[KLUG Members] KLUG Meeting Notes for 09/09/2003
magoo
members@kalamazoolinux.org
09 Sep 2003 23:59:08 -0400
KLUG Meeting Notes: Tuesday - September 09, 2003 7:00PM
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
II. NEXT WEEK'S MEETING INFO <=== Win32 Admin With Linux!!!
III. KLUG MAILING LISTS
IV. KLUG & LINUX NEWS FLASHES
V. KLUG CONTACT & MEETING INFO
Tonight's Meeting Moderator: KLUG Chair - Todd Pillars
I. PRESENTATION RECAP
THIS WEEK'S KLUG PRESENTATION: (21 active KLUG participants)
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OPEN DATABASE CONNECTIVITY (ODBC)
By Erik Gillespie
ODBC is an open Application Program Interface (API) for accessing
databases of all shapes and sizes through a layer of libraries and
drivers. The API was created by Microsoft to be cross-platform.
Of course, M$ wouldn't think of writing the ports to Unix/Linux...
so enter unixODBC. unixODBC is more than a standards-compliant
port of the ODBC API to Unix platforms, it also includes many of
the enhancements Microsoft supports. So pick your favorite OS and
join me as we walk through the world of platform independent
database connectivity.
PRESENTATION SUMMARY:
****************************
Erik used the KLUG LTSP client PC running Red Hat Linux and
Impress from the OpenOffice.org desktop suite with the KLUG
XGA projector to show us 24 slides explaining how ODBC works.
He invoked the command line terminal window to ssh into Yakko
(main server of The WMU Computer Club arsenal) to show examples
of ODBC configuration files and program code in emacs. He ran
a program he wrote that uses the ODBC API to list the date,
title, and content of his web log entries.
Erik enjoys programming and has worked extensively with using
the ODBC API to transport data from various (all) databases to
the web and client applications. You could tell he understood
how to get everything defined, configured, connected, and moving
data. Questions were fielded during the presentation and there
were several direct discussions going following the presentation.
WHERE TO ACCESS ERIK'S ODBC INFORMATION!
You can see the web based ODBC slide presentation at:
http://yakko.cs.wmich.edu/~rattles/projects/presentations/
unixodbc/unixODBC.html
Get the presentation and the sample program code too:
http://yakko.cs.wmich.edu/~rattles/projects/presentations/
unixodbc/unixodbc.tar.gz
DEFINITION OF ODBC!
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) is an API create by Microsoft
(in the early 1990's) to provide a single access point to any
ODBC-compliant database.
ERIK'S ODBC OUTLINE:
*******************************************
unixODBC: An Introduction
What is ODBC?
ODBC Flow Diagram
ODBC Trivia
Where does unixODBC fit in?
Installing unixODBC
unixODBC Drivers
Installing a Driver 1 of 2
Installing a Driver 2 of 2
unixODBC Config Files
Don’t Edit Config Files!
GUI ODBC Administrator
Datasource Names (DSN)
Creating a DSN 1 of 2
Sample DSN Template
Creating a DSN 2 of 2
Test the DSN
When You Get an Error…
Intro to ODBC Programming
Compiling for unixODBC
Writing C Code for ODBC
References 1 of 3
References 2 of 3
References 3 of 3
Web Sites:
***********************************************************
unixODBC Homepage
http://www.unixodbc.org
OpenLink Software (another alternative for ODBC in UNIX)
http://www.openlinksw.com
Microsoft ODBC Homepage
http://www.microsoft.com/data/odbc/
Erik Gillespie is a recent graduate from Western Michigan University
with a degree in Computer Science. He has a keen interest in all
walks of software development for the PC but holds a particular joy
for graphics programming and development on non-PC platforms. When
not at his computer he can be found hanging out with friends or
spending the day with his little sister. Erik is the Past President
of The WMU Computer Club. He successfully converted a local software
development company's product over to Linux. He is looking for work
in the programming discipline and would welcome empowering direction.
http://yakko.cs.wmich.edu/~rattles rattles@yakko.cs.wmich.edu
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What is ODBC?
