Torpark Browser, portable browser from Hacker...
Published Friday, September 22, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
An international group of computer security experts and human rights workers has released an anonymous, fully portable web browser based on Mozilla Firefox.The Torpark browser comes pre-configured and requires no installation. It runs off a USB memory stick, and claims to leave no tracks behind on the browser or computer.
Hacktivismo, the organisation behind the project, said that Torpark is a highly modified variant of Portable Firefox that uses The Onion Router (Tor) network to create an anonymous connection between the user and the websites being visited.
Typically, when a user logs onto the internet, a unique IP address is assigned to manage the computer's identity. Each website the user visits can see and log the user's IP address. Hostile governments and data thieves can monitor this interaction to correlate activity and pinpoint a user's identity.
But the Tor network causes the IP address seen by the website to change every few minutes to frustrate eavesdropping and mask the requesting source. Furthermore, the data passing from the user's computer into the Tor network is encrypted.
Therefore, the user's ISP cannot see the information passing through the Torpark browser, such as the websites visited, or posts the user might have made to a forum. The ISP can only see an encrypted connection to the Tor network.
"We live in a time where acquisition technologies are cherry picking and collating every aspect of our online lives," said Hacktivismo founder Oxblood Ruffin.
"Torpark continues Hacktivismo's commitment to expanding privacy rights on the internet. And the best thing is, it's free. No one should have to pay for basic human rights, especially the right of privacy."
Hacktivismo acknowledges that there are limitations to the anonymity of Tor. Torpark makes the user's connection anonymous but not the data. Data travelling between the client and the Tor network is encrypted, but the data between the Tor network and websites is unencrypted. Therefore, the user should not use his/her username or password on websites that do not offer a secure login and session.
For trying this browser, download here...
Resources ; Google, Vnunet.com, Torpark,
Regards,
Verd_hatherley
Foxit Reader, More Powerful Free PDF viewer...
Published by verd_hatherley.
Foxit Reader 2.0 is a free PDF document viewer and printer, with incredible small size (only 1.5 M download size), breezing-fast launch speed and amazingly rich feature set. Foxit Reader 2.0 supports Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/2003. Its core function is compatible with PDF Standard 1.6.
Version 2.0 introduces many exciting new features, including interactive form filler, multi-language UI support, on-demand download of add-on, self upgrade, Javascript support, improved printing speed, streamlined UI and much more.
In the past, you have to download a huge Adobe Acrobat Reader, go through a lengthy installation process and wait for an annoying splash window to disappear just to open a PDF document. Moreover, if you want to annotate a PDF document, you have to pay USD299 to buy Adobe Acrobat Standard.
Now with Foxit Reader 2.0, you don't have to endure such pain any more. The following is a list of compelling advantages of Foxit Reader 2.0:
New Features
Foxit Reader 2.0 introduces many exciting new features listed below:
Resources ; Da Dio (thanks for the tips), PCPlus, Foxit Software,
Regards,
Verd_hatherley
Version 2.0 introduces many exciting new features, including interactive form filler, multi-language UI support, on-demand download of add-on, self upgrade, Javascript support, improved printing speed, streamlined UI and much more.
In the past, you have to download a huge Adobe Acrobat Reader, go through a lengthy installation process and wait for an annoying splash window to disappear just to open a PDF document. Moreover, if you want to annotate a PDF document, you have to pay USD299 to buy Adobe Acrobat Standard.
Now with Foxit Reader 2.0, you don't have to endure such pain any more. The following is a list of compelling advantages of Foxit Reader 2.0:
- Incredibly small: The download size of Foxit Reader is only 1.5 M which is a fraction of Acrobat Reader 20 M size
- Breezing-fast: When you run Foxit Reader, it launches instantly without any delay. You are not forced to view an annoying splash window displaying company logo, author names, etc.
- Annotation tool: Have you ever wished to annotate (or comment on) a PDF document when you are reading it? Foxit Reader 2.0 allows you to draw graphics, highline text, type text and make notes on a PDF document and then print out or save the annotated document.
- Text converter: You may convert the whole PDF document into a simple text file.
- High security and privacy: Foxit Reader highly respects the security and privacy of users and will never connect to Internet without users' permission. While Acrobat Reader often silently connect to the Internet in the background. Foxit PDF Reader does not contain any spyware or adware.
New Features
Foxit Reader 2.0 introduces many exciting new features listed below:
- Interactive form filler: Now you don't have to print out PDF forms first and then manually fill out paper forms. Instead, you can use PC to fill out interactive forms directly, and then print them out, save them, email them or export the form data into FDF file for further processing.
- Multi-language UI that can be dynamically switched: The user interface of Foxit Reader now can be switched to different languages dynamically, thanks to the generous help from our user community.
