Hi everyone,

Just a few moons ago a notice was seen about the passing of "The Real Eunuch" and there was some discussion as to how, if he had passed, was his website updated with the news.

I immediatly assumed he was using some freeware called "Deadmans switch". I posted my thoughts about it, but unfortunatly the program was offline.

Went looking for it today, and it is indeed back up at the link below:

http://daisyman.arsware.org/dms/

There are many reasons why I like this software, but the primary reason lies in the fact that many of us live alone and often times have embarrasing things on our computers. When I lived alone, I could have died and no one would have noticed for a week.

What this software will or can do, is sent emails to friends, encrypt files on your harddrive, and/or post to the internet if you don't check in with it during a length of time you specify.

My suggestions:

Do:

Set up some nice emails to friends that say something to the effect that they are getting a email from your computer, and there might be a problem at your home and they should phone or visit.

Encrypt any embarrassing files or folders so your loved ones will be unable to access them if you have indeed, gulp, passed on.

Don't:

Set up a email to your boss that says something to the effect "I'm dead now boss so I can tell you exactly what I think of you". If you forget to sign in and reset the deadman's timer, it WILL send email.

Don't forget your file encryption password. You will not be able to defeat the encryption and will have to delete the files since they will be useless.

Another tech tip from your friends here at the Archive.

talula

An excellent suggestion, talula.

Reminds me of a few years ago before the old fart was here. Long story, but suffice it so say that I could have been dead and no one would have known a thing for ... a while, let's say.

Thanks.