September « 2008

24Sep/080

ssh bug in 10.5.5 aka xmalloc problem

After updating my OSX system to 10.5.5 I found a problem with ssh that does not always appear:

macbook:~ root$ /usr/bin/ssh username@host.domain.com

xmalloc: zero size

So this error is basically from ssh being compiled incorrectlly by Apple and the ssh program is asking for a memory object that is not available.

So how do I fix this?

Thats a good question. The easiest way to fix this problem is to install your own version of ssh on another location. This is easy to accomplish with MacPorts.

I dont want to read all that stuff! Just tell me how to do it!

Okay Okay, I will tell you how to do it, but you gotta choose between two options, Source or Package.

Whats the difference between Package and Source?

When installing from source, you will need the Developers Tools installed (you can get this from the Leopard disc) and you will have a high chance of success when following the steps below.

When installing from the Package, its very straight forward and just like installing an application that uses the installer program. However, I have not had much success.

Okay, I want to install from Source. How do I do it?

You will need the following things:

Developer Tools installed (in specific, the gcc compiler)
MacPorts source downloaded to your computer

Now here are the instructions (warning, this will use cmd line and root account. I take no responsibility if you have a problem.):

Extract the macports to a directory.
The directory you choose is up to you. From here on I will refer to that directory as $MacPortSource
Open up to the terminal.
use "cd" command to goto the $MacPortSource (this can be accomplished by typing "c" then "d" then space then drag the folder of your $MacPortSource onto the terminal, then hit enter)
now build the macport application
type "make"
tons of text will fly by, this is okay
after text is done flying by
type "sudo make install" then hit enter
this will ask for your password. type it. then hit enter
you should now have a new command /opt/local/bin/port
now lets install ssh
type "sudo /opt/local/bin/port -v install openssh"
if it asks for your password again, type it. then hit enter
text will fly by
when its done, it will be installed to /opt/local/bin/ssh
lets test it out!
use /opt/local/bin/ssh username@hostname.domain.org
if all is good, lets subsitute the /usr/bin/ssh with the /opt/local/bin/ssh by going to the next section

WAhooIOOoooo!!! My ssh is working! Now how do I use it with out typing /opt/local/bin stuff?

Edit your .profile file in your home directory and put in the following line:

PATH="$PATH:/opt/local/bin"

Now either quit the terminal and start it again, or use the following command to reload it:

source .profile

Okay! Thats Awesome!! now, what about my other applications?

What you want to do is make a soft link between /usr/bin/ssh and /opt/local/bin/ssh by using the following steps as root:

$ sudo su
(type in password)
# mv /usr/bin/ssh /usr/bin/ssh.macosx
# ln -s /opt/local/bin/ssh /usr/bin/ssh

This moves (or renames) the broken ssh binary to ssh.macosx and then the last step creates a soft link (thats the -s part) in /usr/bin/ that points to /opt/local/bin/ssh.

YAYAYA now my sftp works in Transmit!

Tagged as: ssh No Comments

19Sep/080

Layout at work

I have finally found a comfortable layout at work. Not many know this but I have re organized my desk at least more than 5 times this year. But I have stopped. I think what I have going for me is fantastic! And I decided to share a picture of it here. I'll be moving cubes next year and be left without a window.

Filed under: Organization No Comments

19Sep/080

For the horde

While walking home I saw a funny car that had a great phrase on it rear window saying "for the horde". This is from (if you don't play) the video game called world of warcraft. So when I saw this car I could not help but take a picture!