[KLUG Members] KLUG Meeting Notes for 08/05/2003
magoo
members@kalamazoolinux.org
05 Aug 2003 23:55:20 -0400
KLUG Meeting Notes: Tuesday - August 05, 2003 7:00PM
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
II. NEXT WEEK'S MEETING INFO <=== PERL Database (DBI)!!!
III. KLUG MAILING LISTS
IV. KLUG & LINUX NEWS FLASHES
V. KLUG CONTACT & MEETING INFO
Tonight's Meeting Moderator: KLUG Chairperson - Todd Pillars
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
THIS WEEK'S KLUG PRESENTATION: (21 KLUG meeting participants)
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Linux for Beginners
by Todd Pillars
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,
http://kalamazoolinux.org/meetings/installform.html
Contact the KLUG Installmasters for more information:
installmaster@kalamazoolinux.org
- and -
ORDER YOUR SOFTWARE HERE: http://kalamazoolinux.org/bsware
Now is the time to get started! Linux is becoming a mainstay
of free software, free choice, dependability and power.
===============================================================
THE STANDARD KLUG BEGINNER'S PRESENTATION - LINUX BOOT CAMP!!!
http://kalamazoolinux.org/presentations/beginner01.html
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PRESENTATION SUMMARY!
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Tonight we had several installations and a newbie Linux tour.
Paul and Carol brought in their PC and asked for assistance
in getting BSWare v9.12 up and twinkling. They had picked
up a BSWare CD set at the A1SCS show and it turned out to
be defective. We showed them that installs are much easier
with non-defective CD's. Joe Roman picked up a P1/166 at
the WMU surplus sale this weekend for $20 and was getting
help installing IPCop on the PC for use as his new firewall.
If you do not have a standalone PC based hardware firewall,
what are you waiting for? Dirk set up a client for the KLUG
LTSP server and gave Ted a Linux newbie tour of the desktop
and other aspects of the Open Source OS!
The rest of the KLUGites broke into informal discussions or
perhaps more aptly described as technology exchanges. Lots
of application, configuration, and admin information was
being offered up. There were lots of smiles being shared.
We had four new attendees this evening and they found out
about us from the KLUG promotional efforts at the A1SCS
(traveling computer show at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds).
This outreach seems to be working! All of those KLUG
volunteers who have been involved in this effort should
be aware that it is paying off well. WELCOME NEW ATTENDEES!!!
Spread the word in your workplace and throughout the community
that KLUG exists to support Linux users and the rest of the
Open Source spectrum. Everyone is welcome and even encouraged
to get involved.
The KLUG Nutrimaster, William, brought chips, candy, and
peanuts for us to snack on and even made coffee. A big
T H A N K S to him for helping KLUG out with this task.
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!
Todd Pillars is the Chairperson of KLUG! His first PC
was a 1981 TRS-80 Model 3 2.03Mhz, 16K ram, 5 1/4 floppy
running TRS-DOS and QBASIC. In 1997 he started running
a web development company that hosted web sites with Red
Hat 5.2. He was named the Executive Director of Southwest
Michigan Information Technology Institute in 2003. SMITI
provides education and alternatives to proprietary OS's and
software. They supply technology to small startup companies.
He has memberships in KLUG, Chamber of Commerce, and GLIMA.
Admittedly a HUGE Detroit Red Wings fan who loves NASCAR too.
II. NEXT KLUG MEETING - TUESDAY 08/12/2003
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Perl DBI: Database/Datasource Access With Perl
by Robert G. Brown
Two important aspects of modern applications are flexible database
access and well thought out, modular design. The PERL Database
Interface (DBI) provides access and is a good example of design.
We'll cover the installation, configuration, and use of this tool,
with examples.... for database, web-based, and general application
development purposes.
Robert Brown is a founding member, past chairman, the current
publicity director of KLUG, and has over 25 years experience
in software development in numerous environments, disciplines,
and industries. An intermittent user of UNIX systems for over
15 years, Bob has developed applications with Linux in in the
course of his professional and volunteer activities. He can
also be seen cycling the Kal-Haven trail, wandering around,
perpetrating nature photography or traveling to some fairly
unusual places. Recently, he was elected to chair a major
a SIG of the ACM.
III. K L U G M A I L I N G L I S T S -
*************************************************************
Diversified mailing lists can be found on the KLUG web site.
http://kalamazoolinux.org/listserv/
Facilitated by - John Bridleman listmaster@kalamazoolinux.org
Sign up and participate to serve the Open Source community!!!
