Hello and welcome, dear visitor! I’m Roland, and you’ve found your way to theblackzone.net, my little corner of the internet. Feel free to explore, enjoy, and make yourself at home!
A long-standing tradition by Bram Moolenaar, the
creator of the Vim editor, was to provide
the community with a printable, year-long desktop calendar. The calendar fits
on A4 paper and only needs to be folded and glued to sit neatly on your desk,
serving as both a practical date reference and a small tribute to Vim and
the ICCF charity founded by Bram.
I’ve used these calendars for more than 20 years, and every year, I looked
forward to set up a fresh desk calendar. Simple, practical and always within
reach. For many Vim users, Bram’s printable calendar became a small yearly
tradition that blended usefulness with a touch of community spirit.
After Bram passed away in 2023, I wanted to continue using these handy
calendars, so I decided to create them myself. This led to an almost
pixel-perfect recreation of the original Vim calendars for the years 2024 and
2025. I originally made them just for personal use, but a few months ago I
decided to share them publicly on GitHub.
With the new year approaching, I’ve now created the 2026 edition as well. It’s
available for download in my GitHub
repository.
If you’re a longtime Vim user like me, or simply appreciate small, useful desk
tools, I hope this calendar brings you the same bit of joy and practicality it
has brought me over the years. Keeping this tradition alive feels like a small
way to honor Bram’s legacy and the community he built. Feel free to download
it, print it, and share it with anyone who might enjoy it too.
When Windows users needed a simple way to safeguard their Mozilla‑based
browsers, MozBackup was the go‑to
solution. The free and open‑source utility bundled everything a Firefox or
Thunderbird profile contained into a single, compressed archive: bookmarks,
saved passwords, extensions, cookies, browsing history, form data, and other
settings. Restoring that archive later brought the browser back to exactly the
state it had when it was backed up.
The MozBackup Logo
MozBackup was created by Czech developer Pavel Cvrček (also known by the
nickname JasnaPaka) in 2004. The first public releases appeared that same year,
and the tool quickly gained traction among users who wanted a hassle‑free
method for backing up Firefox, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, and other Mozilla‑based
profiles. The backups could be used to migrate profiles between computers
without manually copying dozens of hidden files and it even allowed to encrypt
the archive with a password , adding an extra layer of security for sensitive
data. Its straightforward graphical interface required no command‑line
knowledge, making it accessible to both casual users and power users alike.
Development continued steadily, with versions adding support for newer
Firefox releases, Thunderbird updates, and even niche Mozilla applications
like Sunbird and Flock. The last official build before the hiatus was
MozBackup 1.5.2 Beta, released in May 2012 - after that, the project went
silent. I guess this happend largely because Firefox introduced its own sync
service and the profile format evolved beyond what MozBackup originally handled.
In a pleasant turn of events, Pavel announced the revival of the project in
April 2025. After more than a decade of dormancy, a new 1.6 Beta version was
released on June 7, 2025.
The update brings compatibility with the latest Firefox and Thunderbird
releases, modernized UI tweaks for high‑DPI displays and continued support for
encrypted backups.
MozBackup still matters, even with cloud‑based sync options. There are
scenarios where a local, self‑contained backup shines. For instance in offline
environments where internet access is restricted or in enterprises with policies
that forbid automatic cloud syncing. Or archival needs to presere a snapshot
of a browser at a specific point in time. Having a single ZIP‑style file that
encapsulates all profile data remains a powerful strategy.
I remember integrating MozBackup into my regular Windows backup routine and using
it to migrate my Firefox profile between various machines. The process was far
more straightforward than manually copying the profile data as described by Mozilla, and the optional password protection gave me peace of mind for
stored credentials.
A heartfelt thanks to Pavel for breathing new life into MozBackup.
His dedication to maintaining this niche yet indispensable utility is
appreciated by countless users who still rely on a reliable, offline backup
method for their Mozilla browsers.
Roughly 20 years ago, I spent countless hours immersed in the fast-paced,
team-driven world of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. It was one of those rare
gems - a completely free multiplayer FPS with deep strategy, addictive
gameplay, and a passionate community. Like many others, I eventually moved on
as newer games and systems came along. But recently, I stumbled across
something that instantly brought back all the memories: ET:Legacy.
