[KLUG Members] KLUG Meeting Notes - 09/18/2001
magoo
members@kalamazoolinux.org
Fri, 21 Sep 2001 05:55:35 -0400
KALAMAZOO LINUX USER'S GROUP
MEMBERS AND GUESTS - COME JOIN US FOR A MEETING!!!
http://kalamazoolinux.org/meetings
WE MEET WEEKLY, EACH TUESDAY AT 7:00PM.
Our meeting site is Room 3210 Dunbar Hall <=== LOCATION HAS CHANGED!
on the main campus of Western Michigan University.
Tuesday September 18, 2001 7:00PM
KLUG Meeting Notes - Summary
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
II. NEXT WEEK'S MEETING INFO <=== PHP meets PDF
III. PROJECT REPORTS
IV. GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tonight's Meeting Moderator:
Chairperson - Dirk Bartley
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
THIS WEEK'S KLUG PRESENTATION: (19 active participants tonight)
*****************************************************************
Web-Based Database Application Programming (Web Development Month)
by Dirk Bartley
Tonight Dirk shared his personal adventure with using
Linux tools and apps to create an integrated web-based
database for books. He did his first project for his
wife's romance novel (1,100 books) collection and later
modified it for use in tracking KLUG's technical book
library holdings.
To accomplish this project Dirk had to learn HTML, PHP,
and SQL simultaneously. He also used Webmin, Netscape,
and the Apache Web Server to accomplish his task. He
stated from the start that he was doing this for fun and
did a whole lot of learning along the way. He told us
about that process and used dual SVGA projectors to
give us double the insight and enjoyment. Tonight's
example of how integrating Linux apps & ingenuity can
produce very efficient (if not amazing) results.
PRESENTATION SUMMARY
=====================
I. Project to create web-based database of books
A. Listed originally in a Word document
1. 1,100 books in the database & needed scaling
B. Tools - Webmin, Apache, PostgreSQL, Netscape, and PHP
1. Using Open Source programs for this project
C. Found Source Code on www.php.org for PEEPS
1. PEEPS originally was a contact manager app
2. Modification of existing open source code
a. How to alter/modify existing code
II. Dirk used dual SVGA projectors to present demo <very nice>
A. Tool integration of tables published in HTML
B. How the web server, database, & PHP do their work
1. The power and flexibility of PHP & data
C. Considerations in his project design - table usage
1. What is going on with the app integration
D. What Netscape gets is static HTML code on the fly
1. Appeared very fast (quick page loading)
III. Discussion of database design and data considerations
A. Scalability issues, design issues
B. Renormalizing the data as it expands
C. General Questions -
1. Various related discussions
See the results of Dirk's KLUG library web-based database
project and view the source code that is generated by his
data presentation configuration.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/librarydb/
Dirk graduated in 1991 from Western Michigan University
with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He is currently
employed as a Systems Administrator at Schupan Aluminum
Sales. There he administers the corporate network using
a system running Red Hat Linux. In his spare time Dirk
enjoys playing hockey, taking his dog a walk, using Linux
and learning about how software can be used to benefit
people.
---------------------------------------------------------------
COME TO A MEETING TO GET THE REALLY GOOD STUFF!!! Y U M M Y!
We had giant chocolate and blueberry muffins with nice cold
milk. A VERY TASTY & COOL TREAT!!! Thanks to Dirk Bartley
and Robert G. Brown for sharing these goodies with the group
tonight. The treats were served after the presentation. :)
---------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.
II. NEXT KLUG MEETING - TUESDAY 09/25/2001
********************************************************************
PHP Scripting Meets PDF Documents (Web Development Month Cont.)
by Mark Szidik
This night Mark Szidik will discuss the components and
methods for generating PDF files with PHP, including
adding PDF support to PHP, the PHP PDF related functions,
a sample program, and the PDPH library. What better way
to produce the world's most popular portable document
format than with the world's most popular web oriented
scripting language?
szidikm@mlc.lib.mi.us
http://www.mlc.lib.mi.us/about/index.html
NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.
III. LINUX OR KLUG RELATED PROJECT REPORTS -
N E W S F L A S H E S ! ! !
