- wlug - list.wlug.org.nz

Next year's presentations
by Roderick Aldridge 18 Dec '07

18 Dec '07

Wanted: presentations for the new year. The committee is trying to plan for a variety of presentations next year which will interest and benefit current members and make known the benefits of Linux and open source to others (and bring in new members). Make your suggestions please to the list or on the wiki at http://wlug.org.nz/IdeasForFutureMeetings or to any committee member. Preferably ones you can do yourself or can supply suitable presenter(s), but if the subject is intersting enough, other members may be able to suggest presenters. Roderick Aldridge WLUG Committee

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Useful ubuntu links for new software and running 32bit apps on 64bit systems.
by Chris O'Halloran 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

Some information that may be of interest to ubuntu users. Heaps of debian packages http://www.getdeb.net/ And for resolving depedencies for 32bit programs on 64bit systems http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=474790

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scanner2.malware-scan.com
by Michael McDonald 16 Dec '07

16 Dec '07

Has anyone else had problems with this site? It pops up a message telling you your computer is running slowly, scans your disk (I don't think it does , just makes believe it does), tells you you've got viruses, and tries to download fixes. Now, the interesting thing is that I've triggered it twice in the last few weeks, but I haven't the foggiest idea how. I've got a suspicion it may have been triggered by from my Gmail page, but when going back over my actions everything seems normal. Of course, since I'm running Ubuntu/Firefox I'm not unduly worried. I'm curious to know how I got directed there from supposedly safe sites (if it wasn't Gmail, then it must have been Computerworld NZ). I did a bit of a Google and came across this discussion on an Apple forum. Knowing the fierce loyalty of Mac owners and their claims of immunity from Internet problems, it was interesting to see that they also had the same experience as me ... but no clues as to why it was happening. http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1239037&tstart=0 Now, this makes me worried for the Windows community. It would be extremely difficult for them to avoid damage in this instance. Closing the window in the normal fashion just gets you further into the mire. I don't know just what protection the standard anti-virus / anti-spyware programs and firewalls will give a Windows user ... and I certainly don't want to experiment to find out! Have you got any information / data / comments that you can add? Michael

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KDE 4 update
by Ian McDonald 13 Dec '07

13 Dec '07

Ars has a good article here: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071213-afirst-look-at-kde-4-0-releas… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: [NZOSS-OpenChat] Ministry of Justice Open Source Discussion Paper
by Michael McDonald 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

The discussion paper is well worth reading. That paper would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Michael ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Don <don(a)catalyst.net.nz> Date: 12 Dec 2007 08:55 Subject: [NZOSS-OpenChat] Ministry of Justice Open Source Discussion Paper To: NZOSS OpenChat <openchat(a)nzoss.org.nz> This paper has been in draft form for a while. The MoJ has given it final release staus. http://nzoss.org.nz/news/2007/ministry-justice-open-source-discussion-paper I think it builds nicely on the Cunliffe speech I mentioned a few days ago. Cheers Don

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Arghhh - Help
by James Pluck 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

(I apologise for the spam if you've gotten this twice. I think the email I originally sent it from is not subscribed to this list). Hi all! I'm in a bit of a bind. We're experiencing very poor connectivity at the moment from Slingshot. We're lucky to be able to stay online for more than 3 minutes at a time. I've just called Slingshot support and a very bored woman who sounded like it was beneath her to even talk to me was very unhelpful. refused to run any checks on the line or check logs or anything at their end unless I tried an alternative router on the line. She basically wanted me off the phone as fast as possible - presumably so she could get back to her WoW game or Puzzle Pirates or something more important than actual customer support (I tell you - if we had someone who behaved like that to customers at Quicksilver they'd be on notice pretty bloody fast!) Anyway - does anyone have a spare adsl router that I could borrow for a day or so to do some troubleshooting and see if it is my problem or Slingshot's problem. I'm in the process of choosing another provider because we've not been hapy with the service from Slingshot for some time but I'd kinda like to work out if it's a hardware issue or a connection issue before we switch. If I had the knowledge and the skills I'd probably just bite the bullet and rewire the jackpoints in this house - the current phone wiring seems a little amateurish - but we've had no troubles with any telecommunications services up until a couple of weeks ago. I have a drum of cat 5 but no skills on how to use it - *sigh* anyways - if anyone has a spare serviceable adsl router they would be willing to loan me I would be most grateful! James. -- James Pluck PalmOS Ergo Sum "Dear IRS: I would like to cancel my subscription. Please remove my name from your mailing list..."

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Upcoming WLUG committee meeting (1 week today)
by Meeting Reminder bot 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

As per the WLUG charter, please note that there is a WLUG executive committee meeting one week from today. If you wish to get an item on the agenda for this meeting, please email it to secretary(a)wlug.org.nz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Do we have a meeting here? # Previous Minutes # Treasurers report # Correspondence # Matters # Server status # General business CommitteeMeetingTopics

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Intel 536epmodem with Ubuntu 7.10
by Ron Dean 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

I am trying to set up a computer for a refugee family so they have email I downloaded a driver for 7.10 and could hear dial tone and it would dial out at my home, but when I tried it in their home I could not hear dial tone . We were trying to set it up with Kiwi on line but they don't give any linux support. Any ideas ? -- Ron Dean 2 Shannon Place Nawton Hamilton Ph 8493904

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Re: [wlug] WLUG BBQ Late January?
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

January is good for me.. Regards John. ----- Original Message Follows ----- > WLUG committee have decided that rather than try to have > the end of year BBQ in December when everyone is leaving > for holidays, we'll hold in late in January after everyone > is back from holidays. > > So.. is everyone happy with a BBQ at Lindsay's place on > Jan 26th or would you prefer something earlier? > > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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OLPC project close to home
by Michael McDonald 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

The article's a bit short on detail, but it's interesting to hear of this project. I'm not sure this is quite what Nicholas Negroponte envisaged, but the aim of "skilling up" under-represented groups (technology-wise) might be achieved with this project. Tindall funds OLPC scheme in Otara Ken Lewis Thursday, 29 November 2007 Stephen Tindall has called an Otara youth project that plans to link members using One Laptop Per Child computers via Wi-Fi a "silver bullet" for education and could potentially transform the country. http://m-net.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2085 Michael

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Bringing UK hardware to NZ
by Stuart Yeates 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

I'll shortly be returning to the Wellington area after 4 years in the UK. I'm looking at what hardware I should bring back and which I should sell/give away/bin before I leave. Does anyone know whether the ADSL systems in the UK and NZ are compatible? I'd like to bring back my wireless ADSL router back since it was top of the line 18 months ago. I'm planning on leaving my aged computers, but bringing back the larger disks and possibly the internal wireless card. Does anyone know of any traps there for the unwary? I'm aware that the SCART[1] plugs which all our UK TV/DVD/digital set top box systems use is almost useless in New Zealand, unless there's been a change since I left ? cheers stuart [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCART -- OSS Watch: http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/

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WLUG BBQ Late January?
by Bruce Kingsbury 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

WLUG committee have decided that rather than try to have the end of year BBQ in December when everyone is leaving for holidays, we'll hold in late in January after everyone is back from holidays. So.. is everyone happy with a BBQ at Lindsay's place on Jan 26th or would you prefer something earlier?

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JOB: RimuHosting Opening For a Sysadmin (and a Java Developer)
by Peter Bryant 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi Folks. We have a full (or possibly part time) position available for a Linux systems administrator. See http://forums.rimuhosting.com/forums/showthread.php?p=645#post645 We also happen to be looking for a Java developer. See http://forums.rimuhosting.com/forums/showthread.php?t=416 Cheers, Peter Bryant http://rimuhosting.com

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ADSL fault redux
by James Pluck 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Hi all, After some testing - Telecom have determined there is no fault on the line that would be interfering with the dsl. I have noticed that after a few minutes of connectivity my network loses contact with the modem - no ping response - no traffic - and this loss off connection requires a hard reset to fix. This fault seems to occur regardless of whether the modem is hot or not (occurs even after the modem has been left switched off overnight. I strongly suspect my modem has gone past its best-before date. Kyle, Bruce, would I be able to arrange with one of you to borrow a spare adsl modem to try to confirm this fault? I don't have the cash atm to replace my modem but if I know it is definitely a modem issue then I can put one on layby to replace it. Kind regards J

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Rationale behind KDE4 changes
by Ian McDonald 01 Dec '07

01 Dec '07

Interesting article here: http://liquidat.wordpress.com/2007/11/30/kde-4-some-reasons-for-design-deci… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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WLUG Fixit Meeting is today!
by Meeting Reminder bot 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

A reminder, the WLUG Fixit Meeting is today. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday December 1st, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm We will be holding our SaturdayWorkshop at Te Whanau Pūtahi (http://zoomin.co.nz/nz/hamilton/enderley/-te+whanau+ptahi/?place/full_map) the community church at the end of Oxford Street. We'll have the usual tables, power, various ISO's, Internet, coffee and light lunch, etc.

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Fwd: Computerworld TopNews | Kiwicon demo uses PlayStation 3 to crack passwords
by Michael McDonald 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

Another interesting article Michael ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Computerworld TopNews <info(a)fairfaxbm.tx.co.nz> Date: 29 Nov 2007 13:17 Subject: Computerworld TopNews | Kiwicon demo uses PlayStation 3 to crack passwords KIWICON DEMO USES PLAYSTATION 3 TO CRACK PASSWORDS http://s0.tx.co.nz/at/tep34n611218j139974i196841f2c7091635a4t9s4z PS3 used to conduct over 1.4 billion MD5 calculations a second, says Kiwi researcher

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How To: Run the olpc's Sugar OS in Ubuntu
by Michael McDonald 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

Seems to run quite well. A bit strange at first. Michael ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Google Alerts <googlealerts-noreply(a)google.com> Date: 29 Nov 2007 11:02 Subject: Google Alert - ubuntu OR OLPC How To: Run the olpc's Sugar OS in Ubuntu Wired News - USA Well, it turns out it's pretty easy to install the xo's Sugar OS as an Ubuntu virtual machine. Tom Hoffman has posted some instructions for installing Sugar ... <http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/11/how-to-run-the.html> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ncl=http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/200…>

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Network latency simulation
by Glenn Ramsey 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Hi, In order to test some software I am developing I need to introduce a network delay between a machine and the rest of my LAN. After a bit of web searching I discovered that this is supposed to be simple to do, you just set up Linux as a transparent bridge and use the iproute tools to simulate network behaviour. However I can't get it to work how I want. I have an old AMD K6/500 box with 2 10bT ethernet cards running Xubuntu 7.10. One card is connected to my office LAN switch and the other to a hub, like this: MachineA---switch---eth0/bridge/eth1---hub---MachineB I have installed bridge-utils and iproute and I have configured the bridge machine according to the bridge-utils documentation by removing the eth0 and eth1 entries and adding a br0 to /etc/network/interfaces : auto br0 iface br0 inet static address 192.168.1.251 network 192.168.1.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 broadcast 192.168.1.255 gateway 192.168.1.1 bridge_ports eth0 eth1 This works fine and MachineB can get an address via DHCP and see the rest of the network. Now I need to add a delay so that all traffic between MachineB and the rest of the network has some latency. In order to add a delay, according to [1] I just need to do this: $ tc qdisc add dev DEV root netem delay 100ms I have done this for various combinations of eth0, eth1 and br0 but it only seems to delay traffic to and from the bridge itself, not traffic being relayed through the bridge. Does anyone know how to set this up to delay traffic going through the bridge? Glenn [1] http://www.linux-foundation.org/en/Net:Netem#Emulating_wide_area_network_de… -- Glenn Ramsey <glenn(a)componic.co.nz> 07 8627077 http://www.componic.co.nz

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RandR
by Ian McDonald 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Given graphics was focus of last meeting this might be of interest: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=927&num=1 Talks about RandR 1.2 and how to use it. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: "Open Source DataTurbine Initiative" Biology lunchtime seminar tomorrow (fwd)
by Ian McDonald 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Tony McGregor <tonym(a)waikato.ac.nz> Date: Nov 26, 2007 10:22 AM Subject: "Open Source DataTurbine Initiative" Biology lunchtime seminar tomorrow (fwd) To: cs-staff(a)cs.waikato.ac.nz > Open Source DataTurbine Initiative > > Tony Fountain, Paul Hubbard, Sameer Tilak, Ilya Zaslavsky > University of California, San Diego > > The vision of large-scale sensor-based Observing Systems, to address > the U.S. National Research Council's "Grand Challenges" for > environmental science, relies on robust cyberinfrastructure. Streaming > data middleware is an essential component of this cyberinfrastructure, > providing the foundation for reliable data acquisition and instrument > management services. The environmental science and engineering > communities are currently engaged in the early planning and > development phases of the next generation of large-scale sensor-based > observing systems. The Open Source DataTurbine Initiative is a new > NSF-funded project to empower these communities with Streaming Data > Middleware. > > Large-scale sensor-based observing systems face a number of > significant challenges in design and operations, including > heterogeneity of instrumentation and complexity of data stream > processing. These systems incorporate instruments from across the > spectrum of complexity, from temperature sensors to acoustic Doppler > current profilers, to streaming video cameras. They typically require > integration of instruments from various vendors and R&D labs. > Requirements on the cyberinfrastructure include scalable and secure > support for real-time data acquisition, instrument and data stream > management, and analysis and visualization. To address these > cyberinfrastructure challenges in a principled manner, we launched the > Open Source DataTurbine Initiative. > > DataTurbine is a robust open-source streaming data middleware system > that satisfies the core requirements for sensor-based environmental > observing systems. It is relatively mature and has been tested in a > variety of real-world streaming data applications. It facilitates the > development of complex distributed streaming data applications, > including real-time virtual observatories and telepresence > collaboratories. The Open Source DataTurbine Initiative combines > commercial-quality software support with an active and engaged user > and developer community. In this talk we share our vision and invite > domain scientists and developers to join the Open Source DataTurbine > Initiative. We also discuss our experiences and results from > real-world deployments of DataTurbine. Further details about the Open > Source DataTurbine Initiative can be found at: > http://www.dataturbine.org > > > When: Tues 27th Nov 12:00noon > Where: Room A.G.30 > > <<37 sem 271107 Fountain.doc>> > Vicki Smith > Administrative Assistant > Biological Sciences > The University of Waikato > Private Bag 3105 > Hamilton > > Ph 838 4148 > Fax 838 4324 > > -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: "Open Source DataTurbine Initiative" Biology lunchtime seminar tomorrow (fwd)
by Ian McDonald 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Tony McGregor <tonym(a)waikato.ac.nz> Date: Nov 26, 2007 10:22 AM Subject: "Open Source DataTurbine Initiative" Biology lunchtime seminar tomorrow (fwd) To: cs-staff(a)cs.waikato.ac.nz > Open Source DataTurbine Initiative > > Tony Fountain, Paul Hubbard, Sameer Tilak, Ilya Zaslavsky > University of California, San Diego > > The vision of large-scale sensor-based Observing Systems, to address > the U.S. National Research Council's "Grand Challenges" for > environmental science, relies on robust cyberinfrastructure. Streaming > data middleware is an essential component of this cyberinfrastructure, > providing the foundation for reliable data acquisition and instrument > management services. The environmental science and engineering > communities are currently engaged in the early planning and > development phases of the next generation of large-scale sensor-based > observing systems. The Open Source DataTurbine Initiative is a new > NSF-funded project to empower these communities with Streaming Data > Middleware. > > Large-scale sensor-based observing systems face a number of > significant challenges in design and operations, including > heterogeneity of instrumentation and complexity of data stream > processing. These systems incorporate instruments from across the > spectrum of complexity, from temperature sensors to acoustic Doppler > current profilers, to streaming video cameras. They typically require > integration of instruments from various vendors and R&D labs. > Requirements on the cyberinfrastructure include scalable and secure > support for real-time data acquisition, instrument and data stream > management, and analysis and visualization. To address these > cyberinfrastructure challenges in a principled manner, we launched the > Open Source DataTurbine Initiative. > > DataTurbine is a robust open-source streaming data middleware system > that satisfies the core requirements for sensor-based environmental > observing systems. It is relatively mature and has been tested in a > variety of real-world streaming data applications. It facilitates the > development of complex distributed streaming data applications, > including real-time virtual observatories and telepresence > collaboratories. The Open Source DataTurbine Initiative combines > commercial-quality software support with an active and engaged user > and developer community. In this talk we share our vision and invite > domain scientists and developers to join the Open Source DataTurbine > Initiative. We also discuss our experiences and results from > real-world deployments of DataTurbine. Further details about the Open > Source DataTurbine Initiative can be found at: > http://www.dataturbine.org > > > When: Tues 27th Nov 12:00noon > Where: Room A.G.30 > > <<37 sem 271107 Fountain.doc>> > Vicki Smith > Administrative Assistant > Biological Sciences > The University of Waikato > Private Bag 3105 > Hamilton > > Ph 838 4148 > Fax 838 4324 > > -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting tonight!
by Meeting Reminder Bot 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

There's a WLUG meeting tonight: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) 3D desktops.. compiz-fusion and Xgl?

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Linux graphics survey
by Ian McDonald 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Given Monday's topic this is timely. I can't go to the meeting as will be in Auckland :-( http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=924&num=1 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting is on Monday
by Meeting Reminder Bot 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

There's a Waikato Linux Users Group meeting on Monday: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) 3D desktops.. compiz-fusion and Xgl?

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Amazon's e-book reader runs Linux
by Ian McDonald 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

http://arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2007/11/20/linux-on-amazons-kindl… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Wireless networking problem
by Leslie Katz 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

My wife has as a wireless access point an Apple Airport Express that she uses with her Mac. It's set up with WPA for security. I'm am trying to use the thing as well, but am having difficulties. I have 2 laptops with wireless cards, one running Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005 and one running Damn Small Linux 4. Generally speaking, the Windows laptop connects automatically to the wap when I boot it up. With the Linux laptop, it's very much hit and miss (with more misses than hits). When the Linux laptop is connecting, I first use wpa_supplicant to connect to the wap, followed by pump to configure the interface and all is well. When the Linux laptop isn't connecting, wpa_supplicant doesn't work and when I scan for waps using iwlist, I get a list of neighbours' unsecured waps, but no reference to the Airport Express. I can have the two laptops sitting side by side, the Windows one happily using the wap, while the Linux one isn't even aware of its existence. I'd be very grateful for any suggestions as to what to do to get the Linux laptop finding the wap reliably. Failing that, I'd be very grateful for a pointer to some site where I'm likely to get help with my problem. Thanks for reading this, Leslie -- Visit http://stumblng.tumblr.com An Australian lawyer's tumblelog about things (some legal, most not) you might otherwise have missed

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Re: [wlug] [nzlug] Laptops sans OS possible:
by Craig Box 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

On the subject of cheap Linux laptops, OLPC are currently running a "give one, get one" scheme: http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/give-one-get-one.php. The gist is pay $400US, give one laptop to a developing nation, and get one for yourself. I believe this may be the only way members of the public can get one of these machines, at least initially. Unfortunately it's only available in the USA and Canada. If anyone is interested, I am in Canada at present, and would be happy to deliver one or two on behalf of people in NZ. I'll be back there in early Jan, which should hopefully be just after delivery. Please contact me off-list and I'll see what I can do. Craig

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ANNOUNCE: WLUG meeting is one week away
by Meeting Reminder Bot 18 Nov '07

18 Nov '07

The Waikato Linux Users Group have a meeting in one week from today: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) 3D desktops.. compiz-fusion and Xgl?

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Asus Eee laptop
by Ian McDonald 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

You might have seen this selling for $599 at Dickies. It runs Linux and a good review at Ars Technica here: http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/eee-pc-review.ars/1 My take on this device is that it's not as innovative as the OLPC and it isn't fully featured enough. Better to buy a second hand or cheap laptop. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Progress of open source java from sun
by Ian McDonald 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Interesting article here: http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2216978,00.asp -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Upcoming WLUG committee meeting (1 week today)
by Meeting Reminder bot 11 Nov '07

11 Nov '07

As per the WLUG charter, please note that there is a WLUG executive committee meeting one week from today. If you wish to get an item on the agenda for this meeting, please email it to secretary(a)wlug.org.nz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # Previous Minutes # Treasurers report # Correspondence # Matters # Server status # General business ---- CommitteeMeetingTopics

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linkedin group
by Bruce Kingsbury 11 Nov '07

11 Nov '07

If you're a member of linkedin I went ahead and set up a WLUG group which you're all welcome to go ahead and join. (If you're not someone I already know, mention when you apply how you're involved with WLUG so I have some idea of who's who.) http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/37683/4AC20543ECA9 There's also an NZOSS group on linkedin which you might be interested in..

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Skype 2.0 beta for Linux: finally supports video calls!
by Peter Reutemann 08 Nov '07

08 Nov '07

Skype 2.0 beta for Linux finally supports video calls (has been in the Windoze version for ages): http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/beta/ If you prefer an open-source SIP client instead, have a look here: http://www.openwengo.org/ Cheers, Peter -- Peter Reutemann, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Waikato, NZ http://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~fracpete/ +64 (7) 838-4466 Ext. 5174

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Fedora 8 released
by Ian McDonald 08 Nov '07

08 Nov '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071108-an-old-hat-with-new-tricks-fe… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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RedHat 5.1 - with better virtualisation
by Ian McDonald 08 Nov '07

08 Nov '07

http://www.linux-watch.com/news/NS9497257030.html -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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PulseAudio
by Ian McDonald 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

The sound server PulseAudio is a relative newcomer to the Linux audio arena, but since it has been selected as the default setup in the next releases of at least two major distributions (Fedora and Ubuntu), it's probably time to start looking into it More at: http://www.linux.com/feature/119926 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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WLUG Fixit Meeting is today!
by Meeting Reminder bot 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

A reminder, the WLUG Fixit Meeting is today. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday November 3rd, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm We will be holding our SaturdayWorkshop at Te Whanau Pūtahi (http://zoomin.co.nz/nz/hamilton/enderley/-te+whanau+ptahi/?place/full_map) the community church at the end of Oxford Street. We'll have the usual tables, power, various ISO's, Internet, coffee and light lunch, etc.

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WLUG Fixit Meeting tomorrow
by Meeting Reminder bot 01 Nov '07

01 Nov '07

A reminder; the WLUG Fixit Meeting is tomorrow. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday November 3rd, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm We will be holding our SaturdayWorkshop at Te Whanau Pūtahi (http://zoomin.co.nz/nz/hamilton/enderley/-te+whanau+ptahi/?place/full_map) the community church at the end of Oxford Street. We'll have the usual tables, power, various ISO's, Internet, coffee and light lunch, etc.

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REMINDER: workshop on Saturday
by Bruce Kingsbury 01 Nov '07

01 Nov '07

Saturday November 3rd, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm We will be holding our SaturdayWorkshop at Te Whanau Pūtahi, the community church at the end of Oxford Street. We'll have the usual tables, power, various ISO's, Internet, coffee and light lunch, etc. http://wlug.org.nz/SaturdayWorkshop.2007-11-03

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Follow-up to Monday night Gaming meeting
by Bruce Kingsbury 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

A lot of people asked me after the meeting for various web addresses of software mentioned, so I've added links for everything that was discussed (and some that I intended to discuss, but didn't get to) on the meeting page. http://wlug.org.nz/MeetingTopics.2007-10-29 Plus a brief summary of everything.

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ODF group abandons ODF!
by Ian McDonald 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

This one is a little bizarre! http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/9793D43B77C420EECC257384001906D0 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting tonight!
by Meeting Reminder Bot 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

There's a WLUG meeting tonight: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) Linux gaming: James and Bruce will present some Games that run on Linux, either natively or under Windows compatibility wrappers like Wine.

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Kernel Killer
by elroy 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

Has anyone seen this before? I'm pretty sure I know what it is :-) How I did it: Select ~4,000 image files in file manager (to delete) - but with 'Show As Thumbnail' selected - managed to kill an E6300 (Dual-Core 1.86GHz w/2GB RAM and 2GB SWAP). Questions: ========== a) Is this a case of the kernel running out of physical AND virtual memory? b) I have a SWAP file size of " cat /proc/swaps Filename Type Size Used Priority /dev/sdb2 partition 3903784 0 -1 " Should be ~4GB - but 'top' was only showing 2GB in-use/useable - should I have split the 4GB into 2x 2GB SWAP partitions for GNU/Linux to utilise it all? c) Can anyone explain in nice laymans terms the correct use of the 'Alt + SysReq' and 'Alt + S' and 'Alt + U' and 'Alt + B' key sequence (I used this to (I think) tell the machine to safely shut down). Cheers, Elroy. > [ 5756.653718] passkey-agent invoked oom-killer: gfp_mask=0x201d2, order=0, oomkilladj=0 > [ 5756.653741] [<c015a915>] out_of_memory+0x175/0x1b0 > [ 5756.653759] [<c015c364>] __alloc_pages+0x2e4/0x340 > [ 5756.653770] [<c015db69>] __do_page_cache_readahead+0x109/0x250 > [ 5756.653781] [<c02ed622>] io_schedule+0x22/0x30 > [ 5756.653787] [<c02ed8cb>] __wait_on_bit_lock+0x5b/0x70 > [ 5756.653790] [<c01570d0>] sync_page+0x0/0x40 > [ 5756.653799] [<c01570b3>] __lock_page+0x73/0x80 > [ 5756.653809] [<c0159b13>] filemap_nopage+0x2c3/0x3a0 > [ 5756.653820] [<c01643ea>] __handle_mm_fault+0x14a/0xa40 > [ 5756.653825] [<c0102236>] __switch_to+0xc6/0x1f0 > [ 5756.653842] [<c02f0658>] do_page_fault+0x128/0x600 > [ 5756.653854] [<c02f0530>] do_page_fault+0x0/0x600 > [ 5756.653859] [<c02eed0c>] error_code+0x7c/0x90 > [ 5756.653872] ======================= > [ 5756.653873] Mem-info: > [ 5756.653875] DMA per-cpu: > [ 5756.653877] CPU 0: Hot: hi: 0, btch: 1 usd: 0 Cold: hi: 0, btch: 1 usd: 0 > [ 5756.653880] CPU 1: Hot: hi: 0, btch: 1 usd: 0 Cold: hi: 0, btch: 1 usd: 0 > [ 5756.653882] Normal per-cpu: > [ 5756.653884] CPU 0: Hot: hi: 186, btch: 31 usd: 38 Cold: hi: 62, btch: 15 usd: 60 > [ 5756.653887] CPU 1: Hot: hi: 186, btch: 31 usd: 59 Cold: hi: 62, btch: 15 usd: 61 > [ 5756.653888] HighMem per-cpu: > [ 5756.653890] CPU 0: Hot: hi: 186, btch: 31 usd: 143 Cold: hi: 62, btch: 15 usd: 45 > [ 5756.653893] CPU 1: Hot: hi: 186, btch: 31 usd: 121 Cold: hi: 62, btch: 15 usd: 23 > [ 5756.653897] Active:247244 inactive:246390 dirty:0 writeback:0 unstable:0 free:12228 slab:5093 mapped:650 pagetables:2205 > [ 5756.653901] DMA free:8128kB min:68kB low:84kB high:100kB active:600kB inactive:708kB present:16256kB pages_scanned:2015 all_unreclaimable? yes > [ 5756.653903] lowmem_reserve[]: 0 873 2015 > [ 5756.653908] Normal free:40296kB min:3744kB low:4680kB high:5616kB active:408760kB inactive:407108kB present:894080kB pages_scanned:1419965 all_unreclaimable? yes > [ 5756.653911] lowmem_reserve[]: 0 0 9139 > [ 5756.653915] HighMem free:488kB min:512kB low:1736kB high:2960kB active:579616kB inactive:577744kB present:1169800kB pages_scanned:1908817 all_unreclaimable? yes > [ 5756.653918] lowmem_reserve[]: 0 0 0 > [ 5756.653920] DMA: 2*4kB 49*8kB 61*16kB 29*32kB 13*64kB 5*128kB 5*256kB 0*512kB 1*1024kB 1*2048kB 0*4096kB = 8128kB > [ 5756.653928] Normal: 32*4kB 23*8kB 13*16kB 17*32kB 91*64kB 5*128kB 2*256kB 7*512kB 14*1024kB 5*2048kB 1*4096kB = 40296kB > [ 5756.653936] HighMem: 8*4kB 9*8kB 0*16kB 0*32kB 0*64kB 1*128kB 1*256kB 0*512kB 0*1024kB 0*2048kB 0*4096kB = 488kB > [ 5756.653945] Swap cache: add 1476597, delete 1476597, find 120489/168440, race 4+39 > [ 5756.653947] Free swap = 0kB > [ 5756.653948] Total swap = 3903784kB > [ 5756.653950] Free swap: 0kB > [ 5756.658573] 524128 pages of RAM > [ 5756.658575] 294752 pages of HIGHMEM > [ 5756.658576] 5910 reserved pages > [ 5756.658577] 3523 pages shared > [ 5756.658579] 0 pages swap cached > [ 5756.658580] 0 pages dirty > [ 5756.658581] 0 pages writeback > [ 5756.658582] 650 pages mapped > [ 5756.658584] 5093 pages slab > [ 5756.658585] 2205 pages pagetables

3 3

WLUG members
by Simon Green 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

Hi all, For those that are WLUG members, this is a friendly reminder that your 2007-08 subs are now due. There are three easy payment methods: 1) Bring $20 cash or a cheque to the WLUG meeting tomorrow night. You will be issued with a receipt 2) Pay via Internet banking, or at an ASB branch. Please make sure your login name or real name is used as a reference. The WLUG bank account number is available at https://secure.wlug.org.nz/join.html 3) Send a cheque to WLUG, PO Box 21051, Hamilton 3249. Make sure that your user name is on the back of the cheque. Reminder notices will be sent out in a fortnight for current members who have not paid. If you are not a member of WLUG, now is an excellent time to think about joining. It is only $20 per year, and you'll be supporting a good cause. Benefits of membership as well as information on how you can sign up can be found at: https://secure.wlug.org.nz/join.html And finally for those that have already paid their 2007-08 membership, thank you very much Simon Green WLUG Membership Manager membership(a)wlug.org.nz

1 0

The Vampire resurrects itself from the stake plunged into it
by Ian McDonald 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

Well we thought that SCO had died with it's bankruptcy protection but it appears the Linux side hasn't. http://www.linux-watch.com/news/NS7753951114.html Note that any new owners will have any more lucnk I think. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

REMINDER: WLUG meeting is on Monday
by Meeting Reminder Bot 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

There's a Waikato Linux Users Group meeting on Monday: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) Linux gaming: James and Bruce will present some Games that run on Linux, either natively or under Windows compatibility wrappers like Wine.

