Re: Tonight's MerriLUG meeting.
--- Jim Kuzdrall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Thursday 19 May 2005 11:03 pm, Ken D'Ambrosio wrote: Just wanted to send out a quick note, thanking everyone who showed up for this evening's meeting. James Turner, as previously mentioned, was on hand to give a wide-ranging talk about many topics, from the LinuxWorld/O'Gara debacle, to journalistic integrity, to licensing, and onward. Lively discussion followed -- which made Ben's absence felt even moreso. Regardless, thanks are due to James for making this evening an informative and enjoyable one -- fun was had by all. The meeting was indeed a delight. James Turner's talk was informative, well-delivered, and contemplative. I for one enjoyed the discussion of not only the events surrounding the resignation of the Linuxworld folks, but also the discussion afterwards regarding copyright, patents, publishing, artists rights, consumer rights, business models, etc (yes, they all are, or at least there were related). One point James brought up that is very important is the need for civil discourse in the discussions. Alas, debate is no longer a mandatory course in school. In James' reference to the Linux-Intellectual Property connection, the articles I mentioned can be found in Technology Review June 2005: The People Own Ideas! by Lawrence Lessig P48, The Creators Own Ideas! by Richard A. Epstein P58, and How Linux Could Overthrow Microsoft by Charles Ferguson P64. For those who are not familiar with the magazine, Technology Review is MIT's Magazine of Innovation. Significantly, it is aimed more at managers and business executives than at technologist - and certainly not at geeks. It's changed over the years, recently trying to get beyond the geek side of MIT. Note that they also have a website with forums - http://www.technologyreview.com. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Tonight's MerriLUG meeting.
--- Bill Sconce [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Fri, 20 May 2005 08:06:02 -0400 Jim Kuzdrall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Thursday 19 May 2005 11:03 pm, Ken D'Ambrosio wrote: Particularly enlightening was the GPL discussion. It's interesting how deeply the FUD manages to get into even our own thinking. Equally important in my mind was two things: 1. The need to be certain you understand both what you think you heard the other person say and what they said. Especially any definitions (the word free meaning different things in different contexts). 2. Licenses accomplish goals. If the goals are different, expect different licenses. BSD vs GPL example: which is better? It depends on your goals. Even proprietary licenses achieve (or attempt to achieve) goals. Of course, as always, he who writes the code chooses the license. LWN happened to post just yesterday (it was waiting when I got home from the meeting) an item about another case of GPL journalism: http://lwn.net/Articles/136700/ This one was in something called TechNewsWorld. (We're a LOT more knowledgeable about tech journalism thanks to James's presentation now, aren't we?) It's an example of how quickly heat gets applied to GPL debates. And how even GPL supporters get led astray in responding to the FUD. Quoting from TechNewsWorld: Accordingly, if a programmer simply clicks on a button to download even the smallest packet of code and thereby agrees to the GPL, then the GPL may require the entire software program, which incorporates the GPL-code, to be made available as open source under the GPL. This is true regardless of whether the programmer or employer ever intended others to be able to see, read, view and modify their software. Thus, a single click of the mouse may render otherwise proprietary software available to all. There were excellent debunks in the LWN thread. And, gratifyingly, TechNewsWorld yanked the original later yesterday. (Maybe they learned something about journalism from the O'Gara flap! LinuxWorld is dead; long live James and LinuxToday!) Note that when responding to these kind of articles: 1. Decide if it's even worthwhile (I often don't respond to the MOG/Dvorak school of inflammmatory journalism - let my silence explain what I think of their articles). 2. When responding, be polite, factual, and even-handed. one other point James brought up was how to be objective. It's more than quoting both sides. It's placing them in context. While a minority of 1, with no training in the field, believes X, but the majority of 2,000 with training in the field believe Y is a better context than some believe X, and some believe Y. In James' reference to the Linux-Intellectual Property connection, the articles I mentioned can be found in Technology Review June 2005: The People Own Ideas! by Lawrence Lessig P48, The Creators Own Ideas! by Richard A. Epstein P58, and How Linux Could Overthrow Microsoft by Charles Ferguson P64. For those who are not familiar with the magazine, Technology Review is MIT's Magazine of Innovation. Significantly, it is aimed more at managers and business executives than at technologist - and certainly not at geeks. Geez. And I thot I wuz interested. :) Seriously, I just called Borders - they do put Technology Review on the shelves, although the June issue hasn't arrived yet. I know I got my copy in the mail on Mon, but then I subscribe. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Fwd: Hello, We Must Be Going.
Just got this from Softpro. Good news is they will keep operating, under new ownership. I use their mailorder a fair amount. jeff --- Softpro Books [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Softpro Books [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jeffry Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Hello, We Must Be Going. Date: Fri, 20 May 2005 16:00:08 -0400 Hello, We Must Be Going. The good part about a family-owned-and-operated shop is that the owners are always available and always hands-on. The bad part about a family-owned-and-operated shop is that the owners are always available and always hands-on. The problem is, when it comes time for the shop and the owners to part ways, the survival of the shop becomes a concern. So we have some sad news and some good news. The Treitmans are moving on. We each have new opportunities that are too compelling to pass up, and can no longer devote our lives to owning and managing Softpro Books. The good news is that our friends Bill Szabo and June Kapitan, the owners of Quantum Books in Cambridge, will be taking over. Many of you already know Quantum Books. They have shared the New England independent technical bookstore market with Softpro for over 20 years. They have a state-of-the-art web site, and share our commitment to customer service. June and Bill will continue our focus on computer books here in Waltham but will add a BioTech section and a selection of award-winning math and science books for kids. They also discount more generously than we do. Starting in June, Quantum will also be running some special Publisher Sales as a way of introducing themselves to you. We've heard comments over the past few months that our shelves are looking somewhat thin. Now that the shop is in Quantum's care, you'll see more books on the shelves, the magazine rack will receive new issues, and we hope to see the store become busy and vibrant once again. May 27 will be our last day operating the store. We will close for the Memorial Day Weekend, and when we reopen on May 31, Quantum Books will be running the shop. We expect a short transition period, and during that time we'll ask your patience. The official web site for Softpro/Quantum Plus in Waltham will be www.quantumbooks.com, although it'll probably take a few weeks to make sure the inventory is properly reflected on the web site. The phone numbers will remain the same - 781-487-2220 (voice) and 781-487-2226 (fax). Email will remain [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a transition period, but will be changing to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Softpro Denver, will continue to be owned and operated by our brother, Jim. Softpro's web site, www.softpro.com will be operated by Softpro Denver and will reflect their inventory. Web orders placed at www.softpro.com will be fulfilled out of Denver. We encourage our local customers to move over to www.quantumbooks.com to assure the fastest delivery of your orders or to check local stock. Thank you for 20 plus years of allowing us to be your technical book store. It's been a pleasure for our family to serve all of you through the good times and the slow times. We'll be around the store packing up and helping Bill and June with the transition for the first week or so of June. Please stop by or email us, and we'd be more than happy to say goodbye in person. Rick Treitman Bob Treitman ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Walmart-Xandors
