Re: quality keyboards
On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 9:38 PM, Gian Uberto Lauri <saint@eng.it> wrote:
> Joel Rees writes:
> >
> > Say what? Since when does a keyboard need a firmware update?
> >
> > Hmm. Maybe the USB controller stuff, but still, ...
>
> Nope. Check the item before engaging the fingers :).
Well, actually, I was responding to Petter, I think, whose keyboard
does not have the colored lights?
Even so, ...
> These keyboard have some on board controller that is responsible to
> controlling the color of each key according to a fixed or dynamic
> pattern. "Very useful things" [1] like color pattern changing with
> time or keys that change the color when you type them - was not it
> easy enough to peek a secret password watching the fingers typing it?
... reprogrammability is one thing. I think updates from the
manufacturer is another.
Random reprogrammability is a security issue, but one generally
doesn't try to deal with the security issues inside the keyboard.
Updating vulnerable keyboard drivers in the OS, yes. In the keyboard
itself, I can't see that.
> Furthermore they should allow some form of "macro". I am not sure of
> what they are, but they smell like the programmable keys of the
> venerable Qume 102 I used hooked to an AT&T 3B2,
Heh. I have a couple of 7300s (I think it was) sitting in the basement
somewhere in my sister's house in the states. Fifteen years ago, I
often found myself wishing they were here, not there. Just to play
with, of course.
> a long time ago.
But isn't this also about reprogrammability?
> > Can you tell what the micro-controller is? Maybe try re-programming it?
>
> They are working on reverse-engineering the communication protocol and
> re-programming instructions.
Do tell: Who are _they_? And do they have a website?
> [1] they could be used for some blinkenlights at boot time.
> "Das computermachineboot ist gestaren, relaxen und watchen das
> blinkenlichten."
Fun stuff.
> --
> /\ ___ Ubuntu: ancient
> /___/\_|_|\_|__|___Gian Uberto Lauri_____ African word
> //--\| | \| | Integralista GNUslamico meaning "I can
> \/ coltivatore diretto di software not install
> già sistemista a tempo (altrui) perso... Debian"
>
> Warning: gnome-config-daemon considered more dangerous than GOTO
>
--
Joel Rees
Be careful when you look at conspiracy.
Arm yourself with knowledge of yourself, as well:
http://reiisi.blogspot.jp/2011/10/conspiracy-theories.html
Reply to: