March 2021 eDVD

Welcome to Digit’s “e” DVD. Instead of limiting ourselves to physical media, we’re attempting to curate the best content from the WWW for you, and give it to you in monthly instalments. By the 15th of every month there will be a new e-DVD made available to buyers / subscribers of the Digit Magazine, so watch our homepage for updates.

While most of the following is content for your PCs, if you’re reading this from a mobile, scroll to the Mobile section to get some interesting downloads, apps and games, all recommended by Team Digit.

As always, remember to send us feedback about this exercise, and suggestions on how we can improve.

Featured Distros

• FreeBSD : FreeBSD is an operating system for a variety of platforms which focuses on features, speed, and stability. It is derived from BSD, the version of UNIX developed at the University of California, Berkeley. It is developed and maintained by a large community.

Linux Distros

• Linux Mint: Linux Mint is straight up the most recommended and easy to use distros around at the moment. It is based on Ubuntu but ships with a bunch of extras including codecs and drivers, which makes it quicker to start using the distro.
• Gentoo: Gentoo is used by a bunch of enthusiasts known as Gentoomen. The updates are regular, and the distro is optimised for your particular system, which is great. It is a bit of a toughie to get into though.
• Slackware: Slackware is a distro for those who want to dive into the deep end of the Linux pool, and is one of the most basic and customisable distros around. The setup is incredibly fun or painful depending on how you look at it. It is easy to mess up your system if you are using Slackware, so proceed with caution.
• Kali Linux: Kali Linux is the distro for those who want to try out hacking tools, or get into penetration testing in a more serious manner.
• Ubuntu: Ubuntu is one of the easiest to use and well known distros around. Ideal for use in offices as well.
• OpenSuse: OpenSuse is a distro geared towards software developers and system admins. It is one of the most used distros around the world, and is continuously updated.
• Fedora: Fedora is the distro used by the creator of Linux, Linus Trovalds. This is a distro with plenty of support, and regular updates. It is associated with the RedHat distro.
• ArchLinux: The ArchLinux distro is a simple and minimalist Linux distro. The updates are frequent. The distro is for more expert users.
• Solus: Solus is a no nonsense distro designed for home computing. You can access most applications out of the box.
• SteamOS: Based on Debian, SteamOS is a distro specifically made for gaming on Linux systems. It can be used as a general purpose distro as well. Check the hardware requirements though, they are on the higher side.

Time Management

• Binal : Binal is a customizable binary clock desktop widget.
• Cattr : Manage your time with ease
• ChronoFag Timer : This is a productivity timer inspired by a pomodoro technique.
• Big Free Clock : This useful utility will simply display the current time FULL SCREEN on your desktop.
• Desktop Timer : Free Desktop Timer is a simple utility that allows you to create multiple timers on your desktop. This is one of those kinds of things that you might not even know you need until you try it.
• Clock alert : Clock alert is a free clock application that sits in the system tray. It chimes with a pleasing sound every hour to tell you an hour has passed. Are you a gamer? Do you spend lot of time in front of the computer? and Can’t feel time flying? then clock alert is the right solution for you. With “Clock Alert” you can really know how many hours you are spending with your computer.
• Wnr : Effective time-management, better than pomodoros
• Pomotroid : A simple, configurable and visually pleasing Pomodoro timer.
• DestktopDigitalClock : A simple and beautiful digital desktop clock with different themes and customization for all MS-OS inspired by the lock screen!
• TrackAMinute2 : The program is all about time tracking. To set it up you add your clients, add the projects you’re working on, and then add tasks to each project. In day-to-day use, you select a given task and click the ‘Start’ button to tell the program what you’re working on. It will automatically suspend the previous task and begin timing this one.
• TaskLogger : Handy little pop-up that allows you to track time spent on project tasks. Can be used to generate timesheets.
• Saytime : An straightforward application that runs in the background and notifies you what the time
• Sandman : An application built with late night developers in mind

