https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=207.242.93.30&feedformat=atomexplain xkcd - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T11:32:34ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.30.0https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1275:_int(pi)&diff=502651275: int(pi)2013-10-09T13:25:06Z<p>207.242.93.30: Clarity. It looks like ceiling(n).round(n), which is confusing.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1275<br />
| date = October 9, 2013<br />
| title = int(pi)<br />
| image = int pi.png<br />
| titletext = If replacing all the '3's doesn't fix your code, remove the 4s, too, with 'ceiling(pi) / floor(pi) * pi * r^floor(pi)'. Mmm, floor pie.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
<br />
This comic tells a simple, deadpan joke: that the number "{{w|3 (number)|3}}" is cursed and thus should not be used in programming. [[Randall]] recommends that programmers instead use <code>int(pi)</code>, which means the {{w|integer}} part of {{w|pi}}, without the {{w|fractional part}}. Pi, an {{w|irrational number}}, has a value starting <code>3.14159...</code>, making <code>int(pi)</code> equal to 3.<br />
<br />
In the title text, Randall takes the joke a step further, suggesting the usage of {{w|floor and ceiling functions}}: <code>ceiling(pi)</code> would be pi rounded ''up'' to the next integer, which is {{w|4 (number)|4}}; and <code>floor(pi)</code> is pi rounded ''down'' to the next integer, which is 3. (Note that <code>int(n)</code> and <code>floor(n)</code> have the same value when <code>n</code> is greater or equal to zero. For values less than zero, <code>int(n)</code> is equal to <code>ceiling(n)</code>. And the function <code>round(n)</code> will either be equal to <code>floor(n)</code> or <code>ceiling(n)</code>.)<br />
<br />
The joke here plays off of the fact that the intricacies of programming are endlessly confusing, and that [[292|novice programmers are often told to simply not do certain things without any explanation]]. Without knowing how a given programming language works, a new coder has no way of knowing which sorts of things are important to pay attention to. Randall takes this to an extreme here by suggesting that certain numbers could be inherently problematic, but the general idea is perfectly believable.<br />
<br />
The formula in the comic is for the {{w|Sphere#Enclosed_volume|volume of a sphere}}: 4/3*pi*r^3.<br />
<br />
<i>Mmm... Floor pie.</i> is a reference to Homer Simpson [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnjzmdxTXGQ]<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:volume(r) = (4/int(pi))*pi*r^int(pi)<br />
:Programming Tip: The number "3" is cursed. Avoid it.<br />
<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Programming]]<br />
[[Category:Math]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1275:_int(pi)&diff=502641275: int(pi)2013-10-09T13:23:02Z<p>207.242.93.30: volume of a sphere</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1275<br />
| date = October 9, 2013<br />
| title = int(pi)<br />
| image = int pi.png<br />
| titletext = If replacing all the '3's doesn't fix your code, remove the 4s, too, with 'ceiling(pi) / floor(pi) * pi * r^floor(pi)'. Mmm, floor pie.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
<br />
This comic tells a simple, deadpan joke: that the number "{{w|3 (number)|3}}" is cursed and thus should not be used in programming. [[Randall]] recommends that programmers instead use <code>int(pi)</code>, which means the {{w|integer}} part of {{w|pi}}, without the {{w|fractional part}}. Pi, an {{w|irrational number}}, has a value starting <code>3.14159...</code>, making <code>int(pi)</code> equal to 3.<br />
<br />
In the title text, Randall takes the joke a step further, suggesting the usage of {{w|floor and ceiling functions}}: <code>ceiling(pi)</code> would be pi rounded ''up'' to the next integer, which is {{w|4 (number)|4}}; and <code>floor(pi)</code> is pi rounded ''down'' to the next integer, which is 3. (Note that <code>int(n)</code> and <code>floor(n)</code> have the same value when <code>n</code> is greater or equal to zero. For values less than zero, <code>int(n)</code> is equal to <code>ceiling(n)</code>. <code>round(n)</code> will always be equal to either <code>floor(n)</code> or <code>ceiling(n)</code>.)<br />
<br />
The joke here plays off of the fact that the intricacies of programming are endlessly confusing, and that [[292|novice programmers are often told to simply not do certain things without any explanation]]. Without knowing how a given programming language works, a new coder has no way of knowing which sorts of things are important to pay attention to. Randall takes this to an extreme here by suggesting that certain numbers could be inherently problematic, but the general idea is perfectly believable.<br />
<br />
The formula in the comic is for the {{w|Sphere#Enclosed_volume|volume of a sphere}}: 4/3*pi*r^3.<br />
<br />
<i>Mmm... Floor pie.</i> is a reference to Homer Simpson [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnjzmdxTXGQ]<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:volume(r) = (4/int(pi))*pi*r^int(pi)<br />
:Programming Tip: The number "3" is cursed. Avoid it.<br />
<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Programming]]<br />
[[Category:Math]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1274:_Open_Letter&diff=501481274: Open Letter2013-10-07T14:57:06Z<p>207.242.93.30: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1274<br />
| date = October 7, 2013<br />
| title = Open Letter<br />
| image = open_letter.png<br />
| titletext = Are you ok? Do you need help?<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
{{incomplete}}<br />
This comic is a reference to the {{w|United States federal government shutdown of 2013|US government shutdown in 2013}}, that has been ongoing for a week and is still current as of the time of this comic. Under some circumstances, the United States Federal Government {{w|Government shutdown in the United States|can temporarily shut down}} pending budget legislation being passed by the United States Congress. These shutdowns are typically due to political disagreements between the President, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Due to the shutdown, numerous govenment services and facilities are shut down, often resulting in many logistical issues for the public.<br />
<br />
