[KLUG Members] KLUG Meeting Notes for 10/14/2003
magoo
members@kalamazoolinux.org
14 Oct 2003 23:26:39 -0400
KLUG Meeting Notes: Tuesday - October 14, 2003 7:00PM
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
II. NEXT WEEK'S MEETING INFO <=== Novell's Nterprise!!!
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: (19 active KLUG participants)
*****************************************************************
Dueling VPNs: OpenVPN & PPTP (Shorts)
by Bruce Smith and Adam Williams
Tonight Bruce Smith will explain OpenVPN (OPEN Virtual Private
Network) and Adam Williams will explain PPTP (Point-to-Point
Tunneling Protocol). OpenVPN is a simple yet secure VPN
technology with Linux server/client support and clients for
Windows 2000/XP. PPTP is the VPN technology from the
M$-Windows world, with servers and clients for the Linux
platform as well.
PRESENTATION SUMMARY:
******************************
DUELING VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS
Networking Security VPN: The use of encryption in the lower
protocol layers to provide a secure connection through an
otherwise insecure network, typically the Internet. VPNs are
generally cheaper than real private networks using private
lines but rely on having the same encryption system at both ends.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) were the topic of the evening.
Check the KLUG web site Past Presentations page for posting:
http://kalamazoolinux.org/presentations/
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol Short
****************************************
Adam Williams used a laptop running Red Hat v9 and OpenOffice's
Impress with the KLUG XGA projector to explain point-to-point
protocol and GRE (not UDP, not TCP/IP) tunnels between locations.
He took us through 11 slides that provided details and drawings.
What is PPTP? Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
Why Use PPTP?
Why Not Use PPTP?
PPTP on Linux.
What is MPPE? M$ Point-to-Point Encryption
PPTP Client for Linux - http://pptpclient.sourceforge.net/
PPTP Server for Linux - http://www.poptop.org
Adam had a diagram that showed how it all works, which he
explained. The diagram was very helpful in connecting the
parts explained earlier to the larger concept.
Adam took questions throughout his presentation. He did mention
that PPTP is a protocol being phased out of usage. It is still
currently supported.
- more -
http://www.schneier.com/pptp.html
OpenVPN Short
****************
Bruce Smith told us about the OpenVPN Project and split his
presentation into three parts. A background, installation,
and configuration summary first. Next he told us how he uses
VPN to connect to work from home. The last part was to show
us how it worked. Bruce used his laptop to connect to the HP
UX network at his workplace. OpenVPN uses UDP or TCP/IP to
communicate.
He used a laptop running Red Hat v9 connected to the KLUG XGA
projector. His presentation was organized in the vi text
editor and his text drawings showed us how the components
interacted.
Bruce suggested that you read the project web site to get the
OpenVPN background, installation, and configuration information.
http://openvpn.sourceforge.net/
Both his home network and work use a Devil Linux firewall which
are configured to allow OpenVPN to enable encrypted connections.
Bruce also maintains a wireless network which he protects with
VPN. Communications through the wireless access point (WAP) to
the Devil Linux firewall are VPN connections.
Adam Williams is a network administrator based in Grand Rapids,
but the network he deals with is all over Michigan, with a couple
of hundred workstations, running Linux and other Operating Systems.
Not only does he deal with domain issues at work, but he is also
the owner of the domain "whitemice.org". Adam has been a regular
contributor to technical discussions on our main mailing list,
both presenting and solving some of the most challenging networking
and configuration problems. Adam is known as an LDAP wizard in
the global Linux community and has written a classic piece that
explains how it works and what is necessary to get LDAP functional.
He is also part of the early core of organizers and nurturers of
KLUG and has served as Program Director for many years, providing
the content of KLUG's world class educational meetings each week.
The Eloquent Master of Ceremonies and originator of the legendary
KLUG GEEK JEOPARDY EXTRAVAGANZA provides stellar answers in search
of those categorized Linux culture focused questions.
BE THERE OR ELSE!!! OCTOBER 28th IS THE PARTY DATE!!!
Bruce Smith is a Systems Administrator and Software Developer
for Armstrong International Inc. where he is responsible for
a Unix and Linux network of Servers, Workstations, printers
and X-Terminals spanning five buildings in Three Rivers. Bruce
has a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Central
Michigan University. (go Chippewas! :) Bruce recently joined
Heiko Zuerker's team as a core developer on the CD-based Devil
Linux (firewall) distribution. He also creates the BSware
distribution for KLUG, is co-webmaster, sitemaster, and is a
past KLUG officer.
II. NEXT KLUG MEETING - TUESDAY 10/21/2003
******************************************************************
Novell's Nterprise Linux Services
by Joe Felisky
Novell embraces the emergence of Linux and open-source software
as key enabling technologies for enterprise solutions. Novell
Nterprise Linux Services is a crucial component of the Novell
promise to deliver One Net - a world without information boundaries.
Novell Nterprise Linux Services let you take advantage of the
open-source benefits of Linux combined with the powerful set of
enterprise services previously only available on NetWare®.
