Git-Url: http://git.frugalware.org/gitweb/gitweb.cgi?p=homepage-ng.git;a=commitdiff;h=a95b929a2ec16c3e0c3e4b9b1ee315b664010e04
commit a95b929a2ec16c3e0c3e4b9b1ee315b664010e04 Author: Russell Dickenson (phayz) <russelldicken...@gmail.com> Date: Sun May 17 21:45:05 2009 +1000 Newsletter issue 44 new file: frugalware/images/interviews/fanch_view.png new file: frugalware/weeklynews/issue44.html modified: frugalware/xml/news.xml diff --git a/frugalware/images/interviews/fanch_view.png b/frugalware/images/interviews/fanch_view.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0997ccd Binary files /dev/null and b/frugalware/images/interviews/fanch_view.png differ diff --git a/frugalware/weeklynews/issue44.html b/frugalware/weeklynews/issue44.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc538d0 --- /dev/null +++ b/frugalware/weeklynews/issue44.html @@ -0,0 +1,378 @@ +<h2>Frugalware Linux Newsletter - Issue 44</h2> + +<h2>...to inform...to educate...to entertain</h2> + +<p>"Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror"<em> Byrd +Baggett</em></p> + + +<h2>Welcome</h2> +<p>The newsletter's aim is to keep you up to date with what's happened recently +in the world of the Linux distribution 'Frugalware'.</p> + +<p>Features of this issue include: + <ul> + <li>Frugalware 1.1pre1 was released</li> + <li>Frugalware 1.1 is coming - let's party!</li> + <li>Frugalware's artists are people too - leo</li> + <li>Focus On Package(s) - chm2pdf and Open ClipArt Library</li> + </ul> +</p> + + +<h2>Events</h2> + +<p>Here's a selection of events which have occurred since the previous +newsletter:</p> + +<ul> + <li> + <h3>Frugalware 1.1pre1 was released</h3> + <p>On 12 May 2009, VMiklos announced that 1.1pre1 had been released. + This is a technical preview, allowing users to test for bugs, and see + what new features have been added. Congratulations to the + development team on their hard work.</p> + </li> + <li> + <h3>Frugalware 1.1 is coming - let's party!</h3> + <p>With the final release of 1.1 due on 1 September 2009, I'm arranging + the release party, at which we can all relax and celebrate another + milestone. The French development team hosted the 1.0 release party, + in the garage of Hermier's home. It would have been quite comfortable, + because Hermier's home is actually a small castle, located in a + beautiful area in France. Unfortunately the event was held in his + garage, but he didn't move his cars! It was quite difficult fitting 16 + people into just 2 Citroën sedans, but with the help of tar and bzip, + everyone fitted in. Every time someone took a drink, either the car + alarm started, the windscreen wipers came on, or the horn beeped. + Despite these problems, everyone had a good time.</p> + <p>For release 1.1 we will hold the event via IRC so that all + Frugalware users can enjoy the celebrations. We'll arrange a time in + the Frugalware users' channel when everyone is to join. You will then + need to describe what you're doing, to encourage a party "feeling". + Example messages might include "having a sip of my beer", "eating some + potato chips", and "my boss is wondering what i'm doing". For those + drinking alcohol, the messages will probably become more and more like + Hungarian, which will hopefully make Hungarian users feel more welcome. + </p> + <p>Further announcements will be made closer to the release date. + Although it's still a few months away, I hope you're beginning to feel + the excitement.</p> + </li> + <li> + <h3>Will all geeks please raise their hands?</h3> + <p>VMiklos, if you haven't already got your hand up, please raise it, + because this message is for you. On 27 April 2009, VMiklos wrote in a + change message - "forgot to pkgrel++". Instead of writing "Forgot to + increase the pkgrel's value by 1", he used a C language statement, + proving again that he's a "geek's geek". :) If he wasn't, we + wouldn't be using Frugalware, so let's be grateful he's a geek.</p> + </li> + <li> + <h3>Bunker photo</h3> + <p>In issue 40, Fanch said in his user interview that he couldn't + provide a photo of where he was because it was "a bunker atmosphere". + He's now changed his mind and provided + <a href="http://frugalware.org/images/interviews/fanch_view.jpg"/> + this</a> photo.