- On-demand download of add-on: With add-ons, the function of Foxit Reader can be extended unlimitedly. Advanced feature modules and seldom-used modules are packed as add-on to be downloaded when needed.
- Self-upgrade: In the past, when you want to upgrade Foxit Reader, you have to frequently visit Foxit website, check for new release, and then manually download the new version, uninstall the old version and re-install the new version. Now this whole process is simplified and you only need to click on the menu item "Check for update now".
- Javascript support: Advanced users are able to use Javascript to create complex logic for PDF forms, to validate user input and process data.
- Improved printing speed: Printing a PDF file with many images on it to a PostScript printer used to be slow. Version 2.0 has been optimized for such printing.
- Streamlined UI: Version 2.0 comes with a neat UI. Annotation tool buttons are grouped together and no longer being showed on several toolbars.
Resources ; Da Dio (thanks for the tips), PCPlus, Foxit Software,
Regards,
Verd_hatherley
The First Free Internet Browser That Protects Your Privacy
Published Monday, September 04, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
LONDON -- Internet surfers worldwide can this week seize back their privacy with the launch of a new 'anti-big brother' internet browser -- 'Browzar'.
Created by Ajaz Ahmed, founder of the UK's largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) Freeserve, Browzar does not store any information about where we have been online, meaning that for the first time we can surf the internet simply and freely without fear of it giving away our secrets.
These days we turn to the internet for information and advice on all aspects of our lives, divulging some of our deepest personal secrets through the websites we view and the subjects we search for. What many of us are unaware of is that our computer records and stores this 'virtual diary' of our personal lives and that it is easily accessible to anyone we share our computer with.
Not only that, but the predictive 'drop down box' in normal browsers, which second guesses where we want to go online by listing all the websites we have visited recently, means that our computer can give away our embarrassing health problem, outlandish hobby, impending work move or current financial situation to unwitting family, friends or work colleagues, at the click of a mouse. If you want to know what people on your computer have been searching for, just double click in the box on your search engine, it'll probably make very interesting reading. If you double click in Browzar -- you'll get no list of search terms.
Browzar is designed for the times when we want to surf the internet in private without our every move being recorded and stored for others to see. Free and downloadable in seconds or run directly from the Web, Browzar does not require any installation or registration and doesn't save information from any websites visited while using it. Cache, history, cookies and auto-complete forms are all automatically deleted, protecting people's privacy while online.
Browzar won't keep copies of pages that we have visited and it won't show where we have made purchases. Surprises remain surprises, even when bought for the loved one we share our home computer with and research remains confidential at work.
Ahmed comments on the launch, "As users of one high profile internet company have found only recently, we leave a unique 'fingerprint' of all our habits, interests and hobbies, financial transactions, bookings and research of any kind on our computers. It is, in the truest sense, an identity card that we leave on our desk for others to open. There is nothing sinister about wanting to keep some of what we do online confidential: we have locked up letters, documents and receipts for centuries before the advent of the PC -- why now should we share our personal details with everyone we share a computer with?"
Browzar benefits in a nutshell
Resources ; Google, KSBI-TV, Browzar Official Site,
Regards
Verd_hatherley
Created by Ajaz Ahmed, founder of the UK's largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) Freeserve, Browzar does not store any information about where we have been online, meaning that for the first time we can surf the internet simply and freely without fear of it giving away our secrets.
These days we turn to the internet for information and advice on all aspects of our lives, divulging some of our deepest personal secrets through the websites we view and the subjects we search for. What many of us are unaware of is that our computer records and stores this 'virtual diary' of our personal lives and that it is easily accessible to anyone we share our computer with.
Not only that, but the predictive 'drop down box' in normal browsers, which second guesses where we want to go online by listing all the websites we have visited recently, means that our computer can give away our embarrassing health problem, outlandish hobby, impending work move or current financial situation to unwitting family, friends or work colleagues, at the click of a mouse. If you want to know what people on your computer have been searching for, just double click in the box on your search engine, it'll probably make very interesting reading. If you double click in Browzar -- you'll get no list of search terms.
Browzar is designed for the times when we want to surf the internet in private without our every move being recorded and stored for others to see. Free and downloadable in seconds or run directly from the Web, Browzar does not require any installation or registration and doesn't save information from any websites visited while using it. Cache, history, cookies and auto-complete forms are all automatically deleted, protecting people's privacy while online.
Browzar won't keep copies of pages that we have visited and it won't show where we have made purchases. Surprises remain surprises, even when bought for the loved one we share our home computer with and research remains confidential at work.
