[KLUG Members] KLUG Meeting Notes for 07/15/2003

magoo members@kalamazoolinux.org
16 Jul 2003 00:17:57 -0400


KLUG Meeting Notes:  Tuesday - July 15, 2003  7:00PM       

I.    PRESENTATION RECAP    
II.   NEXT WEEK'S MEETING INFO   <=== IBM & Lotus Notes On Linux!!! 
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:   (26 active KLUG participants) 
***************************************************************** 
GNUCash Revisited 
by Brian Ritz

GNUCash is a financial program for the household. It is similar 
to Quicken, but at the same time it is a little more powerful. 
And of course the best part is that it is free and comes with 
gnome. In tonight's presentation we will be taking a look at home 
use for GNUCash. From using it to keep track of your checkbook 
to savings accounts. It also some neat features like reports 
and graphs for tracking you money trail. In late summer/fall 
I will be doing another presentation on GNUCash, on whether 
it is ready to use for a business or not...  so stay tuned.
 
PRESENTATION SUMMARY:
***************************
Brian Ritz presented GNUCash information using the KLUG XGA
projector and his laptop computer running Red Hat.  We had a 
live demonstration of how GNUCash works.  The current version 
is 1.8.4 and the version that was demonstrated was 1.8.1.

Generally, GNUCash records income and expense information 
on a single-entry cash basis although it has double entry 
capability.  GNUCash is comparable to Quicken, not Quickbooks 
Pro!  Great for tracking your personal checking account and 
providing useful information in a graphical or report output 
format.  

Brian took us through how the check register works, setting 
up new accounts, sorting, viewing reports, and the adding of 
initial administrative info.  It handles many currencies, and
has an exchange rate feature.  It also can be used to manage 
multiple checking accounts.  He showed us how to do a split
transaction recording.  It also can handle stocks, bonds, and
other investment tracking.  Brian has been using GNUCash for
managing his personal finances for a few update releases now.

He seemed very happy with the product and this helped make this
presentation a very personally empowering experience. This
software was functional back in early 2000 and is maturing
very nicely.  NICE GOING BRIAN!  GNUCash & Business... MORE 
Next Fall about invoices and accounts payable automation 
features!  It can do electronic payables with your bank's 
cooperation.  This was Brian's third presentation for KLUG 
on GNUCash!   

================================================================
EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT GNUCASH & ACCOUNTING
TOP 10 REASONS TO USE GNUCASH?  <Not from David Letterman>

http://www.gnucash.org/docs/C/gnucash-guide/reasons1.html

================================================================

 - more -
http://www.gnucash.org/
http://freshmeat.net/projects/gnucash/

Brian Ritz is currently working in commercial logistics
and has been working with Linux almost exclusively as 
a user of the Whitemice.Org network. He holds a degree in 
Finance from Grand Valley State University.


II.  NEXT KLUG MEETING - TUESDAY  07/22/2003   
******************************************************************  
Lotus Notes On Linux    [WATCH THE LIST FOR LATE BREAKING INFO]
by IBM Technical Team    *************************************

"This release will support Linux with Domino Web Access (Mozilla 
browser on Linux)," he says. "It provides a complete end-to-end 
solution for messaging and collaboration; everything from a Linux 
client to a Linux server is available on 6.5. On the server side, 
there's Linux support on the S390 (mainframe Linux support) [and] 
support for .NET server." - according to IBM.

"Functionality improvements include integration with Lotus Instant 
Messaging (formerly Sametime).  The Sametime connect client 
currently runs outside the Notes client. When you log into Notes 
6.5, you automatically log into Lotus Instant Messaging, as well.
When you receive an e-mail from someone, you'll be able to tell 
if they're online with their Lotus Instant Messaging client, as 
well, so you can either reply via e-mail or with an IM."  - IBM

"As far as the inbox management and user productivity is concerned, 
color-coding of e-mail messages and the swift file features are 
already here. Notes/Domino 6.5 will include file flags for e-mail, 
junk mail options, drag-and-drop support between calendar and Notes 
views."  - IBM

 - more -

http://lotus.advisor.com/doc/12309

This presentation will be provided by an IBM Technical Team.