</p> + </li> +</ul> + +<h2>Updates</h2> + +<p>Here is a selection of packages which have been updated since the previous +newsletter:</p> + + +<table border=1 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=80%> +<tr> + <th width=10%>Package</th> + <th width=50%>Description</th> + <th width=10%>Upgrade Version</th> + <th width=50%>Comments</th> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>Conky</td> + <td>Light-weight system monitor</td> + <td>1.7.0</td> + <td>Version bump. This includes various enhancements and bug fixes. It's + interesting that in early December 2009, the project changed version control + systems from Subversion to git</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>Firefox</td> + <td>Web browser</td> + <td>3.0.10</td> + <td>Version bump to resolved a security vulnerability.</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>QEMU</td> + <td>Open source processor emulator</td> + <td>0.10.3-1</td> + <td>Version bump. It's interesting that in April 2009, the project changed + version control systems from Subversion to git.</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>Volleyball</td> + <td>Pocket volleyball game</td> + <td>0.8.6-1</td> + <td>New package</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>mediawiki</td> + <td>Wiki</td> + <td>1.14.0-1</td> + <td>Version bump</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>dmenu</td> + <td>Dynamic menu for wmii</td> + <td>4.0-1</td> + <td>Version bump</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>SMILE</td> + <td>Slideshow Maker In Linux Environment</td> + <td>0.9.3-1</td> + <td>Version bump</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>termit</td> + <td>Terminal emulator</td> + <td>2.2.0-1</td> + <td>Version bump</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<h2>Frugalware's artists are people too - leo</h2> + +<p>I recently had the idea of interviewing the members of the Frugalware artwork +team. This is a quite new team but they've already produced some great work. I +can only draw stick people so I'm impressed by those who have artistic talent. +Their role is to make Frugalware look good and this is not quite as easy as you +might think. I hope you enjoy this series of interviews.</p> + +<dl> +<dt><strong>What's your name?</strong></dt> + <p>My name is Léo Tomas.</p> + +<dt><strong>What's your IRC/forum nickname?</strong></dt> + <p>I'm known as leo209, leo or eggsite.</p> + +<dt><strong>In what country do you live?</strong></dt> + <p>I live in France.</p> + +<dt><strong>In what country were you born?</strong></dt> + <p>I was born in France.</p> + +<dt><strong>Have you always been artistic?</strong></dt> + <p>I've always produced "art" with a computer. I was born with computers so, + to me, there's no more powerful tool!</p> + +<dt><strong>Do you create artwork in other forms - sculpture, painting +etc?</strong></dt> + <p>Yes, I do create in other forms. Well, in one other form : I make music + (most of the time with my computer) or sometimes with my guitar but I'm not + actually good at playing the guitar :s</p> + +<dt><strong>What operating system(s) do you use when creating artwork? +</strong></dt> + <p>I used to use Windows of course, but for about 1 year, I've only used + Linux. At the beginning it was Ubuntu and now it's Frugalware!</p> + +<dt><strong>What software do you use to create artwork?</strong> +</dt> + <p>There are not many artistic applications on Linux. But those that exist + are, I think, great. So I use the GIMP and Inkscape all the time... and also + agave.</p> + +<dt><strong>Why have you created artwork for Frugalware?</strong></dt> + <p>Frugalware is my main operating system, and as I know the community is + actually friendly.</p> +</dl> + + +<h2>Getting To Know You</h2> + +<p>In this section of the newsletter, we get to know Frugalware Linux a little +at a time. This is not meant to replace the official documentation but instead +make it easier to read. This should suit those those people who, like me, have +short attention spans. :)</p> + +<h3>Tell your friends...</h3> +<p>...tell your family; in fact, tell everyone! This time I'm not writing about +Frugalware itself, but what you can do for Frugalware. Since you use +Frugalware, why not tell your friends, family, work colleagues about your +preferred Linux distribution? You could, for example, print out the Frugalware +logo and stick it on a notepad, your desk at work, anywhere. If your local +library allows you, burn a copy of the Frugalware DVD or CD ISOs (perhaps just +CDs 1 and 2) and give them to the library to lend to others. Why not add the +Frugalware slogan to your email signature? If you're a member of a +non-Frugalware forum, you could add the slogan to your forum profile's +signature.