Ahmed comments on the launch, "As users of one high profile internet company have found only recently, we leave a unique 'fingerprint' of all our habits, interests and hobbies, financial transactions, bookings and research of any kind on our computers. It is, in the truest sense, an identity card that we leave on our desk for others to open. There is nothing sinister about wanting to keep some of what we do online confidential: we have locked up letters, documents and receipts for centuries before the advent of the PC -- why now should we share our personal details with everyone we share a computer with?"
Browzar benefits in a nutshell
- The freedom to surf the web with complete privacy - Browzar doesn't save web cache, web history, cookies or use auto-complete, meaning that personal business stays personal business.
- The freedom to search for anything - Browzar doesn't remember searches or use embarrassing auto-complete that instantly reveals previous searches.
- The freedom to use anywhere - Browzar only takes seconds to download by visiting http://www.browzar.com/ and it doesn't need to be installed. It is used simply by double clicking on the icon. This means it can be accessed and used anywhere worldwide
- in the workplace, from a friend's house or in an internet cafe -- in fact anywhere where that there is a computer with an Internet connection.
- The freedom to use anytime - Browzar doesn't ask for any commitment. It is a completely flexible way of accessing the internet anywhere in the world and can be used once a year, once a week or everyday. It's completely free and can be downloaded and used anytime, anywhere complimenting your existing internet browser.
- Illegal use of the internet - Although Browzar does not save cache, history, cookies or use auto complete; meaning that it allows you to surf the internet freely and privately; if individuals are using the Internet to do things that are illegal, law enforcement bodies can still use their standard methods to track them.
Resources ; Google, KSBI-TV, Browzar Official Site,
Regards
Verd_hatherley
10 Tips That Every PHP Developer Should Know, Part 2
Published Thursday, August 31, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
I wish I had known these 10 simple things the day I started working with PHP. This article is part II in the this series and is intended for newbies. The previous article is located here.
Tip 6: Single and double quotes
Single and double quotes confused me for some time and it really should not have. I see this quite often in the forum as well. It's very easy to understand that double quotes allow php to parse and single quotes do not. Here are some examples:
Tip 6: Single and double quotes
Single and double quotes confused me for some time and it really should not have. I see this quite often in the forum as well. It's very easy to understand that double quotes allow php to parse and single quotes do not. Here are some examples:
$var = $value; // ok
$var = "$value"; // ok, but double quotes are not necessary
$var = '$value'; // will not work (single quotes will not allow parsing)
('.' the period adds/connects variables, functions, etc. together.
Oftentimes programmers will leave spaces around the ' . ' to make
things easier to read.)
$var = 'This is the ' . $value . ' of things.'; // ok - preferred
technique
$var = "This is the $value of things."; // ok, but harder to read/debug
$var = 'This is the $value of things.'; // will not parse $value
$var = This is the $value of things.; // error
$var = $array['name']; // ok, generally the preferred technique
$var = $array["name"]; // ok, but why use double quotes if they are not
necessary?
$var = "$array[name]"; // ok, but harder to read/debug - poor coding
style
$var = 'Name: ' . $array['name']; // ok - preferred technique
$var = "Name: $array[name]"; // ok, but harder to read/debug - poor
coding style
$var = "Name: $array["name"]"; // error
$var = "Name: $array['name']"; // error
exampleFunction($value); // ok
exampleFunction("$value"); // ok, but double quotes are not necessary
exampleFunction('$value'); // will not parse $value
Tip 7: Problems of style
It's a matter of style and convenience to produce your scripts in such a way that make them easy to read and debug. If you are using a programming editor that highlights your code it will be easy to identify the various parts. This may explain why you find syntax that looks rather confusing at first. Some examples:
It's a matter of style and convenience to produce your scripts in such a way that make them easy to read and debug. If you are using a programming editor that highlights your code it will be easy to identify the various parts. This may explain why you find syntax that looks rather confusing at first. Some examples:
$line = $result['name'] . ' ' . $result['last_name']; // ok - easy to
read/debug
$line = $result["name"] . ' ' . $result["last_name"]; // ok, but why
use double quotes if they are not necessary?
$line = "$result[name] $result[last_name]"; // ok - but much harder to
read/debug - poor coding style
$line = $result['name'] . ' ' . doSomething($result['last_name']); //
ok - preferred method (using a function)
If you are working with any kind of a team and/or plan on allowing others access to your work in the future it's etiquette to try to make it accessible and easy on the eyes.
Tip 8: Ternary Operator
The ternary operator is similar to an if/else statement except that it's more streamlined. This is a traditional if/else statement:
if (empty($_POST['action'])) {
$action = 'default';
} else {
$action = $_POST['action'];
}
This example of a ternary operator will produce the same result as the previous example using less space. It makes use of ? and : just like if and else.
$action = (empty($_POST['action'])) ? 'default' : $_POST['action'];
Working with ternary operators do take a little more practice - be sure you test your work as you work through them.