Crypto software

• VSFileEncrypt : VSFileEncrypt is an easy to use file encryption program. You can encrypt any file you choose. To access the file again, you would need access to the password that was used while encrypting. VSFileEncrypt is a serious solution, but at the same time is easy to use and does not require any technical background – just select any file and choose “Encrypt” – or simply drag the file to the proper editor box.
• Cryptex : Lock away sensitive data and thereby make it inaccessible? It doesn’t have to be. With Cryptex you can store the fragments carefree on your computer or on a server. An additional external backup guarantees restoration security.
• LeoMoon QuickCrypt : LeoMoon QuickCrypt is a file encryption software available on several operating systems that uses the industry standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES256-CBC) to easily and securely encrypt files.
• Cryptography Studio : Cryptography Studio is a lightweight software application built specifically for helping you protect the files stored in your computer with powerful encryption algorithms.
• CrococryptMirror : CrococryptMirror (aka “Crococrypt”) is an encryption tool which mirrors complete folders to encrypted folders. The encryption algorithms that are used are AES and Twofish (256 bits, cascading). The keyfile is secured by a password using PKCS #5 (PBKDF2) with a SHA512/Whirlpool based HMAC using 100000 iterations and also AES and Twofish.
• SafeNotes : SafeNotes is a multi-purpose tool with military grade security, using multiple encryption with 4-8 renowned encryption ciphers (up to 2240-bit) instead of commonly used single cipher (e.g. AES-256).
• Crypto! : So basically, CRYPTO! is an app that encrypts/decrypts messages(text only) with the key provided by you.
• Cryptomator : With Cryptomator, the key to your data is in your hands. Cryptomator encrypts your data quickly and easily. Afterwards you upload them protected to your favorite cloud service.
• Pixeloid : Convert text files into a pixel map.
• Cryptnos : Cryptnos is a multi-platform, Open Source application for generating strong, pseudo-random passwords using cryptographic hashes.
• JHide : JHide is simple steganography tool aimed to demonstrate basic steganography techniques.
• NordLocker : Secure your files in a click and back them up on a private cloud. Your data is always within reach. Always encrypted.
• FinalCrypt : Ubreakable one time pad file encryption
• EncryptOnClick : EncryptOnClick is like hiring your own highly experienced data security guard who ensures the files you want to keep safe and out of view from others, stay that way.
• Boxcryptor : Encryption for OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and many more.

Courses

• How to be a genius : A new book gives a glimpse inside the most brilliant minds in history, uncovering their secret habits, and hidden lessons of the geniuses such as Mozart, Leonardo da Vinci and Queen Elizabeth I, called The Hidden Habits of Genius. The author, a Yale University Professor also offers a course on the subject.
• Connections : A docuseries blending history and science to tell the story of the unlikely interconnections in the world.
• Productivity Masterclass – Principles and Tools to Boost Your Productivity : A doctor and YouTube explains how to make the most out of your time.
• A Mini Course on Time Management : 7 steps you can use immediately to become more productive and master time management
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python : An introduction to computer science as a tool to solve real-world analytical problems using Python 3.5.

NASA picture eBooks

• Earth as Art : In 1960, the United States put its first Earth-observing environmental satellite into orbit around the planet. Over the decades, these satellites have provided invaluable information, and the vantage point of space has provided new perspectives on Earth. This book celebrates Earth’s aesthetic beauty in the patterns, shapes, colors, and textures of the land, oceans, ice, and atmosphere. The book features 75 stunning images of Earth from the Terra, Landsat 5, Landsat 7, EO-1, and Aqua satellites. Sensors on these satellites can measure light outside of the visible range, so the images show more than what is visible to the naked eye. The images are intended for viewing enjoyment rather than scientific interpretation. The beauty of Earth is clear, and the artistry ranges from the surreal to the sublime.
• iMagnetic space : Free ebook for students.
• Making the Invisible Visible : In the early 1970s, there was a small group of advocates for an infrared space telescope; however, the field of infrared astronomy was only a few years old, and no one had ever built a space-based observatory of the required complexity. Considering the technical, political, scientific, and economic uncertainties, it was not obvious that a project like SIRTF could—or should—be dared by NASA. How did SIRTF manage to overcome these uncertainties? This monograph makes visible the invisible forces that influenced the design of SIRTF’s innovative technology. The lessons learned by the project team over the course of building SIRTF, now better known as the Spitzer Space Telescope, are about managing innovation over time and in the face of uncertainty.
• Not Yet Imagined : Not Yet Imagined documents the history of HST from its launch through its first 30 years of operation in space. It focuses on the interactions among the general public, astronomers, engineers, government officials, and members of Congress during that time. The decision-making behind the changes in Hubble’s instrument packages on servicing missions that made HST a model of supranational cooperation amongst scientists is chronicled, along with HST’s contributions to our knowledge about our solar system, our galaxy, and our universe. This book also covers the impact of HST and the images it produces on the public’s appreciation for the universe, and how HST has changed the ways astronomy is done.
• Origins of 21st-Century Space Travel : Less than one year after the Columbia Space Shuttle accident on 1 February 2003, President George W. Bush announced at NASA Headquarters that the Agency would embark on a new Vision for Space Exploration as it resumed Shuttle flights and worked toward completion of the International Space Station. The President’s ambitious agenda included lunar and Martian exploration with robotic precursors followed by human missions. The conceptual foundations of the President’s plan had their origins in 1999, when NASA Administrator Dan Goldin initiated a Decadal Planning Team to generate viable plans for humans and robots to explore space beyond low-Earth orbit. This book provides a detailed historical account of the ideas, debates, and decisions that opened the way for a new generation of spaceflight at the start of the 21st Century.