Over the years, various conspiracy theories have been proposed claiming that the United States Government is not controlled by publicly-elected officials, but rather by one or more organizations that secretly control the actions of the government (sometimes termed a {{w|Shadow government (conspiracy)|"shadow government"}}). In this strip, [[Randall]] writes a letter to the shadow government, telling them that the situation (having the country's govenment shut down) is embarrassing and asking them to fix the problem.<br />
<br />
This comic also implicitly argues against the plausibility of the aforementioned conspiracy theories if one assumes that a shadow-controlled government would be more likely to operate with a singular purpose and therefore be less susceptible to paralyzing political disagreements. That is to say, if an outside organization were controlling the US government, then it would demonstrate more competence than the US government is currently exhibiting. Randall previously alluded to this in the title text to [[1081|comic 1081]]: "Really, the comforting side in most conspiracy theory arguments is the one claiming that anyone who's in power has any plan at all." This is one of several comics in which Randall expresses dismay at how many intelligent people can fall for absurd conspiracy theories; see comics [[258]] and [[690]], among others.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Addressee !! Brief Description<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Freemasonry|The Freemasons }}|| Fraternity claiming the legacy of medieval stonemasons. Organised in local groups, the so called ''Lodges''.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Illuminati}} || Secret society formed in Bavaria to further the ideas of {{w|enlightenment}}. Although officially banned in 1785, many conspiracy theorists believe the organisation might have survived and is still secretly exerting influence.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Church of Scientology|Scientology}} || A church founded by science-fiction writer {{w|L. Ron Hubbard}}. Often criticised for alleged {{w|brainwashing}} of its members and accused of hiding commercial interests behind religious claims.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Federal Emergency Management Agency|FEMA}} || Agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, that has been granted extensive authorisations in cases of emergency and is therefore believed to act as an entity independent of governmental control.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|New World Order (conspiracy theory)|The New World Order}} || Not a secret organisation itself, but rather the concept of establishing a totalitarian system controlled by any elitist group in this list.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Federal Reserve System|The Federal Reserve}} || Central state bank system of the United States, therefore to some degree able to control the monetary circulation of the {{w|US Dollar}}.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Citigroup}} || One of the four biggest American financial service corporations. Considered by the {{w|Financial Stability Board}} to be a {{w|Too big to fail|"systemically important financial institution"}}.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Halliburton}} || International corporation offering technical services, especially in the field of oil and gas production. Also a major supplier for the {{w|US military}}. Halliburton was in the headlines for unethical business practise and connections to the former US Vice President {{w|Dick Cheney}}.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Google}} || Corporation offering Internet services, most notably the Google search engine. Known for collecting massive amounts of data about its users in order to sell personalised advertisement. The idea of secret plans of Google has been mentioned in comic [[792]]. <br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Holy See|The Vatican}} || Central government of the {{w|Catholic Church}} and residence of the {{w|pope}}. Historically important not only as a religious authority, but also as a {{w|Papal States|secular political power}}.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Bilderberg_Group|Bilderburg (correctly: ''Bilderberg'')}} || Annual conference of important politicians, bankers, directors of major corporations and other {{w|List of Bilderberg participants|people of influence}}, therefore considered the quintessential elitist meeting.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Walmart}} || American retail corporation, best known for the eponymous chain of warehouse stores. As of January 2013, Walmart is the world's largest public corporation by revenue.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Rothschild_family|The Rothschilds}} || Family of Jewish financiers that was later elevated into European nobility. Believed to exercise influence through considerable wealth.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Knights Templar}} || Originally a medieval Christian military order of considerable influence, the Knights Templar were inspiration for many successive (secret) organisations that are sometimes believed to undermine governmental authorities. There is also an {{w|Knights Templar (Freemasonry)|eponymous order}} affiliated with Freemasonry.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program#Conspiracy theories|HAARP}} || Ionospheric research project of the US military. Believed by some conspiracy theorists to conceal attempts to control the weather and trigger catastrophes.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|United Nations|The UN}} || Large intergovernmental organization; most countries in the world are members. It has little direct power unless its member states choose to cooperate (except for its invisible {{w|black helicopter}} squadrons).<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Skull and Bones|Skull & Bones}} || A secret society at the {{w|Yale University}} that has many influential American politicians amongst its members, including former Presidents {{w|George H. W. Bush}} and {{w|George W. Bush}}, as well as current Secretary of State {{w|John Kerry}}.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Bohemian Grove}} || Campground of the private {{w|Bohemian Club}} in San Francisco, known for hosting an annual encampment of club members and selected guests who are among the most powerful men in the world.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Political activities of the Koch brothers|The Koch Brothers}} || The owners of the second-largest private company in the United States and advocates of {{w|free market}} ideals. Known for contributions to libertarian and conservative political campaigns.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|George Soros}} || Business magnate and investor, who is well-known for supporting liberal political causes.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Sovereign Military Order of Malta|The Knights of Malta}} || <br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Council on Foreign Relations|The CFR}} || <br />
