[Hampshire] Ram offered and wanted
Hi I'm in need of a couple of modules of DDR3 2gb if anyone has to donate or sell please. On that subject, I've got a large variety of everything older, so let me know on or off forum if you need any. Thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] PC up for grabs
Hi I've got an ageing but functioning Compaq deskpro for anyone who wants it for playing / backups etc. Pentium 4 32-bit, 512mb RAM, 20gb IDE HDD, ATA CD rom. Debian xfce loaded. Free to collect from Overton (Nr Basingstoke). May have the odd larger HDD to go as well (up to 120gb). -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Subject: Re: Linux friendly printer
Hi Another +1 for Samsung. I got a ML-1520 from freecycle a few years ago and it was pretty much plug and play (or you would probably have had a phone call ;-) ). Lasted about 3 years on the first cartridge so far with obviously occasional use. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Recruitment + intro evening for Red Hat
Folks An internal recruiter from Red Hat got in touch with me as they are taking on a lot of employees, and want to widen their network. They are setting up quarterly open evenings, and whilst this one is in London the next may be in Farnborough. Here is the email direct from Red Hat, so any enquiries to Adrian please. When it comes to managing IT infrastructure our philosophy at Red Hat is if a task has to be manually repeated more than three times, then it can be automated. That way we can spend less time repeating tedious tasks and more time deploying great software. In spirit of automation Red Hat has decided to host a special event in our Baker Street office where we will discuss one of our favourite configuration management tools; Puppet. By the end of the evening you will see how our consultants actively deploy and configure Puppet for managing tasks that sysadmins often do manually, freeing up to focus on projects that deliver greater business value. This event is taking place on the 14th May from 7pm to 9pm. We'll be providing beers and pizza and you're welcome to bring guests. If you would like to attend this event please respond to this message, including the name of any guests, and I'll make sure to ensure there is a space reserved for you. The deadline is Monday 11th May. Best Regards, Adrian Knight Talent Acquisition Partner, Delivery Red Hat https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjohnknight Cell: +44 7824 569312 Office: +44 1252 362418 Email: akni...@redhat.com --- -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Work opportunity - Server support for SMEs
Hi I am looking for someone to set up and run linux systems for small and medium businesses. Typical uses will be related to CRM and / or ERP, almost always using the more common open source packages. My role in these businesses focuses on their setup, marketing and growth but I want to work in partnership with another to offer some of the infrastructure to go with it. The demand is far from full-time at the moment so I need to work with someone who has their own client base or source of income. However, I cannot partner with a busy contractor who is available for a few days but then has to disappear for weeks because of a demanding contract - I can caretake some of the technical functions but not jobshare. Call me on 01256 806596 / 07715 539386 to chat this one over. Thanks for reading, folks. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Government open standards - the curious case
John Many thanks, interesting and amusing reading indeed. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Google drive files and dropbox
Firstly, thanks to those who have come up with suggestions. Although interesting, it proves that my original post was too vague. Thanks to all of you who have the patience to have another go. Problem I use a hosted training system from which I want to link to files which a few people can edit. The hosted system is not up for debate or modification, and can't be used to host those files Files could be kept in Dropbox or Google Drive (I'd rather not add any more storage options to my collection) Google Drive suits the other party better I like the easy offline use then sync abilities of Dropbox I run debian testing, and I'm not looking to change OS or machine to solve this relatively small issue We are talking about a dozen files, mainly WP documents and a MS project file Question I'm looking for something which can sync a Dropbox Directory with a Google Drive one. Has anyone tried any of he free tools available to do this? Thanks very much -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Google drive files and dropbox
Hi Does anyone have experience (good or bad) of sync'ing drive files locally, or directly with a dropbox account, with linux as the OS. I'm not into a debate about the trust / security issues of either as they are a separate issue. There simply seems to be a variety of free and paid-for offerings and I'd welcome the experience of anyone who has tried to achieve this themselves. Personally, dropbox works for me but I need to be able to link to files in a cloud as opposed to locally. Running a separate data server myself is not an option. Many thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Open Source CRM