House Music

• Fish House : Deep House from Russia
• Novembre : Yes, this is medidative house.
• Starchild : Very ignorable party music.
• Vogue 4 : „Vogue“ is the latest longplayer by PNFA. The album offers a big variety of different styles of electronic Music, somewhere between Lounge, Triphop and jazzy House. Originally the tracks were produced for fashion shows, but make it easily into your Ipod or club. The wide musical range works in any situation and mood and stands for a remarkable stylish lifestyle. PNFA a.k.a. Wolfram Gruß produces mostly electronic masterpieces for the club since 1994, which gained already international acclaim and were published on labels all around the globe, for example on Ministry of Sound and Sony Music. Despite the eclectic mixture of styles on „Vogue“, the trademarked PNFA sound is still clearly recognizable. A very enjoyable record.

Geeky Soundtracks

• Serious Sam 4 : Music by Damjan Mravunac
• Star Wars Battlefront II : Original Video Game Soundtrack
• Minecraft Dungeons: Flames of the Nether : Original Game Soundtrack
• Earthworm Jim 2 : Fanmade reworked MIDI game soundtrack

Platformer Games

• Kingdom Gun : Kingdom Gun is a Roguelite Shooter with elements from RPGs and action platformers! You are sent by The Kingdom to explore and conquer a recently discovered continent. Your reason for exploring the continent depends on the character you choose! Loot, glory, conquest, vengeance, or just for fun! Every run is different! Permanent death and item randomization! Every run allows for endless progression. Online Multiplayer will be available in the final version!
• Zero Deaths : A post-apocalyptic action-adventure about Felix’s resurrection from the ashes of the Sub-Bot War of 2019.
• Starboy Adventures : A run and gun where in a series of challenging stages you kill everything in your path looking for your lost dog that was mysteriously kidnapped by a mysterious pigeon.
• Yo! Noid : 3D platformer, controller reccomended.
• Soul Deliver : Soul delivery is a story-focused 2D adventure game. The gameplay is very similar to a 2D platformer, you run, jump, explore, but without violence. To be short, this is a cozy game that doesn’t require you to be especially reactive.
• Delta-Gal : Explore multiple areas, talk with friendly townspeople, fight not so friendly enemies, get better weapons and defeat the boss.
• Unsung Warriors : Unsung Warriors is a 2D action-adventure game set in Iron Age inspired Europe. Fight your way past enemies and traps, while exploring the secrets of an ancient crypt.
• MiniDoom : Imagine if Doom was a platformer