|-<br />
| {{w|ExxonMobil|Exxon Mobil}} || <br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Zionism|The Zionists}} || Political movement favouring the creation of a Jewish homeland, a goal achieved with the creation of the state of {{w|Israel}}. In a conspiracy-theory context, it references the belief that wealthy and powerful Jews (such as the above-referenced Rothschilds) control political and social institutions, as presented e.g. in the (fake) {{w|Protocols of Zion}}.<br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Vril#Vril society|The Vril Society}} || <br />
|-<br />
| {{w|Reptilians|The Lizard People}} || Secret snake-men, similar to the aliens from {{w|V (TV series)}}. This is probably a reference to the conspiracy theories of {{w|David Icke}}, which include the idea that an ancient race of god-like, shapeshifting Lizards have interbred with humans, and that these half-bloods now secretly control the world.<br />
|-<br />
| and everyone else who secretly controls the {{w|Federal government of the United States|US Government}} || <br />
|}<br />
<br />
The "Sincerely, A Concerned Citizen" signature is a reference to {{w|Half-Life 2}}, in which Dr. Breen reads a letter criticizing the Combine (alien) control of the government signed "A Concerned Citizen."<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:[The picture shows a letter.]<br />
:October 7<sup>th</sup> 2013<br />
:To: The Freemasons, the Illuminati, Scientology, FEMA, the New World Order, the Federal Reserve, Citigroup, Halliburton, Google, the Vatican, Bilderburg, Walmart, the Rothschilds, the Knights Templar, HAARP, the UN, Skull & Bones, Bohemian Grove, the Koch Brothers, George Soros, the Trilateral Commision, the Knights of Malta, the CFR, Exxon Mobil, the Zionists, the Vril Society, the Lizard People, and everyone else who secretly controls the US government<br />
:Can you please get your shit together?<br />
:This is embarrassing.<br />
:Sincerely,<br />
:A Concerned Citizen<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Politics]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1272:_Shadowfacts&diff=499241272: Shadowfacts2013-10-02T14:50:04Z<p>207.242.93.30: /* Explanation */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1272<br />
| date = October 02, 2013<br />
| title = Shadowfacts<br />
| image = shadowfacts.png<br />
| titletext ='Look to my coming on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east.' 'And look to the west to see our shadows!'" <br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
The name of the horse, Shadowfacts, is a pun on {{w|Shadowfax (Middle-earth)|Shadowfax}}, who is the horse whom {{w|Gandalf}} rides in {{w|J.R.R. Tolkien}}'s {{w|Lord of the Rings}} trilogy. As its name suggests, this horse volunteers facts about shadows. There is a possible deeper level to the pun, referring to the [http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/241756-cat-facts-text-trolling Cat Facts meme]. It is possibly related to the BBC's {{w|Ceefax}} system, but this is not as likely.<br />
<br />
The three parts of a shadow are the {{w|umbra}}, {{w|penumbra}} and {{w|antumbra}}.<br />
<br />
In the title text, Gandalf continues to speak, and is interrupted again by the horse with another fact about shadows. "Look to my coming on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east." is what Gandalf said before the battle of Helm's Deep when he went to get reinforcements.<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:[Gandalf is sitting on a white horse in front of three Hobbits.]<br />
:Gandalf: This is Shadowfacts, lord of all horses, and he -<br />
:Shadowfacts: The outer part of the shadow is called the penumbra!<br />
:Gandalf: ''Shut up.''<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:LOTR]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1269:_Privacy_Opinions&diff=495041269: Privacy Opinions2013-09-25T14:32:04Z<p>207.242.93.30: links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1269<br />
| date = September 25, 2013<br />
| title = Privacy Opinions<br />
| image = privacy opinions.png<br />
| titletext = I'm the Philosopher until someone hands me a burrito.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
When it comes to the topic of privacy in the digital age, there are a number of opinions and attitudes people have. Randall features six of them here:<br />
<br />
* The {{w|Philosopher}} - the intellectual who likes to talk about the topic, often boring those around him who don't think or worry much about privacy.<br />
* The {{w|Cryptography|Crypto Nut}} - the one who goes crazy with security, even for things needing none.<br />
* The {{w|Conspiracist}}- well, there's no shortage of these on the Internet, regardless of the topic. Just see below.<br />
* The {{w|Nihilism|Nihilist}}- Resigned to the idea that there's no privacy.<br />
* The [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/exhibitionist Exhibitionist]- Assumes people are invading his privacy, and using it to show off.<br />
* The {{w|Wisdom|Sage}}- Seems to know the difference between the real and the imaginary.. or does he?<br />
<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:'''Opinions on Internet Privacy'''<br />
:The Philosopher:<br />
::Megan: "Privacy" is an impractical way to think about data in a digital world so unlike the one in which our soci--<br />
::Ponytail: ''' ''So bored.'' '''<br />
:The Crypto Nut:<br />
::Cueball: My data is safe behind six layers of symmetric and public-key algorithms.<br />
::Friend: What data is it?<br />
::Cueball: Mostly me emailing with people about cryptography.<br />
:The Conspiracist:<br />
::Cueball talks to Megan.<br />
::Cueball: These leaks are just the tip of the iceberg. There's a warehouse in Utah where the NSA has the ''entire'' iceberg. I don't know how they got it there.<br />
:The Nihilist:<br />
::Megan: Joke's on them, gathering all this data on me as if anything I do means anything.<br />
:The Exhibitionist:<br />
::Cueball is watching a surveillance console, Officer Ponytail stands behind him.<br />