More information: http://www.php.net/operators.comparison
Tip 9: Safe Queries
Safe queries are really a subject for a lengthier tutorial, but I'm going to try to make a simple presentation here. I'm using functions in this example as opposed to the more traditional class technique.
A safe query will not return an error message that may reveal path information or give hackers accidental insider information. Certainly, security by obscurity is not an effective measure, but reducing error messages at the user end is desired once your site is launched.
We use the connection class from the previous article and a few functions to make this happen. Our first function performs the actual query using msyql_query. If the query string is empty it will return false.
More information: http://www.php.net/operators.comparison
Tip 9: Safe Queries
Safe queries are really a subject for a lengthier tutorial, but I'm going to try to make a simple presentation here. I'm using functions in this example as opposed to the more traditional class technique.
A safe query will not return an error message that may reveal path information or give hackers accidental insider information. Certainly, security by obscurity is not an effective measure, but reducing error messages at the user end is desired once your site is launched.
We use the connection class from the previous article and a few functions to make this happen. Our first function performs the actual query using msyql_query. If the query string is empty it will return false.
function safeQuery($query='')
{
global $db;
if (!$query) return false;
return mysql_query($query, $db->link);
}
The next two sample functions are our means for performing queries. Note that our fetchArray() function will return an array of results while the fetchRow() function will simply return a row. If either function returns no results FALSE will be returned.
// returns an array of records
function fetchArray($query='')
{
if ($result = safeQuery($query)) {
if (mysql_num_rows($result) > 0) {
while ($arr = mysql_fetch_assoc($result)) $rows[] = $arr;
return $rows;
}
}
return false;
}
// returns a single record
function fetchRecord($query='')
{
if ($row = safeQuery($query)) {
if (mysql_num_rows($row) > 0) {
return mysql_fetch_assoc($row);
}
}
return false;
}
Now, with one simple line of code we can perform our query to return
our predicted results.
$results = fetchArray("SELECT id,field1 FROM records");
// sample output results
if (!$results) {
echo 'No results.';
} else {
// loop the data
foreach ($results as $result) {
echo $result['id'] . ' ' . $result['field1'];
}
}
With this approach you can also define your queries more specifically for INSERT, DELETE, etc. and/or for repetitive tasks. Once you have agroup of functions you are comfortable with you can recycle them in other projects.
If you understand how these safe query functions work then you are probably ready to explore the commonly used PEAR DB database abstraction class. This class, which is open source, will give you more flexibility, debugging features and it will work on more than just a MySQL database.
If you understand how these safe query functions work then you are probably ready to explore the commonly used PEAR DB database abstraction class. This class, which is open source, will give you more flexibility, debugging features and it will work on more than just a MySQL database.
A more complete tutorial regarding safe queries can be found at this site. Be sure to read the section regarding debugging your safe queries as well.
Tip 10: A Strategy for Success
Tip 10: A Strategy for Success
And finally, I highly recommend using a pen, paper and plain english (or your language of preference) to work out your concepts first. Chances are that if you can explain what you need to do in plain language, you will both be able to explain the problem to others and ultimately solve your problem. You will be surprised how much easier it will be to program with a plan rather than making it up as you go along.
Conclusion
For the most part, this collection of 10 things I wish I knew when I started using PHP are quite simple, but they should be considered building blocks. Additionally, some of the concepts presented are good examples of how you can build your own custom functions thus improving your speed and skill.
Source ; PHP Builder, this article written by Jeffery Vaska
Regards
Verd_hatherley
Source ; PHP Builder, this article written by Jeffery Vaska
Regards
Verd_hatherley
Making Money with Blogging
Published Wednesday, August 23, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
The digital pioneer, as he is often called, Clement Mok had it correct when, a few years ago, he said, "Five years ago, we though of the Web as a new medium, not a new economy"
We live in a world where not only the Inernet, but blogging can make increase your profit line. In the 90s, in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a young man by the name of Justin Hall became one of the pioneers of what is now known as blogging. He began an Internet journal, and quite honestly, this is how Blogging was born.
The technical description of blogging is "Weblog" according to most dictionaries and anal people. Usually the blog can be anything from commentaries to diaries, and can contain links, photos and more.
Here is how to make money by using Weblogs-
First and most importantly, get a web log! It is really easy to do.
You can do this by doing a quick search and you will find that there are free, yes, and free blogs. It's easy, fast and fun to get one. Two of the most popular are: blogger and livejournal, however do a search as there are many to choose from.