Joe Felisky is the Technical Director of the Great Lakes region
for Novell and will present Novell's Nterprise Linux Services.
Joe has been with Novell since 1997, working first with the
Enterprise Accounts team. His responsibilities as Technical
Director for the Great Lakes region include leading the Systems
Engineering staffs in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Prior
to joining Novell, Joe spent over 12 years as a consultant for
Electronic Data Systems working as a strategist for the General
Motors account.
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 ! ! !
=====================================================================
BABY MICHELA LAUREL BUXTON BECOMES YOUNGEST POTENTIAL KLUG MEMBER
The youngest attendee ever to grace a KLUG meeting, slept through
the second half of tonight's technical presentation. It wasn't
even a beginner's meeting... two more meetings and she is officially
a member of KLUG! Michela Laurel was born on Wednesday September
24, 2003 at 4:12 AM. to Laura and Peter Buxton. Take a look at this
beautiful life on the Borgess Hospital web site.
http://www.borgess.com/default.asp?page=baby_page&view_baby=yes&qsid=2799
=====================================================================
UPDATED FEDORA CORE TEST RELEASE: SEVERN
Updated Fedora Core test release: Severn
WONDER ... at the bugs that have been fixed!
GROAN ... at the bugs that haven't been fixed!
MARVEL ... at Bill actually getting the download location and
torrent names right!
Yes, it's another update of the Fedora Core test release, SEVERN.
http://linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2003101302026NWRHSW
=====================================================================
WHAT WILL BE IN LINUX KERNEL V2.7?
"The first discussion has been sighted on the Linux kernel mailing
list to put together a feature list of things that should go into
Linux 2.7 - including hotplug CPU & Ram support, network transparent
sound and improvements to Netfilter to bring it up to the the level
of OpenBSD's Packet Filter. And all this before most of us have
started to run 2.6.0-preX, or even a 2.6 series stable release
happening. Perhaps if you have a (sensible) idea now would be a
good time to voice it, otherwise you will have to wait for 2.9 to
get it included."
http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/10/10/1336255
&mode=thread&tid=106&tid=185
=====================================================================
LINUX V2.6 KERNEL STABILITY FREEZE
"Linux Creator Linus Torvalds released the 2.6.0-test7 Linux
development kernel today and declared a "stability freeze". It
has been made quite clear that from this point only "strictly
necessary stuff" will be accepted, clearing the way for an official
2.6.0 release sooner than later... possibly at the end of this month."
http://developers.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/10/08/2226253
&mode=thread&tid=106&tid=164&tid=185
=====================================================================
TORVALDS MOVES NEXT LINUX KERNEL INTO FINAL PHASE
Torvalds released version 2.6.0-test7 of the Linux kernel on
Wednesday, saying he and 2.6 leader Andrew Morton now are directing
programmers to focus on stability rather than cleaning up the code.
"I and Andrew are trying to calm down development, and I do not want
to see patches that don't fix a real and clear bug," Torvalds said
in a message. "In other words, this should calm things down so that
by the end of October we can look at the state of 2.6.0 without
having a lot of noise from 'not strictly necessary' stuff."
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/linuxunix/0,39020390,39117056,00.htm
=====================================================================
NEW KERNEL SET TO SPEED LINUX ADOPTION
The operating system is still seen as a leading-edge technology for
high-end database servers, commercial clusters, enterprise resource
planning, customer relationship management and supply chain
management, Jollans conceded. But he said some companies are
beginning to use Linux "for real business applications, with Sage,
PeopleSoft and now even JD Edwards porting to it, and SAP has been
a long-time Linux supporter, with over 500 customers already".
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/10/10/0001.html
=====================================================================
THE NEW WORK QUERE INTERFACE IN THE V2.6 KERNEL
Interrupt latency is a key factor in the performance of a system.
Work queues are one of several tools available to the driver writer
to avoid doing time-consuming work when interrupts are disabled.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/6916
=====================================================================
LINUX JOURNAL READERS' CHOICE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
"Linux Journal is reporting the results of its readers choice awards,
among the winners are Slashdot for favorite Linux web site, Debian
for favorite distro, Evolution for favorite email client and VIM for
favorite editor."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/10/10/1354213
&mode=thread&tid=106&tid=162&tid=185&tid=99
=====================================================================
REVERSAL OF FORTUNE
"Among all the arguments about open-source software, Linux and the
Microsoft desktop monopoly, Szulik's description is the most
reasonable view of the current state of technology marketing."