Evergreen Games

• Warframe : Warframe is the free to play model done right, with regular updates, a monetisation model that is fair to players. This is an incredibly complex game with a lot of things to do, and is a major time sink. Essentially you play as space ninjas who are on various missions through the solar system. This is science fiction like you have never seen it before, in any medium.
• Path of Exile : This is another game that has been around for years, is free to play, and is constantly updated. The game has one of the most expansive skill trees in any game ever. You have to pick classes and clear dunjons. The hardcore mode has permadeath. This is RPG done right.
• Shotgun Fun Fun : This is a fast paced platformer where you have to navigate around a map and take down as many zombies as possible, before you inevitably meet your death. Crazy, and addivtive.
• Trackmania Nations Forever : The free version of the game has a stadium environment with thousands of user made tracks. Insane speeds, lots of room for stunts, and split second reactions are all necessary for you to win. This is one of the most popular racing games ever.
• Altitude : Altitude is an over the top multiplayer game where you have to take a bunch of planes and eliminate enemies. The rounds are frenetic and short. The best thing is the football mode.
• TeeWorlds : This is a crazy 2D multiplayer platformer. In the solo mode, you have to kill anything else that moves with an arsenal of weapons, or team up and play the deathmatch mode. Moving around requires constant use of a grappling hook, which is the entire charm of this game.

Movie

• Sword And The Dragon : The Sword and the Dragon (1960) is the Americanized version of the Russian film “Ilya Murometz” (1956) released by Valiant Pictures and presented by Joseph Harris and Sig Shore.

Snippets

• Strict Rules Over Digital Content : The government has announced new censor guidelines for self-regulating OTT platforms; 3-tier system.
• Super Follow : Twitter announces an all-new “Super Follow” feature which lets users charge for special content.
• Fry’s Electronics Shut Down : After 36 years in business, the one-stop-shop permanently closes operations in the US due to COVID-19.
• Facebook Bans News In AU : Facebook announces that it will ban Australian users from sharing or viewing news on the platform.
• Dogs Domesticated in Ice Age : Excess protein found in lean meats during harsh winters were used to domesticate dogs in the Ice Age.
• Communication between Humans & Dogs : An example of a scientific “spat”, a study that is a response to a study that is a response.
• Social Cognition in Dogs : During the process of domestication, dogs develop social cognition to better communicate with humans.
• Decoding Dog Domestication : Recent advances in the environmental adaptation of dogs provide new perspectives on improving human & dog communication.
• Zooinverse : A collaborative platform for people to partake in cutting edge animal-related research.
• Agent Exoplanet : An initiative that allows people to help in the study of known exoplanets that orbit stars other than our Sun.
• The Sungrazer Project : Join amateur astronomers to hunt for new comets by analyzing telescope images from the ESA/NASA mission.
• Modern Astronomical Discoveries : Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, a new organisatoin that announces new astronomical discoveries.
• The Human Connectome Project : A compilation of neural data and tools to graphically navigate it, and further understand the human brain.
• AI To Detect Alzheimer’s Disease : A new machine learning algorithm that detects signs of Alzheimer’s disease six years before it is diagnosed.
• How Your Brain Interprets Colour : New studies show how the human brain interprets and percieves colour.
• An Ultrathin Endoscope : An Endoscop the size of a human hair is now being used to image neurons firing in the brains of living mice.
• Global Airborne Observatory : A visual approach to bridge the gap between science and decision making to conserve the environment.
• Forest Carbon Content : A new model for measuring forest carbon content from space, through remote sensing and machine learning.
• Global Land Analysis & Discovery : Investigating the impact of global land surface changes from a laboratory at the University of Maryland.
• Monitoring Forests : Global Forest Watch allows you to see new tropical deforestation, and climate change.
• Quasicrystals : Particles with curious atomic arrangements that are superficially similar to crystals.
• Wasted Heat as Electricity : Silver Antimony Telluride is a material that converts wasted heat from home appliances into electricity.
• Nanotech in Medicine : Carbon Nanotubes are now used with vaccines and drugs for gene therapy and tissue regeneration.
• Less Vehicle Carbon Emmisions : Breakthroughs in the steel industry now make it possible to lower CO2 emmisions from cars.
• Solving Problems at Lightspeed : Researchers design a new method to calculate properties of nuclei in one hour, rather than 20 years.
• Precise Orientation : Engineers developed a technique to precisely orient microscopic devices from folded DNA molecules.
• New Classes of Stellar Dynamics : Mathematicians from RDUN University develop new classes of stellar dynamics systems.
• Solving Telegraph Equations : Mathematician suggests a way for solving problems of elliptic-telegraph and differential equations.
• COVID-19 Spread To Animals : The virus that causes COVID-19 in humans can spread from humans to animals in some cases.
• Risk to the Middle Aged : Studies show that a middle-aged person has 100x greater risk of dying from COVID than a car accident.
• Machine Learning Prescriptions : Researchers develop an AI that aids in identifying and repurposing existing drugs to combat COVID-19.
• Herd Immunity Against COVID : New study estimates 1.7M vaccines are required to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19 in Travis County.
• Fitbit Promotes Stress Relief : Fitbit has partnered with the Chopra Foundation to provide a wellness collection for its premium users.
• Apple Watch Battery Repairs : Apple begins mail-in battery repair service for the Apple Watch.
• Poco M2 Pro : Poco rolled out the new Android security patch for the M2 Pro.
• Google’s Sleep API : Google’s Sleep API
• AI for making mistakes : A chess AI that learns from human error, could enable better negotiation skills with humans.
• Training councellors with AI : An AI that behaves like a troubled teen to help councellors learn to deal with them
• Windows 10 LTSC support : Miscrosoft announces that it will only support Windows 10 LTSC for five years.
• Big sur for AWS : Amazon announces support for Mac devices via AWS
• COVID-19 Images : Microscopic images of COVID-19 infected cells taken from the respiratory tract are published by scientists.
• Replacing Fossil Fuels : Green hydrogen could make a practical replacement for fossil fuels.
• Ninu Perfume : A smart perfume that comes with its own AI-powered app.
• ISRO takes off : ISRO launches its first satellite in 2021.
• Trello overhaul : Trello, the productivity app, unveils a host of new board designs and capabilities.
• MS Office for iPad : Microsoft Office mobile combines Word, Excel and PowerPoint in one cohesive app.
• Qualcomm in trouble : Qualcomm could be forced to pay over £480 million in lawsuit.
• Facebook BARS : Facebook launches TikTok-ike app for budding rappers.
• New rules limit free expression : New social media rules threaten the freedom of free expression in India.
• Parental Controls for YouTube : A feature called “supervised experiences” will allow parents to restrict age-appropriate content for kids.
• Central Banks challenged : This book reviews the threats faced by central banks in the face of climate change.
• E-Commerce Booms : A massive surge in the e-commerece market in India has been studied after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Climate Change & Mental Health : This in-depth report goes over how climate change has begun to affect our mental health, and its implications.