Robin I'm a tad confused - a search shows Full Circle Podcast (your email address) as a sideshoot of Full Circle Magazine, which supports the Ubuntu community. If that is you guys then I would have thought you have all the information in house somewhere. If that's not you, then there needs to be a discussion about one of you changing your names to reduce confusion. Your question - Sugar CRM has a community edition which can be run on a server free of charge (though do remember that not all open source software = free to use however you like). I've used it for several years during which time it needed little attention. Your main cost will be in setting up a server and the application properly, and like any software that's a necessary investment in expertise. There is a demo site that you can use to try out what it can do, but I think it's in the top couple of CRM systems worldwide. Also consider Zoho, which I think has a community edition. If it looks as if you need a lot of customisation to get a package to work for you, consider how you do your admin. A lot of systems work well as delivered and if you are willing to adapt to the way the package is written you will save loads of effort compared to making it fit all of your own admin details. Unless of course your admin system just has to be done a certain way to work at all. Contact me offline if you need, my details are easy enough to find. Good luck -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Recycling and old sky+ box
Hi Can't find an answer for this in our archives and some forums seem a bit tight-lipped, but here goes. I've been given a sky+ box and would like to use it as a PVR. No intention to hack into restricted channels etc, just want to avoid having to download to laptop from get-iplayer and plug that into the TV. Failing that I'll just rip out the HDD and re-use. So, does anyone know how to nuke the existing OS and turn it into a PVR please? Not interested in recovering anything that has already been recorded onto the drive. Many thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Softphone for windows
Hi Simple question - any one have good or bad stories about a windows 7 softphone for use with sipgate? I happily use the gigaset N300A IP kit (thanks for the steer, Chris D) but a friend wants to try the concept first before buying the lot, which is fair enough. They are not particularly worried about the mobile device options - when they are out of the office, they are out of the office! Before you ask, friend is not likely to move from Windows, which is great since I inherited her last two retired machines that were too slow for it, but fine on debian :-) Thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] The future of Linux / career advice
Dear all I just wanted to thank Ally for publicly asking the oft-debated with some good points, then Vic for starting the replies going with an excellent and understanding response pitched at just the right level. Thank you to the rest of the responders so far - very informative and varying opinions, yet lacking any of the sniping or sometimes entrenched views that can sometimes creep in. A great welcome to any new members to the forum - have a good day everyone. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Little job needed for TV video company
Hi For anyone interested, I know the current provider, who is willing to have a brief chat about the job. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Promoting LUG meets via social networking (Chris Dennis)
Hi Just try to log in and say forgotten password. Somebody who is hopefully still reading the list will get the reset code. Otherwise, I agree with Popey and others that social media would be useful, but it does need a strategy (meaning a bit of a plan, not a multi-page project). Maybe we could decide delegate this LUG, with different peoples' experiences. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Committee posts - treasurer
Thank you, gents. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Committee posts - treasurer
All Apologies if someone has already volunteered for this post and I didn't notice, but I am willing to stand and take care of the relatively small number of transactions we get. Unfortunately I am working away on the day of the meeting so cannot be there. Anyone willing to second me? Cheers -- Ed Beckmann -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] HDD carrier for Dell optiplex (or similar) wanted please
Hi I've acquired an old optiplex to revamp and thanks to Imran an HDD. All works fine. However, the drive bay is much larger than the HDD so I presume there is a metal slot-in carrier or something to keep it in place. Although I have made a temporary fix, I bet someone has just the thing taking up room amongst their spares. If you know what I mean and have one, would love to help you de-clutter. Will be at the LUG in Soton tomorrow. Thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Poweredge server earmarked for someone
Hi The server has found a new purpose for its life. Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Anyone want a Poweredge 1800 server?
Free to good home I believe it all works - single processor on board, DVD, floppy and tape drive but no HDDs or RAM. Would prefer collection from Overton, but wiling to take it to a Hants LUG meet providing you lift it out of the boot - it is a heavy beast! -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] scrounging a SATA HDD
Hi All Does anyone have a serviceable SATA HDD they no longer need (and will give away) please? Have been given a driveless box which it would be nice to recycle. Any speed or capacity would do to be honest. Thanks, and happy egg-hunting! -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] discussion at the LUG meeting - web-enabled booking system
Vic, Ian, Tim - thanks. Look forward to seeing one or more of you later. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] recording a webex seminar
Hi I want to listen to a webex webinar session and also record it, but am struggling to find a recent posting on forums about what to record with. Anyone had success with this please? Currently on ubuntu 10.04 netbook, mint 9 fluxbox and mint 11 lxde. Thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] recording a webex seminar
Al Sorry - mainly interested in the audio only but knowing both would prevent a future posting. Only screen grabbers I have tried is krecord, which was naff (for me). So I'm starting with zero knowledge I'm afraid. Has one of your blog postings done it? Thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] volunteer for general officer
Hi All Having just caught up with the dialogue it looks as if there are still vacancies. I am willing to stand as a general officer and muck in where I can. So, here's a name to start with. See you in December. Cheers -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] KVM and Num lock problem
Hi I run Mint LXDE and fluxbox, and my KVM switches both need Scroll Lock down arrow, down arrow or Scroll Lock up arrow, up arrow to switch. I guess the triggers are built into the switch, but though I'd mention it. Good luck -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] error competition
Hi All As it's friday and I have just caused my longsuffering sysadmin to moan at my stupidity yet again , I thought I would offer a challenge for amusing typos or human errors. Examples could be: who can do the most damage to a system with the fewest number of keystrokes? what duff error gives the most spectacular failure? what error can trigger the longest chain of disasters? I am sure you get the gist Bonus marks for anyone brave / foolhardy enough to say I did ... as opposed to I knew someone who did ... -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] error competition - thanks
Thanks guys - really brightened my day (though Sean, your datacentre story bears a remarkable resemblance to the series of deaths in a certain hospital bed where the polisher was plugged in instead of the monitors ;-) ). Funny the lack of windows stories - is it because it is difficult to tell the operator error disasters from the ones that come in the box? Good weekend all. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] [OT] BT Broadband?!
Hi Chris I certainly have very limited experience, but of the few people I have heard complain about unreliable broadband and / or routers, all were with BT. Knowing that when your business relies on broadband the most important criterion is that it works all the time, that alone would warn me off. Although I use Zen and am high in the price stakes because of it, it has performed perfectly and my Mum's allegedly high-speed virgin cable has only just started to offer a higher performance. So on cost I may save £10 a month at very best - that ain't worth one bit of down-time in a year for me. My wifi router came free from freecycle, so you might be lucky as well. Totally see the attraction of hotspots for your situation though - maybe you could always meet in a certain chain of coffee houses who have a membership deal? So for what it's worth even the hint of a reliability risk ain't worth the potential saving, but that may not be the same for you. Cheers -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] [IMPORTANT] Networking for this weekend's Bring a Box meeting - Thanks
Chris Can I thank you in advance for helping us to respect an organisation's procedures, and for generously guiding us through them. I think that like you, most responsible LUG members are reasonable enough to acknowledge that security is dealt with in many ways, and for many reasons that an outsider may not be aware of or understand. Hopefully there will soon be a simple process we can accept and where appropriate give constructive feedback to. Meanwhile, thanks to you and Adam for your patience. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] simple description of open source etc.
Hi Thanks to those of you who read my post and gave a considered response. Those who know me are aware that my income does not come from selling computer services. They will know that I just happen to be a non-technical person who wants to share the benefits I have received but have no simple response to every question. For those of you who run open source support - do contact me off line. Completing the case for someone to consider a wider range of software is your job - my aim is to encourage people to get as far as phoning you. For those who went nowhere near being helpful and imagined many things about my reasons for asking, never let the facts get in the way of your opinions because the real world can be quite frightening. I have a sneaky feeling that uptake of open source, especially in a small office context, is closely related to the number of people who cannot answer a simple question in a helpful manner. Enjoy the sunshine everyone - see some of you at the next LUG as long as I can get that damn phone box to take off. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] simple description of open source etc.
Hi I often meet people with small businesses and most struggle with the concept of open source software. My simple aim is to make them aware that there are alternatives to MS and Mac for them to consider. Without wanting to debate the subtleties (open source / licences / distros) that have been covered in the past, does anyone know of a well written piece which I can refer people to? Requirements are: less than one side of A4 (preferably a paragraph) very plain language - it's for people who treat a computer like a toaster, turn it on and it works balanced view I acknowledge the fact that many people expect something as complex as a computer to be as simple as a toaster, but frankly that is not the point. I would like to highlight: it usually works reliably and quickly it is often free of charge it is less prone to viruses there is no catch. I have the most problems with the latter - in a business context people think that not charging for something does not make sense, so therefore there must be a catch or the software is useless. Thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Mapping software
Hi Not much detail, but I saw Hants County Council using stuff like you describe about 4 years ago. They could pick villages of say x'000 people and get the average time to get to A E departments for example, with the results both listed and as map overlays (in this case villages with time 30 mins were circled). For sure it would have been a paid-for service then, but it just proves it has been there, been done. Good luck -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] [off topic] Unable to submit document to govt dept
Hi To answer your question - yes, this is correct. Some of the handshaking on submission relies on being hard-coded - I could not understand more than that and was not going to waste time trying to fix it. I spoke to the support guys at Companies house last year and they were both aware of it and sympathetic (i.e. they had heard of linux and did not ask why I didn't use windows like any other sensible person!). I keep a machine with an xp partition which gets used twice each year - guess why? Having said they know about it, it's a shame it is not fixed because it takes a tangible amount of time to submit in any case. It's just one of those things that to lobby about would be much less use than getting on with the business. Yours sympathetically -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] USB switches
Hi All Like most of you, I have a few computers and need to share a couple of printers and an external HDD. None of the computers is on all the time so I do not want to rely on it to do hosting / sharing - are there any USB switches that people can either highly recommend or avoid at all costs please? Only constraint is I do not want something that runs from the mains all of the time. Driving stuff from the router is not an option either. Thanks Ed -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] kit clearance
Hi It's a long story, but as part of a job lot I have a load of odds and ends going begging. All were apparently removed due to upgrades rather than breakdown, but be aware they did come to me all unwrapped and in one box! Anyway, available to collect from Overton or I can bring along to a meeting. Firstly - the non - computer bit - a Ferguson 14 portable CRT colour TV which I know *does* work. computer bits: epson stylus 640 - definitely worked when I last used it - great for someone who wants to use a parallel port again two off dell mobo 3m537 - looks like a GX260. one PIII 800, one heat sink and fan set, one dell AGP card dell desktop power supply - a really thin one with wedge shaped end model NPS-1100CB 5 off PCI modems, 2 off PCI voice / fax modems (must be something creative you can do with these) 2 off internal modems - the non-pci ones that are much shorter 3 off 5gb HDD's 2 soundblaster cards 3 off CD-roms, black A few athlons, about 2700 / 2800, a PII, couple of PIIIs and P4's. These were all neatly wrapped so come with a more optimistic chance of working. A couple of heat sink / fan sets, looks like they were from the athlons. Do let me know if you would like to stick them somewhere. -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] mobo wanted
