G33K-TRICKS: Computers
Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts

Friday, March 15, 2024

Understanding SSL/TLS Certificates: Root, Leaf, CA, and User Certs


 

Introduction:What are SSL/TLS Certificates?

What is certificate is another topic altogether. Please refer: What are SSL certs for understanding why digital certs are required.

In the realm of online security and encryption, SSL/TLS certificates play a vital role in ensuring
Explaining SSL/TLS certificate

secure communication over the internet. Understanding the different types of certificates is crucial for maintaining a robust security infrastructure. In this guide, we'll delve into the various types of SSL/TLS certificates, including root certificates, leaf certificates, CA certificates, and user certificates, providing valuable insights into their significance and functions.
SSL/TLS certificates are integral components of the public key infrastructure (PKI) that secure online communications. Below, we'll explore the key types of SSL/TLS certificates:

Root Certificate (Root CA Certificate):

Root certificates serve as the foundational trust anchors in the SSL/TLS certificate hierarchy.
They are self-signed by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), establishing the ultimate trust in the certificate chain.
Root certificates are essential for validating the authenticity of subordinate certificates.

Intermediate Certificate (Intermediate CA Certificate):

Intermediate certificates bridge the gap between root certificates and end-entity certificates.
They are issued by Root CAs and are used to facilitate the issuance and management of end-entity certificates.
Intermediate certificates play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of the certificate chain.

Leaf Certificate (End-Entity Certificate):

Leaf certificates, also known as end-entity certificates, are issued to individual entities such as servers or users.
These certificates contain public keys and entity information, serving as the endpoint for secure communication.
Leaf certificates are signed by intermediate certificates, establishing trust in the entity's identity and encryption capabilities.

Certificate Authority (CA) Certificate:

CA certificates are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities and are used to validate the authenticity of SSL/TLS certificates.
They encompass both root and intermediate certificates, forming the backbone of the PKI infrastructure.
CA certificates play a pivotal role in maintaining trust and security in online transactions and communications.
User Certificate:
User certificates are issued to individual users for authentication, digital signatures, or encryption purposes.
These certificates contain the user's public key and identity information, enabling secure access to online services.
User certificates are commonly used in secure email communication, VPN access, and client authentication scenarios.

Conclusion:

Understanding the diverse roles of SSL/TLS certificates is essential for implementing robust security measures in online environments. Whether it's establishing trust through root certificates, securing endpoints with leaf certificates, or validating identities using CA certificates, each certificate type plays a vital role in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring secure communication channels. By comprehending the nuances of SSL/TLS certificates, organizations can bolster their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risks associated with online threats.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Unlocking Knowledge: 12 Free Methods to Access Pay-walled Content Without a Subscription


Best Free methods to Access website content like news without subscribing

Unlock Website content Free without subscription


Introduction:

In an era where digital media dominates, many reputable news sources have implemented paywalls, limiting access to valuable information. Subscribing to multiple services can become financially burdensome, but fear not! We've compiled a thorough guide detailing 12 effective methods to access paywalled content without a subscription.

1. Open the Article in Incognito Mode:

The simplest method involves opening links in incognito mode to prevent websites from tracking your browsing history and imposing article limits. Right-click a link and select 'Open link in an incognito window' or use Ctrl+Shift+N for quick access.



2. Reset Browser Cookies:

For those uncomfortable with incognito mode, resetting browser cookies accomplishes a similar goal. In Chrome, click the three dots, select 'More tools,' and choose 'Clear browsing data' in the advanced tab. Clear all cookies to reset article counts.



3. Use a VPN:

Change your IP address by utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This masks your location and helps bypass article limits. Numerous free and paid VPN services are available online; check out our top 10 VPN services for secure and anonymous browsing.



4. Use Postlight Reader for Chrome:

Formerly known as 'Mercury Reader,' the Postlight Reader Chrome extension declutters articles and removes paywalls. Add the extension, navigate to the desired article, and select 'Open in Postlight Reader' from the Extensions icon.


5. Use 12ft Ladder to Unlock Any Article:

When traditional methods fail, 12ft Ladder comes to the rescue. Visit https://12ft.io/, paste the paywalled article link, and click 'Remove paywall.' Refresh the article tab for unrestricted access.


6. Use Sci-hub to Read Articles Without a Subscription:

Access academic journals and research papers without subscribing using Sci-hub. Copy the article link or DOI code, paste it on Sci-hub's website, and click 'Open' to unlock the content.


7. Use Your Library Account:

Leverage your local library membership to access a wealth of paid content. Many libraries subscribe to leading newspapers, journals, and magazines. Sign in using your library account to unlock articles.