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
READ EXTREME LINUX NEWS FEED - IT ALMOST HAPPENS HERE
http://slashdot.org/search.pl?threshold=1&min=0&op=stories
*************************************************************
LIBRARY DATABASE HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND POSTED
Dirk Bartley has prepared a database to assist you
in locating and requesting KLUG library resources
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/library/
This was the demo for tonight's KLUG presentation
*************************************************************
NOW GET BS-WARE PRO!!! READY TO INSTALL <RPM>!
The Non-Commercial Red Hat v7.1.x with XFS v1.0.x!
http://kalamazoolinux.org/bsware/
*************************************************************
TAX DEDUCTIBLE STATUS - STILL WAITING FOR THE IRS!!!
The 501c3 application was sent to the IRS in December 1999.
We had an appeal hearing with our lawyer and an IRS agent.
We are told to expect a decision before October 2001!!!
The IRS has a better idea of what the organization is about.
We hope to hear from them REAL SOON with notice of our
charitable deductibility. Charitable and tax-exemption
status is routinely granted to educational not-for-profit
organizations. This should help us attain our financial
goals. We need working capital for increased Linux promotional
activities.
KLUG IS NOW THE PROUD OWNER OF A PRESENTATION PROJECTOR!!!
SPECIFICATIONS OF INFOCUS LP425ZVB PROJECTOR - Cost $1,599.00
7.4 pounds, 9x12x3.9, 900 lumens, Manual zoom lens
SVGA (800x600) with compressed XGA (1024x768)
HDTV support, 400:1 Contrast, Throw 5 to 20ft
16.7 million colors, 2.4 to 12.6ft image size
16 degree key stoning, 1 Watt audio
Thanks to Adam Williams for navigating the projector market.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
KLUG "PC SHOW" PUBLIC RELATIONS PROJECT
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The big yellow KLUG banner was proudly displayed at THE
AUGUST 12TH ALSCS COMPUTER SHOW in GRAND RAPIDS!!! Lots
of BS-Ware Linux CD-ROM's were sold and many contacts were
made. KLUG was well represented. Please Contact KLUG
Chairperson for info. "Dirk Bartley" <bartleyd2@net-link.net>
or Public Relations Director "Robert G. Brown" <bob@acm.org>
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
MICHIGAN POLIO NETWORK WEB SITE - INFORMATION PUBLISHED
http://www.mipolio.org/ <=== Check This Out!
This project has a coordinator to wrap it up, Brenda M. Williams.
MPN has asked us to assist them in getting their info
published for public use and access. The web content includes
information on post-polio disorders. For more info contact
"Brenda M. Williams" <bwilliams@cvalaw.com>
IF YOU KNOW OF ADDITIONAL LINKS that should be included
in the KLUG LINKS page... please send e-mail suggestions
to <linkmaster@kalamazoolinux.org> so the LINKS team of
Ted & Thad Juszczak can review the content of the site.
If you haven't checked these links out lately, take a look.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/links
GREAT MEETING PRESENTATIONS. Your opportunity
to share your Linux experiences and see what
other people are doing. Come enjoy a meeting!
If you have an IDEA FOR A KLUG PRESENTATION or know
of a good speaker, we want to hear about it! Make
contact with our KLUG Program Director, Adam Williams
<awilliam@whitemice.org>. A Pentium Class Desktop
PC, Ethernet/100 Web Connection, VGA Projector, VGA
Monitors, and Overhead Projector are is Available for
Use in KLUG Presentations! Contact Dirk Bartley
<bartleyd2@net-link.net>
BOOGIE'S CYBER CAFE - KLUG's public commercial Linux project.
Stop in and see this "pay-to-compute" implementation.
Check out - http://www.boogies.com/ Site by Matt Crampton!
This successful public demonstration of the flexibility and
suitability of Linux in a commercial environment provides
great exposure. This project provides a share of the profits
to fund KLUG activities. Members check on this LAN, remotely,
several times a day. The network support for Boogie's is being
supplemented by Peter Buxton. Robert G. Brown is supervising
the overall operation, remotely at times. The Linux OS STILL
remains cool, calm, and constant! Running Squid, NFS, sendmail,
and the Apache web server local now to host the Boogie's web site!