::Console: ''Mmmm,'' I sure hope the NSA isn't watching me bite into these juicy strawberries!! ''Oops,'' I dripped some on my shirt! Better take it off. Google, are you there? Google, this lotion feels soooo good.<br />
::Cueball: Um.<br />
:The Sage:<br />
::Beret Guy and Cueball sitting at a table.<br />
::Beret Guy: I don't know or care what data ''anyone'' has about me. Data is imaginary. This burrito is real.<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Beret Guy]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1269:_Privacy_Opinions&diff=495031269: Privacy Opinions2013-09-25T14:22:32Z<p>207.242.93.30: Removed Highly Opinionated Explanation</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1269<br />
| date = September 25, 2013<br />
| title = Privacy Opinions<br />
| image = privacy opinions.png<br />
| titletext = I'm the Philosopher until someone hands me a burrito.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
When it comes to the topic of privacy in the digital age, there are a number of opinions and attitudes people have. Randall features six of them here:<br />
<br />
* The Philosopher - the intellectual who likes to talk about the topic, often boring those around him who don't think or worry much about privacy.<br />
* The Crypto Nut - the one who goes crazy with security, even for things needing none.<br />
* The Conspiracist - well, there's no shortage of these on the Internet, regardless of the topic. Just see below.<br />
* The Nihilist - Resigned to the idea that there's no privacy.<br />
* The Exhibitionist - Assumes people are invading his privacy, and using it to show off.<br />
* The Sage - Seems to know the difference between the real and the imaginary.. or does he?<br />
<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:'''Opinions on Internet Privacy'''<br />
:The Philosopher:<br />
::Megan: "Privacy" is an impractical way to think about data in a digital world so unlike the one in which our soci--<br />
::Ponytail: ''' ''So bored.'' '''<br />
:The Crypto Nut:<br />
::Cueball: My data is safe behind six layers of symmetric and public-key algorithms.<br />
::Friend: What data is it?<br />
::Cueball: Mostly me emailing with people about cryptography.<br />
:The Conspiracist:<br />
::Cueball talks to Megan.<br />
::Cueball: These leaks are just the tip of the iceberg. There's a warehouse in Utah where the NSA has the ''entire'' iceberg. I don't know how they got it there.<br />
:The Nihilist:<br />
::Megan: Joke's on them, gathering all this data on me as if anything I do means anything.<br />
:The Exhibitionist:<br />
::Cueball is watching a surveillance console, Officer Ponytail stands behind him.<br />
::Console: ''Mmmm,'' I sure hope the NSA isn't watching me bite into these juicy strawberries!! ''Oops,'' I dripped some on my shirt! Better take it off. Google, are you there? Google, this lotion feels soooo good.<br />
::Cueball: Um.<br />
:The Sage:<br />
::Beret Guy and Cueball sitting at a table.<br />
::Beret Guy: I don't know or care what data ''anyone'' has about me. Data is imaginary. This burrito is real.<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Beret Guy]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1247:_The_Mother_of_All_Suspicious_Files&diff=459351247: The Mother of All Suspicious Files2013-08-06T14:23:05Z<p>207.242.93.30: /* Explanation */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1247<br />
| date = August 5, 2013<br />
| title = The Mother of All Suspicious Files<br />
| image = the_mother_of_all_suspicious_files.png<br />
| titletext = Better change the URL to 'https' before downloading.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
The save dialogue shows a download from [http://www.utrace.de/?query=65.222.202.53 65.222.202.53], an IP adress that hosted javascript malware during a recent attack on the TOR anonymity network, with a very long file title. Many of the extensions used inside there indicate executable code. You also see common download syntax for a pirated movie, {{w|Hackers (film)|Hackers}}, likely included to appear malicious to anyone skimming but is actually a movie about hackers, making it a benign reference rather than malicious.<br />
<br />
The {{w|URL}} contains the path "~tilde/pub/cia-bin/etc". The first part is a public folder of a user named tilde (which is also the name for the ~ symbol), "cgi-bin" is a common folder on a Web-Server for server side executables ([[Randall]] jokes with the name), and "etc" is a standard folder for configuration files - normally never accessible through a webserver. The program "init.dll" isn't executable at all, it's a {{w|Windows Dynamic Link Library}} which can't be run standalone, and is rarely referenced in URLs (even though such syntax is still being employed, even on [https://www.google.com/search?q=site:edu+filetype:dll reputable websites]). The question mark indicates the start of a parameter list, in this case we have only one named "FILE".<br />
<br />
Note that the username "tilde" is the name of the ~ symbol.<br />
<br />
The "Save" button is disabled, you still only can click the "Cancel" button. Many browsers(Internet Explorer and Firefox) will leave "Save" greyed out for a small period of time to force you to review the prompt, and prevent accidentally clicking a download popped up without direct request, but usually only a couple of seconds. The fact it is greyed out may indicate the user may still make a flash decision on this nearly indecipherable download.<br />
<br />
The content of the parameter is shown here: <br />
* __ (underscore underscore) - used in the C programming language to denote that a symbol is really not for public consumption<br />
* {{w|AUTOEXEC.BAT}} - a file which is automatically run during startup on Windows/DOS operating systems.<br />
* MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS - referencing the {{w|OSX}} operating system ({{w|URL_encoding#Character_data|%20}} is a representation of a space in a URL, i.e. it reads as "MY OSX DOCUMENTS").<br />
* INSTALL.EXE - a typical {{w|Installer#Installer|installer}}<br />
* {{w|RAR}} - a compressed archive file type<br />
* {{w|INI_file|INI}} - a configuration file type<br />
* {{w|Tar_(computing)|TAR}} - a file archive popular in UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems. TAR has been mentioned [[1168:_tar|before]].<br />
* DOÇX - {{w|docx}} is an Office Open XML file, i.e. a word processing format used by Microsoft Word 2007 and above, but has no cedilla (¸)<br />