(240 plus registrations on the "KLUG members" mailing list)
IV. K L U G & L I N U X N E W S F L A S H E S ! ! !
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RED HAT SUES SCO, SETS UP LEGAL FUND [SCO = BOTTOM FEEDERS]
"Red Hat has released a PR Newswire article stating that it intends
to sue SCO Group to prove that it doesn't infringe any of SCO's
intellectual property.
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/08/04/1817247&mode=thread&
tid=110&tid=126&tid=163&tid=187&tid=88
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NOVELL BUYS XIMIAN - INTERVIEW WITH NOVELL'S CHRIS STONE
An interview with Chris Stone, who is the Vice Chairman of Novell.
Stone says that Novell will be introducing a Linux distribution
with Novell products and the Ximian desktop, but that they are
not out to compete with Microsoft. He also expressed some
gratitude to Red Hat for counter suing SCO."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/08/05/124237&mode=thread
&tid=170&tid=187
http://www.novell.com/news/press/archive/2003/06/pr03045.html
=====================================================================
LINUX FIT FOR THE SERVER ROOM
The InfoWorld Test Center surveys the Linux server landscape --
both OSes and 64-bit hardware.
http://www.infoworld.com/reports/SRlinux.html
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THE NEXT WAVE: 64-BIT LINUX
For those who cheer -- or fear -- Linux's steady push into the
enterprise, the game is about to become more interesting. The new
64-bit Itanium 2- and Opteron-powered servers are here, and in
this issue our Test Center analyzes both the hardware and server
software -- a twin package that will be particularly valuable to
anyone planning the next-generation datacenter.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/08/01/30OPeditor_1.html
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LINUX IS A PROCESS, NOT A PRODUCT
"Debian founder Ian Murdock says that Linux is a process, not a
product. He also says that the product mentality 'misses the entire
point of Linux and the open-source development model.' Because
Linux is made up of many different components developed on
independent time frames, Murdock posits, to refer to Linux as a
product is to strip it of its dynamism and closes its inherently
open nature. Instead, he says that Linux should be viewed as a
shared platform and infrastructure technology, and that business
models should reflect that or else Linux risks becoming proprietary,
closed and just another cookie-cutter piece of software."
http://slashdot.org/articles/03/08/01/138204.shtml?tid=126&tid=163
=====================================================================
DESKTOP LINUX SLIDING IN UNDER THE RADAR?
"This article at ComputerWorld describes a sysadmin's discovery that
many people in his company are installing Linux on their desktops
without consulting IT. The writer is concerned with the security
implications, but there is a wider issue. At present the 'official'
penetration of Linux into the desktop market is something around 1%.
The writer of this article doesn't give figures, but it sounds like
he may have stumbled on several times that percentage of desktop
Linux installations. If so then this is an important trend. Linux
got its foot in the data center door in exactly the same way a few
years ago, with unofficial installations doing odd server jobs.
If you are a sysadmin, in an organization that runs Windows on
the desktop, have you stumbled on many unofficial Linux
installations?"
http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/31/2110221
&mode=thread&tid=126&tid=163
=====================================================================
INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN KERNIGHAN
"Linux Journal has an interesting interview with Brian Kernighan
where he talks about AWK, AMPL and how he had nothing to do with
the creation of C."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/30/1324219
&mode=thread&tid=126&tid=130&tid=156&tid=185&tid=190
=====================================================================
MOZILLA THUNDERBIRD V0.1 RELEASED
"The Mozilla Thunderbird (stand-alone Mozilla based mail/news reader)
developers have just released their first milestone: version 0.1,
available for Mac Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. The v0.1 release notes
highlight some of the bigger features like customizable toolbars, UI
extensions, contact manager sidebar, simplified UI, 3-pane mail
window option, and spell checker. Also of note, Mozilla's usage
share has risen from 1.2% in February to 1.6% now, a 33% improvement!"
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/29/027227&
mode=thread&tid=126&tid=154&tid=95
=====================================================================
ASK BRUCE PERENS ABOUT LINUX AND OPEN SOURCE
A lot is going on these days, ranging from the endlessly amusing SCO
soap opera to plenty of mostly positive news about Linux and Open
Source adoption by both corporate and government users, not to
mention an increasing number of commercial applications being ported
to Linux. And, of course, LinuxWorld is right around the corner.
Bruce Perens is certainly as appropriate a person as any to help us
get a handle on the current (and possibly future) state of Linux and
Open Source.
http://interviews.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/28/1455225
&mode=thread&tid=106&tid=185&tid=187
=====================================================================
DON'T BE AFRAID: LINUX IS GOOD FOR YOU
Now, many executives face big Linux investment decisions. This is not
always easy. Linux has inspired myths of fear, uncertainty and doubt.
Myths often contain a kernel of truth. Let's take a look.
http://www.redhat.com/apps/redirect.apm/http/www.globetechnology.com
/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20030731/TWTICO31/TPTechnology/?
query=don%27t+be+afraid&rhpage=/index.html/ent_news**
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RED HAT CEO MATTHEW SZULIK TO KEYNOTE AT LINUXWORLD
In this keynote, "Open for Change", Szulik will share his vision of
how the open source model is allowing greater affordability and
access to technology, from the world's largest organizations to its
poorest societies. "As a vehicle for economic and social change,
the power of open source is immeasurable," said Szulik, CEO of Red
Hat. "It's changing how people learn, how developers create, how
companies do business."
http://www.redhat.com/about/presscenter/2003/press_lw_keynote.html
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OPENING THE DOOR TO OPEN SOURCE
It wasn't long ago that the phrase "open source" rather snidely
referred to a kind of software developed by quirky idealistic
computer geeks. After all, who else would collaborate for free on
creating code to be shared by anyone for any purpose, with the
anticipation that the participants would improve upon it for the
betterment of the community?
http://www.redhat.com/apps/redirect.apm/http/blackenterprise.
yellowbrix.com/pages/blackenterprise/Story.nsp?story_id=40392549
&ID=blackenterprise&scategory=Computers%3ASoftware
&rhpage=/index.html/ent_news**
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IBM FORGES AHEAD WITH LINUX PLANS [SCO DOES STILL SUCK!]
SCO's $1 billion lawsuit is not slowing IBM's Linux efforts: Big
Blue readies new Linux products, support and services.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1206654,00.asp
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SUN, SUSE MAKE JAVA/LINUX PACT
Sun Microsystems Inc. and SuSE Linux A.G. have entered into a global
alliance that calls for Sun to preinstall SuSE Linux's Enterprise
Server 8 on its commodity x86 hardware systems, while SuSE becomes
a Java 2 Standard Edition source licensee and will distribute Sun's
Java Virtual Machine with all its Linux products, the two companies
announced Thursday.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1208332,00.asp
=====================================================================
MICHAEL JANG, AUTHOR OF 'MASTERING RED HAT LINUX 9'
Mastering Red Hat 9 is currently Linux Online's featured book.
"What advice do you have for people that are considering switching
to Linux? Start small and experiment. There are several simple ways
to start with Linux. If you don't have a spare computer, you can
start with a dual-boot with Microsoft Windows. You can install Linux
inside a VMWare machine. With the Knoppix distribution, you can even
try Linux from your CD."
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/07/31/0002.html
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KLAUS KNOPPER - THE CREATOR OF KNOPPIX
It may be just my environment, but I do see GNU/Linux as THE
mainstream operating system. It's just a pity that hardware vendors
are still forced to deliver their PCs with proprietary software
installed. But that will change sooner or later, some markets
already offer PCs and Notebooks with GNU/Linux preinstalled. Which
is important, because most users nowadays don't want to install
and configure anything by themselves, neither Linux nor Windows,
they want to buy a PC and start working right away.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/07/30/0001.html
=====================================================================
WINDOWS VS. LINUX: TCO FEUD RAGES ON
"'If you've got somebody who's smart and can config it, then
[Linux is] a beautiful desktop and runs well,' says Meta Group
analyst Thomas Murphy. 'But for the average business owner, [it]
does not have that kind of simple nature that you have in Windows...'"
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003080200226OSBZDP
=====================================================================
MICROSOFT TAKES LINUX FOR A TEST DRIVE
"In an effort to better understand its main source of competition,
Microsoft has deployed Linux and other open-source software in a
test center that's typically used by its business customers to
experiment with Microsoft's own products..."
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003073101426NWMSNT
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IN THE OPEN SOURCE SPIRIT KLUG CALLS FOR MEETING SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
Please don't make us RANT about organization needs for volunteers!