ODBC is an open specification for providing application developers
with a predictable API with which to access Data Sources. Data
Sources include SQL Servers and any Data Source with an ODBC Driver.
http://www.unixodbc.org/
The unixODBC Project goals are to develop and promote unixODBC to
be the definitive standard for ODBC on non MS Windows platforms.
This is to include GUI support for both KDE and GNOME.
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II. NEXT KLUG MEETING - TUESDAY 09/16/2003
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Win32 Administration With Linux
by Adam Williams
The combination of Linux, Samba, and common scripting languages
can be powerful tools in managing Win32 (NT, 2K, XP) workstations.
Learn how to remotely reboot, backup, virus scan, and interrogate
workstations as well as invoke and schedule processes. And all
from a Microsoft free desktop.
Adam 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.
III. K L U G M A I L I N G L I S T S -
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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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DEVELOPMENT KERNEL V2.6.0-TEST5 RELEASED
Linus has released the 2.6.0-test5 development kernel. Changes this
time include new, type-safe ioctl() argument checker, a USB "gadget"
framework which enables the creation of user-space drivers, a new
CONFIG_64BIT configuration option, a number of futex improvements,
a reworked de4x5 driver, "very basic" VIA 8237 serial ATA controller
support, support for a software-implemented hard disk activity LED,
Intel High Precision Event Timers support, Al Viro's first set of
large dev_t support patches (covered here two weeks ago), and his
second set (which fixes up filesystems and removes the kdev_t type)
as well, some IDE work, a large USB update, lots of network driver
fixes, a new set of iptables modules, and many other fixes.
http://lwn.net/Articles/48162/
e-mail from Linus http://lwn.net/Articles/48164/
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RED HAT ENTERPRISE LINUX V3.0: BETA TEST DRIVE
Red Hat Inc. is nearing the second release in its line of Linux
distributions geared specifically for the enterprise, and the new
offering builds upon Red Hat's server room strengths while emerging
as a strong candidate for desktop deployment.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1228451,00.asp
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ENTERPRISE LINUX VS. SERVER 2003: SMACKDOWN!
IT managers who want to run an enterprise operating system like
SuSE's Linux Enterprise Server 8 or Red Hat's Enterprise Linux
Advanced Server are fooling themselves if they think they can
get away free—or for cheap. Have you compared the TCO or ROI of
Linux to Microsoft's Server 2003—the only serious new Intel-based
server operating system left out there? I have; the clear winner
is Linux.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1238613,00.asp
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HISTORIC LINUX FILE ARCHIVE CREATED
"Ibiblio (nee metalab, nee sunsite) has rummaged through all the old
CDs and old FTP archives we could find, to put together a beautiful
picture of the early days of the Linux community: Historic Linux.
The files include snapshots of the early Linux archives including
sunsite.unc.edu and tsx-11.mit.edu, and early distributions such
as MCC (Manchester Computing Center) and SLS (Softlanding Linux
Systems), which were some of the first attempts to make Linux easy
to install and use. The early RedHat releases are also included,
as is early Suse, Debian, Slackware, and Blade. The early
distributions ran on machines as small as 386's with 2-4 MB of
RAM, so these could be fun ways to resurrect ancient hardware."
http://slashdot.org/articles/03/09/08/1923210.shtml?tid=106&tid=
110&tid=185&tid=187&tid=90
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EXPLORING RHCT CERTIFICATION
Once you move beyond entry-level Linux qualifications, you find
that no other skills certification carries the same cachet as does
RHCE from Red Hat. For years, the RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
acronym has parlayed respect and admiration onto the person placing
it after their name. It has been a symbol of competence unparalleled
in the Linux realm.
http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=8472/ur0309a/
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MOZILLA THUNDERBIRD V0.2 RELEASED
Mozilla Thunderbird 0.2 is out! For those who haven't heard about
it yet, Mozilla Thunderbird is mozilla.org's new standalone mail
client and sister product to Mozilla Firebird. According to
MozillaZine's article on the release, new features include 'a
redesigned Options dialogue, spell checker improvements, enhancements
to the default theme and better performance and stability'. Install
it on a Microsoft PC to avoid those Outlook blues.