1 0

Mounting an image
by Chris O'Halloran 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

Two weeks ago, I discovered my harddrive was dead. The bios won't even detect it :( I tried to restore my backups onto another computer from a couple of tar.gz files on a USB drive only to find errors when gunzipping them. :(. I can get about 1/3 files off.) However, I notice that somehow I made an image of the whole harddrive (12 partitions) and it stored on my USB drive too as /kubuntu/dev/hda I tried doing the mount /media/disk/kubuntu/dev/hda -o loop /mnt/hda (after making /mnt/hda first) but it (not unsuprisingly) can't figure out the partitions.of find a file system. There were all ext2 or ext3 from memory Is there a way I can mount this image? Do I need the partition tables? would ubuntu dapper have made a copy and put them anywhere? I have /etc and /var from the disk too. This /dev/hda is about 25G so I am wondering if I have a suitable image. And maybe I can recoved the photos etc. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions. Cheers Chris

5 5

Email training system
by Michael McDonald 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

Does anyone know of a email server, preferably free, that can be used in a training environment? Current requirements are POP3 and SMTP access. All email is to be confined to a single domain (the classroom - not registered) and access to the (external) Internet should be blocked. It appears there could be a fair amount of work in setting up "standard"software for this limited task, but I would prefer something that most people would find simple to install to maintain. Michael

3 3

Gimp 2.4
by Ian McDonald 24 Oct '07

24 Oct '07

Nice features and screenshots here: http://www.redhatmagazine.com/2007/10/23/gimp-24-preview/ -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

2 1

Re: [wlug] Ubuntu 7.10 released
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 24 Oct '07

24 Oct '07

Hi again, Like Michael, I did a "famous last words" thing on closing my "successful" 7.10 after changing to open source ATI graphics drivers it failed to reboot giving a Check system then press f2. I wonder if Ian's link to the new Ati drivers (ATI mobility 9000 radeon) would help or fix the problem???? Please respond.. Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > Hi all, > I did the change to 7.10 my wireless works straight > away for only the second time ever. Glxgears is a bit sad > at 132fps but I only have a ati mobility radeon 9000 so I > guess there is not much hope for anything better. Unless > someone knows of a tune up script to get a better result > *hopes... Regards John > > > ----- Original Message Follows ----- > > On 21/10/2007, Michael McDonald <mikencolleen(a)gmail.com> > > > wrote: I did the change to 7.10 yesterday. No > > problems so far. > > > > Now what's that about "famous last words". I pressed > > "send" and requested the system update (timezone data) > > then my screen went dim and the system failed to > > respond. Restarted X (Ctl/Alt/Bksp) and I'm back in > > business. > > Michael > > _______________________________________________ > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > Unsubscribe: > > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wl > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug

1 0

Astrophysicist Replaces Supercomputer with Eight PlayStation 3s
by Michael McDonald 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

An interesting read ... Astrophysicist Replaces Supercomputer with Eight PlayStation 3s http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2007/10/ps3_supercomputer Michael

1 0

Improved proprietary ATI drivers
by Ian McDonald 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

Can now use aiglx rather than xgl which means graphics should work better I think: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=887&num=1 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

How to figure out what script is starting a process
by Chris O'Halloran 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

Hello, I have got compiz fusion to work on my KDE Kubuntu laptop. Compiz is little buggy on KDE so it would be nice to manually start it rather than it automagically start when I login. However, I can't figure out where its getting started from. Is there a way to track what script started a feature. I can find the script for compiz.real but I can't figure out what calls this script. Similary what is the grep command to search a set of configuration files for a key word? I remember someone mentioning it for search kernel sources a few months back. Cheers Chris

3 3

Linux graphics survey
by Ian McDonald 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

These people are behind promoting graphics for linux quite heavily: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=lgs_2007 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

Ubuntu 7.10 released
by Simon Green 21 Oct '07

21 Oct '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ubuntu Announcements <noreply(a)ubuntu.com> The Ubuntu team is proud to announce version 7.10 of the Ubuntu family of distributions. Ubuntu is a full-featured Linux distribution for desktops, laptops, and servers, with a fast and easy install and regular releases. A tightly-integrated selection of excellent applications is included, and an incredible variety of add-on software is just a few clicks away. Read more about the features of Ubuntu 7.10 in the following press releases: Ubuntu 7.10 http://www.ubuntu.com/news/ubuntu710 Desktop edition http://www.ubuntu.com/news/ubuntu-desktop710 Server edition http://www.ubuntu.com/news/ubuntu-server710 Ubuntu family http://www.ubuntu.com/news/ubuntu-family710 Professional technical support is available from Canonical Limited and hundreds of other companies around the world. For more information about support, visit http://www.ubuntu.com/support Ubuntu 7.10 will be supported for 18 months on both desktops and servers. Users requiring a longer support lifetime on servers may choose to continue using Ubuntu 6.06 LTS, with security support until 2011, rather than upgrade to or install 7.10. Ubuntu 7.10 is also the basis for new 7.10 releases of Kubuntu and Edubuntu: Kubuntu announcement http://kubuntu.org/announcements/7.10-release.php Edubuntu announcement http://www.edubuntu.org/news/7.10-release To Get Ubuntu 7.10 ------------------ To download Ubuntu 7.10, or obtain CDs, visit: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu Users of Ubuntu 7.04 will be offered an automatic upgrade to 7.10 via Update Manager. As always, upgrades to the latest version of Ubuntu are entirely free of charge. For further information about upgrading, see http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/upgrading We recommend that all users read the release notes, which document caveats and workarounds for known issues. They are available at: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/710 Find out what's new in this release with a graphical tour: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/710tour If you have a question, or if you think you may have found a bug but aren't sure, try asking on the #ubuntu IRC channel, on the Ubuntu Users mailing list, or on the Ubuntu forums: #ubuntu on irc.freenode.net http://www.ubuntuforums.org/ http://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users Helping Shape Ubuntu -------------------- If you would like to help shape Ubuntu, take a look at the list of ways you can participate at http://www.ubuntu.com/community/participate/ Developers should consider attending the upcoming Ubuntu Developer Summit in Cambridge, Massachusetts (US) starting 29 October. More information is available at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UDS-Boston More Information ---------------- You can find out more about Ubuntu and about this release on our website: http://www.ubuntu.com/ To sign up for future Ubuntu announcements, please subscribe to Ubuntu's very low volume announcement list at: http://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-announce -- ubuntu-announce mailing list ubuntu-announce(a)lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-announce

7 12

ANNOUNCE: WLUG meeting is one week away
by Meeting Reminder Bot 21 Oct '07

21 Oct '07

The Waikato Linux Users Group have a meeting in one week from today: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) Linux gaming: James and Bruce will present some Games that run on Linux, either natively or under Windows compatibility wrappers like Wine.

1 0

Re: [wlug] Ubuntu 7.10 released
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 21 Oct '07

21 Oct '07

Hi all, I did the change to 7.10 my wireless works straight away for only the second time ever. Glxgears is a bit sad at 132fps but I only have a ati mobility radeon 9000 so I guess there is not much hope for anything better. Unless someone knows of a tune up script to get a better result *hopes... Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > On 21/10/2007, Michael McDonald <mikencolleen(a)gmail.com> > > wrote: I did the change to 7.10 yesterday. No problems > so far. > > Now what's that about "famous last words". I pressed > "send" and requested the system update (timezone data) > then my screen went dim and the system failed to respond. > Restarted X (Ctl/Alt/Bksp) and I'm back in business. > > Michael > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wl

1 0

Home networking with SSH
by Ian McDonald 20 Oct '07

20 Oct '07

The Secure Shell (SSH) network protocol makes it easy to connect computers that are running Linux, share files, and remotely run applications. Along with an X server, it can make sharing a single computer simple on a home network. In my home, my wife and I need to share a desktop computer -- often at the same time. The computer runs Slackware Linux, and we have individual user accounts, Thunderbird email profiles, Firefox bookmarks, and other documents. Linux gives us the ability to share the computer by using multiple X Window sessions, each on its own virtual terminal. But the computer has only one monitor and one keyboard, which limits us to one user at a time. For more see: http://www.linux.com/feature/119744 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

2 1

KDE 4 looking nice
by Ian McDonald 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

http://kde.org/announcements/announce-4.0-beta3.php -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

Linspire 6 doesn't inspire
by Ian McDonald 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

They say it basically pampers to Microsoft and many features are missing. In the past Linspire was a distro that was gaining popularity for ease of use and features but this doesn't sound positive. http://www.linux.com/feature/119866 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

PulseAudio
by Ian McDonald 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

PulseAudio is a cross-platform, open source sound server that supports advanced software mixing capabilities and network transparency. PulseAudio is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the Esound daemon and uses a pluggable Esound module for backwards compatibility. PulseAudio provides the infrastructure needed to bring a next-generation audio experience to the Linux desktop. PulseAudio will make it possible to independently control the volume of individual applications, support moving audio streams between devices on the fly, output audio on multiple devices simultaneously, and provide compatibility with GNOME's fast user switching functionality. For more see: http://arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2007/10/17/pulseaudio-to-bring-ea… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

NZer helps stop most of Amazon 1-Click patent
by Ian McDonald 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071017-amazons-1-click-patent-picked… Note - the issue here was prior art (i.e. Amazon patented something already invented). This is different to whether software patents are valid altogether... -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

Redhat/Novell get sued for patents
by Ian McDonald 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071012-patent-holding-company-target… The patent seems to be (as I read it) for the multiple desktop support in bottom right corner where you click on it. It was patented by Xerox in 1987 and they must have bought it at some time. I know this has been in X Windows forever (I used it in the 1980s) if I read it correctly. Will be interesting to see what comes of it. Of course there is a (tenuous) Microsoft link. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

2 4

Microsoft gets approval for two open source licenses from OSI
by Ian McDonald 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071016-microsoft-gets-official-open-… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

Red Hat Global Desktop
by Ian McDonald 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

An update on this here: http://desktoplinux.com/news/NS6584091276.html They say it's going to rapidly evolve but lists Gnome 2.16 which is now two versions old. I think most people who want to play will use Fedora or Ubuntu but this might be of some use for businesses who like conservative stuff. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

1 0

Announcing the Release Candidate for Ubuntu 7.10
by Simon Green 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Date: 12 Oct 2007 10:21 To: ubuntu-announce(a)lists.ubuntu.com The Ubuntu team is proud to announce the Release Candidate for version 7.10 of Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Gobuntu, and Xubuntu codenamed "Gutsy Gibbon". The Release Candidate includes installable live Desktop CDs, server images, alternate text-mode installation CDs, and an upgrade wizard for users of the current stable release. We consider this release candidate to be complete, stable, and suitable for testing by any user. The final release of version 7.10 is scheduled for 18 October 2007 and will be supported for 18 months on both desktops and servers. Users requiring a longer support lifetime on servers may choose to continue using Ubuntu 6.06 LTS, with security support until 2011, rather than upgrade to 7.10. Before installing or upgrading to Ubuntu 7.10 please read https://wiki.ubuntu.com/GutsyReleaseNotes About The Release Candidate --------------------------- The purpose of the Release Candidate is to solicit one last round of testing before the final release. Here are ways that you can help: * Upgrade from Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Edubuntu 7.04 to the Release Candidate by following the instructions given above. * Participate in installation testing using the Release Candidate CD images, by following the testing and reporting instructions at http://wiki.ubuntu.com/Testing/ISO Desktop highlights ------------------ Compiz Fusion: This innovative compositing window manager enables 3-D desktop effects that let users work with, and see, their desktops in completely new ways. Printer installation: In GNOME, printers are automatically configured for use as soon as they are connected. Free Flash support with Gnash: Ubuntu 7.10 leads the pack with a preview of this Flash browser plugin. Although still actively in development and not yet fully supported by Ubuntu, Gnash gives a glimpse into the future of free Flash, bringing partial Flash support to 64-bit desktop systems. Automated Firefox plugin installation: Beyond the addition of Gnash, Firefox in Ubuntu now supports automatic installation of popular plugins through the standard Ubuntu package repositories, for a richer web-browsing experience with the integrated security support of the rest of the Ubuntu system. Server highlights ----------------- AppArmor: This easy-to-deploy kernel technology limits the resources an application is allowed to access and can be used to provide an added layer of protection against undiscovered security vulnerabilities in applications. Pre-configured installation options: Mail Server, Print Server, Database Server, and File Server options join existing LAMP and DNS options for pre-configured installations, easing the deployment of common server configurations. Edubuntu highlights ------------------- Faster thin clients: Thin clients have been sped up significantly through the use of compressed images. Updated login manager: The thin-client login manager has been completely reworked, with themes for all Ubuntu flavors, support for autologin, and optional unencrypted graphics transport for improved performance on slower hardware. Kubuntu highlights ------------------ As well as the above desktop highlights, the following new features are specific to KDE users: Dolphin file manager: This updated file manager gives Ubuntu users a glimpse of the upcoming KDE 4. Strigi desktop search: Another pillar of KDE 4 available now in Kubuntu. Restricted-manager: Kubuntu 7.10 includes a KDE front-end for easy installation of proprietary drivers, complementing the existing GNOME front-end. Please see https://wiki.kubuntu.org/GutsyGibbon/RC/Kubuntu for details. Gobuntu highlights ------------------ Gobuntu 7.10 is the debut full release of the Ubuntu version that is composed entirely of open source non-restricted software. For experienced Linux enthusiasts, Gobuntu will act as the test bed for developing a user-friendly operating system with no compromise in terms of the open source philosophy. This initial release comes without any software from the restricted component, and with artwork for usplash and the isolinux CD bootloader. The full release notes can be found at http://www.ubuntu.com/testing/710rc To Get the Ubuntu 7.10 Release Candidate CD ------------------------------------------- To perform a new installation or try out 7.10 "live" from CD, download the Ubuntu 7.10 Release Candidate (choose the mirror closest to you): Europe: http://se.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Sweden) http://nl.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (The Netherlands) http://ftp.snt.utwente.nl/pub/linux/ubuntu-releases/7.10 (The Netherlands) http://ie.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Ireland) http://it.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Italy) http://gb.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Great Britain) http://de.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Germany) http://fr.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (France) Asia/Pacific: http://tw.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Taiwan) http://mirror.optus.net/ubuntu-releases/7.10 (Australia) Africa: http://za.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (South Africa) North America: http://ca.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Canada) http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (United States) South America: http://br.releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Brazil) Rest of the world: http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10 (Great Britain) Please download using Bittorrent if possible. For more information about using Bittorrent, see: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BitTorrent Upgrading from Ubuntu 7.04 -------------------------- To upgrade from Ubuntu 7.04 to Ubuntu 7.10 Release Candidate, follow these instructions: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GutsyUpgrades Feedback and Helping -------------------- If you would like to help shape Ubuntu to better meet your future needs, take a look at the list of ways you can participate at http://www.ubuntu.com/community/participate/ Your comments, bug reports, patches, and suggestions will help turn this release into the best release of Ubuntu ever. Please report bugs through the Launchpad bug tracker: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/gutsy/+bugs If you have a question, or if you think you may have found a bug but aren't sure, first try asking on the #ubuntu IRC channel on FreeNode, on the Ubuntu Users mailing list, or on the Ubuntu forums: http://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users http://www.ubuntuforums.org/ More Information ---------------- Ubuntu is a Linux distribution for your desktop, laptop, thin client, and server, with a fast and easy install. Ubuntu comes in several variants, including Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, and Xubuntu. The Ubuntu project makes no distinction between a free edition and an enterprise edition - this is our best work and it is freely available. Used by businesses, home users, schools, and governments around the world, Ubuntu offers regular releases, a tight selection of excellent packages installed by default and professional commercial technical support from Canonical Ltd and hundreds of other companies. You can find out more about Ubuntu and about this preview release on our website, IRC channel, and wiki. If you are new to Ubuntu, please visit: http://www.ubuntu.com/ To sign up for future Ubuntu announcements, please subscribe to Ubuntu's very low volume announcement list at: http://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-announce -- ubuntu-announce mailing list ubuntu-announce(a)lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-announce

1 0

Linux the cause of Ebay phishing...
by Ian McDonald 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=18738 The moral of the story is that unsecured (particularly unpatched) Linux boxes are just as bad (or worse) than Windows boxes. I've seen a lot of people just install Linux machines and leave them running. Yes they run forever, but that doesn't make them secure. It seems like Linux is now more and more a target. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

6 9

Microsoft make noise about RedHat
by Ian McDonald 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