Google Adsense: This is another fantastic avenue and you virtually do nothing in exchange for it. Hit in any search engine, preferably Google, "Adsense" or "Google Adsense" and then follow the easy, fruitful way to net money making. It's really that easy. [https://www.google.com/adsense/]
This may sound too easy, but simply ask for money. It's a simple concept really. If you have like, a hundred people looking at your charismatic prose every week, or say, more, then if you guilt them into giving you a dollar for each time they view, that's, well, at least a hundred dollars. You have to be forward and guilt them. It has worked in the past. It can work for you.
Don't overlook the obvious, and sell something. You can sell a product or service - on your blog, you can sell whatever you want. I know a ton of people, myself inclusive, use Café'Press. Basically, you choose what you want to sell; you design it online in about four seconds, and poof! Like magic you are selling personalized stuff. Everything from coffee cups to T-shirts. You choose the mark-up and you make the money on whatever you marked up. Banner advertising is also a great way to make money. You charge others for the banner to be on your site and you do nothing. It's like web slum lording; how fun is that!
If you want to know if blogging works, check these fantastic case studies here, They sell themselves!
Think of blogging like any small business. Research and know what you are doing. Don't blog if you hate computers or typing. You must have a true Internet interest. You also must blog about something you really enjoy or, yourself – but only the latter if you want to gather (or have enough) friends, family and networking opportunities to get the ball rolling.
Have the passion in your life explode on that blog. Start piggybacking banners, ads and some sales opportunities within the blog. Ask for money. Ask for donations. Have a membership mailing list that people pay for. Do what ever it takes to generate interest and charge for it.
Blogging isn't old but isn't new. A set of rules does not exist to a master plan of making money, and so far, I haven't become a bazillionaire off of blogging myself; but I do know this. – that if you are interesting (or think you are) and have the guts and determination to make a business out of blogging, you may just be a thousand dollar blogger.
Michelle is a bona fide professional blogger. If you're aiming for six figure online profits then you NEED her fresh, upbeat advice! Read the full version of this article here.
This article written by Michelle Bery taken from ezine articles
Regards
Verd_hatherley
We live in a world where not only the Inernet, but blogging can make increase your profit line. In the 90s, in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a young man by the name of Justin Hall became one of the pioneers of what is now known as blogging. He began an Internet journal, and quite honestly, this is how Blogging was born.
The technical description of blogging is "Weblog" according to most dictionaries and anal people. Usually the blog can be anything from commentaries to diaries, and can contain links, photos and more.
Here is how to make money by using Weblogs-
First and most importantly, get a web log! It is really easy to do.
You can do this by doing a quick search and you will find that there are free, yes, and free blogs. It's easy, fast and fun to get one. Two of the most popular are: blogger and livejournal, however do a search as there are many to choose from.
Google Adsense: This is another fantastic avenue and you virtually do nothing in exchange for it. Hit in any search engine, preferably Google, "Adsense" or "Google Adsense" and then follow the easy, fruitful way to net money making. It's really that easy. [https://www.google.com/adsense/]
This may sound too easy, but simply ask for money. It's a simple concept really. If you have like, a hundred people looking at your charismatic prose every week, or say, more, then if you guilt them into giving you a dollar for each time they view, that's, well, at least a hundred dollars. You have to be forward and guilt them. It has worked in the past. It can work for you.
Don't overlook the obvious, and sell something. You can sell a product or service - on your blog, you can sell whatever you want. I know a ton of people, myself inclusive, use Café'Press. Basically, you choose what you want to sell; you design it online in about four seconds, and poof! Like magic you are selling personalized stuff. Everything from coffee cups to T-shirts. You choose the mark-up and you make the money on whatever you marked up. Banner advertising is also a great way to make money. You charge others for the banner to be on your site and you do nothing. It's like web slum lording; how fun is that!
If you want to know if blogging works, check these fantastic case studies here, They sell themselves!
Think of blogging like any small business. Research and know what you are doing. Don't blog if you hate computers or typing. You must have a true Internet interest. You also must blog about something you really enjoy or, yourself – but only the latter if you want to gather (or have enough) friends, family and networking opportunities to get the ball rolling.
Have the passion in your life explode on that blog. Start piggybacking banners, ads and some sales opportunities within the blog. Ask for money. Ask for donations. Have a membership mailing list that people pay for. Do what ever it takes to generate interest and charge for it.
Blogging isn't old but isn't new. A set of rules does not exist to a master plan of making money, and so far, I haven't become a bazillionaire off of blogging myself; but I do know this. – that if you are interesting (or think you are) and have the guts and determination to make a business out of blogging, you may just be a thousand dollar blogger.
Michelle is a bona fide professional blogger. If you're aiming for six figure online profits then you NEED her fresh, upbeat advice! Read the full version of this article here.
This article written by Michelle Bery taken from ezine articles
Regards
Verd_hatherley
10 Tips That Every PHP Newbie Should Know
Published Sunday, August 13, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
I wish I had known these 10 tips the day I started working with PHP. Instead of learning them through painstaking process, I could have been on my way to becoming a PHP programmer even sooner! This article is presented in two parts and is intended for folks who are new to PHP.