8. Use the Wayback Machine:

Explore Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, a repository of billions of archived pages. Visit the websites of major newspapers to find and read articles without encountering a paywall.

9. Search for the Headline on Google:

Paste the article headline on Google to discover mirrored content from various sources that offer free access. If the exact article isn't found, look for the same story from alternative, free-to-read sources.

10. Use Reader Mode on Safari:

If you're an iPhone or Mac user, activate Reader Mode on Safari. This feature eliminates clutter, hides ads, and, for some websites, removes the paywall.
Here's how you can enable Reader Mode on MacBooks:
  • Open Safari and navigate to the page you want to read.
  • Click on the Reader Mode icon on the right side of the address bar. (Note: The icon looks like a small box with horizontal stripes.)
  • Wait for Safari to reformat the page for easy reading.
  •  Open the article and click the reader icon in the address bar.


11. Save the Article as a PDF:

On certain websites, saving an article as a PDF can bypass paywalls. Open the article on your PC's web browser, press Ctrl+P, select 'Save as PDF,' and click 'Save.'



12. Disable JavaScript:

Prevent paywall pop-ups by disabling JavaScript. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > JavaScript. Add the website URL under 'Not allowed to use JavaScript' for uninterrupted access.








Conclusion:
With these 12 proven methods, accessing paywalled content without a subscription becomes a breeze. From VPNs to browser settings, these techniques cover a broad spectrum of websites and journal libraries. Share your success stories in the comments, and empower others to break free from paywall constraints. Unlock a world of knowledge today!
Disclaimer: This article is only for educational purpose.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

RTSP Streaming: A Comprehensive Guide


RTSP Streaming: A Comprehensive Guide


Streaming audio and video content over the internet has become increasingly popular, and Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is one of the most commonly used protocols for this purpose. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to RTSP streaming, including its definition, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, and its applications.

What is RTSP Streaming?

RTSP is a network control protocol used for streaming audio and video content over the internet. It was developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and was first introduced in 1998. RTSP is designed to work with a variety of streaming protocols, including RTP, RTCP, and HTTP.

How Does RTSP Streaming Work?

RTSP works by establishing a connection between the client and the server. The client sends a request to the server, asking for a particular audio or video stream. The server responds with a description of the stream, including its format and location. The client then sends a second request to the server, asking for the stream to be delivered.

Advantages of RTSP Streaming

There are several advantages of using RTSP for streaming audio and video content:
Real-time delivery: RTSP enables real-time delivery of audio and video content, which is essential for live events such as sports, concerts, and news broadcasts.
High quality: RTSP supports high-quality audio and video streaming, which is ideal for delivering high-resolution content.
Interactivity: RTSP enables two-way communication between the client and the server, allowing for interactive applications such as video conferencing and online gaming.
Security: RTSP supports encryption and authentication, providing secure delivery of audio and video content over the internet.

Disadvantages of RTSP Streaming

There are also some disadvantages to using RTSP for streaming:
Complexity: RTSP is a complex protocol that requires specialized software and hardware to implement.
Bandwidth requirements: RTSP requires a significant amount of bandwidth to deliver high-quality audio and video content, which can be expensive for some users.
Latency: RTSP can introduce latency, which can be a problem for live events where real-time delivery is critical.


Applications of RTSP Streaming

RTSP is used in a variety of applications, including:
Live events: RTSP is commonly used for live events such as sports, concerts, and news broadcasts.
Video conferencing: RTSP enables two-way communication between clients, making it ideal for video conferencing and other interactive applications.
Security systems: RTSP is used in security systems to stream video from surveillance cameras to central monitoring stations.
Gaming: RTSP is used in online gaming to enable real-time multiplayer games.

Conclusion

RTSP is a powerful protocol for streaming audio and video content over the internet. It enables real-time delivery of high-quality content and supports interactive applications such as video conferencing and online gaming. However, it is a complex protocol that requires specialized software and hardware to implement and can introduce latency. Despite these challenges, RTSP remains a popular choice for streaming audio and video content over the internet. 

 Please also take some time to read other article on Free Test RTSP Samples URLs and streaming links.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

How to use ChatGPT?


How to use ChatGPT?

AI and ML have been the buzz words for a while now and so many interesting usage has been found using these. Before we start, let's learn a bit about , what is AI, OpenAI and ML.