Ballmer is back to his talk (and no action): http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2200717/microsoft-sharpens-aims-patent -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

2 1

Fwd: Linux kernel 2.6.23 released
by Ian McDonald 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Linux Kernel Distribution System <kdist(a)linux.kernel.org> Date: Oct 10, 2007 10:08 AM Subject: Linux kernel 2.6.23 released To: linux-kernel-announce(a)hera.kernel.org Linux kernel version 2.6.23 has been released. It is available from: Patch: ftp://ftp.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/patch-2.6.23.bz2 Full source: ftp://ftp.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/linux-2.6.23.tar.bz2 Sizes in bytes Compressed Uncompressed ------------------------------------------------------------ Patch 6127045 32897292 Full source 45488158 264704000

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[Fwd: Re: Linux the cause of Ebay phishing...]
by Lindsay Druett 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

-------- Forwarded Message -------- From: Lindsay Druett <lindsay(a)wired.net.nz> Reply-To: lindsay(a)wired.net.nz To: Bruce Kingsbury <zcat(a)wired.net.nz> Subject: Re: [wlug] Linux the cause of Ebay phishing... Date: Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:05:28 +1300 And going to the Linux front.... Redhat server is a baddie... I had to sort out a Linux server last week for a rather large customer. In the /etc/rc(whatever).D they had everything under the sun *and* the moon. Would you believe, they had /etc/init.d/ipchains start and /etc/init.d/iptables start together... Going to my ITS days... Slackware was the ITS standard distro when I was working for Uni, and the big concern was security (no wonder). The BOFH had done a crack down on ITS security when I was there, and believe or not, my work desktop got the rubber stamp. It wasn't running Slackware, and if it ran slackware, it would have failed miserably, but it ran SuSe desktop of all things... Oh yeah... || to your distro Denise... On Tue, 2007-10-09 at 19:26 +1300, Bruce Kingsbury wrote: > > Linux OTOH can be set up so, for example, the MySQL database could > > only be accessed via 127.0.0.1 if it was only for the local webserver, > > or opened up only to the hosts that need to access the database > > server. > > Windows can be set up the same way, it just typically isn't. > > Many linux distros (particularly the ones intended for desktop users) > have a policy of 'no open ports' and a lot of software like MySQL is > similarly preconfigured to only listen to localhost. My experience with > Windows, all sorts of completely unnecessary things end up listening on > all interfaces, simply because on the chance that you happen to need > those services, they'll already be installed and accessable. Hello > slammer! That's great from an 'everything just works' perspective, > perhaps.. but it's terrible from a security perspective. > >

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Linux on the motherboard
by Ian McDonald 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

This was quite an interesting article about a new ASUS motherboard which has Linux and Skype on the motherboard itself: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=869&num=1 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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openSUSE 10.3 review
by Ian McDonald 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

This is out now and here's a review: http://lunapark6.com/opensuse-103-review.html -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Developing open source software better
by Ian McDonald 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

I found this an interesting read: http://humanized.com/weblog/2007/10/05/make_oss_humane/ -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Upcoming WLUG committee meeting (1 week today)
by Meeting Reminder bot 07 Oct '07

07 Oct '07

As per the WLUG charter, please note that there is a WLUG executive committee meeting one week from today. If you wish to get an item on the agenda for this meeting, please email it to secretary(a)wlug.org.nz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # Previous Minutes # Treasurers report # Correspondence # Matters # Server status # General business

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laptop problem
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 06 Oct '07

06 Oct '07

Hi All. My machine began behaving badly. It appeared to run out of memory then totally lock up. I ran "Memtest outcome was 10 tests no errors. I replaced the hard drive with no difference being made. A simple example of one the problems was the live disc install for Feisty. Disc took forever to load then when install selected the furthest it ever went was to detecting file systems then it just quit or looped or locked. The proccessor is incredibly hot with constant stream over very hot air being forced out by the fan. The fan appears to ok as do the airways. Can anyone venture a fix for this??? Regards John

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What a hoot!
by Michael McDonald 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

Hi I thought the following reported error message was a joke, but it appears to be genuine. Admittedly, it was a rather rare one. Can you imagine the look on a person's face if they received this error message? Reported in Computerworld http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/fry/B89135639310C834CC25736B0005B677 Error Message: Your Password Must Be at Least 18770 Characters and Cannot Repeat Any of Your Previous 30689 Passwords — Microsoft KB article Q276304 ( http://support.microsoft.com/kb/276304/en-us ) Michael -- Michael Note: Email addresses have changed ... Michael .. mikencolleen(a)gmail.com Colleen .. colleennmike(a)gmail.com

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System Rescue CD does network boot now
by Ian McDonald 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

>From lwn.net: DesktopLinux.com reviews the 0.4 version of SystemRescueCD, a Gentoo-based distribution for repairing broken systems. "Another major improvement is that you can now use PXE network booting. With PXE, you can boot a troubled PC remote over your LAN into SystemRescueCD. This is great, for example, for a help desk repairing systems scattered over an office or campus. To get this to work, the PCs will need to be set to use wake-on-LAN and network boot. That's been a standard PC feature since 2001, but it usually must be made active in the BIOS before you can use it." Article at: http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS4076782266.html -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Installfest '07
by Lindsay Druett 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

Hi Everyone, As announced at the AGM tomorrow is our annual Installfest. It is being held at the Gateway Christian Centre, 950 Victoria St, Hamilton, where there is plenty of parking available in the carpark. It would be greatly appreciated, that no matter how much or how little experience you have with Linux, that you come along as there maybe people who are totally new Linux may also be coming along. We already have a family of people coming down from Auckland who want to see a bit of Hamilton and get a feel of the Waikato Linux community. Who knows who else is coming along... As well has assisting people with desktop Linux, we'll also be playing around with specialist type applications, such as VoIP using Trixbox, installing Linux on a Linksys WRT54GL. Personally, I can see with the future of Installfests would be like drag race meetings where we all get together start showing off our hardware and skill set. Linksys (a division of Cisco Systems) has been a great supporter on this event where they have kindly loaned us a whole lot of networking equipment including the switches to connect everyone together, IP hones, including their flagship IP Phone, the SPA961 IP Phone, plus some other goodies. I would also like to thank Bruce who has worked really hard to organise this event. Of course, Tux will be attending the event, most probably trying to beat our neighbors across the ditch at Tremulous. Regards, Teh Linz, WLUG Vice-President.

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Interesting article on Lotus Symphony
by Ian McDonald 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

http://www.linux.com/feature/119596 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Skype 1.4 for Linux released
by Ian McDonald 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NjA5Nw -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Update on the OLPC
by Ian McDonald 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

>From NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/technology/circuits/04pogue.html?_r=3&ore… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Re: [wlug] Microsoft starting to open source .NET
by David 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

Yes, seriously! http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NjA5Mg It's not all of it and it's not the greatest license but it's a start. Can there be any doubt that open source is a better model as Microsoft starts to slowly embrace it?? I think the specs to .net would be better than source code under those terms. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2191754,00.asp Microsofts open source trap. -- Some people say that if you run a windows installer cd backwards it commands you to worship the devil... But its worse if you run it forwards, then it installs windows!

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Microsoft starting to open source .NET
by Ian McDonald 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

Yes, seriously! http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NjA5Mg It's not all of it and it's not the greatest license but it's a start. Can there be any doubt that open source is a better model as Microsoft starts to slowly embrace it?? -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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3Com goes VoIP with Asterisk
by Ian McDonald 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

Great move on their behalf: http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13505_1-9790221-16.html?tag=bnpr -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: Open source software and Consumer testing
by Ian McDonald 02 Oct '07

02 Oct '07

And Consumer are doing a feature on Linux in the future. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Oct 2, 2007 1:21 PM Subject: Open source software and Consumer testing To: ian.mcdonald(a)jandi.co.nz Hi Ian Thanks for the email. We've considered doing Linux and other operating systems for some time. The last time we looked at it, the powers that be decided that it was not worth doing. The reason for this was that in one of our computer surveys, less than 1 percent used a linux based system. However, as I'm sure you're thinking, perhaps less than 1 percent use it because they're simply not aware of the existence of these other options. This is something I'm interested in doing and I've convinced our research manager to let us do it but the timeframe hasn't been determined yet - it will take a little time to do properly. So while you may not see it in the next month, it's certainly something we're going to do. That line certainly wasn't meant to apply to open source software of the type you describe and we should clarify that. There is no doubt that a groundswell is definitely developing towards alternative software. We're certainly not in any way biased towards Microsoft, PCs versus Mac, etc, so don't feel it's an intentional snub at other possibilities. I've just finished an article on office suites which should be online soon. We recommend OpenOffice as well as MS Office 2007. Hope this helps. Best regards Marc Wendelborn Technical Writer Consumers' Institute 39 Webb St Te Aro, Wellington -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Pharmac publishes directly with open source
by Michael McDonald 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

Interesting article from Computer World ... Pharmac publishes directly with open source The TeX solution reduced the cost of the project to a fraction of what the proprietary solution would have cost, says IT manager http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/25F72F231ABF8F5ACC2573630083A579 Michael

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Fwd: Your article on EULA - feedback on Free Software
by Ian McDonald 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

If any others of you are Consumer members you might like to write something to them. Please be polite. They have often recommended software such as Openoffice before so I think this is a genuine mistake. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ian McDonald <ian.mcdonald(a)jandi.co.nz> Date: Oct 2, 2007 8:49 AM Subject: Your article on EULA - feedback on Free Software To: editor(a)consumer.org.nz Dear Sir/Madam, I noticed online at this page: http://www.consumer.org.nz/topic.asp?category=Computers%20%26%20Phones&subc… that you said this: Use caution with 'free' software. It is rarely free. There's often a trade-off in advertising, access to personal information or use of your computer's resources. For example, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs use your computer to send information across the web which may leave it vulnerable to viruses, software flaws and trojans (malicious programs hiding in benign applications). I think that this is a little misleading as there is a whole category of free software which is completely different. This is also called "open source" software. Some examples of this are Firefox, OpenOffice (which you have mentioned positively previously) and Linux. Many large companies such as Google run on free software. A good article on free software is one here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Software I think the software you mean is actually freeware which I agree is often very problematic. This is described here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware It would be great if you can print a clarification for this as often free software/opensource software is a better choice than paid software. Regards, Ian McDonald (An open source software programmer) -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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WLUG Installfest
by Bruce Kingsbury 30 Sep '07

30 Sep '07

You may be aware that WLUG have planned an installfest for Saturday 6th Oct. In order for this to be a successful event we really need a good number of volunteers to turn up on the day. It doesn't matter if you're not a linux guru, someone with any experience at all is going to be helpful to someone who's never used Linux before. Also we've planned 2,000 fliers to go in letterboxes on Wednesday. Rod and myself are prepared to do 1,000 each if necessary but a few volunteers here would greatly help.

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Any coders here wantto write a patch for Tremulous?
by Bruce Kingsbury 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

gpg authentication patch for tremulous; Tremulous client and server run as a single thread, 20 'frames' per second. Because of this time limit, the current system for identifying admins on a server consists of a 32byte cookie named 'cl_guid' which is stored (if the user has any admin priviledges) on the server in admin.dat and sent by the client in plaintext at connect time. This is less-than-ideal. I don't think it would be too difficult to fork off an authentication thread which uses pgp to do a proper signed-challenge authentication. This would be a completely different thread and not constrained by the 50ms frame timelimit. My suggestion, connecting clients optionally send a cl_gpgauth flag which indicates if they're willing to gpg-authenticate. If the server doesn't care then we don't ignore it (as an unpatched server will do) and their guid is accepted as-is. If we want to give them ops, the server requests they sent their public key which is stored in the admin.dat in some appropriate manner. If at the time they connect the guid they've sent is in the admin.dat and has a public key, the server immediately sets their GUID to “”, sends them a 'challenge' of 256 bytes (2048 bits) which is also stored locally, and carries on. If they're in admin dat and don't have a public key, no problem.. existing behaviour. (There might need to be some kind of connection-rate-limit and challenge-drop-time to prevent denial of service attacks on the server at this point.) Until they answer the challenge, or if they ignore the challenge completely, they end up with an effective GUID of “” Client binary, on receiving the challenge, forks off a gpg process to sign the challenge block with their Tremulous private key. When the fork ends (perhaps dozens of frames later) the next reply to the server will include a detatched signature of the challenge data. The server then forks off a GPG process and checks that they've correctly signed the challenge block, and (again perhaps dozend of frames later) if the gpg result is correct, their ingame guid is set back to the one listed in the admin.dat, and existing server code handles whatever privileges are implied by this. Result, connecting ops have their guid set to "" immediately when they first connect, it should only take a few seconds to do the authentication, and they'll have their regular ID back faster than it takes to unpack all the models and textures. Note; cl_guid is not their gpg-key signature or anything like that, it's still just a big random number, and the server keeps a record of both only if there's any reason for them to be authenticated.

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Police go wikiing
by Ian McDonald 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

And using open source software too (pmwiki): http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10466034&ref=… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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OpenCD reborn as OpenDisc
by Ian McDonald 27 Sep '07

27 Sep '07

http://lwn.net/Articles/251967/rss -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Be careful out there upgrading Ubuntu
by Ian McDonald 26 Sep '07

26 Sep '07

I've seen quite a few reports recently about people upgrading to Feisty and breaking their systems. I've also had problems with the previews of Gibbon (7.10) and this has caused my system to break quite a bit, quite badly. (Multiple instances of not being able to use my GUI environment at all). I'm not trying to slag Ubuntu off - and it's probably only 1% of people having issues. Just remember with any upgrade that you should always have backups. This applies whether you use Windows or Linux or the Mac or whatever.. It's just that Linux upgrades a bit more often typically. I've written a bit about bugs recently on my blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz/2007/09/bugs-bugs-bugs.html Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Geography tool going open source
by Ian McDonald 26 Sep '07

26 Sep '07

Autodesk opensourcing a tool. No interest to me but might interest someone here: http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9784878-39.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=254… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Another gnome 2.20 article - more detail
by Ian McDonald 25 Sep '07

25 Sep '07

http://arstechnica.com/reviews/os/gnome-2-20-review.ars/1 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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HP to expand Linux PC offering
by Ian McDonald 25 Sep '07

25 Sep '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070924-hp-to-expand-linux-pc-offerin… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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OLPC for sale!!
by Bruce Kingsbury 24 Sep '07

24 Sep '07

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6994957.stm

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting tonight!
by Meeting Reminder Bot 23 Sep '07

23 Sep '07

There's a WLUG meeting tonight: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) This will be the AGM for Wlug and WlugElections will be held. If you're interested in standing for WlugCommittee sign up on the WlugElections page There is a small proposed change to the charter at WlugCharterDiscussion.

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting is on Monday
by Meeting Reminder Bot 20 Sep '07

20 Sep '07

There's a Waikato Linux Users Group meeting on Monday: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) This will be the AGM for Wlug and WlugElections will be held. If you're interested in standing for WlugCommittee sign up on the WlugElections page There is a small proposed change to the charter at WlugCharterDiscussion.

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Gnome 2.20 is out
by Ian McDonald 19 Sep '07

19 Sep '07

Soon to come to Ubuntu 7.10 and other distros as they release: http://www.gnome.org/start/2.20/notes/en/ -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Linix on cellphones
by Ian McDonald 17 Sep '07

17 Sep '07

Good background article here (not much technical info though): http://www.linux.com/feature/119159 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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ANNOUNCE: WLUG meeting is one week away
by Meeting Reminder Bot 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

The Waikato Linux Users Group have a meeting in one week from today: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) This will be the AGM for Wlug and WlugElections will be held.