The web server is up. A game testing machine has been
configured. Various upgrades and enhancements are being applied
currently, including a replacement (233 MHz Pentium Pro) CPU
installed on the main server. Contact "Robert G. Brown"
<bob@acm.org> to help out or for more info.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WE NEED MORE BOOGIES NETWORK VOLUNTEERS
Get in on the Boogie's excitement!
Take a look via webcam - http://www.boogies.com/webcam.htm
Contact "Robert G. Brown" <bob@acm.org> to volunteer!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE LINUX VIDEO OUTREACH PROJECT -
We are looking for a new "Post-Production Video Project
Manager." Any ideas? An idea has been proposed to
include footage of KLUG meeting activities. A visual
demonstration of this "community supported" OS. The
subjects covered in the video include the internet, Linux,
and KLUG. This video will be presented repeatedly on local
public access channels for educational and KLUG/Linux
promotional purposes. KLUG presents "The Internet Demystified"
More info from "Robert G. Brown" <bob@acm.org> or "Dirk Bartley"
<bartleyd2@net-link.net>
NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.
IV. GENERAL KLUG ANNOUNCEMENTS
WHAT IS KLUG? -
KLUG is a volunteer group formed by and for LINUX
system users in the Kalamazoo Michigan area. We
support, promote, and develop activities related
to the use, study, and application of LINUX in the
local community.
THE BEGINNER'S MEETINGS ARE HELD the first Tuesday of each
month. Linux basics and distribution installs are the
lessons of these evenings. If you do want KLUG's FREE help
installing Linux on your computer at one of these meetings,
see URL: http://kalamazoolinux.org/meetings/installform.html
Contact the KLUG Installmasters for more information:
installmaster@kalamazoolinux.org
Note:
As Linux matures as an OS, the educational needs are evolving.
The Beginner's Meeting format is changing with those needs.
It is difficult to cover all the basics in one meeting. Linux
is not just for CS experts and IT professionals. The "BASICS"
meetings are intended for those with limited experience with
Operating System's or even Personal Computer's. Your comments
and questions are welcomed!
IF YOU KNOW OF ADDITIONAL LINKS that should be included
in the KLUG LINKS page... please send e-mail suggestions
to <linkmaster@kalamazoolinux.org> so the LINKS team
can review the content of the site.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/links
REDHAT LINUX CERTIFICATION information is available
from a KLUG officer. See the club listserv for more
info or check certifications on the Links page.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/links/certification.html
WEST MICHIGAN SEARCH & RESCUE - Web site is done.
Go there and see this KLUG public service project!
The site is ready for the next phase of development.
Contact Brenda Williams with questions or comments.
<brenda@cvalaw.com> Web site http://www.wmsar.org
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ > N E W S F L A S H < +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Y O U ARE ASKED TO REMEMBER THAT K L U G IS...
A ---> VOLUNTEER <--- ORGANIZATION!!!
Please Honor the Spirit of the GPL! Is it REALLY Free?
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
VOLUNTEER CLUB POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE:
All KLUG positions ARE occupied currently. Some KLUG
volunteers are doing double duty. Please consider
serving the members as one of the following...
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
PROJECT COORDINATOR Post-Production Video Outreach
OTHER POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE, SOME FILL TWO VOLUNTEER SLOTS!
More info from "Dirk Bartley" <bartleyd2@net-link.net>
*****************************************************************
# J O I N & S U P P O R T K L U G !!!
# Be a KLUG Supporting Member! $25 annually *
# ($.50 per meeting) TRULY A GREAT BARGAIN!!!
#
# THE SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE (= #)
*****************************************************************
# GREAT MEETING PRESENTATIONS. Your opportunity
to share your Linux experiences and see what
other people are doing. Come enjoy a meeting!
If you have an IDEA FOR A KLUG PRESENTATION or know
of a good speaker, we want to hear about it! Make
contact with our KLUG Program Director, Adam Williams
<awilliam@whitemice.org>. A Pentium Class Desktop
PC, Ethernet/100 Web Connection, VGA Projector, VGA
Monitors, and Overhead Projector are is Available for
Use in KLUG Presentations! Contact Dirk Bartley
<bartleyd2@net-link.net>
# NEW GOLD EDITION CD GIFT FOR KLUG PRESENTATIONS!
Also... you can choose a LinuxCare v1.6 Business Card CD,
while they last. In addition to the sincere appreciation
felt for those great KLUG presentations, presenters will
be given a gift of a new GOLD EDITION CD-ROM!
