1. I made my VM think it has a CPU fan Total comment counts : 32 Summary Malware often checks for virtual machines by examining hardware components like the CPU fan, particularly through the Win32_Fan class in WMI. These checks complicate analysis for security researchers. The CPU fan presence is determined via SMBIOS data. To simulate a CPU fan in a virtual machine using Xen, users can set custom SMBIOS data but must adhere to specific documentation regarding which structures can be overridden....

1. MCP: An (Accidentally) Universal Plugin System Total comment counts : 61 Summary The article humorously explores the versatility of USB-C technology and compares it to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for AI. It highlights how USB-C facilitates various functions beyond its intended use, similar to how MCP can connect AI models to diverse data sources. The author suggests that MCP is creating a universal plugin ecosystem, enabling apps to access features without prior coding....

1. Show HN: I’m an airline pilot – I built interactive graphs/globes of my flights Total comment counts : 90 Summary Since 2023, I have served as a First Officer on the Airbus A350 with British Airways at London Heathrow, after flying the A320 family since 2016. I began my aviation journey in Canada, earning my Glider Pilot License and PPL through Air Cadet scholarships. I track my flights digitally using LogTen Pro, creating 3D visualizations of my logbook and flight patterns....

1. Gemini CLI Total comment counts : 130 Summary Gemini CLI is a free and open-source command-line interface that integrates AI assistance into developers’ terminals, enhancing the coding experience. It enables a wide range of tasks, from coding and content generation to problem-solving. Users can access Gemini 2.5 Pro, with generous limits of 60 requests per minute and 1,000 per day at no charge, by logging in with a Google account....

1. Writing toy software is a joy Total comment counts : 60 Summary The article emphasizes the value of creating toy programs, inspired by Richard Feynman’s quote, “What I cannot create, I do not understand.” It argues that building these small projects helps developers understand software mechanics better than theoretical study. Amidst increasing commodification in software development, toy programs revive the joy of coding and enhance problem-solving skills. The author lists various suggested projects, like a regex engine, a simple OS kernel, and a JavaScript interpreter, encouraging programmers to embrace toy projects for personal growth and development in their primary work....