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Vinagre - a Gnome VNC client
by Ian McDonald 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

Looks cool: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=839&num=1 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Software Freedom Day
by Lindsay Druett 16 Sep '07

16 Sep '07

Hey Guys, The Software Freedom Day, which occurred yesterday, Saturday 15th September 2007, wasn't well planned, however, a totally spontaneous event happened, which involved the Tux (worn by Cairo Kingsbury) going to the Waikato vs. Wellington rugby match at Waikato Stadium wearing the Waikato supporter colours, along with Bruce and myself. And was also followed by Tux's appearance at the Hamilton PC Users Group fixit workshop, supported by Bruce and Roderick. For more details look at this site. http://softwarefreedomday.org/teams/oceania/nz/hamilton We had intentions of running an Installfest on Software Freedom day, however, we would like to replace October's fixit workshop with the WLUG Installfest. More details of the Installfest will follow after tomorrow night's committee meeting. Regards, Lindsay Druett WLUG Vice-president.

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SCO file for bankruptcy protection
by Ian McDonald 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-1… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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ATI to release open specifications for cards
by Ian McDonald 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

And the interesting news keeps coming: http://www.arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2007/09/05/amd-to-deliver-bet… Now Nvidia - about time for you to do the same, now Intel and ATI/AMD are getting on board. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Upcoming WLUG committee meeting (1 week today)
by Meeting Reminder bot 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

As per the WLUG charter, please note that there is a WLUG executive committee meeting one week from today. If you wish to get an item on the agenda for this meeting, please email it to secretary(a)wlug.org.nz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # Previous Minutes # Treasurers report # Correspondence # Matters # Server status # General business

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Uploading man pages
by Ian McDonald 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Is there a script or something around to upload man pages for the Wiki? I was just going to put some more recent ones on and wanted to preserve formatting. I know Perry did a whole lot originally and just wondered how they were done. Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Ubuntu CDs
by Eric Light 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Hi everyone, Is there anyone near Hillcrest / Uni area who wouldn't mind burning a 7.04 CD for me? I'll replace it with two blanks from the excitingly unknown brand "Office Solutions". Cheers, - Eric

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Laptop monitor
by Chris O'Halloran 09 Sep '07

09 Sep '07

Hello people, A friend has a Dell Inspiron Laptop that is now out if its warranty period. The screen has become slightly distorted in the sense that there are now two vertical bars about 2 inchs wide each spaced apart by about 1 inch from the centre. There "bars" are simply the screen image overexposed, ie noticably whiter than the rest of the screen but you still legible. I was wondering if anyone might care to comment on the prognosis. Can it be repaired and is that likely to be economical? Thanks for any comments. Chris

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Help Please
by John Torrance 08 Sep '07

08 Sep '07

I have recently loaded Feisty 7.04 and am having a few basic problems which probably relate to my ineptitude. Firstly, it does not recognise my 22" LCD monitor as such and I cannot change the display to the appropriate settings. The second is getting it to recognise my Brother 215c printer. Can anyone tell me how to solve these issues? Thanks John

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Getting webcams working
by Ian McDonald 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

Here is an article for those that have struggled with these. I know have... http://www.linux.com/feature/118896 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Novell work with Microsoft on Silverlight
by Ian McDonald 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Very interesting read here: http://www.arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070905-microsoft-releases-silver… Microsoft seem to be opening up a bit here. Not totally, but a bit. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Putting your ancestors on the web
by Ian McDonald 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Neat little PHP program discussed here - http://www.linux.com/feature/118881 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: [wlug-committee] UG News--Women in Tech Series from www.oreillynet.com
by Ian McDonald 04 Sep '07

04 Sep '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Marsee Henon <marsee(a)oreilly.com> Date: Sep 5, 2007 9:48 AM Subject: [wlug-committee] UG News--Women in Tech Series from www.oreillynet.com To: wlug-committee(a)list.waikato.ac.nz Hi Please share the following press announcement with your members if you think they will be interested. --Marsee Women of Tech: Hear Us Roar, A Special Series from www.oreillynet.com The Mighty Voices of Sisterhood in Tech Sebastopol, CA--There's no doubt that women coders, developers, designers, and programmers are a powerful force in the modern tech industry, despite their smaller numbers compared to men. At the same time many of the major impacts and innovations of women at every level of the development and evolution of technology--from the first female coders to today's Web 2.0 pioneers--aren't all that well known. But starting now, O'Reilly Media aims to celebrate and give voice to the real-world experiences and concerns of these female trailblazers by publishing a new online series, "Women in Tech." The brainchild of Tatiana Apandi, an associate editor at O'Reilly, the series features articles solicited from technology's female side--and all focused on what it's like to carve out a career in technology. The timely new series reveals the challenges, rewards, and, sometimes, frustrations of being a woman in an industry still dominated by men. "Each day, we'll present a different woman's story that I believe will open readers' eyes to her unique perspective," explains Apandi. "We have contributions from conference organizers, authors, programmers, developers, and more--women who have pioneered prosperous careers in technology." "As the series progresses, I hope readers find that this myriad of female perspectives shows how valuable it is to hear different points of view," says Tatiana. "Whether readers think there are issues on which we need to work or that there are no issues at all, one underlying truth is that we need to support each other as individuals and help one another with our separate goals." With clarity, honesty, and wit, this collection reveals what it's like to be in the minority of the male-dominated geek culture. Here are just a few of the voices in this upcoming series: - Anna Martelli, Ravenscroft, Pythonista - Audrey Eschright, independent programmer/designer/publisher - CJ Rayhill, SVP of Product Management and Technology for Safari Books Online - Dawn Foster, Director of Developer Relations at Jive Software - Dru Lavigne, Chair of the BSD Certification Group Inc - Gabrielle Roth, member of the Portland Perl Mongers - Jeni Tennison, independent consultant and author - Jill Dyche, partner and co-founder of Baseline Consulting - Juliet Kemp, Systems Administrator for the Astrophysics group at Imperial College - Julia Lerman, Board member of the Vermont Software Developer Alliance, runs the Vermont.NET User Group - Kaliya Hamlin, unconference Shesgeeky.org organizer - Kirsten Jones, webmaster for The Perl Foundation - Lauren Wood, Chaired for the W3C DOM Working Group - Leslie Hawthorn, works for Open Source Programs Office at Google - Selena Deckelmann, leads PDXPUG, a PostgreSQL Users Group - Shelley Powers, software developer/architect, photographer, and author The "Women in Tech," series starts Sept 4. Find out what they have to share and join the discussion here: http://www.oreillynet.com/womenintech/ About O'Reilly O'Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O'Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying "faint signals" from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism. # # # O'Reilly is a registered trademark of O'Reilly Media, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. _______________________________________________ wlug-committee mailing list wlug-committee(a)list.waikato.ac.nz http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug-committee -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Linux App Finder
by Daniel Lawson 04 Sep '07

04 Sep '07

I saw this linked off an article this morning, and it looked like it might be useful to someone in WLUG: http://linuxappfinder.com/

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E-waste day coming to Hamilton (and other centres) September 29th
by Ian McDonald 03 Sep '07

03 Sep '07

Folks, If you're like me you've probably got lots of computer junk. E-waste day has been run successfully in Wellington before and is now coming to Hamilton and other cities. More details are at: http://hamilton.co.nz/page/pageid/2145835076/Electronic_Waste Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Google Desktop + Thunderbird = Trouble
by Michael McDonald 03 Sep '07

03 Sep '07

Just to let you know ... the combination of the two on my system (Ubuntu 6.10) is dynamite. CPU usage hits 100% every couple of minutes, regular as clockwork, slowing everything down. Stop one of the programs (doesn't matter which) and the regular spikes disappear. The problem has been noted by others. Deleting emails crashes Thunderbird! Is the problem worthy of an entry in the Wiki? Michael

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Re: [wlug] Saturday Workshop.
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 02 Sep '07

02 Sep '07

Hi All, I made a choice to download, burn and install Gutsy Gibbon tribe 5. amd 64 arch. (also an involuntary decision to delete my windows xp pro partion oops :-( ) It appears that the restricted driver manager does not work and dmesg gives several errror messages of: [ nn.nnnnnn] bcm43xx: Error: Microcode "bcm43xx_microcode.fw" not available or load failed. If anyone can point me towards a work around it would be appreciated. Regards John. ----- Original Message Follows ----- > I'll bring along a feisty 64-bit CD, and can also help > with the broadcom wireless, as that is what my laptop has. > I should be there by 11am on Saturday (if not 10am) > > -- simon > > On 29/08/2007, jaytee(a)clear.net.nz <jaytee(a)clear.net.nz> > > wrote: Hi All, > > If any one who is going to the fixit meeting has a > > Feisty 64bit install disc it would be helpful as I > > downloaded a 64 bit version of Feisty .ISO and saved it > > to my windows ntfs partition then burned it with my > > Gnomebaker in Dapper only to find the CD had two file > > errors on it. Maybe dragging it across to Ubuntu > > corrupted them. Also if I can get a successful > > install(64 or 32 bit) I would probably need a help with > > my broadcom wireless card set up. > > Regards John > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message Follows ----- > > > We will be holding a Saturday Workshop on Sept 1st at > > > Oxford St Church. > > > > > > Bring your computer along, and we'll try to help with > > > any issues you may be having. Or you may be able to > > > help someone else. > > > > > > Full details are on the wiki: > > > http://wlug.org.nz//SaturdayWorkshop.2007-09-01 > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > > Unsubscribe: > > > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > _______________________________________________ > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

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First alpha of Python 3 out
by Ian McDonald 31 Aug '07

31 Aug '07

http://lwn.net/Articles/247689/rss -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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WLUG Fixit Meeting is today!
by Meeting Reminder bot 31 Aug '07

31 Aug '07

A reminder, the WLUG Fixit Meeting is today. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday September 1st, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm We will be holding our SaturdayWorkshop at Te Whanau Pūtahi (http://zoomin.co.nz/nz/hamilton/enderley/-te+whanau+ptahi/?place/full_map) the community church at the end of Oxford Street. We'll have the usual tables, power, various ISO's, LAN, coffee and light lunch, etc. I'm not sure at this time if we'll have a broadband internet connection but we're working on it.

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Brand new notebooks for $498 for next 2 days
by Ian McDonald 31 Aug '07

31 Aug '07

Folks, We just got a new notebook today from Dick Smith Powerhouse on very good special and would make good Linux box. Acer Aspire 5310-300508 Celeron M 520 512 MB RAM Intel 950 graphics Broadcom wireless 80 GB Hard drive Vista Basic (Will use our Vista Ultimate won at WLUG meeting!) $598 paid and $100 cashback by redemption. We upgraded with another 1 GB SODIMM to 1.5 GB from PBTech for just over $100. There are 20 per day available on Saturday and Sunday - opening 8:30 am. I got there before 7 am this morning and got it. I was number 15 in queue but #7 for laptop. It's not a particularly powerful machine but if you want a good price then get in quick (and early!) Other deals: Saturday only 10 Toshiba 37" LCD TV $1549 Sunday only 20 PS3 with 2 games/extra controller $999 (also a good Linux box!) and heaps of other specials. e.g 10 c per photo (limit 100 per customer) Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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NZ Votes no to OOXML
by David 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

I see we have voted _NO http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=7322 _ -- Some people say that if you run a windows installer cd backwards it commands you to worship the devil... But its worse if you run it forwards, then it installs windows!

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Nominations for next committee
by Ian McDonald 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

Folks, We are calling for nominations for the next committee at this page: http://wlug.org.nz/WlugElections Please feel free to put yourself, or someone else (with their approval) onto this page. Current committee members - please update your status for next year (if you know what you wish to do!) Please note that this does not preclude nominations on the night which usually occur also. This page just helps us plan a little in advance. Regards, Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Introducing the Hardy Heron
by Simon Green 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

Gutsy is still a month and a half away and they have already announced the next LTS release of Ubuntu. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jono Bacon <jono(a)ubuntu.com> Date: 29 Aug 2007 23:15 Subject: Introducing the Hardy Heron Hi Folks, I am delighted to have the pleasure of announcing the Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04), the next version of Ubuntu that will succeed Gutsy Gibbon (Ubuntu 7.10, due for release in October 2007). Not only will the Ubuntu community continue to do what it does best, produce an easy-to-use, reliable, free software platform, but this release will proudly wear the badge of Long Term Support (LTS) and be supported with security updates for five years on the server and three years on the desktop. We look forward to releasing the Hardy Heron in April 2008. With the opening of each new release cycle of Ubuntu, we have more and more opportunity at our fingertips. Not only are our friends in the upstream world constantly innovating and extending their applications and software, but the Ubuntu community continues to see incredible growth in its diverse range of areas such as packaging, development, documentation, quality assurance, translations, LoCo teams and more. Each new release gives us all an opportunity to shine, irrespective of which bricks in the project we are laying, and this is at the heart of our belief - working together to produce an Operating System that will empower its users and shape the IT industry, putting free software at the corner-stone of our direction.

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Standards NZ notes "No"
by Michael McDonald 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

The voting has taken place. http://www.standards.org.nz/news-and-seminars/current-news/New+Zealand+cast… Michael

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Microsoft's Open XML
by Shannon Skinner 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

Did anyone else notice the Microsoft advertisement placed in yesterdays Waikato Times (Wed, Aug 29, page 8)? It was basically a PR piece lobbying Standards NZ to accept Open XML as an ISO standard, disguised as an open letter to all New Zealanders. Using such emotive headings as, "Protecting our heritage, our future....", and "This is about much more than technology - it is about New Zealand", it also gives these bullet points: - Protect our heritage - Provide choice - Secure our future - Foster innovation - Give confidence I'm surprised they didn't continue with the following: - Cures global warming - Ends world hunger - Saves the whales ;P There's been quite a bit of coverage of this on the usual tech sites, but here's one that popped up this morning for me: Linux Foundation Urges 'No' Vote On Microsoft's Open XML Format http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201803012 "Microsoft Office's Open XML or OOXML is the default file format for documents built and used by Office applications. The Linux Foundation says the format "is specific to Windows and other Microsoft products," it relies on references to "many Microsoft proprietary specifications" that are not publicly available and it is uncertain whether Open XML "can be used with other operating systems, like Linux."" For the pro-Open XML lobby group: http://www.openxmlcommunity.org/ Given Microsofts history of "embrace and extend" when it comes to standards, is there an expectation that they will behave differently this time? If you feel so inclined, you could send Standards NZ an email with your views on the matter: http://www.standards.co.nz/about/contact-us/default.htm Cheers Shannon

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Gnash 0.8.1 released
by Ian McDonald 30 Aug '07

30 Aug '07

Those of you are interested in open source flash players might be interested in: http://gnashdev.org/?q=node/42 >From my experience Gnash is slowly getting better - my two test sites are Hell Pizza and You Tube and with each release more gets displayed! This project is well worth supporting as Flash is one of the last proprietary things needed to browse the web, now Java is going open source. Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Re: [wlug] Saturday Workshop.
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

Hi All, If any one who is going to the fixit meeting has a Feisty 64bit install disc it would be helpful as I downloaded a 64 bit version of Feisty .ISO and saved it to my windows ntfs partition then burned it with my Gnomebaker in Dapper only to find the CD had two file errors on it. Maybe dragging it across to Ubuntu corrupted them. Also if I can get a successful install(64 or 32 bit) I would probably need a help with my broadcom wireless card set up. Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > We will be holding a Saturday Workshop on Sept 1st at > Oxford St Church. > > Bring your computer along, and we'll try to help with any > issues you may be having. Or you may be able to help > someone else. > > Full details are on the wiki: > http://wlug.org.nz//SaturdayWorkshop.2007-09-01 > > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Re: [wlug] Saturday Workshop.
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

Given Ian's information, if anyone has the 7.10 beta I would appreciate it. John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > On 8/29/07, jaytee(a)clear.net.nz <jaytee(a)clear.net.nz> > > wrote: Hi All, > > If any one who is going to the fixit meeting has a > > Feisty 64bit install disc it would be helpful as I > > downloaded a 64 bit version of Feisty .ISO and saved it > > to my windows ntfs partition then burned it with my > > Gnomebaker in Dapper only to find the CD had two file > > errors on it. Maybe dragging it across to Ubuntu > > corrupted them. Also if I can get a successful > > install(64 or 32 bit) I would probably need a help with > > my broadcom wireless card set up. > > Regards John > > > I think you may find Ubuntu 7.10 (in beta) is great for > wireless - that has been my experience anyway - does all > the wireless wrapper stuff magically. > > I've been using it for a while now and would certainly > recommend it for trickier things such as this. > > Ian > -- > Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ > Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz > Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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AGM notice, voting and proposed constitutional change
by Ian McDonald 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

Folks, Here is another periodic notice to remind you that the AGM will be held on 24th September 2007. For you to vote you must be an official member, although you have 90 days to pay if you do not have the $20 with you at the AGM. The method of voting proposed for the AGM is simple first past the post voting. We will put this to a vote at the AGM so if people feel strongly about STV for example, and the majority agree, then we can have STV. You will be required to have a method of counting the vote though so if you wish for STV you will need an electronic system for this. It is proposed to alter the first paragraph of rule 9 of the charter (which is our constitution) from: The funds of the society shall be held under the control of the officers of the committee. The treasurer and secretary shall have joint required signing rights, and operate the bank accounts, handle investments, and make payments as needed. to: The funds of the society shall be held under the control of the officers of the committee. The officers shall have joint signing rights with a minimum of two signatories required, and operate the bank accounts, handle investments, and make payments as needed. The purpose of this change is so that the president or vice president can also sign cheques (which they cannot do at present). As a safeguard there must be a minimum of two signatories. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Saturday Workshop.
by Bruce Kingsbury 29 Aug '07

29 Aug '07

We will be holding a Saturday Workshop on Sept 1st at Oxford St Church. Bring your computer along, and we'll try to help with any issues you may be having. Or you may be able to help someone else. Full details are on the wiki: http://wlug.org.nz//SaturdayWorkshop.2007-09-01

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FSF v Microsoft - The gauntlet is thrown down.
by James Pluck 28 Aug '07

28 Aug '07

The free software foundation have taken MS to task over their declaration that GPLv3 doesn't apply to MS! http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9767420-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547… -- James Pluck PalmOS Ergo Sum "Dear IRS: I would like to cancel my subscription. Please remove my name from your mailing list..."

