IF the communications shut down today is to download software, how can you thwart it?

I would imagine just unplug everything, but I couldn't tell you they won't download something later.

Cable internet providers can download software without taking you offline; I know, I used to work for one.

It may be that the code is already there and today's 2p "test" involves a reboot of some kind.

Aw shucks - can't beat 'em.

So, what do YOU think this is all about? Do you agree with the article? It doesn't make any sense to me except for nefarious purposes. I just can't figure out what the nefarious purposes are.

BTW, your "cheshire kitten" freaks me out. Is it a code for something nefarious?

Awwe you know how I feel about it :-) But let me go through it:

"In what is obviously a muscle flexing exercise meant to show the public just how much power and control the federal government really has"

Did anyone really doubt the government could do this? I intuitively understood this as a kid.


"I am trying to figure out what kind of national emergency would require cutting all communications, broadcasts and internet use?"

Internet use? Where has that been said by FEMA?


"If this were a test to make sure the system was intact in the event of an emergency I could understand it. But that isn’t what this is."

On what basis is he making this claim?


"A new code must be downloaded and installed, then the system shutdown and re-booted for the changes to take effect."

Trouble with that is there are oodles of different makes and models of boxes and devices. Take for example the computer space: For the operating system you have Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, DOS, etc. Then you have hardware: Dell, HP, IBM, etc. That doesn't include smart phones (iPhone/Android/etc.) and all the associated hardware. Will the download work on all systems?


The only thing to me that's odd about this test is:
1. No EAT code.
2. A soldier came on here last week (who has a legit thread history) who claims his superiors want him to tell people not to panic, which he said has never happened.

So while I'm curious, I'm not panicking like Beaker:

Haha yes, it's Illuminati code. No, I just found him in the Members Area -> Choose Avatar and laughed. I can't upload a custom avatar as I don't have a paid account. So this works. Fits my playful attitude.

And as has been pointed out elsewhere, this doom is because there is no EAT

Last Edited by SlowBro on 11/09/2011 09:00 AM

How can you have an Avatar and Karma without a paid account?

Oh, and one more thing. Are YOU able to get email notices on threads? It doesn't work for me and Trinity isn't replying to my email asking him how to fix it...

After the Denver Bunker / Elenin Doom failed, I'm less inclined to "beaker panic" on this one.

Regarding cdevidal's comment about OS's, I agree...it would be pretty difficult to have ONE code work for all systems. However, multiple code for various systems is feasible, especially if it is small enough...porting it to different systems isn't that tricky, really. Too bad I plan on shutting my FreeBSD box down during this, or I could monitor what traffic comes and goes - not taking any chances :)

Things that make me (a NON techie) go hmmmmm...

FWIW, I am not actually that worried about it, just adding my $.02 to the conversation :)

Believe me, if something DOES get planted, it will be the free OS communities that discover it first. You'll hear about it pretty quickly if something does happen.

Avatar: I just went to the Members Area and it's there. Maybe it comes after you've been here a while?
Karma: Always had that.

True.

I meant to add this: "In the same way, there are dozens of makes and models of set top boxes, digital radios, etc."

And please don't take my post as criticism, I was just elaborating on what you said. Hell, I am impressed you even knew about the BSD's, most people are lucky to even know what Linux is :)

oh oh oh (says Inquiring Mind with her hand in the air) I know what a Linux is - I've seen them at the zoo!

"rofl"

Bet there was a Beastie or two there as well!

(maybe a handful of people will even get that joke)

Oh I didn't consider it criticism :-D