Artificial intelligence (AI)
refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI can be divided into two categories: narrow or weak AI, which is designed to perform a specific task, and general or strong AI, which has the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human can.  Examples of narrow AI include Siri, Alexa, and self-driving cars, which are designed to perform specific tasks such as recognizing speech, answering questions, and navigating roads. Strong AI, on the other hand, is still in the early stages of development and is the type of AI that can think and learn like a human. It has the potential to revolutionize many industries and change the way we live our lives.  Some of the key technologies that are used to develop AI include machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. 

OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research laboratory consisting of the for-profit OpenAI LP and its parent company, the non-profit OpenAI Inc. The company is focused on developing and promoting friendly AI in a way that benefits all of humanity. They have developed a number of widely-used AI technologies, such as the GPT natural language processing model. OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity.

Machine learning (ML) is a subfield of artificial intelligence that gives systems the ability to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. It involves the use of algorithms and statistical models that enable a system to automatically improve its performance with experience.  There are different types of machine learning, including:  Supervised learning: where the system is trained on a labeled dataset, with input-output pairs, and then makes predictions on new, unseen data. Unsupervised learning: where the system is not given labeled data, but instead must find patterns or features in the input data on its own. Reinforcement learning: where the system learns to make decisions by interacting with an environment and receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. Machine learning is used in a variety of applications such as natural language processing, computer vision, speech recognition, recommendation systems, and many more.


How to ChatGPT

ChatGPT: It is a large language model that can perform a variety of natural language processing tasks, such as:

Text generation: generating human-like text based on a given prompt or context

Text completion: completing a partially written text

Text summarisation: summarising a given text to a shorter version

Text classification: classifying a given text into predefined categories

Text translation: translating a text from one language to another

Text answering: answering questions based on a given context

Text generation of code, poetry, song lyrics and many more.

Additionally, ChatGPT can be fine-tuned on specific tasks or domains, such as customer service, technical support, and creative writing, to improve its performance on those tasks.

It's important to note that while ChatGPT can generate human-like text, it is not a human and may make mistakes or misunderstand certain prompts. It is important to verify any information generated by the model before using it.

ChatGPT is a variant of the GPT (Generative Pre-training Transformer) model, developed by OpenAI.

GPT was first introduced in 2018 by a team of researchers at OpenAI, who trained the model on a large dataset of text from the internet. Since then, OpenAI has released several versions of the GPT model, including GPT-2 and GPT-3, with ChatGPT being one of the most recent versions.

The team behind GPT and its variants includes several prominent researchers in the field of natural language processing, such as Ilya Sutskever, Alec Radford, and Jeff Dean, among others. The development of the GPT model has been led by OpenAI, a research organization founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever and Wojciech Zaremba.

OpenAI, the organisation that developed ChatGPT, has made the model available for use through a commercial API, which allows users to access the model's capabilities through a web-based interface. The API requires a subscription and usage fee, which varies depending on the usage volume, the type of usage, and other factors.
However, OpenAI also provides some free access to the API, through a free-tier program, or through some partnership or research program, which allows developers and researchers to test and experiment with the model at a lower cost or even for free.
It's worth noting that the research version of the GPT-3 is open-source, meaning it is publicly available for anyone to download, use, and modify. However, the model is very large and requires considerable computational resources and expertise to train and fine-tune for specific tasks. So, it's not recommended for general usage.

Will ChatGPT be free?
ChatGPT, like other large language models such as GPT-2 and GPT-3, requires a significant amount of computational power to train and run.
The original version of GPT-2, which had 1.5 billion parameters, required 4 days of training on 8 NVIDIA V100 GPUs, with a batch size of 2048. This implies that a computational power of about 2 Petaflops is required for training.
GPT-3, which has 175 billion parameters, required several months of training on several thousand of high-performance GPUs, which is not accessible for most of the users.
While the exact computational requirements for ChatGPT may vary depending on the specific architecture and configuration of the model, it's safe to say that it requires a significant amount of computational power and resources to train and run.
It's worth noting that the computational power required to run a pre-trained model like ChatGPT is much lower than what is required to train it. The pre-trained model can be loaded into memory and run on a single high-performance GPU or even a standard CPU, which makes it more accessible to a wider range of users.

 How to login to ChatGPT?

 Open https://chat.openai.com/ on your web-browser.

 Click on Sign up.
Use any account, if you have already a logged in Google account , it makes it more easier. Just click on Continue with Google.
Enter your Name


Provide your phone number. You will receive a verification SMS on you mobile.
Enter the code and you are good to go.


The UI is very simple and easy to use.
Just type in Queries that you want to ask the AI and wait for the AI to get you the answers.




One thing to note in particular. The knowledge date cut off for ChatGPT is marked as 2021. So if you are looking for any new information, refrain yourself from asking it to ChatGPT instead, Google it!!!