• Cane Furniture : Leading interior designers in India go over why cane furniture is a timeless aesthetic in your living room.
• Pokemon’s 25th Anniversary : Pokemon celebrates its 25th anniversary, and its success as the largest video game franchise.
• Blackpink on Climate Change : The K-pop superstars join the global fight against climate change.
• Yungblud played on Mars : Yungblud’s cover of David Bowie’s Life On Mars was played by NASA’s Persseverance Rover as it landed.
• Civilian Space Mission : Hayley Arceneaux becomes the first bone cancer survivor, and youngest American to orbit the Earth.
• Nintendo Switch Analytics : The new update to the Nintendo Switch enables Google Analytics by default – but it can be switched off.
• JioPhone 2021 : The 2021 JioPhone offer was announced – includes 2 years of unlimited data and phone for Rs.1999
• PS5 SSD’s unlocked : Sony will reportedly grant access to the M.2 SSD slot for storage expansion via firmware update.
• NVIDIA RTX 3060 : The new RTX 3060 cards have been launched in India and face similar availability to the RTX 3060Ti.
• Xiaomi Redmi K40 : The Xiaomi Redmi K40 series has launched, and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 870.
• RedmiBook Pro : The RedmiBook Pro lineup has launched alongside the K40 series in China.
• PlayStation VR : Sony announces new VR headset for PS5, expects to launch next year.
• TikTok Pays Out : TikTok has agreed to pay $92m to settle a lawsuit accusing it to misuse use information.
• The Next Big App : Clubhouse is a year old app, huge hype and super-famous users, it is valued at over $1bn.
• ASUS ROG Phone 5 : The successor to the ROG Phone 3 launches on March 10.
• Spotify in Indian Languages : Spotify is set to release an update, to make it available in Hindi and 11 other Indian languages.
• Facebook Bans Myanmar Military : Facebook has banned the Myanmar military and its affiliates following the coup on 1st Feb.
• Chinese Budget EV : A budget electric vehicle by SAIC Motor outsells Tesla’s upmarket cars.
• Hyundai Replaces Batteries : Hyundai will replace the batteries in over 82000 cars due to fire risk.
• Spying with AI : UK Intelligence GCHQ use AI to tackle issues from child abuse to human trafficking.
• Samsung Supports : Samsung extends support by 4 years for smartphones launched since 2019.
• Xiaomi MI Portable Speaker : Xiaomi launches Mi Portable Speaker and Mi Neckband Earphones Pro.
• Oppo 125W Flash Charger : Oppo shows off its 125W flash charger at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 : The smartphone gets the new One UI 3.1 update to make multitasking easier.
• Mysterious Malware : Apple users have been targetting by a malware, reportedly 30000 devices have been affected.
• Superman Reboot : The infamous superhero is getting a new take from J.J. Abrams & Ta-Nehisi Coates.
• Army Of The Dead : Zack Snyder’s 2021 project gets a release date of 21st May, on Netflix
• Lady Gaga’s Bulldogs : The singer-songwriter’s bulldogs recover safely after her dog walker was shot.
• Spider-Man: No Way Home : The movie is contractually Tom Holland’s last spidey movie.
• Pichu Wireless Charger : YouTuber makes a Pichu figurine that charges smartphones through its cheeks.
• McDonald’s Pokemon Cards : McDonald’s Pokemon Cards sell out because of scalpers.
• $220,000 Charizard : Logic, the rapper, wins online bid for extremely rare Charizard Pokemon card.
• 60-Foot Gundam : A 60-foot Gundam model has now entered its testing phase.
• Siberian Stripes : Researchers notice an unplainable ripple in the earth formation near the Arctic Siberia.
• Iceberg on the loose : Gigantic iceberg breaks off from Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf
• Yaogan 31 : China has just launched 3 additional Yaogan 31 reconnissance satellites.
• 4000 Virtual Universes : Cosmologists tackles the mystery of the Big Bang by simulating 4000 unique virtual universes.
• Solar Panels in Space : Astronauts Kate Rubins and Victor Glover prepare to spacewalk for 6.5 hours to install new solar panels.
• LastPass : Security firm warns that LastPass for android has seven built-in trackers.
• NASA’s Perseverance Rover : The rover has landed on Mars’ Jerezo Crater and shows a panoramic view with immense detail.
• Blue Origin : Jeff Bezos’ giant rocket is set to launch on late 2022.
• SpaceX’s Starship : One of the raptor engins has been swapped out for the SpaceX Starship SN10.
• Dark Matter : HAYSTAC, the dark matter detector, uses quantum technology to scan for dark matter particles.
• Samsung Galaxy M31s : The smartphone giant slashes prices of the Galaxy M31s, now starts at Rs.18499
• Google Pixel Fold? : Tipster claims the Google Pixel foldable phone is real, and may debut end of year 2021.
• Advanced Haptics : Qualcomm is developing advanced haptics for android.
• In-Folding Displays : Samsung is developing in-folding displays for the other tech giants.

Radio Show

• Planet Man : This is the fascinating story of Dantro, The Planet Man, troubleshooter for the League of Planets organization, the law enforcement body for peace and justice in the celestial world — whose headquarters and center of operations are situated on the capital of all planets, Planteria Rex. From Mercury to Pluto, where ever danger threatens the universe, you will find Dantro the Planet Man fighting for fair play. The Planet Man was a juvenile science ficton series of the 1950’s transcribed and syndicated by Palladium Radio Productions. The stories are campy and predictable, but silly fun none the less. Good for a laugh or for bedtime stories for younger listeners.

 

App watch

• ClipDrop : ClipDrop is an AR app that allows you to copy and paste real-life objects into documents and presentations. The app can pick up any object from your surroundings via the phone’s camera with near-perfect edges.
• Access Dots : If you’re worried about securing your privacy on your smartphone, Access Dots is a great app for you. It lights a few pixels on the top of your screen as a dot to indicate whenever any third-party app is using your smartphone’s camera, mic, or GPS.
• Ratio : Ratio is a minimalistic launcher for Android that streamlines the elements of your phone in an organised manner. The app comes equipped with tiles, themes, and other design and privacy elements.