Hi A long shot, but my mobo with athlon 2800 has died and I need another similar up and running asap (relying on the laptop) if you have an old one around for grabs please. Thanks -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] xml advice please
Hi I confess to almost no knowledge of xml or using it in forms etc, and am finding it tricky to decide what to learn form various resources. but here is the problem I want to solve: I need to throw a load of text data into a package. The package has import xml as an option, and I have done a dummy import / export successfully. The data is a few hundred records of 2 or 3 fields that currently live in an open office spreadsheet, and I just want to create the import file like this: xml heading stuff xml record header some code first field more code second field and more last field xml record footer xml record header some code first field more code second field and more last field xml record footer repeated for x records xml footer stuff I suppose the ideal would be some form of data merge on open office using writer or base, but has anyone got any tips please? It's the kind of thing that is probably an office type of trick as opposed to learning scripts or other just for one task. I will need to run the import once initially then every few months as a small number of records gets added, for just one system. Many thanks Ed -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Nokia venue
Hi Robert Just to add my vote and thanks for the use of the Nokia building. It is really convenient for me and I have never had any problems with access / parking / welcome etc. For people in the north of Hants it is great. Thanks again for being the host -- Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] a drawing puzzle
Hi I need to produce a diagram which is essentially a hexagon of things that look like jigsaw pieces. Imagine if you had a large jigsaw that was hexagon shaped - I want the edge pieces. I can probably mess about with inkscape and achieve this once (any hints and tips welcome), but is there a simple plugin for inkscape, gimp or some other app where I can dial in the number of sides (from 5 to 10) and it throws a diagram at me? Someone must have had to do this before! Many thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] [OT] Letter to investors
Keith Nicely put. So often we see features (which are addictive to add when you are designing / producing a product) with diminishing benefits. As you quite rightly point out, people generally need solutions to their problems, unless your product falls into the 'mine has something yours has not' category. Damian Once you have the benefits nailed then you compare the benefits to the competition's list and honestly ask 'which benefits are so much better in yours that they would people pay extra money for or leave their current choice?'. Simplest way to do all this is to make a list of your types of 'customer' - large corp, small corp, school etc. and use them as column headings. Then list your features in rows of a table and tick the columns where these features are benefits. Put a double tick where it is a killer benefit. Where two cols have similar ticks, they will respond similarly to the same marketing material. Where they differ, you need to send a different message. Where a feature results in no ticks dump it. bye Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] open office database reports
Calling all oo experts. I know someone who uses oo for some word processing but keeps MS Access because he can't do the reporting he wants in oo. My challenge is to complete the transition out of sheer hatred of Access. So - fields are business sector, company name, description, phone, url. Report output needed - two-columns in a5 grouped by sector, listing the 4 other fields underneath each other (co, desc etc.). He actually puts this into quark (bit more oo 3 education needed) to print directories at the end of a book. Two columns is easy but I get stuck on fields underneath each other rather than in tables. Have looked on ootemplates with no success. What's in it for us? The directories are for local businesses so the more supportive of open source he is, the more he recommends it to load of people. Equally free listing in the next edition. Thanks all Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] OT: Domains purchased via UK2
Hi I had some to be transferred from Newnet (used them because Business Link did and they were in the county) and they wanted £50 apiece. If you contact Nominet directly they prefer you to transfer amicably, but if not they will do it (about 1 year ago, £11.50). Cheers Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] Radio 4 Click On
Hi Good luck with this one. A few comments: 1. I wrote to my MP about the digital economy bill and received a very prompt but standard reply from my Tory MP (Sir George Young) by post, mainly pointing out there were some inaccurate rumours and the bill was being rushed, but not responding to whether he supported the principles or not. So I would suggest that as best practice every communication from an MP should end with a statement whether they currently support or do not support the issue in question. Saying 'this is very important ' is worthless - I just need to know the yes / no answer 2. as best practice, if communication is received by email it should be responded to by email. My letter was two pages on thick paper, so I almost felt guilty at the cost to the environment of my registering a view 3. the attendance was stupidly low. Why is there not a principle that: a) MPs must register their vote electronically; b) they should record a vote for at least 80% (or a significant number) of the bills each quarter; c) bills can only be recorded as voted for if 90% of the votes have been recorded (i.e. a majority of 1 is fine, providing most of the MPs registered a vote); d) the public can pre-register their votes electronically, so there would be stats available comparing the MPs vote with their constituents' preferences. 4. there should be a simple summary available for each bill that shows: registered conflicts of interest; who proposed it; timescales; core bill objective; core points; voting records of each MP and (when available) public views by constituency 5. it should be stated govt' policy that all publicly-funded organisations store their data in open standard formats IMO the party system is fundamentally flawed as it casts aside local views. Note the public leaders debate which is useless to me because none of those three will be on my voting slip. So should I listen to their views or my local candidate's ones? Hope this gives something geek-related to go on. Any more, I'm happy off-topic. Cheers Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] greetings card makers
Hi to all. Thank you for so many options, and the link-shrinker is a real bonus. I have a couple of public maps in google maps I have wanted to share on forums recently but they have huge links and I'll try out a few of these options. As a temp measure I just bodged an oo drawing with upside-down text boxes but looking forward to the real thing. Next challenge - explaining that clipart and photos are all just files that you can get on the web, save then insert. The unfortunate part about some of the simple windows card makers and clipart collections is that they let you do something clever without ever appreciating it. Cheers Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] greetings card makers
Hi Of the many buggy and naff programmes my Mum used to use on windows, card makers were some of them. As she is not savvy enough to just use open office to insert and rotate images, does anyone know of a very simple linux program or templates? I have had a quick look but only found one (free greeting card maker 1.9.*), which has really low ratings. I find them naff, but simpler to explain to a 79-year-old than DIY documents. Thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Re unpicking GPS data
Thanks for the help guys - home work for me but some good leads to follow up. The ultimate would be a plugin for google maps where you can highlight all unrestricted roads in a different colour! I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks Sean for giving me another netbook option. Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] any experience of the Samsung N210 netbook ?
Hi I've been asked to get a netbook ( £300 - 400) with about 10in screen for working on the move, doing the odd presentation (with projector) and demo-ing a few web-based bits. Most netbooks on linux will happily be a miniature, portable server but the samsung N210 has caught my eye, mainly 'cos of 2-button mouse pad, Atom 450, 2gb ram, nice feel to the keyboard and large battery. It seems that the most likely gotcha with netbooks will be unreliable wifi, so does anyone have experience of these things they could pass on please? I acknowledge that asking 'which netbook' is a free for all since we are all different, and compatability is probably more relevant than spec. Laptops are out as they do not fit into my motorbike top-box, but basically I want a shrunken laptop. Storage, hdmi irrelevant. So - your views welcome please. Thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] Unpicking gps data
Hi I have no idea where to start, but I'd like to display all of the roads in the UK that are deristricted, but not motorways. The simple reason is that I am a motorcyclist, and am frustrated with picking nice bendy roads on a map to find they are all 30 or 40mph. There are a few 'best roads' sites, but they tend to be for head down, ass-in-the-air performance bikes that seem to like going at 140mph along straight roads. So, the idea is to suck the data out of a gps device (not that I have one), and then ask it stuff. I assume that gps data is a database with name, class, start point, end point, speed grading, speed limit etc. Can anyone help please (suggesting I get a push-bike and stop polluting the planet is not necessarily classed as help, in case you were tempted)? Thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] wifi point wanted
Hi Does anyone who has bought a flash new wireless system have a basic old access point they don't want? I could occasionally use it at home - speed is not critical so maybe the chance to get rid of an old steam-driven box to a grateful scrounger. Many thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] calling blog gurus