For those unfamiliar, Wolfenstein: Enemy
Territory was
released back in 2003 as a standalone, free-to-play multiplayer shooter. It set
itself apart with class-based gameplay, objective-driven maps, and a strong
emphasis on team coordination. The game had a massive community, loads of
creative mods, and was a staple on LAN parties and online servers alike.
Enter ET:Legacy
ET:Legacy Radar Map
To my surprise and delight, I discovered
ET:Legacy, an open-source project that breathes
new life into this classic. The goal of the project is simple yet ambitious:
modernize Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory while preserving the original feel and
gameplay. After diving in, I can confidently say - mission accomplished.
ET:Legacy stands out for a number of reasons. First, it has flawless Linux
support. As a Linux user, it’s great to find a game that runs so well out of
the box. ET:Legacy has been rock solid on my system, with great performance and
no configuration headaches.
Second, the magic of the original is fully intact. Movement, weapons, objectives - it
all feels exactly as I remember. The developers have been careful to keep the
core experience untouched, even while refining the engine behind the scenes.
Last but not least, many of the classic mods I loved (like “NoQuarter” or
“Jaymod”) and map packs still work. That backward compatibility is a
huge deal for longtime fans and contributes to the fun.
Probably the most surprising (and heartwarming) part: there are still a ton of
people playing. Seriously. Pop into a server and you’ll find active matches,
experienced players, and even new folks discovering the game for the
first time. The community is very much alive, with ongoing development
and community events.
Back to the Battlefield
ET:Legacy Following Player
I won’t pretend I’m spending as many hours on the game now as I did two decades
ago (age and responsibilities have a way of doing that). But I’ve been playing
regularly again, and I’m loving it! There’s something comforting about
returning to a game that shaped your gaming tastes - and finding it not just
preserved, but thriving.
ET:Legacy is more than just a nostalgia trip. It’s also a testament to the
power of open source, community dedication, and the timeless appeal of great
game design. If you were a fan back in the day, or even if you’re just curious
about one of the best team-based shooters ever made, I can’t recommend it
enough.
Give it a try - you might just find yourself yelling “Fire in the hole!” all
over again.
Creating secure passwords is fundamental to maintaining robust cybersecurity
practices. While many users rely on password managers or web-based generators,
Linux provides numerous built-in and installable tools for generating strong
passwords directly from the command line. As a system administrator, I
frequently use a mixture of these methods in my daily work, depending on the
specific requirements and security contexts I encounter. This post explores
various methods to create passwords using the Linux console, from simple
built-in utilities to specialized password generation tools.
Using Linux’s Random Source (/dev/urandom)
Linux provides an excellent source of randomness through /dev/urandom, which
requires no additional software installation. This method uses pure “built-in
tools” and offers great flexibility.
Alphanumeric Passwords
To create a 16-character password with letters and numbers:
< /dev/urandom tr -dc [:alnum:]| head -c${1:-16};echo
Passwords with Special Characters
For maximum security, include all printable characters (excluding spaces):
< /dev/urandom tr -dc [:graph:]| head -c${1:-16};echo
Letters Only
Sometimes you need passwords with only alphabetic characters:
< /dev/urandom tr -dc [:alpha:]| head -c${1:-16};echo
Mixed Letters and Numbers
A specific combination of digits and letters:
< /dev/urandom tr -dc [:digit:][:alpha:]| head -c${1:-16};echo
Using the dd Command
An alternative approach using dd for a 10-character password:
One of the fastest ways to generate a password using Linux built-ins is leveraging the date command combined with md5sum:
Basic Method
date | md5sum
12-Character Password
date | md5sum | cut -c1-12
This method is extremely fast and requires no additional installations, though it’s less cryptographically secure than /dev/urandom methods.
pwgen - The Dedicated Password Generator
pwgen is a popular, purpose-built password generator that offers extensive customization options.