* PHPHPHP - a play on {{w|PHP}} files, a kind of server-based web page file type. PHP is a recursive abbreviation ("PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor")<br />
* {{w|XHTML}} - another web page file type<br />
* {{w|TransducerML|TML}} - stands for Transducer Markup Language, an XML based markup language that specifies how to capture, time-tag and describe sensor data<br />
* XTL - another play on {{w|XHTML}}?<br />
* TXXT - a play on {{w|Text_file|TXT}} file types<br />
* 0DAY - a reference to a {{w|zero-day exploit}}<br />
* HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY_CAM-XVID - a reference to the 1995 Hackers movie, but pirated movies would either be a BlurayRIP/DVDRIP or CAM, but not both at the same time unless you used a camera to recored the Blueray movie as it played?<br />
* {{w|EXE}} - an executable file type used by Microsoft Windows<br />
* [SCR] - a tag used by movie pirates to denote a '{{w|Screener}}', the DVD copy of films given to critics prior to theater relase. Usually the highest quality available at this time, rare, and therefor good bait for a virus laden download. "{{w|.scr}}" is also the extension for screen saver files, realy just an exe file with a different extension and one of the classical ways to distribute infected files <br />
* {{w|Lisp (programming language)|LISP}} - programming language<br />
* {{w|Windows_Installer|MSI}} - an installation file used by Microsoft Installer<br />
* {{w|.lnk|LNK}} - an extension used by Microsoft Windows for shortcuts. The extension is normally hidden to the user.<br />
* LNK, ZDA, GNN - references to {{w|Link_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)|Link}}, {{w|Princess_Zelda|Zelda}}, and {{w|Ganon|Ganon}}, important characters from {{w|The_Legend_of_Zelda|The Legend of Zelda}} video game franchise<br />
* {{w|White_Rabbit#Television_and_films|WRBT OBJ}} - A reference to the line of code Dennis Nedry used in {{w|Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park}} to shut down key systems<br />
* {{w|Object_file|O}} - The extension for a linker file, an intermediary created when compiling C code.<br />
* {{w|Header_file|H}} - The file extension of a header file in C code.<br />
* {{w|SWF}} - Shockwave Flash file type<br />
* {{w|Dpkg|DPKG}} - The Debian package management, although the package files use the file suffix ".deb"<br />
* APP - an application on Mac OS X operating system<br />
* {{w|ZIP_%28file_format%29|ZIP}} - compressed archive file type<br />
* CO - looks like a {{w|List_of_Internet_top-level_domains|top-level domain}}. Many countries use .co.''tld'' in front of their main TLD, e.g. ''.co.uk''. ''.co.gz'' doesn't exist.<br />
* {{w|Gzip|GZ}} - a compressed file using GNU zip<br />
* {{w|A.out|A.OUT}} - Default filename when creating an executable on Linux or other UNIX-like operating systems if none was specified for the compiler.<br />
<br />
The title text suggests changing from http to https, as if encrypting a suspicious file before downloading it is somehow better than downloading it unencrypted. http (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and https (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol - Secure) are the two common protocols for getting web pages and web downloads. http is the simple download, whereas https adds an SSL encryption layer so the item being downloaded cannot be viewed unencrypted by anyone except the end recipient. Changing "http" to "https" is a common suggestion to improve security when browsing the web from an insecure network (such as a public wifi hotspot) to avoid surveillance or hijacking to a malicious website; Google automatically switches to https for all mail accounts and is starting to do so with searches. The end recipient will still get whatever nasties were in the original, however - encrypting it doesn't change the content at all.<br />
<br />
The IP address referenced in the comic, 65.222.202.53, is currently being used by the shellcode of a Javascript 0-day exploit for the Tor Browser Bundle being run by the FBI to phone home over the clearnet and de-anonymize visitors to websites on Freedom Hosting that are serving child pornography. [http://www.reddit.com/r/onions/comments/1jmrta/founder_of_the_freedom_hosting_arrested_held/]<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:[A save dialogue popup with an alert sign.]<br />
:Warning!<br />
:This type of file can harm your computer! Are your sure you want to download: <nowiki>http://65.222.202.53/~TILDE/PUB/CIA-BIN/ETC/INIT.DLL?FILE=__AUTOEXEC.BAT.MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS-INSTALL.EXE.RAR.INI.TAR.DOÇX.PHPHPHP.XHTML.TML.XTL.TXXT.0DAY.HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY_CAM-XVID.EXE.TAR.[SCR].LISP.MSI.LNK.ZDA.GNN.WRBT.OBJ.O.H.SWF.DPKG.APP.ZIP.TAR.TAR.CO.GZ.A.OUT.EXE</nowiki><br />
<br />
:[Two buttons:]<br />
:Cancel Save<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics with color]]<br />
[[Category:Computers]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1247:_The_Mother_of_All_Suspicious_Files&diff=458931247: The Mother of All Suspicious Files2013-08-05T21:39:46Z<p>207.242.93.30: /* Explanation */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1247<br />
| date = August 5, 2013<br />
| title = The Mother of All Suspicious Files<br />
| image = the_mother_of_all_suspicious_files.png<br />
| titletext = Better change the URL to 'https' before downloading.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
The save dialogue shows a download from [http://www.utrace.de/?query=65.222.202.53 65.222.202.53] with a very long file title. Many of the extensions used inside there indicate executable code. You also see common download syntax for a pirated movie, {{w|Hackers (film)|Hackers}}, likely included to appear malicious to anyone skimming but is actually a movie about hackers, making it a benign reference rather than malicious.<br />
<br />
The {{w|URL}} contains the path "~tilde/pub/cia-bin/etc". The first part is a public folder of an user named tilde, "cgi-bin" is a common folder on a Web-Server for server side executables ([[Randall]] jokes with the name), and "etc" is a standard folder for configuration files. The program "init.dll" isn't executable at all, it's a {{w|Windows Dynamic Link Library}} which can't be run standalone. The question mark indicates the start of a parameter list, in this case we have only one named "FILE".<br />
<br />
The "Save" button is disabled, you still only can click the "Cancel" button. Maybe this will be different on a secure https connection.<br />
<br />
The content of the parameter is shown here: <br />