Update on earlier post. I now understand better that multiple posting is counter-productive, but still want something I can compose my entries in, mark the site they are destined for, and keep track of in one place, under categories. I'd like to compose offline (on trains etc). Hope this makes sense to those who know. Ta -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] pcworld southampton linux (pavithra
Hi There are a couple of issues here and I'm not going to particularly add to the MS debate. 1. online buying v shop buying 2. good advice v poor advice 3. targeting your customer 1. online stores do not have the costs of employing assistants, keeping lights on, having displays, renting shops or car parks. Obviously they will be more expensive than online unless they are going to go bust. Shops are for people who are willing to pay for advice. parking etc. Saying you can buy online cheaper is about as constructive as walking into a restaurant and saying the ingredients are cheaper in Tesco's. I would be amazed if you really expected to get a netbook for a decent price. 2. some shop assistants give poor advice, some give better and this depends on their training and motives. If PC World make a markup on having a bit of kit with windows on it, they are a bit dumb to try and get customers to buy something without windows or to use open source software. Although there is a moral debate about shop assistants acting in the customer's best interests here, a business goes bust if it consistently advises people how to do without it. PC World's job is to make money, not ensure best value for people who use computers. 3. PC World's intended main customer is not necessarily a person who is an expert in hardware or software. Those of us who invest in our learning can save or make money by using it - a PC World customers pays more than they need because they lack either the time to do research or the awareness that they could. What's my conclusion? I am certainly no fan but acknowledge that MS is not totally stupid to have managed people's knowledge (or lack of it) so effectively to date. They have managed to be seen as the only real option for a lot of people's lifetimes! The way us open source fans can help is in subtly and gently helping people to become aware of the alternatives, and helping them in small steps. We can waste a lot of time and energy by pushing against simple business economics of IT suppliers and retailers unless we take a moment to consider how they operate. Thanks for reading Ed That employee didn't have anything to tell he just slipped away LOL I bought my 8 GB pen drive for 13 ? and left the PC world singing I am a PC and I use linux :D Disclaimer: PC world might have been doing this for long time . This is the first time I ever set foot in a big computer shop . I know that I can buy cheap netbooks online but I would like to touch and feel it on a shop before buying . Regards, Pavithran -- pavithran sakamuri www.pavithran.org -- -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk -- End of Hampshire Digest, Vol 34, Issue 6 -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] A sad day for me (and Tux??). A good day for Bill?
Lisi I got gnome sound recorder included in ubuntu 8.04) going with no expertise on my part, and captures bbc fine. Having said that, I recently stuffed it either during an update or later, when adding kde to the mix. I live in the hope of resurrecting it at the LUG meet on Sat! XP seems to record for just one minute on its default sound recorder, which is hardly enough time to utter 'I wonder if anyone is interested in a job ...' See you on Sat Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
Re: [Hampshire] powering off USB external HDDs - apparently no solution
Hi Probably the last posting on this one - loads of searching reveals a heap of unsuccessful tries. Commonly held view is that it can't be done, so if anyone does have the power off secret they will please loads of Linux users and we will need to share the answer widely (or use it for fundraising by posting it on an MS pay-for-an-answer forum). Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
[Hampshire] [ADMIN] Talks for future meetings
Hi I'd love to hear the desktop for Dad talk. Being one of the lower-tech members what I would benefit from is the detail of things like 'just setting up an SSH connection' etc, where my knowledge falls way short. I do appreciate that I may be the minority in this one, but volunteer to document the whole process from switch-on forwards, since it has such great potential to introduce an affordable, managed system to new users. Other than that, has anyone paused to analyse how they go about fault-finding? For example, loads of decisions are made in a split-second by experienced people, but there may be an underlying sequence that we could discover / discuss / compare. For example car won't start - does the ignition come one; does the starter go click; does it turnover; etc? I can't offer knowledge for a talk I am afraid, but do offer the kind of questions that goes right back to underlying assumptions. Thanks Ed -- Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk --