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MythTV distros
by Ian McDonald 28 Aug '07

28 Aug '07

Here's an article over at Linux.com looking at three different distros for MythTV: http://www.linux.com/feature/118668 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Features of Ubuntu 7.10
by Ian McDonald 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

This is a good article http://lunapark6.com/ubuntu-gutsy-gibbon-710-new-features.html I'm enjoying using the beta of it at present. Well worth using when it comes out! Ian -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Job Opportunity
by Jodi Thomson 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Hi All Our company Prophecy Networks Ltd (http://prophecy.net.nz/) is looking for a entry/mid level Systems Engineer here in Napier. We also operate SafeNZ.net - NZ's smartest ISP Key skills required include: Unix/Linux, PHP, MySQL, Internet technologies. Microsoft Windows support and excellent communication skills are essential in this role. You'll also get the chance to work with some of NZ's best Telco/Network Engineers If you're interested check out http://it.seek.co.nz/showjob.asp?jobid=10256125 -- Jodi Thomson Systems Engineer Prophecy Networks Ltd P.O.Box 420 21 Browning Street Napier Ph: +64 6 9742200 FAX: +64 6 9742201 Mob: +64 21 937684

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting tonight!
by Meeting Reminder Bot 26 Aug '07

26 Aug '07

There's a WLUG meeting tonight: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) DavidYoung is going to speak on wireless security including http://www.wlug.org.nz/WEP, http://www.wlug.org.nz/WPA and penetration testing.

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Finally a decent screen setup utility
by Ian McDonald 24 Aug '07

24 Aug '07

Looks like Ubuntu 7.10 is doing something good here: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=814&num=1 After the cries of anguish from users over the years about how to set resolution of monitors etc all I can say is about bloody time... -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Good article on LVM
by Ian McDonald 24 Aug '07

24 Aug '07

There is an article on LVM at: http://www.linux.com/feature/118645 LVM allows you to extend partitions across multiple physical disks etc -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Re: [wlug] Google Earth
by David 24 Aug '07

24 Aug '07

Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:25:15 +1200 From: Bruce Kingsbury <zcat(a)wired.net.nz> Subject: Re: [wlug] Google Earth To: Waikato Linux Users Group <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> Message-ID: <1187904315.23776.11.camel(a)fluffy> Content-Type: text/plain On Thu, 2007-08-23 at 21:15 +1200, David Giles wrote: > > > > David wrote: > >>> > >> Message: 4 >>> > >> Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:22:38 +1200 >>> > >> From: David Giles <david(a)meadowbrook.co.nz> >>> > >> Subject: [wlug] Google Earth >>> > >> To: Waikato Linux Users Group <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> >>> > >> Message-ID: <46CBD62E.8060603(a)meadowbrook.co.nz> >>> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed >>> > >> >>> > >> I am having problems making Google earth behave on my computer, after >>> > >> downloading the program and what appears to be a successful install, >>> > >> when I click on the icon on the desktop, it crashes the desktop >>> > >> [KDE],tried it with gnome with same result. >>> > >> Using Mandriva 2007.1 on a Asus laptop and firefox browser. >>> > >> Any guidance would be appreciated. >>> > >> >>> > >> David >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> >> > > Hi >> > > >> > > I had that problem with my wife's computer, Ubuntu Feisty, I installed >> > > the proprietary drivers and that cured it. >> > > Good luck >> > > >> > > David B >> > > >> > > Were and how would I get these drivers or even check if they had been > > loaded. > > Thanks, > > > > David G > In feisty; System > Administration > Restricted Drivers Manager. It'll suggest what you need and you just tick the box.. If you're using an earlier distro; probably the easiest way is to use the easyubuntu installer - http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/ The hard way; System > Preferences > Hardware Information -- Look for an entry that says "AGP bridge" and the card underneath is your video card. If it's an nvidia then you want to install the nvidia-glx package (or nvidia-glx-legacy for older cards) and if it's ATI, I think the package is xorg-driver-fglrx After you do that switch to a text login, sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg, and change the driver (nv to nvidia or ati to fglrx), leave all the other settings as they are. Next time you start you should have accelerated video. Or possibly none at all.. :( Yup Right I did mean the graphics drivers! But he said he is using Mandriva, I haven't used it since Mandrake 10.1 My guess is with Mandriva you will have to identify your graphics card and download the drivers from the manufacturer, Nividia if you are lucky, consensus seems to be that they have the best Linux drivers or ATI, I am not sure about the other chipsets, Intel and co. Maybe you can Google up something worth while. The mandrake site wasn't very helpful unless you joined the club, I never joined so I don't know if it was any better inside. I found the Ubuntu forums _much_ better for help and resources. Regards David -- Some people say that if you run a windows installer cd backwards it commands you to worship the devil... But its worse if you run it forwards, then it installs windows!

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Re: [wlug] Google Earth
by David 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

> > Message: 4 > Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:22:38 +1200 > From: David Giles <david(a)meadowbrook.co.nz> > Subject: [wlug] Google Earth > To: Waikato Linux Users Group <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> > Message-ID: <46CBD62E.8060603(a)meadowbrook.co.nz> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > I am having problems making Google earth behave on my computer, after > downloading the program and what appears to be a successful install, > when I click on the icon on the desktop, it crashes the desktop > [KDE],tried it with gnome with same result. > Using Mandriva 2007.1 on a Asus laptop and firefox browser. > Any guidance would be appreciated. > > David > Hi I had that problem with my wife's computer, Ubuntu Feisty, I installed the proprietary drivers and that cured it. Good luck David B -- Some people say that if you run a windows installer cd backwards it commands you to worship the devil... But its worse if you run it forwards, then it installs windows!

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting is on Monday
by Meeting Reminder Bot 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

There's a Waikato Linux Users Group meeting on Monday: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) DavidYoung is going to speak on wireless security including http://www.wlug.org.nz/WEP, http://www.wlug.org.nz/WPA and penetration testing.

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Lcd monitors
by Ron Dean 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

I'm thinking of upgrading my monitor to an Lcd . I want it for editing photographs with the Gimp . Are there any problem's to watch out for? I am running Ubuntu Feisty. What Hardware would you recommend. Are any monitors software dependent , I am only looking for a 17 inch monitor. -- Ron Dean 2 Shannon Place Hamilton 3200 New Zealand Phone 64-7-8493904

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Re: [wlug] Google Earth
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 22 Aug '07

22 Aug '07

It did the same for me with a windows install. The reason I was given was not enough memory so I use live earth on that computer Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > I am having problems making Google earth behave on my > computer, after downloading the program and what appears > to be a successful install, when I click on the icon on > the desktop, it crashes the desktop [KDE],tried it with > gnome with same result. Using Mandriva 2007.1 on a Asus > laptop and firefox browser. Any guidance would be > appreciated. > > David > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Google Earth
by David Giles 22 Aug '07

22 Aug '07

I am having problems making Google earth behave on my computer, after downloading the program and what appears to be a successful install, when I click on the icon on the desktop, it crashes the desktop [KDE],tried it with gnome with same result. Using Mandriva 2007.1 on a Asus laptop and firefox browser. Any guidance would be appreciated. David

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Adobe Flash (including Linux) now has H264 support
by Ian McDonald 21 Aug '07

21 Aug '07

http://blogs.adobe.com/penguin.swf/2007/08/h_dot_two_sixty_four.html -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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America's Cup Job
by James Spooner 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

Hi all, Apologies for the non-technical nature of this post. I'm trying to find someone to take over my role here in Valencia, Spain for the next America's Cup. This position is due to start in October. The job would suit an all-rounder with both hardware and software experience - as well as the ability to get their 'hands dirty' working on buoys and boats and things. Degree / Experience: 2-4 years working in a real job, with a real boss. BSc or similar degree in software or electronics engineering. Here's a tech rundown: * Ruby, VB, C, C++, Bash, SQL, Java * Subversion and Trac * Ubuntu/Debian Linux and Windows 2003 Server * Word and Excel etc. * RS232, RS422, Ethernet and 802.11B/G * Some cabling and soldering work * Documentation (yes - I know) And in general: You will need to be comfortable working on the water and ideally have an interest in sailing and boats. You will most likely learn to aim and maneuver a (real) twin-engined boat. You will need to work well under pressure and be comfortable operating in a production environment with flexible hours. You will like eating Spanish food, taking siestas and being exposed to copious amounts of gorgeous women and some pretty impressive parties! You will get wet, and will probably get a tan. This is a great opportunity to learn Spanish, earn some Euros, get a visa for Spain and use it as a springboard into continental Europe, the UK and Africa. Not to mention being part of a major international event! To get an idea of the location, check out: http://kant.entronomy.com/~james/office.jpg If you like the sound of this, email me a CV off-list. Cheers, James -- James Spooner +34 (667) 192 573

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Freeth says councils over their heads in broadband
by Lindsay Druett 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/netw/C10B222A6ACCC7F5CC25733A0003FB01 Fascinating article... ..."Specialists and enthusiasts in InternetNZ and other online debating forums have been quick to leap on Freeth’s comments as having an obvious motive; his company has a broadband cable network and DSL service of its own in Wellington and Christchurch and may simply be trying to discourage competition." .."But Melbourne-based Ovum consultant Leith Campbell says “broadly speaking [Freeth’s] right. There is a considerable ongoing operational cost to these networks. You’ve got to be prepared for troubleshooting and repair and ongoing maintenance.” Well... To put in my 10c worth, I know for a fact that two of those people at InternetNZ know what they are talking about... :)

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ANNOUNCE: WLUG meeting is one week away
by Meeting Reminder Bot 19 Aug '07

19 Aug '07

The Waikato Linux Users Group have a meeting in one week from today: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) DavidYoung is going to speak on wireless security including http://www.wlug.org.nz/WEP, http://www.wlug.org.nz/WPA and penetration testing.

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WLUG on Facebook now
by Ian McDonald 16 Aug '07

16 Aug '07

For those who use Facebook (or who are curious) there is now a group there for WLUG. It's called Waikato Linux Users Group. -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Linux hardware compatiability
by Ian McDonald 14 Aug '07

14 Aug '07

A useful resource which lists where you can find compatibility information: http://www.linux.com/feature/118497 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Linux support person for elderly friend in Hamilton
by Denise Bates 13 Aug '07

13 Aug '07

Hello folks, I am about to leave for Australia, and I am concerned that a dear friend in Hamilton will no longer have my support for his computer, on which I have installed Linux. My friend is elderly and lives in the retirement village off Ruakura Road. He is an intelligent man who came to computers rather late in life to build up his confidence, and asks for my help every couple of months. Although I have installed many packages on his machine, only uses email, web-browsing and word-processing. Is there anyone who is prepared to offer to drop around whenever he get stuck? He has been very generous in covering my time. If you are prepare to offer occasional support, please reply off-list, and I will pass on your contact details to him before I leave. regards, ********************************************* Dr Denise J. Bates, PO Box 50, Meremere 2441 New Zealand E-mail: dbates(a)iconz.co.nz Telephone 09-2336433 Mobile 021-1539276 or 021-2541330 *********************************************

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Upcoming WLUG committee meeting (1 week today)
by Meeting Reminder bot 12 Aug '07

12 Aug '07

As per the WLUG charter, please note that there is a WLUG executive committee meeting one week from today. If you wish to get an item on the agenda for this meeting, please email it to secretary(a)wlug.org.nz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30 pm Aug 20 at LindsayDruett's place, 3 John Webb Drive # Previous Minutes # Treasurers report # Correspondence # Matters # Server status # General business

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SCO loses
by Peter Reutemann 11 Aug '07

11 Aug '07

In case you haven't read about it yet... "SCO doesn't own the Unix copyrights" :-) http://linux.slashdot.org/linux/07/08/10/2148253.shtml Cheers, Peter -- Peter Reutemann, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Waikato, NZ http://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~fracpete/ Ph. +64 (7) 858-5174

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Request: Borrow 25<->9 pin cable
by Michael McDonald 10 Aug '07

10 Aug '07

Hi Is anyone in Hamilton got a 25-9 pin serial cable I can borrow for a few days so that I can test a modem? Thanks Michael

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The dangers of Automatix
by Ian McDonald 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

I know a few people use this for Ubuntu so you may want to read this: http://mjg59.livejournal.com/77440.html -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: UG News--Introducing beautifulcode.oreillynet.com
by Ian McDonald 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Marsee Henon <marsee(a)oreilly.com> Date: Aug 9, 2007 12:30 PM Subject: [wlug-committee] UG News--Introducing beautifulcode.oreillynet.com To: wlug-committee(a)list.waikato.ac.nz Hi, Can you share the following news with your members? And we're still looking for someone to submit a slashdot review. Let me know if you need a copy. Thanks for your help, Marsee O'Reilly's created a brand new website devoted to the topics in our new book "Beautiful Code" at http://beautifulcode.oreillynet.com. We give you the opportunity to discuss the book's projects and to contribute information about other projects that illustrate coding artistry. The lead programmer for the Beautiful Code website is Michael Feathers, a popular author and expert in Agile Programming who contributed the chapter "Framework for Integrated Test: Beauty through Fragility." In a recent post, Feathers writes: "When I was a younger programmer, I felt guilty about being a neat-freak. It was a selective obsession. There I was, sitting in my office with stacks of papers and books covering every available space, but I was oblivious to it. As long as my code looked great, I could shut out the chaos around me: the towering stacks of dead tree that could've toppled and crushed me if I had sneezed." Feathers continues, "I don't know why I felt bad about being that way, but in retrospect, I think that I felt that I was wasting time caring about neatness in code. It took me a couple of years to figure out that the ergonomics of code matter, and that the time you spend decluttering your code can declutter your thoughts as well." Got a site that fits the spirit of Beautiful Code? Then send us a link so we can blog about it: http://beautifulcode.oreillynet.com/suggest_site.php For more information on "Beautiful Code: Leading Programmers Explain How They Think" Edited by Andy Oram, Greg Wilson, go to: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596510046 Don't forget that as a UG member you get 35% off from O'Reilly, No Starch, Paraglyph, PC Publishing, Pragmatic Bookshelf, Rocky Nook, SitePoint, or YoungJin books you purchase directly from O'Reilly. Just use code DSUG when ordering online or by phone 800-998-9938. <http://www.oreilly.com/store/> ================================================================ O'Reilly 1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472 http://ug.oreilly.com/ http://ug.oreilly.com/creativemedia/ ================================================================