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 ! ! ! 
=====================================================================
LINUS TORVALDS WRAPS UP LINUX V2.5.X KERNEL
Torvalds missed a goal of releasing the 2.6 kernel in June, but the 
new test kernel could now arrive in a few days' time.  This will be 
followed by a full release of the 2.6.0 kernel, which is unlikely 
to occur for a few months, Torvalds said. Once it arrives, it will 
probably be several more months before Linux vendors incorporate 
the kernel into their products.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/07/12/0003.html
=====================================================================
LINUX KERNEL RELEASE: V2.5.75
2.5.75 has been released today.
See changelog for full details.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/07/10/0006.html
=====================================================================
HP: OPEN SOURCE HERE TO STAY
"Open Source software has significantly affected Hewlett-Packard's 
business, with its Open Source review board looking at between two 
and 10 new open-source and Linux products a week." 
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003071102126OSBZSW
=====================================================================
RACKSPACE OFFERS HOSTING ON RED HAT ENTERPRISE LINUX
In a partnership deal announced yesterday, San Antonio-based 
Rackspace said it will offer its hosted management services for 
the Red Hat Enterprise Linux platform starting Aug. 1, 
extending a relationship with the Raleigh, N.C.-based Linux 
company that has flourished for about four years. 
http://www.redhat.com/apps/redirect.apm/http/www.computerworld.
com/softwaretopics/os/linux/story/0,10801,82826,00.html?rhpage
=/index.html/ent_news**
=====================================================================
XBOX HACKERS, LINUX, THE DMCA, AND MODCHIPS
"The New York Times has a long article on Xbox hacking, why Microsoft 
hates it, and who does it (Google). 'Xbox hackers are exploiting..." 
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/12/1256228
&mode=thread&tid=127&tid=186&tid=211
=====================================================================
LINUX ON THE DESKTOP
"Mitch Kapor's Open Source Application Foundation just released a 
34 page report on the Desktop Linux market, written by Bart Decrem."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/10/1630225&mode=thread&
tid=126&tid=163
=====================================================================
APACHE V2.0.47 RELEASED
"The Apache Software Foundation and the Apache HTTP Server Project 
are pleased to announce the tenth public release of the Apache 2.0.X 
web server.=====================================================================
http://apache.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/10/1319203
&mode=thread&tid=148&tid=185
=====================================================================
OPENGROUPWARE
"From the OpenGroupware.org site: the OGo project announces its 
formation and the release today to the worldwide open source 
development community of its groupware server software. 
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/10/1240242&mode=
thread&tid=185
=====================================================================
OPEN SOURCE ORGANIZATION MODELS DISCUSSED
"Harvard Business School has an article up discussing The 
Organizational Model for Open Source. It has some good points, 
and I think it sums up what many of us know, but haven't quite 
been able to put into words yet: 'People are intimately aware 
of the fact that too much structure will disenfranchise the very 
people who make the most successful open source projects 
possible.'"  
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/07/10/047253&
mode=thread&tid=126&tid=156
=====================================================================
LINDOWS LINUX RUNS FROM A CD-ROM DISC???
Lindows Linux runs from a CD Company simplifies operating 
system installation.  (What current software doesn't?)
http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/07/11/HNlindowscd_1.html
=====================================================================
LINDOWS V4.0: GETTING BETTER
Actually using 4.0 is quite easy. If you’re used to most Linux
distributions or Windows it shouldn’t take long to figure out 
how to use Lindows. And all those new features listed above 
really work! I’m impressed that Lindows 4.0 even recognized three 
digital cameras I plugged in, allowed me to listen to Real Audio 
streams without any hiccups and, a first, allowed me to watch DVDs 
with no problems at all. Those are big improvements over the last 
version of the OS. It took less than thirty seconds to get my WiFi 
card up and running on my wireless home network.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/07/12/0004.html
=====================================================================
LEARN WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SE LINUX AND TCPA
The US National Security Agency's SE Linux is one of the 
hottest topics in security today.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/6895
=====================================================================
IN THE OPEN SOURCE SPIRIT WE CALL 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 surely needs 
help with this function which requires that you get to the meetings
early and see that the everything is locked up as the last person 
leaves.  This means being at the Chamber at 6:30pm and hanging 
around until 10:00pm. We have other 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.
=====================================================================
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 
Nutrimaster 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
=====================================================================


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