# NON-COMMERCIAL OR PERSONAL WEB SITE HOSTED on the
KLUG server. Single page .html files can be sent to the
interim KLUG webmaster@kalamazoolinux.org for
posting. These are intended to be low traffic web
sites displaying appropriate content.
# CHECK OUT THE NEW KLUG LIBRARY PAGE - See the updated
inventory listing of our KLUG Library. The items listed in
green are only available to KLUG supporting members.
We have Debian, SuSE, Mandrake, and WinLinux distribution
packages available in our library along with several others.
Did you know we have *non-Linux* distribution additions!
Everything else is available to anyone that can come to a
KLUG meeting. If you would like to check out one of these
items, please check it off and submit the form on the KLUG
library page. We are sharing these next two items as an F-Y-I !
Please do show up at the meeting if you have books requested.
What about you? Do you need to return any KLUG library books?
Contact Dirk Bartley for more info <bartleyd2@net-link.net>.
*************************************************************
RED HAT v7.1.x HAS BEEN RELEASED
# *************************************************************
************** BSWARE SOFTWARE DISCOUNTS ****************
This Linux distribution now comes on two (2) CD's.
Supporting Member Discount on BSware is $1.50 per
CD or 50% off! Bruce distributes a non-commercial
version of the Red Hat Linux OS! Notice - BSware
prices are $3 per CD. A Great Deal!!! Thanks Bruce!!!
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
VISIT http://kalamazoolinux.org/bsware/
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
NOW GET BSWARE PRO!!! READY TO INSTALL!
NEW! The Non-Commercial Red Hat v7.1.x with XFS! NEW!
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
See Bruce's BSware web site to find out what Linux & other
distributions and application software he has available.
E-mail him in advance about your needs and pick up your
CD's at the next meeting. bruce@armintl.com
**************************************************************
**************************************************************
# A PHP SIG HAS BEEN FORMED - FOR ALL those interested
in learning this powerful server-side scripting language.
THE FIRST MEETING WAS HELD Tuesday, June 13th at 7pm.
See the listserv info on the KLUG web site. Newbies and
experienced PHP developers alike will have ample opportunity
to share and encourage one another in the use of PHP. More
info from "Tony Gettig" <tony@gettig-group.com>
http://kalamazoolinux.org/listserv/ SIGN UP NOW!!!
# MAKE SURE YOU ARE SIGNED UP for the KLUG mailing list!
**********************
THIS IS THE WAY TO GET THESE WEEKLY KLUG MEETING NOTES! <--*HEY!*
**********************
Diversified mailing lists can be found on our web site.
http://kalamazoolinux.org/listserv/
Currently Available KLUG Lists:
- Common List (All Members)
- Assistance for New Linux Users
- Merits/Weaknesses of different Operating Systems
- PHP
*****************************************************************
TAX DEDUCTIBLE STATUS - STILL WAITING FOR THE IRS!!!
The 501c3 application was sent to the IRS in December 1999.
We have received notice that they are proceeding with the
processing of our request. We hope to hear from them
REAL SOON with notice of our charitable deductibility.
Charitable and tax-exemption status is routinely granted
to educational not-for-profit organizations. This should
help us attain our financial goals. We need working
capital for increased Linux promotional activities.
The Kalamazoo Linux Users Group would like to
thank the Law firm of Kreis Enderle Callander &
Hudgins for thier generousity toward KLUG. Matt
DePerno has made contributions of his time to
assist us in our attempts to achieve 501(c)(3) tax
status with the IRS!!!
NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.
Bring a friend... who was disappointed by a proprietary OS!
THANKS to ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL, INC. for providing their
much appreciated IT Resources to support KLUG and Linux.
THANKS to MORRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. for providing their
VGA Projector to support KLUG and Linux presentations.
THANKS to YAKKO/WMU Computer Club for providing their
T-1 net feed via a 10-based T 100 Mbs network cable and
a rolling overhead VGA Projector to support KLUG and Linux
presentations. Thanks to Wes Leonard and the Yakko team!
>><< send corrections, additions, flames to the KLUG scribe >><<
mag00@voyager.net or magoo@yakko.cs.wmich.edu
Space & Time Coordinates: Planet Earth During the Holocene Period