We need additional volunteers to act as the "Meeting Firewall"
to handle Chamber access control and security issues. The Chamber
has asked us to safeguard their assets as KLUG members come and
go from the meeting room each Tuesday night. Bob truly does need
help with this function which requires that you get to the meetings
early and see that everything is locked up as the meeting attendees
leave. We have several other KLUG volunteer positions available
and many of these duties could be shared if you have an interest.
G E T I N V O L V E D I N K L U G N O W ! ! !
Please contact installmaster@kalamazoolinux.org for more details.
See http://kalamazoolinux.org/organize for position descriptions.
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THE WMU COMPUTER CLUB - YAKKO IS THEIR MAIN LINUX SERVER!
The Computer Club at Western Michigan University exists to promote
a better understanding of computers for both members of the club
and members of the WMU community. This goal is achieved through
various club projects, member presentations, Linux Install Parties,
and discussions at our meetings. Do you need help getting your
computer to function properly? Are you interested in installing
Linux? Do you just want a place to hang out and have a good time?
If the answer to any of those questions or any other question is
'yes' then you should come check us out. We welcome anyone
(regardless of computer experience) who is willing to share
whatever talents they have, listen to others, and have a good
time. http://yakko.cs.wmich.edu/
=====================================================================
KLUG SUPPORTING MEMBERS CAN GET THEIR PICTURE ON THE WEB SITE
Want your picture posted with your name as a KLUG Supporting
Member? Send the tasteful graphic file and your request to
webmaster@kalamazoolinux.org.
=====================================================================
KLUG NOW OWNS A NEW XGA VIDEO PROJECTOR
Adam reported that KLUG has upgraded the video projector from SVGA
to XGA!!! From 800 x 600 to 1024 x 768, it should boost presentation
viewing pleasure. This projector is well rated:
INFOCUS LP335 DLP PROJECTOR
1000 LUMEN - XGA - LP-0335-V + Extended 12 month warranty
Digital Light Processing DLP which provides sharp images under
variable lighting conditions.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/office/portable_pc_projectors/
Anyone know of a buyer for our 2 year old KLUG SVGA projector?
We should ask $800 for this unit and it is in excellent condition.
It has about 150 hours on a 1000 hour bulb. Works just fine.
It is an InFocus model LP425ZVB with padded carrying case.
Contact Todd chair@kalamazoolinux.org for more info.
=====================================================================
KLUG NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO FILL SEVERAL VACANT POSITIONS
"Firewall" and Education Director volunteer slots are still vacant.
Please contact chair@kalamazoolinux.org for more details.
Volunteers are needed for Beginner's Nights and Installfests.
Please contact installmaster@kalamazoolinux.org for more details.
See http://kalamazoolinux.org/organize for position descriptions.
=====================================================================
********* - ********* - ********* - ********* - ********* - *********
KLUG NEEDS SPEAKERS FOR THE WEEKLY LINUX RELATED PRESENTATIONS!
********* - ********* - ********* - ********* - ********* - *********
Contact Adam if you can give a presentation on any area of Linux
related subject or application. He would also like to hear your
suggestions for topics and possible speaker referrals. Do you
know anyone who is using Linux in Southwest Michigan and might
be willing to share their Linux expertise by making a technical
presentation? Professional, individual, or commercial speakers
on Linux accepted. Contact programdirector@kalamazoolinux.org
with your referrals and ideas. See the meeting schedule for open
dates. http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/meetings/schedule.php3
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V. K L U G C O N T A C T & M E E T I N G I N F O
*************************************************************
KLUG WEB SITE http://kalamazoolinux.org
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 the Kalamazoo Chamber
of Commerce office building downtown.
346 W. Michigan Ave. - Kalamazoo, MI 49007
http://kazoolug.org/meetings/maps.php3 <=== MAP!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kalamazoo Linux Users Group, Inc.
6749 South Westnedge Avenue
Suite K-288
Portage MI 49002
e-mail address: chair@kalamazoolinux.org
NOTE:
Effective January 1st, 2002, KLUG has been granted 501C3 status by
the IRS. This is a big step forward. Now all donations (including
hardware, services, cash, or membership dues) are tax deductible!
>><< send corrections, additions, flames to the KLUG scribe >><<
Ralph Worick
recordingsecretary@kalamazoolinux.org
= or =
KLUG Meeting Notes Assistant Editor
Bruce Atherton
Taz <htgage3@chartermi.net>
Copyright (c) 2003 Kalamazoo Linux Users Group, Inc.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation;
A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU
Free Documentation License".
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/fdl.html#TOC1