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OT: Computer hardware free to a good home
by Denise Bates 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

Hello folks, I am off to Australia soon, and I am divesting myself of most of my possessions, including a variety of computer hardware (boxes, monitors, cables, printers, scanners, etc.). If anyone is passing through Meremere over the next week or so, and interested in the stuff, please drop in and take as much as you want away. It goes to the tip on Thursday, the 16th if not collected. Reply to me off-list and I will give directions and arrange a suitable time for pickup. regards, ********************************************* Dr Denise J. Bates, PO Box 50, Meremere 2441 New Zealand E-mail: dbates(a)iconz.co.nz Telephone 09-2336433 Mobile 021-1539276 or 021-2541330 *********************************************

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KDE 4 features
by Ian McDonald 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

Good article here for those interested: http://arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2007/08/06/the-first-kde-4-0-beta… -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Re: [wlug] Reminder AGM in September
by Bruce Kingsbury 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

On Tue, 2007-08-07 at 16:01 +1200, Ian McDonald wrote: > WlugCharter page. See rule 5 and rule 9. Also see WlugCharterDiscussion So a post to the list, now, is sufficient notice? "The WLUG Comittee have proposed a small change to the constitution to clear up the issue of who's allowed to sign cheques, because the current wording seems to exclude the President from being a signatory. This will be brought up at the AGM. You have been notified." :)

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Reminder AGM in September
by Ian McDonald 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

For the wider audience - This is in regards to a small issue with our Charter in that it appears the President can't legally sign cheques. Ian WlugCharter page. See rule 5 and rule 9. Also see WlugCharterDiscussion On 8/7/07, Bruce Kingsbury <zcat(a)wired.net.nz> wrote: > On Tue, 2007-08-07 at 14:54 +1200, Ian McDonald wrote: > > On 8/7/07, James Pluck <papabearnz(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Erm - WOFTAM? From context I'm guessing "Waste of *Free* Time and > > > $SOMETHING" > > > > > $SOMETHING = money > > > > That reminds me... there was going to be a small change to the > constitution (clearing up who's allowed to sign cheques) and I was > supposed to look into what notice we're required to give. > > I haven't done that. > > Where do I find this? > > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Reminder AGM in September
by Ian McDonald 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

Folks, According to the constitution we are required to make periodic notices advising of the AGM. So consider this another periodic notice as per our constitution. Our AGM will be at the regular slot in September and we won't have a formal speaker but I'm sure we can discuss ideas if we have time - just like when we had a speaker mishap last time. Remember - we're always keen to get people involved on the committee. I'll be stepping down and so will some (but not all of the others). It's not a huge workload and feel free to discuss it with any existing committee member. We will vote for committee members and my aim is that we will just have a simple first past the post vote now we don't have Craig to run the STV system. Of course, this is open to discussion if anybody wants to discuss it. Ian Current El Presidente -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Fwd: full circle magazine - issue #3 released!
by Ian McDonald 05 Aug '07

05 Aug '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ronnie Tucker <ronnie(a)ronnietucker.co.uk> Date: Aug 4, 2007 1:57 PM Subject: full circle magazine - issue #3 released! To: ubuntu-news(a)lists.ubuntu.com full circle #3 Full Circle - the Ubuntu Community Magazine are proud to announce our third issue. It contains : * Xubuntu install step-by-step - Alternative Disc! * How-To : Get a Stunning Ubuntu Desktop, Learning Scribus part 3 and Ubuntu in Photography. * Review of Ubuntu on a Macbook. * Preview of several new Compiz Fusion effects. * Letters, Q&A, MyDesktop, MyPC, Top5 and more! Get it while it's hot! http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-3/ English language only at the moment, translations on the way... -- Cheers! Ronnie e: ronnie(a)ronnietucker.co.uk w: www.ronnietucker.co.uk -- ubuntu-news mailing list ubuntu-news(a)lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-news -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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WLUG Fixit Meeting is today!
by Meeting Reminder bot 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

A reminder, the WLUG Fixit Meeting is today. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm fairly sure this will be the last workshop at this venue (as I was the last two times :) so we plan to make it a big one; Rod's listing it in whatsonhamilton and various other places, so please come along if you need help or if you're able to help others. And if you know anyone who might be interested in Linux bring them along too. Time: 10am to 4pm Location: IT Training and Language Centre 17 Devon Road. (http://zoomin.co.nz/?search/address/17+devon+road%2C+hamilton) The room has plenty of benches, power and network sockets. We'll also provide tea and coffee and a light lunch. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rod (http://www.wlug.org.nz/RodAldridge) or Bruce (http://www.wlug.org.nz/BruceKingsbury) ChrisOh Is there any one familiar with wiki's and how to set up alias' etc in apache for wiki plugins available to come, even for a short period. I am a bit stuck at present trying to phpwiki going on my work machine.

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Fwd: CS SEMINAR: Thursday 9 August, 11.00am, I.G.09
by Ian McDonald 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

This looks interesting. Found out recently Auckland time are leading the firefox project to get things to work offline. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Masood Masoodian <masood(a)cs.waikato.ac.nz> Date: Aug 3, 2007 1:50 PM Subject: CS SEMINAR: Thursday 9 August, 11.00am, I.G.09 To: seminar-announce(a)cs.waikato.ac.nz Title: FOXHOLES: News From The Front Line Of The Browser Wars Speaker: Robert O'Callahan, Mozilla Corporation Date: Thursday, 9 August 2007 Time: 11:00am to 11:50am Room: I.G.09 (NOTE THE CHANGE OF ROOM) Once viewed by some as technologically stagnant, the World Wide Web is being refreshed by renewed competition in Web browsers and the popularization of advanced "AJAX" Web applications. Yet the Web's future is darkened by severe security threats and competition from technologies that seek to replace the Web as we know it. As a contributor to Firefox, I will discuss challenges facing our project: competition from Internet Explorer and other browsers; changes to fundamental assumptions about code-level security vulnerabilities; sustaining and evolving a complex and fragile codebase; and the successes and failures of our tools and processes. Looking forwards, I will discuss our efforts to keep the Web vital, in concert with like-minded browser vendors and standards organizations, by enhancing the Web platform with vector and 3D graphics, offline Web applications, accessibility, richer typography and layout, enhancements to the Javascript language, efforts to improve cross-browser compatibility, and more. I will talk about why everyone should care and what people can do to help. BIO: Robert O'Callahan obtained his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University with the help of Daniel Jackson and Jeannette Wing. After three and half years at IBM Watson working on programming languages and tools by day and Mozilla by night, he volunteered for full-time duty in the browser wars, with the substantial fringe benefit of returning to the most lovely country in the world -- he now runs a Firefox development team based in Auckland, working for the Mozilla Corporation. ---------------------------------------- Dr Masood Masoodian Department of Computer Science The University of Waikato Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: (+64) 7 838 4978 Fax: (+64) 7 858 5095 URL: www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~masood -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Linux media player box - 9 MB ISO!!
by Ian McDonald 02 Aug '07

02 Aug '07

Linux.com have an interesting review of GeeXBoX. http://www.linux.com/feature/118210 Looks really interesting for that old PC lying around! -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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WLUG Fixit Meeting tomorrow
by Meeting Reminder bot 02 Aug '07

02 Aug '07

A reminder; the WLUG Fixit Meeting is tomorrow. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm fairly sure this will be the last workshop at this venue (as I was the last two times :) so we plan to make it a big one; Rod's listing it in whatsonhamilton and various other places, so please come along if you need help or if you're able to help others. And if you know anyone who might be interested in Linux bring them along too. Time: 10am to 4pm Location: IT Training and Language Centre 17 Devon Road. (http://zoomin.co.nz/?search/address/17+devon+road%2C+hamilton) The room has plenty of benches, power and network sockets. We'll also provide tea and coffee and a light lunch. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rod (http://www.wlug.org.nz/RodAldridge) or Bruce (http://www.wlug.org.nz/BruceKingsbury) ChrisOh Is there any one familiar with wiki's and how to set up alias' etc in apache for wiki plugins available to come, even for a short period. I am a bit stuck at present trying to phpwiki going on my work machine.

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Saturday Workshop
by Michael Denigan 02 Aug '07

02 Aug '07

The next WLUG workshop is on Saturday 4th August at the IT Training Centre 17 Devon Road, Frankton form 10 am to 4pm. Don't miss this chance to encourage anyone who is interested in Linux to see it in action. If they like what they see we can help them install Linux and get them off to a flying start. If anyone needs help or wants to know how to make best use of their machine or sort any problems come and bring your machine. Or just come and help others. Many thanks to Michael Deningan for the use of the venue. Roderick Aldridge

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Job position: Research Programmer/System Administrator
by Marcel van de Steeg 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

Hi, I'm leaving my current position at the University of Auckland on the 9th of August, if anyone is interested, here is the job-description: http://www.vacancies.auckland.ac.nz/positiondetail.asp?p=5350 and the closing date is 11 August. Please circulate this to anyone who may be interested. It might not be clear from the job-description, but most of the work is Linux and Mac OS X based (command line only, heh :), the amount of Windows administration is almost non-existent. Thanks, Marcel -- Marcel van de Steeg, Research Programmer Bioinformatics Institute Room 110-281, Level 2, Thomas Building The University of Auckland, New Zealand Ph 09 373 7599 Ext 83777 Fax 09 367 7136 -- http://www.bioinformatics.org.nz http://www.biomirror.org.nz -- "Take your protein pills and put your helmet on..."

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Wireless tool for Debian/Ubuntu
by Ian McDonald 30 Jul '07

30 Jul '07

This looks quite nice if you're having troubles with wireless: http://www.linux.com/feature/118224 -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Update on new Copyright bill
by Ian McDonald 30 Jul '07

30 Jul '07

Good summary here at NZ Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10454704&ref=rss -- Web1: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Web2: http://www.jandi.co.nz Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz

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Saturday workshop
by Roderick Aldrdge 27 Jul '07

27 Jul '07

The next workshop is on Saturday 4th August at the IT Training and Education Centre, 17 Devon Road, Frankton from 10am to 4pm. Three (of many) reasons to come to the workshop: 1. Bring somebody to show Linux in action and, if they like it, help them install it - getting off to a flying start. 2. Learn more yourself and/or sort out any problems and become more productive. 3. Help those who come along to learn. Many thanks to Simon, Bruce and Chris for help last time, and to Michael Denigan for the use the use of the facilities at IT Training. This is probably our last chance to use these facilities, so make the most of it while you can.

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Webmin and alternatives
by Glenn Enright 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

Hi there, I'm currently developing a system that will provide some infrastructure for an IT team, specifically along the lines of network management. I've come across Webmin[1] and Ganymeade[2]. Does anyone here have experience with either of these platforms or good alternatives that I could look at? Gotchas encountered etc? Anything considered at this time, although inexpensive/free is definately a plus. [1]http://www.webmin.com/index.html [2]http://tools.arlut.utexas.edu/gash2/ -- See my blog at http://snap-happy3216.blogspot.com

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Topics for Aug meeting to be announced.. would you consider Funky Penguin presentation on wireless penetration / defense?
by David Young 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

Hi WLUGgers :) As you know, I'm a South African Linux geek. My wife and I are coming over in August on a "prospecting" trip, before making our final decision about immigration. I know WLUG is the most active of the NZ LUGs, and I'm really keen to attend the meeting on the 27th. In fact, if you'll have me, I can give an interesting practical presentation on wireless network penetration / defense. (Since according to the website, the topic is yet-to-be-announced). There are other topics I get excited about, if wireless is old news : http://dave.blogs.funkypenguin.co.za/2007/07/10/professor-penguin-i-could-g… So, wlug, will ya have me? :) -- Regards, David Young [image: David Young's Facebook profile]<http://www.facebook.com/p/David_Young/580695413> [image: my blog] <http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FunkyPenguiNZ/%7E6/1> [image: My status] <skype:funkypenguin?add>

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Asterisk setup job
by Jonathan Purvis 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

Hi, My work is looking for someone to set up an Asterisk system for us. We need: 5-10 external analog lines 5-10 internal handsets 20-30 computers voice menus voice mail routing We'd also like the potential for linking with customer database, eg type in customer id, get voice message of balance. If you're interested and have experience in setting up something like this at least once, email me offlist. Thanks, Jon

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Re: [wlug] wlug Digest, Vol 193, Issue 17
by David 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:14:56 +1200 > From: elroy <elroy(a)ihug.co.nz> > Subject: Re: [wlug] Ubuntu Dapper 6.06 ==> Feisty? 7.10 - CD-ROM Drive > not recognised > To: Waikato Linux Users Group <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> > Message-ID: <46A40F20.9020909(a)ihug.co.nz> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Glenn Enright wrote: > > >> On 21/07/07, elroy <elroy(a)ihug.co.nz> wrote: >> >> >> >>> Hi all. >>> Basically it boots from CD fine, but fails to recognise the >>> CD-ROM drive - is it not recognising the IDE controller? >>> >>> >>> >>> >> You wont be able to use the cdrom drive for anything else if thats the >> drive you booted from. Is this what you mean? The OS image will be >> mounted from the drive, so it wont be separately visible. If you >> booted successfully, then the drive must of been supported. >> >> >> >> > Hi. > > When attempting to install from the Alternative CD: > > (Ubuntu 7.04? Alternate CD? - ('uname -r' gives 2.6.20-15-generic kernel > version when booted from the problem CD)) I can start the install > process (i.e. choose to install in txt mode, kernel loads, can choose my > language OK, detect/configure keyboard OK, i.e. the install process is > running), but when I get to 'Detect and Mount CD-ROM' the install cannot > proceed with "No common CD-ROM drive was detected". > > > > Some further info I just acquired which I will research later tonight: > > > From the DMESG output: > > " > ... > scsi3: pata_marvell > BAR5:00:04 01:7F 02:22 03:C8 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 0A:00 > 0B:00 0C:00 0D:00 0E:00 0F:00 > ATA: Abnormal status 0x7F on port 0x0001ac07 > scsi4: pata_marvell > BAR5:00:04 01:7F 02:22 03:C8 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 0A:00 > 0B:00 0C:00 0D:00 0E:00 0F:00 > ATA: Abnormal status 0x7F on port 0x0001a807 > ... > " > > > lspci | grep Marvell finds: Marvell Ethernet1/RAID/Ethernet2 > > lspci | grep RAID gives: "02:00.0 RAID bus controller: Marvell > Technology Group Ltd. Unknown device 6145 (rev a1)" > > > Note that all of the above info was from the "2.6.20-15-generic" kernel > which I assume is from the Ubuntu 7.04 Alternate CD. > > > Cheers for any help. > > Elroy. > I was just thinking, dangerous I know, could it be part of the same kernel bug that causes 7.04 to fail to mount VCD's Most discs mount OK but with VCD's it seems to suddenly think it is a SCSI drive? A known Feisty bug. I believe it is a kernel issue where they merged SATA and PATA drivers so the PATA won't become unsupported as they become obsolete. David

