As an avid fan of Linux operating systems ever since I took Minix class, which Linux was born from, I love to hear about cool little DIYs on making a Linux firewall out of a lunch box.

The greatest thing about Linux operating systems in comparison to Windows or any other operating systems is that it can be easily custom tailored to do one thing whether that’s a web server, firewall, file server, or any type of server that requires stability at “no cost”.

This simple DIY shows us the things that are possible with open source and free software.

Heck, you could probably make a lot of money putting these Lunchbox Linux firewall boxes to production as they are as good as an over-priced Cisco router.

It’s a plastic Thermos brand Hot Wheels lunchbox circa 2007. Black plastic, white handle, but no Thermos inside. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would become a computer case, so I bought it, brought it home, and started digging in the parts box. Grabbed one of my Via C3 embedded 3.5″ boards, a cheap 4GB compact flash card, a small 5V, 8A power supply, and my exacto knife and files.

via technabob

Pistol Cam, a gun-attachable camera that records audio and video during a gun shot, may help document and provide a solid evidence for every gun shooting by the police.

Whether the cop has shot a person unnecessarily or not, the Pistol Cam may be effective in reducing wrongly-convicted police crimes or people who get shot by accident by cops.

Currently it’s only being used in the high-crime U.S. metropolitan cities like LA and New York but if proven effective, it could be widespread throughout the country soon.

This allows us the opportunity to review shooting incidents, unlawful use of force incidents and hopefully exonerate the member that’s involved in the shooting. It also ensures the public the police are not overstepping their boundaries,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Office Capt.

via abcnews

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Pistol Cam for NYPD

Asus Eec Boxes, pictured above in white and black, has officially been introduced to the public.

We know, they look like Nintendo Wiis but don’t mistaken yourself as they are only PCs.

We predict that Asus made these boxes to target the media entertainment center market for connecting to your TVs.

With your choice of Windows XP or Linux, these ASUS Eec boxes are a great bargain, priced at $299 each. (Available at the mid-end July)

Just 7 Seconds* from Boot up to Internet
With the exclusive Express Gate – ASUS’ innovative fast boot technology, users can easily access the Internet, manage pictures, or communicate over IM/Skype just 7 seconds* after boot up. The Eee Box also supports the latest WiFi 802.11n wireless standard – providing up to eight times faster connectivity than previous 802.11b/g wireless. Users can download a 30 minute video in only 44 seconds – minimizing the wait and allowing time for twice as many movies.
*Actual boot time subject to hardware configuration and product model.

Love Your Environment
The innovative ASUS thermal solution integrates a unique heat dissipation module with the AI fan – allowing quiet (26db) and comfortable computing. Compared to full-sized desktop solutions, the Eee Box’s energy-efficient performance reduces power consumption by up to 90%. The Eee Box also utilizes Green Design and is made with only earth-friendly materials for reduced CO2 emissions; and conforms to stringent RoHS and WEEE standards. Users can thus be socially responsible while working, learning and playing in style!

Work, Play and WATCH
The Eee Box is the perfect choice for enjoying Internet TV. With an IPTV player, thousands of programs are freely available – allowing users to personalize and watch lists of TV shows with ease.

via asus

Remember the Solar Powered Lawnmower DIY? (version 1 / version 2)

Well, here’s the great news.  Someone is actually selling these custom versions of solar powered lawnmowers if you want to skip making it youself.

via keetsa

R2D2 and Darth Vader may be in reach of your USB devices with this cool Star Wars USB Hubs.

Can’t complain now that the evil force is comin’ to get your USB devices.

these official R2D2 and Vader USB hubs. R2’s head moves, he lights up and emits genuine Star Wars sound effects every three minutes, while Vader just seems to have the sound effects and glowing eyes. *Shiver*… menacing. Of course they also have four full-speed USB sockets on the front, and come with three feet of USB cable. Available in July for around $66… but that’s in Japan, USB hub fans.

via gizmodo - technabob

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Remember the Knight Rider GPS?  Well, we found a video of it, enjoy!

Here’s a cool new service that lets blind people surf the internet from any computer.  To use it, the person must be using a Windows PC and type the URL address of the website in order to get to it.

Provided that audio is working on the PC and there’s not internet connection problems, it should be a great solution.  Well, it’s a website really.

New software, called WebAnywhere, launched today lets blind and visually impaired people surf the Web on the go. The tool developed at the University of Washington turns screen-reading into an Internet service that reads aloud Web text on any computer with speakers or headphone connections.

“This is for situations where someone who’s blind can’t use their own computer but still wants access to the Internet. At a museum, at a library, at a public kiosk, at a friend’s house, at the airport,” said Richard Ladner, a UW professor of computer science and engineering. The free program and both audio and video demonstrations are at http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu.

via uwnews

Here’s another cool DIY amateur TV receiver!

This is a 1.2 GHz microwave antenna made from regular 6″ household air duct. It picks up a signal from our new Amateur TV repeater. (The repeater will take a TV signal from anywhere in the local county, and retransmits it to everywhere in the local county.) The antenna looks like a giant flashlight.

via make

Here’s a visually appealing DIY cassette tape lamp if you want to recycle your old outdated cassette into something useful and doesn’t take up extra space in your home.

The designers make each lamp from dozens of individual cassette tapes, arranged into visually appealing patterns. Not only do they look cool as a sculptural piece, they cast dramatic shadows onto surrounding surfaces.

via technabob