</p> +<p>Look at the web site <a href="http://frugalware-art.org";> +frugalware-art.org</a> for inspiration and examples of promotional material, +including CD/DVD label and cover artwork, Frugalware user bars (for display on +web sites). Together we can have people all over the world saying "Let's make +things Frugal"! In the future we hope to have even more promotional material. +</p> + + +<h2>Tips and tricks</h2> + +<b>Disclaimer</b> - Be aware that the hints & tips provided here have NOT +been tested and so come with no warranty. + +<ul> + <li> + <h3>Oh! What a cute little wiki!</h3> + <p><a href="http://tiddlywiki.com/";>TiddlyWiki</a> is an amazing + self-contained wiki written in Javascript. It's best used as a personal + wiki since there is no access control. It's proven to be very popular, + with many "extensions" written to enhance its functionality. Because of + its design, it's not multiuser-capable, but with a little care it can be + shared on a LAN. A company named OsmoSoft (now owned by BT - British + Telecom) is funding the development of ccTiddly, a multi-user derivative + of TiddlyWiki, with version 1.8.1 having been released recently. + If you want to store notes (and images) about various topics, please + try TiddlyWiki. Since it's written in JavaScript, its only dependency + is a JavaScript-capable browser. Compare this with software like TomBoy + which, although it's excellent, is heavy on dependencies.</p> + </li> + <li> + <h3>What time is it in Timbuctoo?</h3> + <p>I live on the other side of the world from my of the Frugalware + developers and contributors. So when I'm on IRC there's a big + difference between my local time and theirs. I needed to know at any + time the local time in their countries. After a little searching I had + a few options but I didn't like any of them. There's a Google Gadget, + also a KDE tool which would both achieve what I wanted. I run Xfce + however and wanted the solution to be light on resources and have few + dependencies.</p> + <p>I chose to set up <a href="http://conky.sourceforge.net/";>Conky</a> + to display the local times in various cities. Conky displays its output + on the desktop so, while the information I need is always there, it + doesn't take up any screen space. The configuration is quite simple, + with Conky configured to run a shell script. I cut-and-pasted the + script from a web site, so all credit goes to its author, not me.</p> + <p>Here's are the lines added to Conky's configuration file to run the + script:</p> + <p><code>TEXT</br> + ${exec ~/git/misc_scripts/worldtimes.sh}</br> + </code></p> + <p>The script itself is very simple:</p> + <p><code> + #!/bin/sh</br> + TZ=Europe/Budapest date +"France/Hungary/Germany :: %a %I:%M %p"</br> + TZ=Europe/London date +"England :: %a %I:%M %p"</br> + TZ=Asia/Calcutta date +"Mumbai :: %a %I:%M %p"</br> + </code></p> + <p>Note that there's a list of all available timezones is in + /usr/share/zoneinfo.</p> + </li> +</ul> + +<p>This section relies on your contributions! If you have some tips and tricks +that you would like to be shown in the newsletter, <em>please</em> post them on +the forums.</p> + + +<h2>Focus On Package(s)</h2> + +<h3>chm2pdf</h3> +<p>On-line documentation is often provided in the CHM format, most often in the +Windows world. <a href="http://code.google.com/p/chm2pdf/";>chm2pdf</a> +does exactly what its names suggests - it converts a CHM format file into PDF +format. PDF is a more common, cross-platform format and so you may prefer it +over CHM.</p> + +<h3>Open ClipArt Library</h3> +<p><a href="http://www.openclipart.org/";>The Open ClipArt Library</a> "aims +to create an archive of user contributed clip art that can be freely used. All +graphics submitted to the project should be placed into the Public Domain +according to the statement by the Creative Commons."</p> + + +<h2>Bug fixes</h2> + +<p>The following table gives you a overview of activity on bugs and feature +requests as at 17 May 2009. In each cell of the table is a link to a detailed +list of the relevant bugs or feature requests.