Shutdown Computer by an SMS

Here is a trick you will all want to try. Not just try, but this could be useful when you are trying to give a slip to your boss from office and dont want to be caught just because you went back to your work station just to shut it down... :D

Shutting down your laptop / computer will be as simple as sending a simple SMS.

You will need the following to do this trick :

• Outlook configured with a POP3 enabled account. Preferable gmail.
• Two twitter accounts.
• A cell phone from which you can send SMS.

Step 1

Create a file name "shutdown.bat".

Type the following code in a notepad and save it as a .bat file anywhere on you laptop / computer.

c:\windows\system32\shutdown -s -f -t 00

What this does is points to the shutdown application. -s means to shutdown, -f  means to force it and -t is to set the timer to zero seconds.

Step 2

Have a POP3 account. If you dont have one then you could sign up for a gmail account. You will need to configure your POP3 account in Outlook and set it to receive emails automatically every 1 minute.

To know how to configure your Gmail Account after you have logged in click on Setting. Now click on "Forwarding and POP/IMAP"

Step 3

Sign up for two twitter accounts. Lets name them as "AccountA" and "AccountB". During the sign up of "AccountB" give the same POP3 email address that you have configured.

Now let both follow each other. 

For "AccountA" configure your mobile device to receive and send tweets. Goto Settings and then click on Devices to get instructions for the same.

For "AccountB" under Settings and Notices check against "Email when I receive new Direct Messages"

Step 4

Open Outlook and click on Tools. Now click on "Rules and Alerts". If you are using Outlook 2007 follow these steps. Even if you are using a lower version I dont think the configuration steps should change much. The thing important here is the logic which you will need to follow and implement according to what ever POP3 email client you are using.

1. Click "New Rules" from the "E-mail Rules" tab.
2. Select "Check messages when they arrive"  under "Start from a blank rule" and click next.
3. From the list of conditions select "with specific words in the subject".
4. Click on "specific words" in the Step 2 block that you see below.
5. Type "Direct message from AccountA" and click on Add.
6. Click in Ok and then click Next in the Rules Wizzard window.
7. Check "start application" from the Step 1 block.
8. Now click on the word "application" and choose "shutdown.bat" and click next twice.
9. On the "Finish Rule Setup" page under Step 2 check only against "Turn on this rule."
10. Click on Finish.

Step 5

From your mobile send the following message to 5566511.

d AccountB { Any Text }

There you go your computer should shutdown within 75 seconds from this SMS being sent. However, the shut time will depend on the SMS and email gateways delay time as well.

View Security Cameras - Live

"This area is under Camera Surveillance". Such notices have become very common & we see many such around us in todays times. Be it malls, banks, ATM, theatres, shops, public places, etc have come under such surveillance. There are times when these cameras capture many unaware people in funny awkward positions. Wouldnt it be fun if you could lay your hands on these tapes.

You must have even seen in movies how the detectives / cops monitor these videos to solve a crime. Have you ever felt like Sherlock Holmes and wanted to spy on someone sitting in the comforts of your drawing room. Ever wanted to see something that you normally wouldn't have access to so easily. Something like the contents of network cameras / security cameras.

Well well... How about seeing it live in real time... I aint kidding you man. Here is how you do it.

1. Visit the GOD of the internet, Google.com ☺
2. Here are a few terms that you need to type exactly as shown below.

• inurl:"viewerframe?Mode=Motion"
• inurl:/view/index.shtml
  
• SNC-RZ30 HOME
  
• inurl:"home/homeJ.html"

There you go. Click on any of search results and you will be able to access those live images brought to you from those networks on your very own screen. Its not just that, you can even change the camera position by 360° and even capture them if you wish so.

Dont trust me... Here are a few security cameras you can check.

Traffic Signal

Cafe in NewZealand
Busan Station Network
CONNAH's QUAY Network
Mountain Lodge
Whitman Collage

Will let you know how this happens in one of my next posts.

In the mean time, go ahead and explore many more networks and enjoy. Do let me know if you come across any exceptionally good network camera setups where you notice people doing weird things. Specially those unaware people caught on hidden cameras in hotels and motels... Will be waiting for them in the comment... :)

Game - Cross the River

Here is one more of my crazy puzzles. This one's a bit tough than the previous one.

This test was developed and used in Japan for job and university IQ tests. Mainly used in the IT sector. This test is solved in around 15mins (in Japan). How long will you take.

:: RULES ::

• Only two people can travel at once.
  
• Daddy can not stay with the girls without the presence of the mother.
  
• Mum cant stay with the boys without the presence of the father.
  
• The arrested red-hair girl in stripy outfit cannot stay with any of the family members without the Police officer.
  
• Only the Police officer and the parents can drive the boat across the river.
  
  
• Click on the people you want to transport.
  
• To use the boat click on the red dots next to the boat.
• To start press the BIG BLUE button
  

Here is how you do it.

I am figuring that out myself. Comback again... :)
Well well I see the answer in one of the comments.... :)

Game - Cross the Bridge

Here is one of the brain teaser that will exercise your grey cell and prevent them from rusting further. It may fancy you if you are one of my breed who enjoys solving such puzzles.

All you need to do is help this FAMILY to cross to the other side of the bridge. However, its not that easy. There are a few constrains. The most important being time.

:: Rules ::

• It is night, So U must have a fire lamp.
• Each person cross the bridge at a different speed.
  [1-sec] [3-sec] [6-sec] [8-sec] [12-sec]
• Only 1 or 2 person can pass the bridge at a time.
• A pair must walk together at the rate of the slower person.
• The FIRE LAMP enough for 30-sec only !!!!

Here is how you do it.

Here is how you do it :

	Secs Used	Secs Left
1 and 3 go	3	27
3 returns	3	24
8 and 12 go	12	12
1 returns	1	11
1 and 6 go	6	5
1 returns	1	4
1 and 3 go	3	1