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1309055,00.asp
=====================================================================
AUTOMATING UNIX AND LINUX ADMINISTRATION
"If you are disciple in the church of Wall, or like me you believe
that laziness is the father of invention, or if you simply have more
than a couple *nix machine to administer, Kirk Bauer's new book
Automating Unix and Linux Administration is definitely for you.
http://books.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/10/06/1622204
&mode=thread&tid=106&tid=130&tid=185&tid=188&tid=190&tid=192
=====================================================================
LINUX FILE SYSTEM SHOOTOUT
"Finally an extensive, human readable Linux file system benchmark
has been unleashed upon us. Originally posted on the Linux Kernel
mailing list, using two of the most popular benchmarking tools
available, it compares all the major file systems, including their
different mount options. The results are surprising."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/10/08/2348224
&mode=thread&tid=106&tid=185
=====================================================================
PROCESSING ISSUES FACED BY E-MAIL VERIFICATION SYSTEMS
Following the distributed and coordinated attack on antispam service
providers over the last month, this article is intended to provide
an overview of one such attack on email verification technology
company Bluebottle and highlight the core challenges faced by email
verification systems in handling email.
http://freshmeat.net/articles/view/1007/
=====================================================================
LIES, DAMNED LIES AND RESEARCH PROJECTS: MICROSOFT & LINUX
Never, ever trust sponsored reports. Why not? eWEEK.com Linux &
Open Source Center Editor Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols has some of
the answers.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1314541,00.asp
=====================================================================
LINUX INCHES UP CORPORATE IT PRIORITY LIST
The chief information officers of some major U.S. companies say more
businesses are choosing the Linux operating system as they face
pressure to reduce costs. Speaking on a panel at a venture capital
conference here Wednesday, the CIO of clothing retailer Gap and a
Bank of America technology executive said they are among the Linux
converts.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/10/10/0003.html
=====================================================================
CIO'S EXPRESS CAUTION OVER LINUX
As the Linux Expo got underway in Olympia's exhibition centre on
Tuesday, across town at the UK Tech Summit some of the UK's most
prominent CIOs gave the idea of open source a decidedly cool
reception. Speaking at a panel debate at the influential gathering
of technology vendors and CIOs, they said that although Linux does
figure in their organizations, they still do not feel it is ideal
for mission-critical operations. The views are likely to inflame
the sensibilities of Linux advocates, who cite the stability and
security of Linux as a major advantage over Microsoft's operating
systems.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/10/09/0002.html
=====================================================================
KASPERSKY - ANTI-VIRUS FOR LINUX
Kaspersky Labs is a technology leader in the development of virus
defenses. They were the first to develop many technological standards
in the anti-virus industry including full-scale solutions for Linux,
Unix a nd NetWare, a second-generation heuristic analyzer designed to
detect yet unknown viruses, effective defenses against polymorphic
and macro viruses, anti-virus database micro updating and the ability
to search for viruses in archived files.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=7197&mode=thread&order=0
=====================================================================
MONO-CULTURE AND THE .NETWORK EFFECT
"Further, imagine that, in its success, Mono displaces a large
portion of traditional Linux software development over the next
few years... I believe that if the above scenario becomes reality
it could lead to a disaster for Linux..."
http://linuxtoday.com/developer/2003101400126OPSWDV
=====================================================================
SAMBA V3.0 BEATS WINDOWS SERVER 2003
"Tests by IT Week Labs show the latest version of the open-source
Samba file and print server software is 2.5 times faster than Windows
Server 2003 in the same role..."
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003101301326NWSVSW
=====================================================================
SUN'S STAROFFICE V7 SHINES
"The follow-on to last year's impressive StarOffice 6 starts at less
than one-sixth the cost of Microsoft Office 2003, yet in eWEEK Labs'
tests, the StarOffice suite's word processor, spreadsheet and
presentation applications performed well and exhibited strong support
for Microsoft's binary DOC, XLS and PPT file formats. This means it
will likely coexist well with Office 2003.
http://linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2003101300126RVDTSW
=====================================================================
GNUMERIC V1.2.1 RELEASED
Gnumeric 1.2.1 aka "Sleep is for woosie teenagers" is now available.
This is mainly a spit and polish release. There are a few patches for
problems in the charting engine, but the majority of the changes are
small feature enhancements to finish loose ends, and prepare for
branching. There were two notable changes though. One is a a new
utility program 'ssconvert' that allows command line conversion of
spreadsheets between all of the formats that Gnumeric supports.
Gnumeric now supports ALL of the M$ Office 2003 Excel spreadsheet
functions.
http://linuxtoday.com/developer/2003101002326NWGNRL
=====================================================================
DANGEROUS WINDOWS AND LINUX SECURITY THREATS
"A pair of Top 10 lists, one noting vulnerabilities within Windows
software, the other tags the top flaws in Linux and Unix programs..."
http://linuxtoday.com/security/2003101002026NWSWNT
=====================================================================
BIG BLUE BUILDS LINUX MOMENTUM
"Adam Jollans, IBM worldwide Linux software marketing strategy
manager, said that Linux had moved beyond the status of a technical
decision for things such as a file and print servers..."
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003101001926OSBZ
=====================================================================
KLUG MAKES LINUX AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL COMPUTER SHOW
A team of KLUG volunteers and officers were on hand at the last
fairgrounds computer show to tell people about KLUG and Linux.
They talked with lots of people and demonstrated Linux for many.
BS-Ware was readily available with nice labels and jewel cases.
To volunteer for a future show contact: showperson@kalamazoolinux.org
http://www.a1scs.com <--- Check schedule
=======================================================================
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.
=====================================================================
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.
=====================================================================
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 Install fests.
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
notetaker@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