</p> + +<table border=1 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0> +<tr> + <th>Activity</th> + <th>Bugs</th> + <th>Feature<br>Requests</th> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>Open</td> + <td><a href="http://bugs.frugalware.org/index.php?string=&project=1&type[]=1&sev[]=&pri[]=&due[]=&reported[]=&cat[]=&status[]=open&percent[]=&opened=&dev=&closed=&duedatefrom=&duedateto=&changedfrom=&changedto=&openedfrom=&openedto=&closedfrom=&closedto=&do=index";>224</a></td> + <td><a href="http://bugs.frugalware.org/index.php?string=&project=1&type[]=2&sev[]=&pri[]=&due[]=&reported[]=&cat[]=&status[]=open&percent[]=&opened=&dev=&closed=&duedatefrom=&duedateto=&changedfrom=&changedto=&openedfrom=&openedto=&closedfrom=&closedto=&do=index";>223</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>Opened since the previous newsletter</td> + <td><a href="http://bugs.frugalware.org/index.php?string=&project=1&type[]=1&sev[]=&pri[]=&due[]=&reported[]=&cat[]=&status[]=open&percent[]=&opened=&dev=&closed=&duedatefrom=&duedateto=&changedfrom=&changedto=&openedfrom=2009-04-25&openedto=&closedfrom=&closedto=&do=index";>13</a></td> + <td><a href="http://bugs.frugalware.org/index.php?string=&project=1&type[]=2&sev[]=&pri[]=&due[]=&reported[]=&cat[]=&status[]=open&percent[]=&opened=&dev=&closed=&duedatefrom=&duedateto=&changedfrom=&changedto=&openedfrom=2009-04-25&openedto=&closedfrom=&closedto=&do=index";>2</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td>Closed since the previous newsletter</td> + <td><a href="http://bugs.frugalware.org/index.php?string=&project=1&type%5B%5D=1&sev%5B%5D=&pri%5B%5D=&due%5B%5D=&reported%5B%5D=&cat%5B%5D=&status%5B%5D=closed&percent%5B%5D=&opened=&dev=&closed=&duedatefrom=&duedateto=&changedfrom=&changedto=&openedfrom=&openedto=&closedfrom=2009-04-25&closedto=&do=index";>21</a></td> + <td><a href="http://bugs.frugalware.org/index.php?string=&project=1&type%5B%5D=2&sev%5B%5D=&pri%5B%5D=&due%5B%5D=&reported%5B%5D=&cat%5B%5D=&status%5B%5D=closed&percent%5B%5D=&opened=&dev=&closed=&duedatefrom=&duedateto=&changedfrom=&changedto=&openedfrom=&openedto=&closedfrom=2009-04-25&closedto=&do=index";>2</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<h2>Security announcements</h2> + +<p><b>Remember</b> - According to the normal support arrangements for Frugalware, +the release of 1.0 ("Anacreon") means that no further security or bug fixes will +be released for Frugalware 0.9 ("Solaria") or earlier releases.</p> + +<p>Here is a list of <a href="/security">security issues</a> which have been +discovered and fixed in the 1.0 release since the previous newsletter.</p> + +<table border=1 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0><tr></tr><th>FSA</th><th>Package</th><th>FSA Description</th><th>Upgrade To</th></tr><tr><td>FSA604</td><td>drupal6</td><td>See FSA603.</td><td>drupal6-6.12-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA603</td><td>drupal</td><td>A vulnerability has been reported in Drupal, which can be exploited by malicious users to conduct script insertion attacks</td><td>drupal-5.18-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA602</td><td>kernel</td><td>1) The exit_notify function in kernel/exit.c does not restrict exit signals when the CAP_KILL capability is held, which allows local users to send an arbitrary signal to a process by running a program that modifies the exit_signal field and then uses an exec system call to launch a setuid application</td><td>kernel-2.6.28-6anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA601</td><td>file</td><td>A vulnerability has been reported in file, which can be exploited by malicious people to potentially compromise a user's system</td><td>file-5.02-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA600</td><td>horde-webmail</td><td>A vulnerability has been reported in Horde IMP and Horde Groupware Webmail Edition, which can be exploited by malicious users to conduct spoofing attacks</td><td>horde-webmail-1.2.3-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA599</td><td>j2sdk</td><td>Some vulnerabilities have been reported in Sun Java, which can be exploited by malicious people to bypass certain security restrictions, cause a DoS (Denial of Service), or potentially compromise a user's system</td><td>j2sdk-6-14anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA598</td><td>openssl</td><td>Some vulnerabilities have been reported in OpenSSL, which can be exploited by malicious people to bypass certain security restrictions or cause a DoS (Denial of Service)</td><td>openssl-0.9.8-17anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA597</td><td>firefox</td><td>Some vulnerabilities, security issues, and a weakness have been reported in Mozilla Firefox, which can be exploited by malicious people to disclose potentially sensitive information, bypass certain security restrictions, conduct cross-site scripting and cross-site request forgery attacks, and potentially compromise a user's system</td><td>firefox-3.0.10-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA596</td><td>udev</td><td>Some vulnerabilities have been reported in udev, which can be exploited by malicious, local users to cause a DoS (Denial of Service) or gain escalated privileges</td><td>udev-141-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA595</td><td>drupal6</td><td>See FSA594.</td><td>drupal6-6.11-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA594</td><td>drupal</td><td>Some vulnerabilities have been reported in Drupal, which can be exploited by malicious people to conduct script insertion attacks or to disclose potentially sensitive information</td><td>drupal-5.17-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA593</td><td>blender</td><td>A vulnerability has been reported in Blender, which can be exploited by malicious, local users to gain escalated privileges</td><td>blender-2.48a-2anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA592</td><td>phpmyadmin</td><td>A vulnerability has been reported in phpMyAdmin, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a vulnerable system</td><td>phpmyadmin-3.1.3.2-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA591</td><td>phpmyadmin</td><td>Some vulnerabilities have been reported in phpMyAdmin, which can be exploited by malicious people to conduct cross-site scripting attacks or compromise a vulnerable system</td><td>phpmyadmin-3.1.3.1-1anacreon1</td></tr> +<tr><td>FSA590</td><td>wireshark</td><td>Some vulnerabilities have been reported in Wireshark, which can potentially be exploited by malicious people to cause a DoS (Denial of Service) and compromise a user's system</td><td>wireshark-1.0.7-1anacreon1</td></tr> +</table> + + +<h2>About the newsletter</h2> + +<h3>Author</h3> +<p>The Frugalware newsletter is written and edited by Russell Dickenson (AKA +phayz). Credit for the Frugalware distribution goes to the development team.</p> + +<h3>Translations</h3> +<p>The newsletter is currently translated into French and Danish. The +<a href="http://frugalware-fr.tuxfamily.org/forums/index.php?board=34.0";> +French translation</a> is provided by the French Frugalware community. The +<a href="http://frugalware.dk/?cat=5";>Danish translation</a> is provided by +the Danish Frugalware community. Thanks to all those involved in providing and +hosting these translations.</p> + +<h3>Release</h3> +<p>To allow time for review and corrections, each newsletter is written ahead of +its release date. Therefore it may not mention events which occurred in the few +days before its release - e.g. security fixes. To be sure that you've got the +very latest information on these topics, go to the appropriate page of the +Frugalware web site.</p> + +<h3>Feedback</h3> +<p>If you have feedback about the Frugalware newsletter - whether good or bad - +please provide it via the forums. Your feedback is valuable because we want the +newsletter to meet the needs of Frugalware's users.</p> diff --git a/frugalware/xml/news.xml b/frugalware/xml/news.xml index 6b71c4e..67f8eb6 100644 --- a/frugalware/xml/news.xml +++ b/frugalware/xml/news.xml @@ -22,6 +22,25 @@ Example: Mon, 07 Aug 2006 12:34:56 -0600 --> <news> <post> + <id>135</id> + <title>Frugalware Newsletter Issue 44</title> + <date>Sun, 17 May 2009 21:42:15 +1000</date> + <author>phayz</author> + <hidden>0</hidden> + <content><![CDATA[ + The newsletter's aim is to keep you up to date with what's happened recently in the world of Frugalware.<br /> + Features of this issue include: + <ul> + <li>Frugalware 1.1pre1 was released</li> + <li>Frugalware 1.1 is coming - let's party!</li> + <li>Frugalware's artists are people too - leo</li> + <li>Focus On Package(s) - chm2pdf and Open ClipArt Library</li> + </ul> + You can read it <a href="/newsletter/44">here</a>. We hope you like it! + ]]> + </content> + </post> + <post> <id>134</id> <title>Frugalware 1.1pre1 (Getorin) released</title> <date>Tue, 12 May 2009 09:58:44 +0200</date>
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