--- Bill McGonigle [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Apr 18, 2005, at 17:45, Randy Edwards wrote: IMHO, the worst aspect of them is the fact that they're from Wal-Mart (insert disclaimer about union-busting, hyper-exploitation of workers, etc., here). snip I'm somewhat surprised they're selling non-windows machines. At their volumes they ought to be able to get XPHome for $14. I know they're big into cutting out as much cost as possible, but I wonder if there isn't more here to this story. From what I understand, they have the volume to dictate terms (i.e. for some of their products, they represent as much as 20% of the sales). And they are agressive on lowest cost. And willing to NOT sell a product. Remember they don't sell Windows, they sell someone else's PC. Result: They will tell HP, etc, sell for my price or else - and do it. What can MS, HP, IBM, etc do to them? Tell them we won't sell to you? OK, so they sell someone else's product. Which they do. If they _can_ cut Microsoft out of the loop, WalMart might be planning on owning the home market, or a least one strata of it. Once you have that there are all sorts of potentials. It's not cutting MS out of the loop. Walmart doesn't care about MS, they care about selling home PC's. MS happens to be one piece of it. Just like they don't care what pieces are in a bike they sell, or who's name is on it. They care is it a bike that our customers will buy? Is it the cheapest possible? If yes to both, sell. If not, find the one that is. MS's problem is they're trying to make money selling name brand wood screws. To people who want to buy a house. Do you know the manufacturer of the wood screws that are in your house? Do you care? Does anybody know if WalMart is FLOSS on the inside? Not a clue, but given thir costing, wouldn't be surprised. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Access to PostgreSQL conversion
--- David J Berube [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey all, While I'm thinking of Access and PostgreSQL, a quick note. I recently released one of my inhouse Access-to-PostgreSQL conversion tools under the GPL. Note, however, that Access and PostgreSQL have very different design methodologies, and a complex database will require reanalysis. This project will take you much of the way, however, and it includes source, so it's easy to make incremental modifications to fit your project.. It can import basic table information and data - it does not, however, import VIEWs or indices. Both of those should be created by hand - most complex Access queries will have to be rewritten for PostgreSQL in any case, since Microsoft-specific functions are not present in PostgreSQL. Anyway, here's the URL: http://sourceforge.net/projects/access2psql/ I've had great success with it so far. Take it easy, I'll look at it, how does it compare to mdbtools (https://mdbtools.sf.net)? Had you heard of that, looked at it, etc/ jeff -- David Berube Berube Consulting [EMAIL PROTECTED] (603)-485-9622 http://www.berubeconsulting.com/ ___ gnhlug-announce mailing list gnhlug-announce@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-announce ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: free software alternative to Access
--- Bill McGonigle [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Apr 17, 2005, at 17:16, Jeff Smith wrote: it might be too easy - everyone does it, then expects it to be robust Aye, there's the rub - one might not expect it to be scalable, but it should at least be robust. Sadly, I've spent many an hour rescuing people from corrupted Access databases. The odd part is they're not terribly outraged that it happened in the first place - almost accepting. I realize which corner of the country Access comes from, but if postgres borked my database I'm be a few notches higher than miffed, as would the postgres dev team (after they blame my hardware, of course). I should have used scalable instead of robust. Ideally,the Access design tools would have been designed separately from the db engine. You plug in the db of your choice on the back end. Alas, I'm told you can do that, but I haven't met anyone who a) has done it, or b) can show / explain how to do it. I don't expect ooofice's XML database to be a speed demon, but I certain do expect that it won't destroy itself. Oops, preaching to the pastor again. Suspect it won't, or if it does, the FLOSS community will fix it. Of course, as I said above, I hope the tools allow plugging in postgresql (my choice of db) in place of hsdb (or whatever the name is for that java db they use). jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Mount on top of / ??
--- Paul Lussier [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There are probably plenty of use cases for mounting multiple file systems on the same mount point. For instance, suppose you have a mangled root file system, or even a read-only file system which prevents you from doing something you normally don't want to do (perhaps it's a security mechanism to limit the ability of someone who's cracked your system). On this one occasion, you need to do something which is currently not possible. But, by mounting another file system over that one, you now can, all without re-booting the system. When you're done, you're now able to unmount the second file system and return the system to the state it was before. I was reading a while ago (have to find it again) about a union filesystem someone had developed for Linux. Here, you do mount 2 (or more) file systems over the same mount point - and it has uses. Examples given: 1. Mount a CD on the lower layer, and a regular filesystem on top. Looks read/write (and is), but the CD is unchanged. 2. Mount a read-only kernel tree, do all the compilation/etc. All the object files are in the upper (writable) part. Unmount it, you are back to the source-only. Mount 3 layers - the original and another one with your source changes (which hide the original for the change files), another for the object files. So, you can make changes, but backing out is a matter of unmounting the files. jeff This is probably far more useful if the file system in question is *not* root, but, as I stated before, it's easier to do the same for all rather than consider all the edge cases. Yes, although I could see you using what I described above for a root filesystem that was a boot CD on the bottom. Think your system is corrupted? Reboot without the HD layer, you're back to the clean original. Now mount the old changes onto another part of the tree and examine for cracking activity. Hmm, actually, a legitmate use case just came to mind, though, it does't involve root (but, since root is just another file system :). I often mount and unmount differnt file systems to /mnt all the time. Many times I'll have a CD mounted there. Many times, when creating .iso images, I'll want to mount the image before burning it. Even though I may have something already mounted on /mnt, I'll mount that image right over the existing file system mounted at /mnt to make sure it works correctly, or contains the right data. When I'm done, I'll unmount that image, and still be able access whatever was there before. Not tried that - but maybe a way to check if a new work on a CD is useful/real? Mount the ISO over the CD? Sure, I could create various mount points under /mnt and mount things in different places, but then I waste time a) checking to see what mount points are there, and b) typing more than I need to. Why waste time, when I can just mount something over something else that I don't care about at that single moment in time? And, it's a lot more natural, for me anyway, to just type 'mount foo /mnt' than it is to type 'mount foo /mnt/foo' I use multiple on /media - and pmount/pumount. My USB stuff automatically to /media/usb, cd's to /media/cdrom (to avoid confusion with cd blah), dvd's to /media/dvd. Then again, I have an internal DVD/CD Burner, and external DVD+-R drive, so I can have 2. -- Seeya, Paul jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Mount on top of / ??
--- Paul Lussier [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There are probably plenty of use cases for mounting multiple file systems on the same mount point. For instance, suppose you have a mangled root file system, or even a read-only file system which prevents you from doing something you normally don't want to do (perhaps it's a security mechanism to limit the ability of someone who's cracked your system). On this one occasion, you need to do something which is currently not possible. But, by mounting another file system over that one, you now can, all without re-booting the system. When you're done, you're now able to unmount the second file system and return the system to the state it was before. I was reading a while ago (have to find it again) about a union filesystem someone had developed for Linux. Here, you do mount 2 (or more) file systems over the same mount point - and it has uses. Examples given: 1. Mount a CD on the lower layer, and a regular filesystem on top. Looks read/write (and is), but the CD is unchanged. 2. Mount a read-only kernel tree, do all the compilation/etc. All the object files are in the upper (writable) part. Unmount it, you are back to the source-only. Mount 3 layers - the original and another one with your source changes (which hide the original for the change files), another for the object files. So, you can make changes, but backing out is a matter of unmounting the files. jeff This is probably far more useful if the file system in question is *not* root, but, as I stated before, it's easier to do the same for all rather than consider all the edge cases. Yes, although I could see you using what I described above for a root filesystem that was a boot CD on the bottom. Think your system is corrupted? Reboot without the HD layer, you're back to the clean original. Now mount the old changes onto another part of the tree and examine for cracking activity. Hmm, actually, a legitmate use case just came to mind, though, it does't involve root (but, since root is just another file system :). I often mount and unmount differnt file systems to /mnt all the time. Many times I'll have a CD mounted there. Many times, when creating .iso images, I'll want to mount the image before burning it. Even though I may have something already mounted on /mnt, I'll mount that image right over the existing file system mounted at /mnt to make sure it works correctly, or contains the right data. When I'm done, I'll unmount that image, and still be able access whatever was there before. Not tried that - but maybe a way to check if a new work on a CD is useful/real? Mount the ISO over the CD? Sure, I could create various mount points under /mnt and mount things in different places, but then I waste time a) checking to see what mount points are there, and b) typing more than I need to. Why waste time, when I can just mount something over something else that I don't care about at that single moment in time? And, it's a lot more natural, for me anyway, to just type 'mount foo /mnt' than it is to type 'mount foo /mnt/foo' I use multiple on /media - and pmount/pumount. My USB stuff automatically to /media/usb, cd's to /media/cdrom (to avoid confusion with cd blah), dvd's to /media/dvd. Then again, I have an internal DVD/CD Burner, and external DVD+-R drive, so I can have 2. -- Seeya, Paul jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Saving old systems - anyone with a dead Dell laptop?
Speaking of laptops (and starting an new topic), I've found I can easily mod my Latitude C600 to accept a miniPCI wireless care (specifically a Netgate 5004 a/b/g card). All I need is the connector cable to the built-in antenna, Dell Part #37THY. I've had no luck getting it from Dell (lots of what's that, I don't show that), but by doing some googling, found out it appears to be the standard connector for their laptops. Any ideas where to get one, or does anyone have a dead Dell laptop I can extract it from? Maybe help turn a dead laptop into parts for several laptops if a number of us need parts. thanks in advance, jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: TODAY: Symposium on Current Trends in FOSS Movements
thanks for the report ( post to Groklaw). Overall great wrapup. Did you get to the other talks? My comments below (IANAL, recognize you're just reporting, etc) - --- Bill Sconce [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: snip It's encouraging that these messages (all of the messages at this conference, in fact) were being delivered to up-and-coming IP lawyers. Yes, get the word out. And to see Dan in action. His presentation contained the best-researched and most clearly delivered legal material at the conference (readily apparent even to this NAL). We're lucky that Free software has such an earnest, highly capable friend in the legal profession. Thanks, Dan! Research presentation - make them argue the facts. Good work. 2. Open Source Litigation, Past, Present and Future, Edmund J. Walsh, Wolf Greenfield Sachs Mr. Walsh directly addressed one of our favorite subjects, the SCO lawsuits. Prognosis? He quoted Judge Kimball, already known to Groklaw readers, ...it is astonishing that SCO has not offered any competent evidence to create a disputed fact... I gathered that he doesn't expect SCO to prevail. Anyone think different? (well, maybe SCO, but they're toast ) He does, however, expect (beyond SCO) that ...some issues will almost certainly be resolved through litigation. 3. Working with Open Source Software Compliance Management, Karen Copenhaver, Black Duck Software Karen exhorted the gathered lawyers to appreciate that the number of open source licenses out there (hundreds) multiplied by the number of languages out there (English plus thousands) creates a Babel which the world is simply not going to put up with. A dynamic and convincing speaker. Sounds like the OSI point now - we need only a few general licenses, not every company/developer creating YAMM (yet another mod of MPL). She pointed out the dangers (including a convincing use case) of companies using Free software without taking care to track compliance with its license(s). Valuable advice, since we want the GPL to be respected. (The company in question failed a due-diligence certification because management tried to stonewall with We never use Free software ... which turned out to be not true.) Did she argue that they should track compliance do due-diligence on ALL their licenses? Check what the BSA can do to you if you blow the commercial / proprietary licenses.No negative for FLOSS here. 4. Free Software and Beyond, Richard Stallman, lead developer, GNU Operating System Freedom 0. The freedom to run the program, for any purpose. Freedom 1. The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs. Freedom 2. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor. Freedom 3. The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. As Professor William Hennessey, Chair of the IP Graduate Program, was introducing RMS to the audience he used the term open source. RMS, standing in the wing, interrupted him, saying loudly and clearly, I don't do open source. He said a lot of other things loudly and clearly too. No matter what, RMS speaks loudly and passionately about what he believes in. ___ Summary: the symposium was an all-day event, and Free software got both a clear exposition and a warm reception in the IP legal community. Groklaw readers would have enjoyed it and should feel encouraged. --- (*) I asked RMS to autograph a copy of the symposium program. He was willing to give an autograph, although not on the program, because of the title SIPLA Symposium. RMS rejects the juxtaposition of words suggested by IP. Good - I wish people would recognize that IP is an oxymoron. There's Trademark, Copyright, Patent, and Trade Secret. Each is different. Don't treat them the same. Note - IANAL, but IAAHB (I am a history buff). Read the founding fathers on this stuff. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Question about wireless support
--- Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Sat, 2005-03-26 at 12:29 -0500, Numberwhun wrote: Hello! I am just curious if anyone here has had any experience with using wireless cards with Linux? I have one of the Linksys pci cards that holds one of the pcmcia wireless (802.11b) cards and was wanting to use it with Fedora Core 3. Haven't used the Linksys cards. I use an Atheros based pcmcia card - no problems. All I have to do is grab the madwifi kernel mods (http://madwifi.sf.net), and compile the modules for my kernel. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Primary Education linux (advocacy)
I need some help! I have a debate going on about moving Brookline Schools (primary education) from Windows to Linux. Anyone have pointers/experience with primary education software for Linux (I'll even settle for open source that runs on Windows - but am shooting for linux). Also, pointers to case studies / examples of US primary schools that have moved to Linux. Right now, I'm using www.k12os.org, http://ofset.sourceforge.net/freeduc/, www.seul.org/edu, www.schoolforge.net, www.opensourceshools.org for resources, and just found debian, jr. thanks for any help jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: New meeting time for GNHLUG/MerriLUG/Nashua
Figures. The ONE thursday I have a conflict (this month only) - oh well, I'll shoot for attending the April meeting. Below for more. --- Ken D'Ambrosio [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: [And this time, I'll even send it from an address the listserv knows. *sigh* Please excuse if you get a duplicate.] Hello! Below is the e-mail I've been trying to send out for some time; sadly, I wanted to include a schedule of upcoming meeting topics/speakers, but -- ah, the naivete -- I now know that such things require substantial bulldogging to accomplish. So, below is a TENTATIVE list of meeting topics, and anyone who's interested in giving chats for ones not already taken are implored to contact me. Anyway, back to your regularly-scheduled e-mail: Howdy, all. Just wanted to let you guys know that, after much debate, consideration, and checking of calendars, it looks like the third Thursday of each month is the way to fly. I'm sure that that'll conflict with someone... so I'm sorry. BUT, it seems to conflict with the minimum number of people who responded, and -- unlike the fourth week of the month -- won't conflict with year-end holidays. [Thanksgiving's the FOURTH Thursday of November; I checked.] I've also firmed things up with Martha's, and they're glad to have us back. Here's the current schedule for upcoming meetings: March 17 (that's this coming Thursday): - General LUGness. Come as you are, and we'll discuss the why's, wherefores, and so forth. See the end of this e-mail for a (very) rough idea of how the structure of meetings will go. April 21: MythTV (an open-source, Linux-based TiVo-like system) - I've got some goodies from the EFF for this, and would invite anyone who's set up a system to tell us how it works. Are enough people familiar with it that we'd consider having some sort of more formal installfest on a weekend? haven't set it up, but MALU in alabama (http://www.malu.org) have lots of MythTV folks - many with it on a modded xbox (don't ask why - they like it). You might contact them for info. May 19: Security. - I'd like to do something on security, if anyone's willing to give a discussion about it. Often enough, I see comments to the effect that security implemented without knowing what you're doing isn't really security... but security, let's be honest, isn't trivial to implement with Linux. If anyone would care to discuss their favorite firewall front-ends, or what-have-you, I'd be very interested. Don't know if I'll be around, but definitely a topic of interest to me - used to do it even. June 16: WINE (www.winehq.com -- a WINdows Emulator) (or Wne Is Not an Emulator) - Ira Krakow, who helped out at the GNHLUG booth at LinuxWorld, has kindly offered chat up WINE. For those that haven't used it, it does Windows emulation... kinda. It has a long and storied history, and can be interesting to get running. Ira's writing a book aoubt WINE, and I'd be very interested to hear what he has to say. Bring your questions, or your successes! Wish I had that now - trying to get HR Block TaxCut to run under it - installs, but complains about not being able to load a file (exact message is: File Open Failed. File=.//tcedtion.04 (see WinFileReadImpl::open()) I'm running the latest wine, compiled from cvs. July 21: New user meeting! - Meet and greet. New users are -always- welcome, of course, but one theme expressed at our previous meeting in February was that we should have an occasional meeting where new users, and their concerns -- and perhaps even their systems, if they're willing to lug 'em in -- are the focus. Aug 18: IP (not the networking kind) issues, both historical and contemporary. - I hope to be able to drag a specific speaker in for this that I met at the GNHLUG booth at LinuxWorld, but haven't been able to firm up a date. Especially with the effort for patents in EU - good topic. Generally speaking, we usually get together at 6:00 p.m. at Martha's for some chow; this is entirely informal, and everyone is welcome to attend, or skip, as they see fit. Around 7:00, we filter up to one of Martha's function rooms, where a more formal meeting occurs; we'll have a QA time, and usually some topic of discussion for us to expound on. New users/list lurkers are invited to make themselves known; I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm terrible with faces and names, so please feel free to introduce yourself even if you aren't new -- given the sporadic attendance, it's likely you'll be new to at least a fair chunk of the folks. My next notifications of upcoming meetings, I promise, will be with a bit more advance warning. Trying to fit everything together for an initial schedule was a bit on the daunting side. Great lineup - hope it works out! If not, flexibility is the key to Air Power
Re: New meeting time for GNHLUG/MerriLUG/Nashua
My mail messed up first time - resend the contents: --- Jeff Smith wrote: Figures. The ONE thursday I have a conflict (this month only) - oh well, I'll shoot for attending the April meeting. Below for more. --- Ken D'Ambrosio [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: [And this time, I'll even send it from an address the listserv knows. *sigh* Please excuse if you get a duplicate.] Hello! Below is the e-mail I've been trying to send out for some time; sadly, I wanted to include a schedule of upcoming meeting topics/speakers, but -- ah, the naivete -- I now know that such things require substantial bulldogging to accomplish. So, below is a TENTATIVE list of meeting topics, and anyone who's interested in giving chats for ones not already taken are implored to contact me. Anyway, back to your regularly-scheduled e-mail: Howdy, all. Just wanted to let you guys know that, after much debate, consideration, and checking of calendars, it looks like the third Thursday of each month is the way to fly. I'm sure that that'll conflict with someone... so I'm sorry. BUT, it seems to conflict with the minimum number of people who responded, and -- unlike the fourth week of the month -- won't conflict with year-end holidays. [Thanksgiving's the FOURTH Thursday of November; I checked.] I've also firmed things up with Martha's, and they're glad to have us back. Here's the current schedule for upcoming meetings: March 17 (that's this coming Thursday): - General LUGness. Come as you are, and we'll discuss the why's, wherefores, and so forth. See the end of this e-mail for a (very) rough idea of how the structure of meetings will go. April 21: MythTV (an open-source, Linux-based TiVo-like system) - I've got some goodies from the EFF for this, and would invite anyone who's set up a system to tell us how it works. Are enough people familiar with it that we'd consider having some sort of more formal installfest on a weekend? haven't set it up, but MALU in alabama (http://www.malu.org) have lots of MythTV folks - many with it on a modded xbox (don't ask why - they like it). You might contact them for info. May 19: Security. - I'd like to do something on security, if anyone's willing to give a discussion about it. Often enough, I see comments to the effect that security implemented without knowing what you're doing isn't really security... but security, let's be honest, isn't trivial to implement with Linux. If anyone would care to discuss their favorite firewall front-ends, or what-have-you, I'd be very interested. Don't know if I'll be around, but definitely a topic of interest to me - used to do it even. June 16: WINE (www.winehq.com -- a WINdows Emulator) (or Wne Is Not an Emulator) - Ira Krakow, who helped out at the GNHLUG booth at LinuxWorld, has kindly offered chat up WINE. For those that haven't used it, it does Windows emulation... kinda. It has a long and storied history, and can be interesting to get running. Ira's writing a book aoubt WINE, and I'd be very interested to hear what he has to say. Bring your questions, or your successes! Wish I had that now - trying to get HR Block TaxCut to run under it - installs, but complains about not being able to load a file (exact message is: File Open Failed. File=.//tcedtion.04 (see WinFileReadImpl::open()) I'm running the latest wine, compiled from cvs. July 21: New user meeting! - Meet and greet. New users are -always- welcome, of course, but one theme expressed at our previous meeting in February was that we should have an occasional meeting where new users, and their concerns -- and perhaps even their systems, if they're willing to lug 'em in -- are the focus. Aug 18: IP (not the networking kind) issues, both historical and contemporary. - I hope to be able to drag a specific speaker in for this that I met at the GNHLUG booth at LinuxWorld, but haven't been able to firm up a date. Especially with the effort for patents in EU - good topic. Generally speaking, we usually get together at 6:00 p.m. at Martha's for some chow; this is entirely informal, and everyone is welcome to attend, or skip, as they see fit. Around 7:00, we filter up to one of Martha's function rooms, where a more formal meeting occurs; we'll have a QA time, and usually some topic of discussion for us to expound on. New users/list lurkers are invited to make themselves known; I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm terrible with faces and names, so please feel free to introduce yourself even if you aren't new -- given the sporadic attendance, it's likely you'll be new to at least a fair chunk of the folks. My next
Re: Anyone else see USB keyboard problems on FC2 with the new '770' kernel?
Don-t know if it's any relation (since I run custom kernels), but 2.6.11 broke dell laptop keyboards - fixed in 2.6.11.1 (patch on kernel.org). jeff (running 2.6.11.1 on a Dell laptop now - so whatever it was was fixed). --- Bruce Dawson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Tue, 2005-03-08 at 17:17 -0500, Bill Freeman wrote: I'm running Fedora Core 2, and recently installed the 2.6.10-1.770 kernel (some kind of shift in the numbering) that I got from up2date. If I boot from it, my USB keyboard stops working. (I guess that I should try a PS/2 keyboard.) Am I alone? Not exactly. I've had lots of fun times with the 2.6.10 kernel and the USB filesystem. But I'm using a Debian distribution. What modules do you have loaded? --Bruce ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Maddog TCNO
If anyone checks out the latest Linux User Developer there's an interview with our own maddog in there. One interesting thing he talks about is the total cost of non-ownership - how much does it cost you to not be able to do things because you don't own the code. Example - the code (proprietary) may do 80% of what you need, but what do you lose in business because you can't modify the code to do the other 20%? Interesting read, could make for an interesting topic at a talk (or an e-mail discussion). jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Maddog TCNO
--- Ted Roche [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Mar 7, 2005, at 6:41 AM, Jeff Smith wrote: If anyone checks out the latest Linux User Developer there's an interview with our own maddog in there. Is that the British magazine featured at http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/? That's the one. I think the issue I saw was either 46 or 47. Do you get the issue locally (Barnes Noble?) or subscribe? I saw it a BN. I occasionally pick it up, as it's got both some good general stuff as well as some good technical know-how stuff. Linux Format is another brit magazine I saw on the list that I've also found pretty good. Problem with both is cost - imported from britain is, I assume, the reason. LinuxUser was $12, Linux Format $16. jeff Ted Roche Ted Roche Associates, LLC http://www.tedroche.com ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Debian Sarge vs. USB
-- Bruce Dawson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I connected a usb-storage device to my system. The kernel says: Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: uba: device 2 capacity nsec 240119808 bsize 512 Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: uba: device 2 capacity nsec 240119808 bsize 512 Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: uba: uba1 uba2 uba3 Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: usbcore: registered new driver ub However, nowhere can I find anything like /dev/uba1 or /dev/ub/uba1 or whatnot. Does anyone have any ideas what's wrong? (or how to mount the drive)? What kernel usb libs version? I'm using kernel 2.6.10, with hotplug udev. I don't see anything about a uba* in my messages, but my system loads the basic usb storage devices as SCSI (sdXN, where X is a, b,c etc; N is 1,2,3, etc) ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Debian Sarge vs. USB
--- Bruce Dawson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Sun, 2005-02-27 at 05:50 -0800, Jeff Smith wrote: -- Bruce Dawson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I connected a usb-storage device to my system. The kernel says: Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: uba: device 2 capacity nsec 240119808 bsize 512 Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: uba: device 2 capacity nsec 240119808 bsize 512 Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: uba: uba1 uba2 uba3 Feb 26 22:15:46 localhost kernel: usbcore: registered new driver ub However, nowhere can I find anything like /dev/uba1 or /dev/ub/uba1 or whatnot. Does anyone have any ideas what's wrong? (or how to mount the drive)? What kernel usb libs version? I'm using kernel 2.6.10, with hotplug udev. I don't see anything about a uba* in my messages, but my system loads the basic usb storage devices as SCSI (sdXN, where X is a, b,c etc; N is 1,2,3, etc) Kernel 2.6.10, libusb 1:0.1.8-18, usbutils 0.70-1, hotplug 0.0.20040329-16, hotplug-utils 0.0.20020114-7 I just checked. I'm running a mixed ubuntu (hoary) /testing environment, but have the same packages. My kernel is custom built, however. I don't show a /dev/usb, or see those messages. The not loading as SCSI is what confused me, but I read something somewhere that said the new USB wasn't using SCSI anymore, and I didn't pay enough attention to how it worked before it broke (after installing other reasonable packages). Hadn't heard that. I'm confused, because I would think we're installing the same things. Do you use udev? It's a separate package, mine is 0.50-3ubuntu5. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Nashua Meeting
I'll try and make it, let me know the time (or the usual
1800/1830?)
jeff
--- Ken D'Ambrosio [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Donald Leslie {74279} wrote:
I was wondering if we should have a social meeting
tomorrow and maybe
discuss the future of the group .
Well, I guess I should pipe up, then. I've taken up the
mantle of
meeting coordinator, and a dinner get-together sounds
like a great
idea. I'm planning on a real meeting next month,
though I have to
firm up some stuff, first. So: who's interested in
getting together
tomorrow night? I'll call Martha's and make a
reservation tomorrow
morning...