Tip 1: MySQL Connection Class
The majority of web applications I've worked with over the past year have used some variation of this connection class:
class DB {
function DB() {
$this->host = "localhost"; // your host
$this->db = "myDatabase"; // your database
$this->user = "root"; // your username
$this->pass = "mysql"; // your password
$this->link = mysql_connect($this->host, $this->user,
$this->pass);
mysql_select_db($this->db);
}
}
// calls it to action
$db = new $DB;
Simply edit the variables and include this in
your files. This doesn't require any knowledge or special understanding
to use. Once you've added it to your repertoire, you won't likely need
to create a new connection class any time soon. Now you can get to work
and quickly connect to your database without a lot of extra markup:
your files. This doesn't require any knowledge or special understanding
to use. Once you've added it to your repertoire, you won't likely need
to create a new connection class any time soon. Now you can get to work
and quickly connect to your database without a lot of extra markup:
$result = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM table ORDER BY id ASC LIMIT 0,10");
More information can be found in the manual--be sure you read the comments: http://www.php.net/mysql_connect/
Tip 2: Dealing with Magic Quotes
PHP "automagically" can apply slashes to your
$_POST data for security purposes. It's an important measure to prevent
SQL injections. However, slashes in your scripts can wreak havoc. This
is an easy method for dealing with them. The way to handle the slashes
is to strip them from our variables. However, what if the magic quotes directive is not enabled?
$_POST data for security purposes. It's an important measure to prevent
SQL injections. However, slashes in your scripts can wreak havoc. This
is an easy method for dealing with them. The way to handle the slashes
is to strip them from our variables. However, what if the magic quotes directive is not enabled?
function magicQuotes($post) {
if (get_magic_quotes_gpc()) {
if (is_array($post) {
return array_map('stripslashes',$post);
} else {
return stripslashes($post);
}
} else {
return; // magic quotes are not ON so we do nothing
}
}
The script above checks to see if magic quotes is enabled. If they are,
it will determine if your $_POST data is an array (which it likely is)
and then it will strip the slashes accordingly.
Understand that this is not true 'validation'. Be sure to
validate all your user-submitted data with regular expressions (which
is the most common way to do so).
More information about magic quotes: http://www.php.net/magic_quotes/
More information about SQL injection:http://www.php.net/manual/en/security.database.sql-injection.php/
More information about regular expressions: http://www.php.net/pcre/
Tip 3: Safely Query Database with mysql_real_escape_string
When you are ready to query your database you will need to escape
special characters (quotes for instance) for safety's sake by adding
slashes. We apply these before we insert variables into our database.
Once again, we need to determine which version of PHP you are running
first:
special characters (quotes for instance) for safety's sake by adding
slashes. We apply these before we insert variables into our database.
Once again, we need to determine which version of PHP you are running
first:
function escapeString($post) {
if (phpversion() >= '4.3.0') {
return array_map('mysql_real_escape_string',$post);
} else {
return array_map('mysql_escape_string',$post);
}
}
More information about mysql_real_escape_string: http://www.php.net/mysql_real_escape_string/
More information about SQL injection: http://php.belnet.be/manual/en/security.database.sql-injection.php
Tip 4: Debugging
If you search the forum there are many good threads with rules about debugging.
The single most important thing you can do is ask PHP to report errors
and notices to you by adding this line at the beginning of your
scripts:
error_reporting(E_ALL);
This will keep you in line as you learn by
printing out errors to your screen. The most common error that E_ALL
reports is not actually an error, but a notice for an "Undefined
index". Typically, it means that you have not properly set your
variable. It's easy to fix and keeps you programming correctly.
printing out errors to your screen. The most common error that E_ALL
reports is not actually an error, but a notice for an "Undefined
index". Typically, it means that you have not properly set your
variable. It's easy to fix and keeps you programming correctly.
Another convenient tool while working with queries is print_r(). If your query is returning null or strange results, simply place this after your query command and it will display
all the contents of the $result array.
print_r($result); exit;
The exit command stops your script from executing any further so you can specifically review your query results.
More information about error_reporting: http://www.php.net/error_reporting/
More information about print_r; http://www.php.net/print_r/
More information about print_r; http://www.php.net/print_r/
Tip 5: Writing Functions (and Classes)
Initially I thought that tackling functions and classes would be difficult--thankfully I was wrong. Writing a function is something I urge all newbies to start doing immediately--it's really that simple. You are instantly involved in understanding how to produce more efficient code in smaller pieces. Where you might have a line of code that reads like this:
if ($rs['prefix'] == 1) {
$prfx = 'Mrs. ';
} elseif ($rs['prefix'] == 2) {
$prfx = 'Ms. ';
} else {
$prfx = 'Mr. ';
}
echo $prfx.$rs['name'].' '.$rs['last_name'];
You could rewrite it like this in a function:
function makePrefix($prefix='')
{
if (!$prefix) return '';
if ($prefix == 1) return 'Mrs. ';
if ($prefix == 2) return 'Ms. ';
if ($prefix == 3) return 'Mr. ';
}
echo makePrefix($rs['prefix']) . $rs['name'] . ' ' . $rs['last_name'];
Now that you've written this function, you can use it in many different projects!
An easy way to describe classes is to think of it as a collection of functions that work together. Writing a good class requires an understanding of PHP 5's new OOP structure, but by writing functions you are well on your way to some of the greater powers of PHP.
This article taken from PHPbuilder, the 2nd part of this article, i will published in a few time..
Regards
Verd_hatherley
Download & REviews ; 250 HTML and Web Design Secrets
Published Sunday, August 06, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
Web design has come a long way in just over a decade. The concerns facing anyone working on Web sites are so complex and changing so rapidly that it’s downright overwhelming. From a consumer perspective, Web designs and redesigns can be very expensive. The goal of this book is to provide you with all the top-flight information you need to know to get up to speed with the best practices and standards being used by today’s practical but progressiveWeb sites such as ESPN andWired News. We all need help to improve workflow, develop rich designs that can be accessed by numerous browsers and alternative devices such as cell phones and PDAs, create sites that meet legal concerns regarding content and accessibility, managing sites for the long term, and improve the financial bottom line by significantly reducing bandwidth and increasing revenue.
I hope u will like it and it's gonna be usefull for u... I've got the PDF file from link that i forget.. For Download click here.
Title:250 HTML and Web Design Secrets
Author:Molly E. Holzschlag
Publisher:Wiley
Page:432 pages
Edition: (June 28, 2004)
Catalog:Computer Bks - Languages / Programming
I hope u will like it and it's gonna be usefull for u... I've got the PDF file from link that i forget.. For Download click here.
Title:250 HTML and Web Design Secrets
Author:Molly E. Holzschlag
Publisher:Wiley
Page:432 pages
Edition: (June 28, 2004)
Catalog:Computer Bks - Languages / Programming
Introduction to CSS
Published Saturday, August 05, 2006 by verd_hatherley.
A CSS (cascading style sheet) file allows you to separate your web sites (X)HTML content from it's style. As always you use your (X)HTML file to arrange the content, but all of the presentation (fonts, colors, background, borders, text formatting, link effects & so on...) are accomplished within a CSS.
At this point you have some choices of how to use the CSS, either internally or externally.
Internal Stylesheet
First we will explore the internal method. This way you are simply placing the CSS code within the <head></head> tags of each (X)HTML file you want to style with the CSS. The format for this is shown in the example below.
With this method each (X)HTML file contains the CSS code needed to style the
page. Meaning that any changes you want to make to one page, will have
to be made to all. This method can be good if you need to style only
one page, or if you want different pages to have varying styles.
External Stylesheet
Next we will explore the external method. An external CSS file can be
created with any text or HTML editor such as "Notepad" or
"Dreamweaver". A CSS file contains no (X)HTML, only CSS. You simply
save it with the .css file extension. You can link to the file
externally by placing one of the following links in the head section of
every (X)HTML file you want to style with the CSS file.
By using an external style sheet, all of your (X)HTML files link to one CSS file in order to style the pages. This means, that if you need to alter the design of all your pages, you only need to edit one .css file to make global changes to your entire website.
Here are a few reasons this is better.
Cascading Order
In the previous paragraphs, I have explained how to link to a css file either internally or externally. If you understood, than I am doing a good job. If not don't fret, there is a long way to go before we are finished. Assuming you have caught on already, you are probably asking, well can I do both? The answer is yes. You can have both internal, external, and now wait a minute a third way? Yes inline styles also.
I have not mentioned them until now because in a way they defeat the purpose of using CSS in the first place. Inline styles are defined right in the (X)HTML file along ide the element you want to style. See example below.
Inline styles will NOT allow the user to change styles of elements or text formatted this way.
So, which is better?
So with all these various ways of inserting CSS into your (X)HTML files, you may now be asking well which is better, and if I use more than one method, in what order do these different ways load into my browser?
All the various methods will cascade into a new "pseudo" stylesheet in the following order:
1.Inline Style (inside (X)HTML element)
2.Internal Style Sheet (inside the <head> tag)
3.External Style Sheet
As far as which way is better, it depends on what you want to do. If you
have only one file to style then placing it within the <head></head> tags (internal) will work fine. Though if you are planning on styling multiple files then the external file method is the way to go.
Choosing between the <link related=>& the @import methods are completely up to you. I will mention that the @import method may take a second longer to read the CSS file in Internet Explorer than the <link related=> option. To combat this
see Flash of unstyled content
Users with Disabilities
The use of external style sheets also can benefit users that suffer from
disabilities. For instance, a user can turn off your stylesheet or
substitute one of there own to increase text size, change colors and so
on. For more information on making your website accessible to all users
please read Dive into accessibility
Power Users
Swapping stylesheets is beneficial not only for users with disabilities, but
also power users who are particular about how they read Web documents.
Browser Issues
You will discover as you delve farther into the world of CSS that all
browsers are not created equally, to say the least. CSS can and will
render differently in various browsers causing numerous headaches.
For full tutorial you can download the pdf file from here
Resource : This tutorial taken from Cssbasics.com, the pdf file also compiled from this site.
Regards
Verd_hatherley
At this point you have some choices of how to use the CSS, either internally or externally.
Internal Stylesheet
First we will explore the internal method. This way you are simply placing the CSS code within the <head></head> tags of each (X)HTML file you want to style with the CSS. The format for this is shown in the example below.
<head>
<title><title>
<style type="text/css">
CSS Content Goes Here
</style>
</head>
<body>
With this method each (X)HTML file contains the CSS code needed to style the
page. Meaning that any changes you want to make to one page, will have
to be made to all. This method can be good if you need to style only
one page, or if you want different pages to have varying styles.
External Stylesheet
Next we will explore the external method. An external CSS file can be
created with any text or HTML editor such as "Notepad" or
"Dreamweaver". A CSS file contains no (X)HTML, only CSS. You simply
save it with the .css file extension. You can link to the file
externally by placing one of the following links in the head section of
every (X)HTML file you want to style with the CSS file.
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="Path To stylesheet.css" />
Or you can also use the @import method as shown below
<style type="text/css">@import url(Path To stylesheet.css)</style>
Either of these methods are achieved by placing one or the other in the head section as shown in example below.
<head>
<title><title>
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"href="style.css" />
</head>
<body>
or
<head>
<title><title>
<style type="text/css"> @import url(Path To stylesheet.css) </style>
</head>
<body>
By using an external style sheet, all of your (X)HTML files link to one CSS file in order to style the pages. This means, that if you need to alter the design of all your pages, you only need to edit one .css file to make global changes to your entire website.
Here are a few reasons this is better.
- Easier Maintenance
- Reduced File Size
- Reduced Bandwidth
- Improved Flexibility
Are you getting the idea? It's really cool.
Cascading Order
In the previous paragraphs, I have explained how to link to a css file either internally or externally. If you understood, than I am doing a good job. If not don't fret, there is a long way to go before we are finished. Assuming you have caught on already, you are probably asking, well can I do both? The answer is yes. You can have both internal, external, and now wait a minute a third way? Yes inline styles also.
Inline Styles
I have not mentioned them until now because in a way they defeat the purpose of using CSS in the first place. Inline styles are defined right in the (X)HTML file along ide the element you want to style. See example below.
<p style="color: #ff0000;">Some red text</p>
Some red text
Inline styles will NOT allow the user to change styles of elements or text formatted this way.
So, which is better?
So with all these various ways of inserting CSS into your (X)HTML files, you may now be asking well which is better, and if I use more than one method, in what order do these different ways load into my browser?
All the various methods will cascade into a new "pseudo" stylesheet in the following order:
1.Inline Style (inside (X)HTML element)
2.Internal Style Sheet (inside the <head> tag)
3.External Style Sheet
As far as which way is better, it depends on what you want to do. If you
have only one file to style then placing it within the <head></head> tags (internal) will work fine. Though if you are planning on styling multiple files then the external file method is the way to go.
Choosing between the <link related=>& the @import methods are completely up to you. I will mention that the @import method may take a second longer to read the CSS file in Internet Explorer than the <link related=> option. To combat this
see Flash of unstyled content
Users with Disabilities
The use of external style sheets also can benefit users that suffer from
disabilities. For instance, a user can turn off your stylesheet or
substitute one of there own to increase text size, change colors and so
on. For more information on making your website accessible to all users
please read Dive into accessibility
Power Users
Swapping stylesheets is beneficial not only for users with disabilities, but
also power users who are particular about how they read Web documents.
Browser Issues
You will discover as you delve farther into the world of CSS that all
browsers are not created equally, to say the least. CSS can and will
render differently in various browsers causing numerous headaches.
For full tutorial you can download the pdf file from here
Resource : This tutorial taken from Cssbasics.com, the pdf file also compiled from this site.
Regards
Verd_hatherley