Installation
sudo apt install pwgen
Basic Usage
Generate a block of 160 8-character passwords:
pwgen
Secure 12-Character Passwords
Create secure passwords without ambiguous characters (like “l” and “1”):
pwgen -sB 12
Including Special Characters
pwgen -sBy 12
Batch Generation
Generate ten 12-character passwords in a single column (useful for bulk account creation):
pwgen -sBc 12 -n 10 -1
OpenSSL for Password Generation
OpenSSL, primarily used for encryption certificates and secure data transport, can also generate passwords.
Installation
sudo apt install openssl
Generate Random Password
Create a 12-character random password:
openssl rand -base64 12
Creating Numeric PINs with shuf
The shuf command, typically used for random permutations, excels at generating numeric PINs.
4-Digit PINs
Generate ten 4-digit PINs:
shuf -i 1000-9999 -n 10
8-Digit PINs
Generate ten 8-digit PINs:
shuf -i 10000000-99999999 -n 10
APG - Automated Password Generator
APG offers both pronounceable and random password generation options.
Installation
sudo apt install apg
Basic Usage (Pronounceable Phrases)
apg
Pure Random Characters
apg -a 1
Single 12-Character Random Password
apg -a 1 -m 12 -x 12 -n 1
Specialized Formats
Generate a 32-character hexadecimal password:
apg -a 1 -M nc -n 10 -m 26 -E GHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Create a 20-digit numeric password:
apg -a 1 -m 20 -M N
Diceware - Word-Based Password Generation
Diceware creates memorable passwords using word lists, based on the concept of using dice rolls for true randomness.
Installation
sudo apt install diceware diceware-doc
Basic English Dictionary
diceware
German Dictionary
diceware -w de
Advanced Options
Five words with two special characters (characters replaced by symbols):
diceware -w de -n 5 -s 2
Five words with custom separator:
diceware -w de -n 5 -d .
Using Real Dice
For maximum security, use actual dice as the randomness source:
diceware -w de -n 5 -r realdice
Choosing the Right Method
The choice of password generation method depends on your specific needs:
Quick and simple: Use the date | md5sum method
Maximum security: Leverage /dev/urandom with special characters
User-friendly: Try pwgen for readable passwords
Memorable passwords: Use Diceware for word-based passphrases
Numeric PINs: Use shuf for clean numeric generation
Specialized requirements: APG offers the most customization options
Security Considerations
When generating passwords on the command line, remember:
Clear your bash history if it contains sensitive commands
Use /dev/urandom over /dev/random for better performance without sacrificing security
Consider the environment where you’re generating passwords - avoid shared systems for sensitive passwords
For maximum security with Diceware, use real dice rather than computer-generated randomness
Conclusion
Linux provides a wealth of options for password generation directly from the
console. From simple one-liners using built-in utilities to sophisticated tools
like Diceware, you can generate passwords that meet any security requirement.
The key is understanding your specific needs and choosing the appropriate tool
for the job. Whether you need a quick password for testing or a highly secure
passphrase for production systems, Linux’s command-line tools have you covered.
Wow, just wow! Another year has flown by, and my website has seen… almost no
activity. An entire year without updates — apart from dusting off and uploading
one of my old music tracks. I don’t think that’s ever happened before, and it’s
definitely making its way onto my New Year’s resolutions list.
Of course, the usual excuse applies: it’s been a busy year (and believe me, it
really has been). Between juggling life, work, and everything in between, I’ll
admit I’ve been a bit too lazy to channel energy into keeping the site fresh.
But here’s the thing: I’m still here, and so is this little corner of the
internet.
As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you
a prosperous, joyful, and healthy new year, no matter where you are. Let’s make
it a year to reconnect, create, and keep things a little less dusty — myself
included.
Here’s to new beginnings, fresh intentions, and perhaps a little more website
activity. Cheers to 2025! 🥂
Roughly 20 years ago, I spent countless hours immersed in the fast-paced,
team-driven world of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. It was one of those rare
gems - a completely free multiplayer FPS with deep strategy, addictive
gameplay, and a passionate community. Like many others, I eventually moved on
as newer games and systems came along. But recently, I stumbled across
something that instantly brought back all the memories: ET:Legacy.
