Did you know you can put a package tracking number into Google Search?  I’ve tried it with both Fedex and UPS packages.

You can also use Google to quickly determine the currency exchange rates.  For example, put “convert USD to CAD” into Google Search.  You can see the result here.

If you’re concerned about the privacy and security of your wireless Internet connection, I’d recommend you listen to episode #89 of the Security Now podcast. In this episode, Steve Gibson highlights a new attack on the flawed WEP protocol that is often used to secure Wi-Fi connections. 

I abandoned WEP for the successor, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) protocol, awhile ago. Nowadays, it is easy to switch to WPA as support for the protocol is very common. Off the top of my head, you’ll find support in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X, and on devices like the Xbox 360.

Of course, WPA is only as strong the password.  If you need need, Steve Gibson provides a random password generator here.

If you interested in learning more about Wi-Fi (in)security, check out episodes 10, 11, and 14 of the Security Now podcast.

Fear not loyal reader, your humble scribbler has not forsaken his blog.

Life has been very hectic the past couple of months. I was in San Jose speaking about MDC performance and customer experiences at the IDUG North America 2007 conference.  I also took some time off for a family event.  Lately, my team and I have been heads down with my team putting the finishing touches on a new feature for DB2 Viper 2.