* {{w|AUTOEXEC.BAT}} - a file which is automatically run during startup on Windows/DOS operating systems.<br />
* MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS - referencing the {{w|OSX}} operating system ({{w|URL_encoding#Character_data|%20}} is a representation of a space in a URL, i.e. it reads as "MY OSX DOCUMENTS").<br />
* INSTALL.EXE - a typical {{w|Installer#Installer|installer}}<br />
* {{w|RAR}} - a compressed archive file type<br />
* {{w|INI_file|INI}} - a configuration file type<br />
* {{w|Tar_(computing)|TAR}} - a file archive popular in UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems. TAR has been mentioned [[1168:_tar|before]].<br />
* DOÇX - {{w|docx}} is an Office Open XML file, i.e. a word processing format used by Microsoft Word 2007 and above, but has no cedilla (¸)<br />
* PHPHPHP - a play on {{w|PHP}} files, a kind of server-based web page file type. PHP is a recursive abbreviation ("PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor")<br />
* {{w|XHTML}} - another web page file type<br />
* TML - stands for Transducer Markup Language, an XML based markup language that specifies how to capture, time-tag and describe sensor data<br />
* XTL - another play on {{w|XHTML}}?<br />
* TXXT - a play on {{w|Text_file|TXT}} file types<br />
* 0DAY - a reference to a {{w|zero-day exploit}}<br />
* HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY_CAM-XVID - a reference to the 1995 Hackers movie, but pirated movies would either be a BlurayRIP/DVDRIP or CAM, but not both at the same time unless you used a camera to recored the Blueray movie as it played?<br />
* {{w|EXE}} - an executable file type used by Microsoft Windows<br />
* [SCR] - a Windows {{w|screensaver}} (a popular way to get malware onto somebody's Windows machine), even though it usually has no brackets<br />
* {{w|Lisp (programming language)|LISP}} - programming language<br />
* {{w|Windows_Installer|MSI}} - an installation file used by Microsoft Installer<br />
* {{w|.lnk|LNK}} - an extension used by Microsoft Windows for shortcuts. The extension is normally hidden to the user.<br />
* LNK, ZDA, GNN - references to {{w|Link_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)|Link}}, {{w|Princess_Zelda|Zelda}}, and {{w|Ganon|Ganon}}, important characters from {{w|The_Legend_of_Zelda|The Legend of Zelda}} video game franchise<br />
* {{w|White_Rabbit#Television_and_films|WRBT OBJ}} - A reference to the line of code Dennis Nedry used in {{w|Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park}} to shut down key systems<br />
* {{w|Object_file|O}} - The extension for a linker file, an intermediary created when compiling C code.<br />
* {{w|Header_file|H}} - The file extension of a header file in C code.<br />
* {{w|SWF}} - Shockwave Flash file type<br />
* {{w|Dpkg|DPKG}} - The Debian package management, although the package files use the file suffix ".deb"<br />
* APP - an application on Mac OS X operating system<br />
* {{w|ZIP_%28file_format%29|ZIP}} - compressed archive file type<br />
* CO - looks like a {{w|List_of_Internet_top-level_domains|top-level domain}}. Many countries use .co.''tld'' in front of their main TLD, e.g. ''.co.uk''. ''.co.gz'' doesn't exist.<br />
* {{w|Gzip|GZ}} - a compressed file using GNU zip<br />
* {{w|A.out|A.OUT}} - Default filename when creating an executable on Linux or other UNIX-like operating systems if none was specified for the compiler.<br />
<br />
The title text suggests changing from http to https, as if encrypting a suspicious file before downloading it is somehow better than downloading it unencrypted. http (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and https (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol - Secure) are the two common protocols for getting web pages and web downloads. http is the simple download, whereas https adds an SSL encryption layer so the item being downloaded cannot be viewed unencrypted by anyone except the end recipient. Changing "http" to "https" is a common suggestion to improve security when browsing the web from an insecure network (such as a public wifi hotspot) to avoid surveillance or hijacking to a malicious website; Google automatically switches to https for all mail accounts and is starting to do so with searches. The end recipient will still get whatever nasties were in the original, however - encrypting it doesn't change the content at all.<br />
<br />
The IP address referenced in the comic, 65.222.202.53, is currently being used by the shellcode of a Javascript 0-day exploit for the Tor Browser Bundle being run by the FBI to phone home over the clearnet and de-anonymize visitors to websites on Freedom Hosting that are serving child pornography. [http://www.reddit.com/r/onions/comments/1jmrta/founder_of_the_freedom_hosting_arrested_held/]<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:[A save dialogue popup with an alert sign.]<br />
:Warning!<br />
:This type of file can harm your computer! Are your sure you want to download: <nowiki>http://65.222.202.53/~TILDE/PUB/CIA-BIN/ETC/INIT.DLL?FILE=--AUTOEXEX.BAT.MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS-INSTALL.EXE.RAR.INI.TAR.DOÇX.PHPHPHP.XHTML.TML.XTL.TXXT.0DAY.HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY-CAM_XVID.EXE.TAR.[SCR].LISTP.MSI.LNK.ZDA.GNN.WRBT.OBJ.O.SWF.DPKG.APP.ZIP.TAR.CO.GZ.OUT.EXE</nowiki><br />
<br />
:[Two buttons:]<br />
:Cancel Save<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics with color]]<br />
[[Category:Computers]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1247:_The_Mother_of_All_Suspicious_Files&diff=458921247: The Mother of All Suspicious Files2013-08-05T21:25:26Z<p>207.242.93.30: /* Explanation */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1247<br />
| date = August 5, 2013<br />
| title = The Mother of All Suspicious Files<br />
| image = the_mother_of_all_suspicious_files.png<br />
| titletext = Better change the URL to 'https' before downloading.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
The save dialogue shows a download from [http://www.utrace.de/?query=65.222.202.53 65.222.202.53] with a very long file title. Many of the extensions used inside there indicate executable code. You also see common download syntax for a pirated movie, {{w|Hackers (film)|Hackers}}, likely included to appear malicious to anyone skimming but is actually a movie about hackers, making it a benign reference rather than malicious.<br />
<br />