-Ken
Don Leslie
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New Question: Scanners
Since (a) I haven't found the answer to the debian question, and (b) I'm going to stay out of the my distro's better than your distro war, I thought I'd introduce a new question: I'm looking for a reasonably portable scanner to go with the rest of my mobile office (currently fits in two computer bags - laptop, printer, external HD/DVD burners). Would prefer 2400x2400, but will accept 1200x1200 resolution. Hopefully not expensive. Have USB, Firewire capability. If a full-sheet scanner, needs to be thin light. Can be a pull over the page scanner. Does need to do color. Oh - and it HAS to work with Linux, since I don't run anything else on the system. I've looked over the Sane project (https://www.sane-project.org), but I could use some guidance from those with experience - what really works well/doesn't? jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: eclipse on debian sarge
A quick debian search (http://packages.debian.org/cgi-bin/search_packages.pl?keywords=eclipsesearchon=namessubword=1version=allrelease=all) indicates eclipse is packaged for unstable, but not testing (in contrib). A search on ubuntu linux (http://www.ubuntulinux.org/wiki/EclipsePackaging/view?searchterm=eclipse), based on Debian, indicates the sources are available on mentors.debian.net. Note that eclipse (thanks to Red Hat) can be compiled/run with gcj, not depending on Java. In fact, the contrib section on debian indicates that that package still depends on Blackdown. However, the ubuntu page notes that Eclipse compiles with GCJ4.0, available from debian experimental (the really unstable source of packages). jeff --- Greg Rundlett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm wondering if anyone is using eclipse on Debian Sarge? I am trying to get into Java web development, but I find no information on properly getting eclipse installed and running on Sarge. I found an article about installing it on Woody[1], but the author had to jump through hoops to get things working there. It seems that you could download eclipse 3 web tools [2] from eclipse.org, but I have not yet figured out exactly what I need to do in order to ensure that I have met the requirements, that I have the right pieces. I would rather install it using apt if possible b/c then the maintenance, dependencies and upgrade is so much easier. Searching debian.org, seems to indicate that a prior packager of eclipse 2.x has stopped maintaining it, but there is a german website with some eclipse 3.0 download [3], and eclipse *is* being adopted into debian, but not ready yet. The last comment on this thread[4] indicates as of Jan 11, 2005 there is *almost* an eclipse 3 debian package. In order to get Java technology installed, I am reading the Debian Java FAQ [5], but personal tips or pointers would be appreciated. Thanks, Greg [1] http://hemswell.lincoln.ac.uk/~dnutter/eclipse-woody.php [2] http://eclipse.org/webtools/index.html [3] www.katzien.de/debian/eclipse3/ [4] http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=276096 [5] http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-java-faq -- Greg Rundlett www.rundlett.com www.freephile.com randomly selected fortune: Most people want either less corruption or more of a chance to participate in it. ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: New GNHLUG Chair
Congratulations. jeff --- David J Berube [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello all, GNHLUG has a new chair - myself. More info soon. Take it easy, -- David Berube Berube Consulting [EMAIL PROTECTED] (603)-485-9622 http://www.berubeconsulting.com/ ___ gnhlug-announce mailing list gnhlug-announce@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-announce ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: mail archives
--- Kevin D. Clark kekevin_clclarkccess-4-free.com wrote: Benjamin Scott writes: Note that the action in question had nothing to do with Derek Martin's bitching, but rather was due to an off-list issue with a party outside GNGNHLUG Sorry, I don't recall hearing this before. I don't remember if I responded / commented on-list first time this came up, but my preference is for my e-mail address to be kept off a publicly accessible list. I have enough spam problems as it is. jejeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Ubuntu Linux experiences?
On 05 Jan 2005 10:13:10 -0500, Travis Roy [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: Excellent - this is exactly the kind of thing I want to hear about. Can you be more specific about which 3rd party packages were causing problems? Flash, newer version of Firefox, mplayer, to name a few. I was initially under the impression that the distro could use any packages from Debian as well. Is that not the case? I installed Ubuntu after I had some hardware problems (previously ran a Debian Testing system). Later, I added the Debian repositories, and now run a mixed system. Only problem I have had is some minor issues with dependencies (i.e. something in Ubuntu depends on libraries that are different than the ones in testing that something I want from testing uses). This is mainly (I suspect) because Ubuntu is a modified Unstable - Unstable cleaned up, cut back, stabilized. So there are some library issues, and the versioning is not done as well as it should be. My fix has been to sometimes back the Ubuntu version out to Testing version, other times I'll actually install the unstable. Seems to work well so far - and unstable is mainly stable anyway, but does occasionally break. Well, it was causing version and dependancy hell. Something most older RH/RPM users are more then familure with. An example was for me to install mplayer I needed libraries, but the libraries I had were needed for other programs. Because of the conflict between the Ubuntu and other apt repositories I was using it couldn't find a happy fix. I was using 3rd party Ubuntu repositories. I've heard that if you set up to only use debian repositories then do a dist-upgrade that would correct most of the problems I had, but I didn't really mess with it that much. The new debian installer is very nice and very easy to follow, you might want to give debian another go. Haven't looked at the new installer, am told it's great (but then I don't install new OS's much since I started using Debian - only when I have HW issues). I'll consider it, but I'm looking for something that can be used as a both a quickly evolving desktop distribution but which also has long term support for enterprise applications. Ubuntu initially struck me as a single distribution that could do both. Ubuntu from what I've seen and used has a very limited package repository by default if you're looking for enterprise applications. Hell, it didn't even have an updated Firefox :( Because their selectively pulling stable stuff (or near-stable) from Sid /Unstable . Remember also the real Ubuntu goal - SW for Africa. Anything is an improvement over nothing. All that said, I found Ubuntu a great way to start Debian, and now run the mixed system. I probably would recommend Ubuntu to a newbie (easy to install, most apps, looks good), and guess someone with some skill could do what I do and run a mixed system. Of course, we all know what assume means ;-) One nice thing is they've already put xorg in, and so I now run that instead of xfree86. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: usbhdtv (from DMA SIG list)
Appearsthe USBHDTV box records NTSC ATSC in mpeg-2 format (HW encoding). HDTV is, according to the box, the native hdtv stream (QAM for cable, OFSC for over the air - not certain what the difference is, but the box says Now supports QAM in firmware). A check of debian packages indicates xmovie supports hdtv and ATSC streams. Note that I haven't set it up yet (need some cables time, plus install the debian packages). More as I set it up. jeff Russell Yeley said: We can do a little more research and see what software can do HDTV I am more that willing to wait. Russ Dave Lundy lundyd at dmapub.dma.org wrote: Jeff Smith wrote: I recently bought a usbhdtv box (http://www.usbhdtv.com/). According to them and the box I got Thu, it does both unecrypted QAM and the onair format. It connects to the computer via usb2.0. Be aware, I just received it (I actually got the box delivered as I was on the way out the door on a business trip), so I haven't actually used it, and don't know how linux compatible it truly is, but since I have a laptop, a pcHDTV HD-3000 wouldn't work. I'll let the list know how it works after I get a chance to hook it up and play with it. jeff I found a review at and haven't found any evidence of any Linux support for OnAir USB HDTV. It records in a proprietary format and there doesn't seem to be any way to export to a standard format. I'm still interested in a pcHDTV HD-3000 card, but not until after Christmas. ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Decoding Microsoft (Outlook) Attachments
And, for those looking to transfer mail between Outlook and real e-mail, a utility I've used is libpst. Homepage is at: http://alioth.debian.org/projects/libpst/ It's failed on a few .pst files, mainly ones that were bad in the first place. Otherwise, I've had good luck moving mail by exporting to .pst, then using libpst to convert to a directory of e-mails (mh format). Numerous options are available to make it output how you want (standard e-mail, mh directories, under the current directory, create a directory, etc). jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Question about installing Linux on a Dell
