the new features and let you know how they work out.

Full "It's Showtime" Coverage @ Engadget
gadgets, computers, mp3 players, Windows, Mac OSX, Apple, iPod, iTunes