The {{w|URL}} contains the path "~tilde/pub/cia-bin/etc". The first part is a public folder of an user named tilde, "cgi-bin" is a common folder on a Web-Server for server side executables ([[Randall]] jokes with the name), and "etc" is a standard folder for configuration files. The program "init.dll" isn't executable at all, it's a {{w|Windows Dynamic Link Library}} which can't be run standalone. The question mark indicates the start of a parameter list, in this case we have only one named "FILE".<br />
<br />
The "Save" button is disabled, you still only can click the "Cancel" button. Maybe this will be different on a secure https connection.<br />
<br />
The content of the parameter is shown here: <br />
* {{w|AUTOEXEC.BAT}} - a file which is automatically run during startup on Windows/DOS operating systems.<br />
* MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS - referencing the {{w|OSX}} operating system ({{w|URL_encoding#Character_data|%20}} is a representation of a space in a URL, i.e. it reads as "MY OSX DOCUMENTS").<br />
* INSTALL.EXE - a typical {{w|Installer#Installer|installer}}<br />
* {{w|RAR}} - a compressed archive file type<br />
* {{w|INI_file|INI}} - a configuration file type<br />
* {{w|Tar_(computing)|TAR}} - a file archive popular in UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems. TAR has been mentioned [[1168:_tar|before]].<br />
* DOÇX - {{w|docx}} is an Office Open XML file, i.e. a word processing format used by Microsoft Word 2007 and above, but has no cedilla (¸)<br />
* PHPHPHP - a play on {{w|PHP}} files, a kind of server-based web page file type. PHP is a recursive abbreviation ("PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor")<br />
* {{w|XHTML}} - another web page file type<br />
* TML - stands for Transducer Markup Language, an XML based markup language that specifies how to capture, time-tag and describe sensor data<br />
* XTL - another play on {{w|XHTML}}?<br />
* TXXT - a play on {{w|Text_file|TXT}} file types<br />
* 0DAY - a reference to a {{w|zero-day exploit}}<br />
* HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY_CAM-XVID - a reference to the 1995 Hackers movie, but pirated movies would either be a BlurayRIP/DVDRIP or CAM, but not both at the same time unless you used a camera to recored the Blueray movie as it played?<br />
* {{w|EXE}} - an executable file type used by Microsoft Windows<br />
* [SCR] - a Windows {{w|screensaver}} (a popular way to get malware onto somebody's Windows machine), even though it usually has no brackets<br />
* {{w|Lisp (programming language)|LISP}} - programming language<br />
* {{w|Windows_Installer|MSI}} - an installation file used by Microsoft Installer<br />
* LNK - an extension used by Microsoft Windows for shortcuts. The extension is normally hidden to the user.<br />
* LNK, ZDA, GNN - references to {{w|Link_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)|Link}}, {{w|Princess_Zelda|Zelda}}, and {{w|Ganon|Ganon}}, important characters from {{w|The_Legend_of_Zelda|The Legend of Zelda}} video game franchise<br />
* {{w|White_Rabbit#Television_and_films|WRBT OBJ}} - A reference to the line of code Dennis Nedry used in {{w|Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park}} to shut down key systems<br />
* {{w|Object_file|O}} - The extension for a linker file, an intermediary created when compiling C code.<br />
* {{w|Header_file|H}} - The file extension of a header file in C code.<br />
* {{w|SWF}} - Shockwave Flash file type<br />
* {{w|Dpkg|DPKG}} - The Debian package management, although the package files use the file suffix ".deb"<br />
* APP - an application on Mac OS X operating system<br />
* {{w|ZIP_%28file_format%29|ZIP}} - compressed archive file type<br />
* CO - looks like a {{w|List_of_Internet_top-level_domains|top-level domain}}. Many countries use .co.''tld'' in front of their main TLD, e.g. ''.co.uk''. ''.co.gz'' doesn't exist.<br />
* {{w|Gzip|GZ}} - a compressed file using GNU zip<br />
* {{w|A.out|A.OUT}} - Default filename when creating an executable on Linux or other UNIX-like operating systems if none was specified for the compiler.<br />
<br />
The title text suggests changing from http to https, as if encrypting a suspicious file before downloading it is somehow better than downloading it unencrypted. http (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and https (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol - Secure) are the two common protocols for getting web pages and web downloads. http is the simple download, whereas https adds an SSL encryption layer so the item being downloaded cannot be viewed unencrypted by anyone except the end recipient. Changing "http" to "https" is a common suggestion to improve security when browsing the web from an insecure network (such as a public wifi hotspot) to avoid surveillance or hijacking to a malicious website; Google automatically switches to https for all mail accounts and is starting to do so with searches. The end recipient will still get whatever nasties were in the original, however - encrypting it doesn't change the content at all.<br />
<br />
The IP address referenced in the comic, 65.222.202.53, is currently being used by the shellcode of a Javascript 0-day exploit for the Tor Browser Bundle being run by the FBI to phone home over the clearnet and de-anonymize visitors to websites on Freedom Hosting that are serving child pornography. [http://www.reddit.com/r/onions/comments/1jmrta/founder_of_the_freedom_hosting_arrested_held/]<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:[A save dialogue popup with an alert sign.]<br />
:Warning!<br />
:This type of file can harm your computer! Are your sure you want to download: <nowiki>http://65.222.202.53/~TILDE/PUB/CIA-BIN/ETC/INIT.DLL?FILE=--AUTOEXEX.BAT.MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS-INSTALL.EXE.RAR.INI.TAR.DOÇX.PHPHPHP.XHTML.TML.XTL.TXXT.0DAY.HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY-CAM_XVID.EXE.TAR.[SCR].LISTP.MSI.LNK.ZDA.GNN.WRBT.OBJ.O.SWF.DPKG.APP.ZIP.TAR.CO.GZ.OUT.EXE</nowiki><br />
<br />
:[Two buttons:]<br />
:Cancel Save<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics with color]]<br />
[[Category:Computers]]</div>207.242.93.30https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1247:_The_Mother_of_All_Suspicious_Files&diff=458911247: The Mother of All Suspicious Files2013-08-05T21:21:29Z<p>207.242.93.30: Added more links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1247<br />
| date = August 5, 2013<br />
| title = The Mother of All Suspicious Files<br />
| image = the_mother_of_all_suspicious_files.png<br />
| titletext = Better change the URL to 'https' before downloading.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Explanation==<br />