Benjamin Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: I suggest heading on over to http://linux.dell.com/ -- the home of all things Linux at Dell. The mailing lists, in particular, are full of knowledgeable people who use Linux on Dell stuff. Nothing specific to laptops at this time, I'm afraid, but maybe you find something. Another place to try is the linux-dell-laptops group on Yahoo (you can get e-mail as well). The FAQ is at: http://whacked.net/ldl/faq/ You should be able to join the mailing list by sending an e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: OT -- 90-day limits in the financial world for downloading
Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: I find this all very annoying, but what can I do? I suppose I can close down all my accounts and sign up with a local bank -- only to see them bought out by Bank of America or another Really Hugh Institution a year later. Personally, I haven't used a bank in over 10 years. I find credit unions not only don't have that problem, but I deal with people who actually understand and care for me, I get better rates, and I often get more services. I believe Triangle in Nashua accepts just about anybody (they have a very broad membership criteria). Not Linux I know, but it's the same concept - Credit Unions are actually owned by the people who bank there, so they have direct interest in how they operate. You even get to vote in the annual meetings. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: OT -- 90-day limits in the financial world for downloading
Fred [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: I find this all very annoying, but what can I do? I suppose I can close down all my accounts and sign up with a local bank -- only to see them bought out by Bank of America or another Really Hugh Institution a year later. Personally, I haven't used a bank in over 10 years. I find credit unions not only don't have that problem, but I deal with people who actually understand and care for me, I get better rates, and I often get more services. I believe Triangle in Nashua accepts just about anybody (they have a very broad membership criteria). Not Linux I know, but it's the same concept - Credit Unions are actually owned by the people who bank there, so they have direct interest in how they operate. You even get to vote in the annual meetings. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: If you can't beat 'em
Actually, they were attempting to quote from a report by OSRM - the Open Source Risk Management folks who sell indemnification for Linux. Of course, being MS, they got it wrong. The study showed that there are 283 UNTESTED patents IN THE US (only the US recognizes them) that could be used to go after Linux. I say untested because the majority of SW patents fail when challenged, and none of these have been challenged in court. Of those that have been challenged in court and been upheld 0 (that's ZERO) can be used to challenge Linux. Of course, MS manages to get the # wrong, the risk wrong, everything else. You expected the truth from them? jeff Original Message: Subject: Re: If you can't beat 'em... From: Chris Brenton [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: GNHLUG Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 12:16:21 -0500 On Fri, 2004-11-19 at 09:39, Ted Roche wrote: It's good to hear that Microsoft is giving up on trying to diss FOSS or compete with unfair comparisons, and is just threatening their customers. Ya, my favorite quote: Linux violates more than 228 patents, according to a recent report from a research group O, a _research group_. Well that sounds authoritative. I wonder how much MS paid for that study. ;-) Chris ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Linuxppc Developer Contest
Jon maddog Hall [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: wonder where they _did_ advertise it... Having worked for Digital's Marketing Group, I might guess they put it at the Microsoft developer's site. About on linuxformat magazine's (http://www.linuxformat.co.uk) answer on electronic publishing - they determined the format most appropriate to their audience which unfortunately at this time does not have a linux client. Reality (I suspect): clueless owner company chose one format for all their magazines. (note: Linux Format is a good, but expensive magazine on this side, comes with CD's or DVD of linux software. Lots of good tips as well - but the owning company also publishes a large # of windows specific magazines). jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Migrating from Windows to Linux
David - I missed the original question, so I don't know if you were recommended these resources, but two I recommend are: 1. Linux for Dummies. The original was by our own maddog, currently shown as by Dee-Ann LeBlanc, Melanie Hoag, Evan Blomquist. 2. A book I've seen but not read (so take this recommendation with a large grain of salt) - Moving to Linux: Kiss the Blue Screen of Death Goodbye! by Marcel Gagne. He writes the Cooking with Linux column in Linux Journal, and does a pretty good job of making things understandable. According to the reviews, in includes a copy of knoppix (my favorite distro for introducing people to Linux). 3. This (and other) LUG lists/groups. Finally, I do recommend picking up at some point Linux Administration Handbook - the Linux version of the Unix Administration Handbook. A good reference for running systems. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Energy, Nuclear Security, Linux
For those interested in Government use of Linux, Federal Computer Week has an article about the Energy Department's National Nuclear Security Administration funding a project to support Linux tools: http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1025/web-speed-10-25-04.asp Particularly relevant in light of a recent debian-legal squabble about some of Sun's licensing (requires acknowledgment that the Java software was not designed to run nuclear power plants). jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
MV
May I add my support for MV? I never used their high-speed DSL (too far from my place), but I found them among the few ISPs who understood weren't afraid of linux. Every time I called, I got a real person, most of them extremely knowledgeable. All were linux-aware and either could help or would get the right person on the phone. And they didn't do the script-type support. Asked pertinent questions would listen when I gave them my diagnosis (I always start out doing the basics). Overall great service. Only left them because of cable modem in Brookline. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
OT: Piano Tuner
Sorry for interupting the political battles, but I need an e-mail for Charlie (I'm lousy with names, forgotten his last name, but he used to be a piano tuner). I found an old piano yesterday in our barn, and need advice on how to restore/preserve/move the thing. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: OT: Piano Tuner
that could be an interesting topic. Also, how do you do music with open office (I assume OpenOffice.org)? I've used xmms for my music, and done some playing with roseguarden (when I started doing the sound system for my church - amazing how you become the expert from nothing by simply saying I don't know anything, if no one else will do it, I'll give it a try.) Re the piano: thanks for the suggestion. The piano actually seems to be in good shape, and has beautiful intricate carving on it, so I think it may be worth keeping, but since I know little about this stuff, was looking for someone with an expert opinion. I think the trebuchet that was suggested is a little overkill. jeff --- Jon maddog Hall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jeff, I don't know who Charlie is, but Ed Bordeleau of PianoArts in Hookset/Manchester does a good job of piano restoration. He has done a couple of player pianos for me. You can reach Ed at 1-800-439-2897 or 1-603-485-2885 Unless you have a lot of sentimental value attached to the piano, or unless it is a valuable antique, it would probably be less expensive to go onto Ebay and buy a used, refurbished piano than to refurbish one that is in really bad shape. To bring this back on topic, I would be happy to someday give my talk of why Free and Open Source Software is like a player piano. I have added more similarities, plus added more pictures of my collection and sound-bytes of music (love that Open Office!) md -- Jon maddog Hall Executive Director Linux International(R) email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 80 Amherst St. Voice: +1.603.672.4557 Amherst, N.H. 03031-3032 U.S.A. WWW: http://www.li.org Board Member: Uniforum Association, USENIX Association (R)Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in several countries. (R)Linux International is a registered trademark in the USA UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the USA and other countries. ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: HDTV Cards
I'm interested in both an HDTV card, as well as one that works off of USB to go with my laptop, since I'll be travelling so much now. jeff ps: the Zaurus is working great, OpenZaurus 3.3.6-pre1 (upgraded to gcc3). For anyone interested, the small keyboard makes working with it easier (assuming you can type on it, I can). The opie-handwriting works great, although I'm learning to write now! ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
HP to sell Linux notebook
Saw in the Nashua Telegraph (Business, 5 Aug edition) - HP is going to sell a linux-based laptop. Even better, the cost will be $60 LESS then the cost of a comparable Windows laptop. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: SCO
--- Jon maddog Hall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jeff, To be clear, SCO does not own the trademark of Unixware. The Open Group owns both the trademarks Unix and Unixware. Please see: http://www.unix.org/what_is_unix.html Warmest regards, md thanks, my mistake. One problem in this is the sales agreement between SCO and Caldera (New SCO) has never been made public, so what exactly Caldera purchased (for that matter, what SCO had the right to sell) is murky. I strongly suspect copyrights on the various versions of Unix out of ATT were never transfered to anyone, because of the early history of Unix. Who actually owns what? Again, groklaw.net does cover this, my mistake. jeff -- Jon maddog Hall Executive Director Linux(R) International email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 80 Amherst St. Voice: +1.603.672.4557 Amherst, N.H. 03031-3032 U.S.A. WWW: http://www.li.org Board Member: Uniforum Association, USENIX Association (R)Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in several countries. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the US and other countries. ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
SCO
Fred - SCO didn't buy out Caldera, SCO sold the name, Unixware and Unix system V business (not necessarily the copyrights, etc - that's a subject of several lawsuits) to Caldera, and SCO changed their name to Tarantella. About the same time, Ransom Love left Caldera, current admin came in, and eventually started what you see. Note that the current group is The SCO Group and NOT Santa Cruz Operations - names changed to confuse everyone. a good site to check out is Groklaw (http://www.groklaw.net) - PJ and company follow all the legal aspects of the cases, post the actual documents, disect Copyright, Trademark, Trade Secret, Patent, and Contract laws (note they are NOT the same), and otherwise do fine open-source legal research on these issues. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Linux meeting, Linux PDAs
A couple of quick things - 1) is there going to be wireless access at Martha's tonight? I finally got mine going, and am playing with it. 2) Any recommendations for a used PDA to turn into a Linux PDA? Both hardware and where to buy. I've checked out the handhelds.org site, but was looking for any personal experience. Also, handhelds.org isn't too great on the where to buy a used one you can reburn. jeff ps: I'm back ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
SPARC 10 gone
The SPARC 10 has found a new home in Montgomery. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
GNHLUG SPARC 10
Originally sent to org list, bringing to wider attention - what do you (GNHLUG) want done with an old SPARC 10 that needs upgrades/repairs - should I bring it back from Alabama (only if someone else will take it over) or dispose of the GNHLUG SPARC here (no profit to me - donation or recycle). jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: GNHLUG Discussion
* getting the government to open source all critical software? Yes, the preference should be Open Source - 1. Allows all to compete equally (Only MS can produce MS Office, IBM/Lotus Lotus Notes, etc) 2. Ensures citizen accountability of government 3. Ensures all citizens can access systems equally (i.e. company A software requires Company A system to access - citizen could access with any software to do business) 4. Ensures records are able to be read in years to come (ex: Medical records must be stored for, I believe, 20 years after last visit, or 20 years after patient turns 18, whichever is longer - show me a proprietary software package still available in 38 years). * Require open source software audits on all voting systems? Better - no electronic voting systems at all. 1. Problem is procedural, not technical - canada, UK, other countries manage to do a nationwide vote in under 4 hours using the high tech of paper and pencil. 2. Read cryptogram on inherent problems with ANY e-voting system (http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-back.html) Other Issues - * Software patents - should not be allowed 1. Most current software patents are not new/unique (requirement of patent) 2. Innnovation in software has not been a problem 3 Patents in Sw have been used to prevent compitition - not for stimulating innovation - we have no sign that people would not do innnovative software without patents. * Reform of patent system (related to above) Many of the problems, in my view, are from the way we make the patent office a money-maker for the Government - they get paid when they award a patent. So, patents are supposed to be rare, only for innovative, new things, but we tell the patent office you get paid by the # of patents you award - awarding more patents is good - guess what they do? Suggestion - change the system, you pay to file, and get some back if awarded a patent. The smaller percentage of the filings that are awarded patent status, the more money the patent office takes in. Guess where their priority will be? Also need to beef up the office with more examiners, and require them to use more sources for determining prior art. Also recommend a reform that if a patent is challenged in the first year or two (successfully) in court, the patent holder AND the patent office pay all expenses of the winner. Bottom line - patents should be returned to original purpose - get innovation into the public arena for others to build on, not for companies to use to prevent competition and build monopolies. * DMCA Bad law, crimilizes INTENT, not action. Copyright violation was already a crime, should persecute under the laws that were in existance. Making laws that say breaking the law is wrong is wrong - we should already know that breaking the law is wrong, and it already has punishment. Even worse - DMCA doesn't even do that well - what it really says is I assume you're a criminal because of the tools you have that have legal uses (violates presumption of innocence). Also, the purpose of copyright, as well as patents (neither of which is specifically mentioned in the constitution) (read Thomas Jefferson's writings) was to incentivize people to put inventions writings out there for others to build on - temporary monopoly in return for making public. just some ideas, jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Re: Library automation (was Re: Happy Holidays NPL)
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 17:01:52 -0500, Randy Edwards [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: it), that at the time was not up to speed, but may be now: http://www.koha.org/ I've done some work with this system, and once installed it into a public school's library in Mass. I'd term your info as dated -- Koha is in growing use in both traditional, university and public/private school libraries. As I said, it was about 2 years ago. To me it looked good, but he indicated some issues with MARC and some of the specialized library stuff he did (he was a specialized librarian). It might have been that fact, vs being capable for general library use, that was the problem. Of course, being open source, I suspect it's improved (look where Linux, X, Gnome, KDE, etc have come in the last 2 years). The rest of your comments (cut for space) seem to indicate Koha is making inroads - which makes it a better reason to look at it (and I did suggest looking at it, suspecting improvement). Of course, with support, ANY Open Source can match commercial - I've noticed that, realistically, that's one of two the major reasons to pay for something, the other being installation - getting someone to install tailor for you. Both can be done with Open Source, and you gain options - because anyone CAN, you can find the best value for you. Sorry to delay responding, but, having carefully ensured availability by having two home systems, mirrored to ensure backup, they both died on me at the same time (laptop ate it's HD, my 7 year old main system's motherboard went out)! Add to that my Debian Install disk is apparently unreadable (worked last year - suspect it got scratched or something), I haven't had a computer for a while, and have to use the library computers. Good news is I have an 80MB HD on the laptop now, and I ordered the pieces for a new Athlon64 system - for under $1000! (of course, my big HD and DVD+-RW drive are moving over, along with my monitor, so that kept the price down. Also running (or will when the recompiles get done) 2.6.1-rc1. jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
Happy Holidays NPL
I'm actually alive in Alabama (and participating sometimes in MALU - the Montgomery Area Linux Users Group) when I'm not busy at school. Thought I'd wish everyone a happy new year. Also, so Rob's post about library stuff, I thought I could chime in with some resource (open source library management tools). Warning - I haven't really used these, but I know they are being used elsewhere (and credit where due, one of them maddog talked about from his South America trip, I don't remember which, but it got me started looking back then). The first is a link to a group that appears to track open source resources for library management: http://www.oss4lib.org/ one project I did look at briefly (actually, I had a professional librarian friend of mine look shortly after the maddog talk to see if we should implement it), that at the time was not up to speed, but may be now: http://www.koha.org/ Other links I quickly found: http://sourceforge.net/projects/jlibsystem/ http://nalanda.sourceforge.net/doc/index.html http://sourceforge.net/projects/libman/ Finally, one for managing a library of digital material: http://www.sadl.uleth.ca/nz/cgi-bin/library?a=pp=gsdl jeff ___ gnhlug-discuss mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