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/09/03/2352242
&mode=thread&tid=126&tid=154&tid=95
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BSDCON '03 NEARLY HERE (OPENBSD V3.4 TOO)
"Once again BSDCon showcases the BSD community's long history of
innovative research, open exchange of ideas, and collaborative work....
http://bsd.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/09/07/1710240
&mode=thread&tid=122&tid=126&tid=130&tid=172&tid=185&tid=190
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NOVELL EYES ROLE OF LINUX CHAMPION
"Novell will be the 'catalyst' for desktop and enterprise Linux,
according to its chairman and chief executive Jack Messman..."
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003090801326NWBZSW
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GOOGLE TURNS FIVE
"The BBC has an article on Google's 5th birthday. The popular search
engine now handles over 200 million queries a day..."
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/09/07/1353215&mode=thread&tid=99
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PHP LICENSE FINALLY APPROVED BY OSI
O'Reilly's new news site is reporting that PHP's new license, v3.0,
has finally been approved by the OSI as meeting the open source
definition.
http://developers.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/09/03/1710250
&mode=thread&tid=126&tid=169&tid=185
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LINUX RESCUES ORACLE IMPLEMENTATION
Lithonia Lighting promotes itself as North America's largest
manufacturer of commercial lighting equipment. With $1.3 billion
in revenue, growth is inevitable, and information technology is
expected to scale accordingly.
http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,
289142,sid39_gci922469,00.html
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LINUX IS NOT SO FREE
Without a doubt, Linux has become fully accepted as a powerful,
scalable and stable platform for enterprise deployments. Somewhat
surprisingly, however, the cost of deploying Linux is getting
pretty close to the cost of deploying some other enterprise
platforms. What's that, you say? The high cost of Linux? Linux
is free, you fool. And don't give me any of that high TCO garbage,
either.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1234349,00.asp
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SUN TO ADD REAL PLAYER TO LINUX DESKTOP
Sun Microsystems said Thursday that it is working with RealNetworks
to feature the Internet media company's RealOne media player on its
Linux-based desktop system.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/09/08/0002.html
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THE DESKTOP LINUX CONSORTIUM
The companies behind the Desktop Linux Consortium include several
Linux sellers such as SuSE, MandrakeSoft, Lycoris, Xandros and
ArkLinux. It also counts as members CodeWeavers, which sells software
to help run Windows programs on Linux systems; OpenOffice, an
open-source competitor to Microsoft Office; and the group behind
the KDE user interface software.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/09/05/0001.html
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FIRST LOOK AT HP'S FIRST US ALL LINUX PC
HP told me that an identical unit to the one I reviewed -- except
for substituting either a 48X CD-ROM or CD-RW for the combo drive
-- would cost $467 with Linux, $519 with Windows XP Home, or $589
for Windows XP Professional. I selected various options for d220
configuration on the HP Web site and found it was possible to get
the price for a Linux d220 as low as $377 and as high as just over
$900.
http://www.linux.org/news/2003/09/03/0003.html
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BOOK REVIEW: TUNING AND CUSTOMIZING A LINUX SYSTEM
An overview of various distributions and packages, how they are
different and how you can use them to build firewalls, multimedia
systems and more.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=6889&mode=thread&order=0
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THE CLOSING OF THE BAZAAR
"Linux is the bazaar within which many participate. But what happens
when one merchant of the bazaar does so well that they overshadow
every other member of the market? The bazaar does not go away, but
according to Progeny Chief Strategist and Debian founder Ian Murdock,
there is a real danger that the strongest Linux company can limit
access to what is really open-source and free about Linux..."
http://linuxtoday.com/it_management/2003090801526OPBZSW
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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********* - ********* - ********* - ********* - ********* - *********
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
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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