Granting minimal privileges is always a best practice and it is often a requirement. Running as a user other than root, and then not allowing privilege escalation to root, are common guardrails within the principle of least privilege. For many tasks, those guardrails work well, but for building docker images, they are problematic. Building a … Continue reading Building Docker Images Without Root or Privilege Escalation
2024 Free / Open Source Software Accomplishments
With 2024 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to review what I accomplished over the past year. My contributions range from security software to build tools to container systems and Linux distributions. I enjoy improving the software I use personally and professionally; this year’s contributions reflect that mindset. Below are links to many of the … Continue reading 2024 Free / Open Source Software Accomplishments
The DES Keycap Profile: 3D Printing and Using Very Nice Keycaps
The Distorted Ellipsoidal Saddle (DES) profile is a sculpted Cherry MX keycap profile with a unique look and feel. I’m currently using MT3 and greatly enjoying it, but I’m always looking for potentially better options. Since I just built a new keyboard (the Charybdis), now seems like a great time to try out a new … Continue reading The DES Keycap Profile: 3D Printing and Using Very Nice Keycaps
Building the Charybdis – A Split Ergomechanical Keyboard with Trackball
Over the past few weeks, I slowly worked on my first significant electronics project: building an ergonomic mechanical keyboard, the Bastard Keyboards Charybdis. I even spiced things up by making the keyboard hot-swappable, a feature not offered by the authoritative design. I was initially intimidated, given my lack of experience in this type of work; … Continue reading Building the Charybdis – A Split Ergomechanical Keyboard with Trackball
3 month review of custom Dactyl Manuform Keyboard with Trackball
6 months ago, after performing a great deal of research, I ordered a trackball-equipped custom Dactyl Manuform keyboard from Wylderbuilds (see my previous article for my rationale). 3 months ago, I received the keyboard and I’ve been using it ever since. Overall, it’s been a good experience – I learned a great deal, I’ve had … Continue reading 3 month review of custom Dactyl Manuform Keyboard with Trackball
3D Printing High Quality Keycaps
Printing usable, good-quality keycaps on an FDM 3D printer is very much possible. Despite what you may have heard, a resin printer is not required. However, there are some challenges and practicalities to keep in mind. Here’s what I learned about 3d printing keycaps.
2023 Free / Open Source Software Accomplishments
I find it hard to believe, but it is true: another year has wrapped up. With the conclusion of 2023, I’m looking back at some of my free and open-source software accomplishments over those 12 months. My contributions are, once again, all over the place: different languages, industries, technology stacks, and architectural layers. I made … Continue reading 2023 Free / Open Source Software Accomplishments
SCAP Security and Compliance Scanning of Docker Images in GitHub Actions and GitLab CI
GitHub Actions and GitLab CI code that you can drop in to your project to automatically, effortlessly use to SCAP scan docker images for compliance with benchmarks from CIS, PCI-DSS, STIG, and more.
Always Use Docker Image Digests
Docker image digests are unique, immutable identifiers for container images. This means that two images with different contents will have different digests, even if they have the same name and tag. When you pull an image by its digest, you are guaranteed to get the exact same image every time, regardless of when or by … Continue reading Always Use Docker Image Digests
Ordering a Custom Built Dactyl Manuform Keyboard
I previously decided upon a custom Dactyl Manuform with Thumb Cluster Trackball as my next keyboard. Because it’s a custom keyboard, there are a lot of decisions to make: which builder to order from, size, RGB, wired / wireless, thumb cluster configurations, encoders (how many and where to place them), and material (resin or PLA). … Continue reading Ordering a Custom Built Dactyl Manuform Keyboard