The save dialogue shows a download from [http://www.utrace.de/?query=65.222.202.53 65.222.202.53] with a very long file title. Many of the extensions used inside there indicate executable code. You also see common download syntax for a pirated movie, {{w|Hackers (film)|Hackers}}, likely included to appear malicious to anyone skimming but is actually a movie about hackers, making it a benign reference rather than malicious.<br />
<br />
The {{w|URL}} contains the path "~tilde/pub/cia-bin/etc". The first part is a public folder of an user named tilde, "cgi-bin" is a common folder on a Web-Server for server side executables ([[Randall]] jokes with the name), and "etc" is a standard folder for configuration files. The program "init.dll" isn't executable at all, it's a {{w|Windows Dynamic Link Library}} which can't be run standalone. The question mark indicates the start of a parameter list, in this case we have only one named "FILE".<br />
<br />
The "Save" button is disabled, you still only can click the "Cancel" button. Maybe this will be different on a secure https connection.<br />
<br />
The content of the parameter is shown here: <br />
* {{w|AUTOEXEC.BAT}} - a file which is automatically run during startup on Windows/DOS operating systems.<br />
* MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS - referencing the {{w|OSX}} operating system ({{w|URL_encoding#Character_data|%20}} is a representation of a space in a URL, i.e. it reads as "MY OSX DOCUMENTS").<br />
* INSTALL.EXE - a typical {{w|Installer#Installer|installer}}<br />
* {{w|RAR}} - a compressed archive file type<br />
* {{w|INI_file|INI}} - a configuration file type<br />
* {{w|Tar_(computing)|TAR}} - a file archive popular in UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems. TAR has been mentioned [[1168:_tar|before]].<br />
* DOÇX - {{w|docx}} is an Office Open XML file, i.e. a word processing format used by Microsoft Word 2007 and above, but has no cedilla (¸)<br />
* PHPHPHP - a play on {{w|PHP}} files, a kind of server-based web page file type. PHP is a recursive abbreviation ("PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor")<br />
* {{w|XHTML}} - another web page file type<br />
* TML - stands for Transducer Markup Language, an XML based markup language that specifies how to capture, time-tag and describe sensor data<br />
* XTL - another play on {{w|XHTML}}?<br />
* TXXT - a play on {{w|Text_file|TXT}} file types<br />
* 0DAY - a reference to a {{w|zero-day exploit}}<br />
* HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY_CAM-XVID - a reference to the 1995 Hackers movie, but pirated movies would either be a BlurayRIP/DVDRIP or CAM, but not both at the same time unless you used a camera to recored the Blueray movie as it played?<br />
* {{w|EXE}} - an executable file type used by Microsoft Windows<br />
* [SCR] - a Windows {{w|screensaver}} (a popular way to get malware onto somebody's Windows machine), even though it usually has no brackets<br />
* {{w|Lisp (programming language)|LISP}} - programming language<br />
* {{w|Windows_Installer|MSI}} - an installation file used by Microsoft Installer<br />
* LNK - an extension used by Microsoft Windows for shortcuts. The extension is normally hidden to the user.<br />
* LNK, ZDA, GNN - references to {{w|Link_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)|Link}}, {{w|Princess_Zelda|Zelda}}, and {{w|Ganon|Ganon}}, important characters from {{w|The_Legend_of_Zelda|The Legend of Zelda}} video game franchise<br />
* WRBT OBJ - A reference to the line of code Dennis Nedry used in {{w|Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park}} to shut down key systems<br />
* {{w|Object_file|O}} - The extension for a linker file, an intermediary created when compiling C code.<br />
* {{w|Header_file|H}} - The file extension of a header file in C code.<br />
* {{w|SWF}} - Shockwave Flash file type<br />
* {{w|Dpkg|DPKG}} - The Debian package management, although the package files use the file suffix ".deb"<br />
* APP - an application on Mac OS X operating system<br />
* {{w|ZIP_%28file_format%29|ZIP}} - compressed archive file type<br />
* CO - looks like a {{w|List_of_Internet_top-level_domains|top-level domain}}. Many countries use .co.''tld'' in front of their main TLD, e.g. ''.co.uk''. ''.co.gz'' doesn't exist.<br />
* {{w|Gzip|GZ}} - a compressed file using GNU zip<br />
* {{w|A.out|A.OUT}} - Default filename when creating an executable on Linux or other UNIX-like operating systems if none was specified for the compiler.<br />
<br />
The title text suggests changing from http to https, as if encrypting a suspicious file before downloading it is somehow better than downloading it unencrypted. http (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and https (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol - Secure) are the two common protocols for getting web pages and web downloads. http is the simple download, whereas https adds an SSL encryption layer so the item being downloaded cannot be viewed unencrypted by anyone except the end recipient. Changing "http" to "https" is a common suggestion to improve security when browsing the web from an insecure network (such as a public wifi hotspot) to avoid surveillance or hijacking to a malicious website; Google automatically switches to https for all mail accounts and is starting to do so with searches. The end recipient will still get whatever nasties were in the original, however - encrypting it doesn't change the content at all.<br />
<br />
The IP address referenced in the comic, 65.222.202.53, is currently being used by the shellcode of a Javascript 0-day exploit for the Tor Browser Bundle being run by the FBI to phone home over the clearnet and de-anonymize visitors to websites on Freedom Hosting that are serving child pornography. [http://www.reddit.com/r/onions/comments/1jmrta/founder_of_the_freedom_hosting_arrested_held/]<br />
<br />
==Transcript==<br />
:[A save dialogue popup with an alert sign.]<br />
:Warning!<br />
:This type of file can harm your computer! Are your sure you want to download: <nowiki>http://65.222.202.53/~TILDE/PUB/CIA-BIN/ETC/INIT.DLL?FILE=--AUTOEXEX.BAT.MY%20OSX%20DOCUMENTS-INSTALL.EXE.RAR.INI.TAR.DOÇX.PHPHPHP.XHTML.TML.XTL.TXXT.0DAY.HACK.ERS_(1995)_BLURAY-CAM_XVID.EXE.TAR.[SCR].LISTP.MSI.LNK.ZDA.GNN.WRBT.OBJ.O.SWF.DPKG.APP.ZIP.TAR.CO.GZ.OUT.EXE</nowiki><br />
<br />
:[Two buttons:]<br />
:Cancel Save<br />
<br />
{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics with color]]<br />
[[Category:Computers]]</div>207.242.93.30