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Unforking of KDE and KHTML
by Ian McDonald 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

Interesting read in light of yesterday's discussion at meeting: http://arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2007/07/23/the-unforking-of-kdes-… -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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Ubuntu Dapper 6.06 ==> Feisty? 7.10 - CD-ROM Drive not recognised
by elroy 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

Hi all. I have an Asus P5WDG2-WS-Pro, and am having trouble trying to install a version of Ubuntu I got from the last WLUG install meet - (This is the Feisty 7.04 Alternative CD I believe - will need to double-check this). Basically it boots from CD fine, but fails to recognise the CD-ROM drive - is it not recognising the IDE controller? I will try to sort out a dmesg from when I boot the 7.04 CD. The strange thing is that Dapper 6.06 Live CD boots from same CD-ROM, and happily installs from the same CD-ROM - any recommendations on things to try? Mobo chipset info: North Bridge: Intel 975x South Bridge: Intel ICH7R PCI-X: 6702PXH DMESG Stuff: Linux version 2.6.15-28-686 (buildd(a)terranova) (gcc version 4.0.3 (Ubuntu 4.0.3-1ubuntu5)) #1 SMP PREEMPT Thu May 10 09:56:30 UTC 2007 PCI: Ignoring BAR0-3 of IDE controller 0000:00:1f.1 ide: Assuming 33MHz system bus speed for PIO modes; override with idebus=xx ICH7: IDE controller at PCI slot 0000:00:1f.1 ACPI: PCI Interrupt 0000:00:1f.1[A] -> GSI 22 (level, low) -> IRQ 233 ICH7: chipset revision 1 ICH7: not 100% native mode: will probe irqs later ide0: BM-DMA at 0xffa0-0xffa7, BIOS settings: hda:DMA, hdb:pio ide1: BM-DMA at 0xffa8-0xffaf, BIOS settings: hdc:pio, hdd:pio Probing IDE interface ide0... hda: probing with STATUS(0x50) instead of ALTSTATUS(0x0a) hda: probing with STATUS(0x51) instead of ALTSTATUS(0x0a) hda: probing with STATUS(0x51) instead of ALTSTATUS(0x0a) hda: LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1693S, ATAPI CD/DVD-ROM drive hdb: probing with STATUS(0x00) instead of ALTSTATUS(0x0a) hdb: probing with STATUS(0x00) instead of ALTSTATUS(0x0a) ide0 at 0x1f0-0x1f7,0x3f6 on irq 14 Probing IDE interface ide1... hda: ATAPI 48X DVD-ROM DVD-R CD-R/RW drive, 2048kB Cache, UDMA(33) Uniform CD-ROM driver Revision: 3.20 ACPI: bus type scsi registered libata version 1.20 loaded. ahci 0000:00:1f.2: version 1.2 ACPI: PCI Interrupt 0000:00:1f.2[B] -> GSI 23 (level, low) -> IRQ 50 PCI: Setting latency timer of device 0000:00:1f.2 to 64 ahci 0000:00:1f.2: AHCI 0001.0100 32 slots 4 ports 3 Gbps 0xf impl SATA mode ahci 0000:00:1f.2: flags: 64bit ncq led clo pio slum part ata1: SATA max UDMA/133 cmd 0xF8876900 ctl 0x0 bmdma 0x0 irq 58 ata2: SATA max UDMA/133 cmd 0xF8876980 ctl 0x0 bmdma 0x0 irq 58 ata3: SATA max UDMA/133 cmd 0xF8876A00 ctl 0x0 bmdma 0x0 irq 58 ata4: SATA max UDMA/133 cmd 0xF8876A80 ctl 0x0 bmdma 0x0 irq 58 ata1: dev 0 cfg 00:0c5a 49:2f00 82:346b 83:7d01 84:4023 85:3469 86:3c01 87:4023 88:207f 93:0000 ata1: dev 0 ATA-7, max UDMA/133, 625142448 sectors: LBA48 sata_get_dev_handle: SATA dev addr=0x1f0002, handle=0xdffe5d80 ata1: dev 0 configured for UDMA/133 sata_get_dev_handle: SATA dev addr=0x1f0002, handle=0xdffe5d80 scsi1 : ahci ata2: no device found (phy stat 00000000) scsi2 : ahci ata3: dev 0 cfg 00:0c5a 49:2f00 82:346b 83:7d01 84:4023 85:3469 86:3c01 87:4023 88:207f 93:0000 ata3: dev 0 ATA-7, max UDMA/133, 625142448 sectors: LBA48 sata_get_dev_handle: SATA dev addr=0x1f0002, handle=0xdffe5d80 ata3: dev 0 configured for UDMA/133 sata_get_dev_handle: SATA dev addr=0x1f0002, handle=0xdffe5d80 scsi3 : ahci ata4: no device found (phy stat 00000000) scsi4 : ahci Vendor: ATA Model: ST3320620AS Rev: 3.AA Type: Direct-Access ANSI SCSI revision: 05 Vendor: ATA Model: ST3320620AS Rev: 3.AA Type: Direct-Access ANSI SCSI revision: 05 Driver 'sd' needs updating - please use bus_type methods SCSI device sda: 625142448 512-byte hdwr sectors (320073 MB) SCSI device sda: drive cache: write back SCSI device sda: 625142448 512-byte hdwr sectors (320073 MB) SCSI device sda: drive cache: write back sda: sda1 sda2 sda3 < sda5 sda6 sda7 sda8 > sda4 sd 1:0:0:0: Attached scsi disk sda SCSI device sdb: 625142448 512-byte hdwr sectors (320073 MB) SCSI device sdb: drive cache: write back SCSI device sdb: 625142448 512-byte hdwr sectors (320073 MB) SCSI device sdb: drive cache: write back sdb: sdb1 sdb2 sdb3 sd 3:0:0:0: Attached scsi disk sdb Probing IDE interface ide1... Cheers, Elroy.

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Poster Logos...
by Don Gould 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

Last year I presented a poster concept for SFD. http://www.tcn.bowenvale.co.nz/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,19/ This year I want to produce a set of posters for the LES [1] kids and to put on the walls at the CIA [2]. I would like help to find printable logos. The posters are going to be SR-A3 (bit bigger than A3 - A3 is twice the size of A4 (normal paper)) Images need to be at least 2000px * 2000px but larger is also ok. If you can email them to me or just respond with a link. If you know project leaders and can assist that would be fantastic. Cheers Don [1] see www.les.org.nz [2] see www.cia.crra.org.nz -- Don Gould 2/59 Peverel Street, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand Phone: +64 3 348 7235 www.bowenvale.pointclark.net/funny www.bowenvale.pointclark.net/benjamin/ www.thinkdesignprint.co.nz - www.tcn.bowenvale.co.nz - www.bowenvale.co.nz - www.hearingbooks.co.nz - www.crra.org.nz - www.justhelicopters.co.nz - www.buxtonsquare.co.nz - skype:ThinkDesignPrint?add - Good ideas: www.solarking.co.nz

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting tonight!
by Meeting Reminder Bot 22 Jul '07

22 Jul '07

There's a WLUG meeting tonight: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) PeterHarrison on Patent and Copyright issues, OSS in schools.

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Re: [wlug] Proposal: WLUG and Google Earth
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 22 Jul '07

22 Jul '07

I think it is a wonderful idea. I read that Google Earth had updated in June last year including some NZ areas. It seems from some of the comments on site that some of the Wellington images in the update were older than the ones they replaced. How frustrating would it be to submit some neat clear recent shots only to have them "superseded" by some cloudy old photos that Google earth already had licenses for? Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > Hi, > > For years now, I've been using Google Earth on and off. > More and more of New Zealand is now there in good detail, > but to this day Hamilton and most other Waikato towns > remain a sad archaic green and white blur. > > I wrote to the Hamilton City Council IT department over a > year ago, encouraging them to scan/submit aerial photos, > but all I got was a 'we might look into it one of these > days' type of response. > I'm sure that the Waikato Times and/or Hamilton Press > would be very interested in covering the project, and it > could be a good opportunity for WLUG to extol the virtues > of F/OSS here in the Waikato. > > Would be a great look for WLUG, Linux etc if the scanned > photos were post-processed with some 1337 GIMP plugins. > > Thoughts? > > Cheers > David > > > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Re: [wlug] Proposal: WLUG and Google Earth
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 22 Jul '07

22 Jul '07

I think if you google for Google Earth updates and read the ensuing comments that they seem not to update very often and when they do the results are variable and sometimes disappointing. Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > > David McNab wrote: > > >For Hamilton, almost *anything* would be better than > > what's up there at >the moment. > > I agree with that. > > On 22/07/07, Lindsay Druett <lindsay(a)wired.net.nz> wrote: > > I know the images the google currently has suck, and > > ironically, farmland only a casual walk from my place > > are clear as, but has anyone got any ideas, or can give > HCC a prod ? > > Presumably, Google has some streamlined method of getting > photographs into the database, and will have a series of > licences with their suppliers to cover copyright issues. > I've got my doubts as to the practicality of an "ad hoc" > update. > > Perhaps Google should be asked when it plans to update the > photographs of New Zealand and/or Hamilton? > > Michael > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Editing the xorg.conf file
by Ian McDonald 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

A good article here: http://www.linux.com/feature/118108 -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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Proposal: WLUG and Google Earth
by David McNab 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

Hi, For years now, I've been using Google Earth on and off. More and more of New Zealand is now there in good detail, but to this day Hamilton and most other Waikato towns remain a sad archaic green and white blur. I wrote to the Hamilton City Council IT department over a year ago, encouraging them to scan/submit aerial photos, but all I got was a 'we might look into it one of these days' type of response. This gave me the thought that there might be an opportunity for WLUG to boost its profile. What it would require is a small group of volunteers to learn about the Google Earth submission protocols, to source out the best available aerial photos, scan them and submit them into Google Earth. Perhaps some professional digital graphics companies/people might be willing to donate some time and effort in exchange for a share of the publicity. Some of those folks would have pro scanning gear way way beyond the average humble A4 flatbed. I'm sure that the Waikato Times and/or Hamilton Press would be very interested in covering the project, and it could be a good opportunity for WLUG to extol the virtues of F/OSS here in the Waikato. Would be a great look for WLUG, Linux etc if the scanned photos were post-processed with some 1337 GIMP plugins. Thoughts? Cheers David

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting is on Monday
by Meeting Reminder Bot 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

There's a Waikato Linux Users Group meeting on Monday: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) PeterHarrison on Patent and Copyright issues, OSS in schools.

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And now for something completely pointless
by Ian McDonald 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

Turning your desktop cube into an aquarium: http://linuxupdate.blogspot.com/2007/07/compiz-fusion-aquarium.html Note - Compiz Fusion is the name of Compiz now that it has merged with Beryl. -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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position vacant: Web Developer
by John McPherson 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

We need the right person to join our small programming team based at our premises in Hamilton. Marathon-Photos.com photographs marathons and endurance events around the world, with the images displayed on the internet for viewing and ordering. Launched in Hamilton in 1999, the business has grown exponentially in the past 18 months. This year we will photograph more than 1 million people in more than 300 events in 30 countries.We also offer a video service to many events. From these, runners are able to either download personal video footage or order a fully interactive DVD. We need a person to help us maintain and develop the website for serving our millions of photos and video clips; someone to work closely with our software developers and graphics designers. Our servers run on a Linux platform. Essential Skills: * C or C++ * scripting in either Perl or python * knowledge and understanding of HTML/XML/HTTP standards and relevant web technologies. Desirable skills: * mysql or postgresql * Linux system administration or experience The expected salary range is around $44k - $55k per annum, negotiable based on your level of experience and qualifications. While the position is based in our relaxed environment, it also allows the opportunity for you to work from home at times. To apply, please send us a CV and a cover letter by email to vacancies(a)marathon-photos.com.

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PS3 clusters
by Ian McDonald 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

Interesting article here: http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9742 -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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recovering data off failing/failed hard drive
by Chris O'Halloran 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

Hello people, As the linux fan at work I was offered an old machine to set up a wiki at work. I migrated much of the data off a private wiki I kept on my home machine and set up the wiki using Kubutu Server 6.06 LTS. The wiki is phpwiki and uses mysql as the backend. The machine stopped serving webpages yesterday and although I could ssh into it it was complaining that it couldn't write to the access logs when I stopped and started apache. I elected to reboot the machine but the machine no longer boots linux although it will be boot the Windows partition if you wait long enough. (i suspect Windows is running scandisk.exe 'cause it thinks something is wrong) I put in the Kubutu 6.06 server CD and tried to start a rescue session. Althought it boots it wouldn't boot of any of the partitions (my knowledge getting a little fuzzy here). At one point I tried starting the partitioner but the machine seemed to lock up so I had to switch the power button. So I put in a Damn Small Linux Live CD (kernel 2.4.26) and it boots ups fine, sets up X windows etc. I can mount /dev/hda8 fine which is my home partition but it won't mount /dev/hda7 which is the root partition and inconveniently containing the data I wish to recover. When I run e2fsck /dev/hda7 it exits early saying its a short session and asks is it a zero length partition? I run fdisk and the stop and start segments, sectors? seem in proportion to the partition size (about 10G). I've tried running fsck.ext2 -b 8913 /dev/hda7 but it still complains that it can't find the superblock and makes ominous suggestions that the partition might be corrupt. I have been running badblocks /dev/hda7 for the past hour or so but nothing salient seems to be reported. My plan was to image the partition and mount on another machine to recover the database but this now seems hopeful. Do the sys admin guru's out there have any suggestions? Thanks Chris

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Intel aims to speed Linux gadget development
by Ian McDonald 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

http://news.com.com/2100-1016_3-6196885.html?part=rss&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&sub… -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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Update on SCO trials
by Ian McDonald 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

For those interested have a look at: http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20070715072440971 Basically trials probably start September. People seem to have stopped worrying about all of this though as Microsoft is now a bigger (and more realistic) threat. -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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ANNOUNCE: WLUG meeting is one week away
by Meeting Reminder Bot 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

The Waikato Linux Users Group have a meeting in one week from today: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30pm, TW.2.05 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/TW) PeterHarrison on Patent and Copyright issues, OSS in schools.

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OT Linux Format Magazines: Free to a good home
by Denise Bates 11 Jul '07

11 Jul '07

Hello folks, I am divesting myself of the bulk of my possessions, prior to moving. I have about 20 Linux Format mags 2003-2005 vintage. If anyone is passing Meremere and wants to pick them up, please reply to me off-list. regards, ********************************************* Dr Denise J. Bates, PO Box 50, Meremere 2441 New Zealand E-mail: dbates(a)iconz.co.nz Telephone 09-2336433 Mobile 021-2541330 *********************************************

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Samba move to GPL 3
by Ian McDonald 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

Samba has announced that they are moving to GPL3. http://news.samba.org/announcements/samba_gplv3/ This is the first major project to go across to GPL3 and this will make things interesting potentially for Novell with their agreement with Microsoft. For one thing this will keep the lawyers busy at large technology providers if nothing else! -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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Whats new in Linux 2.6.22?
by Ian McDonald 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

This was released in last couple of days and here's a good writeup: http://www.linux.com/feature/117060 -- Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz WAND Network Research Group

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Upcoming WLUG committee meeting (1 week today)
by Meeting Reminder bot 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

As per the WLUG charter, please note that there is a WLUG executive committee meeting one week from today. If you wish to get an item on the agenda for this meeting, please email it to secretary(a)wlug.org.nz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # Previous Minutes # Treasurers report # Correspondence # Matters # Server status # General business

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Re: [wlug] wireless connection
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 08 Jul '07

08 Jul '07

Whilst I do have a gui manager for networking it is not like the one shown in the link. One clicks on the name of the network shown and a drop down with any other access is shown. I _think_ the the key is WEP simply one word <ultra> I will I try the command line. should that fail I guess I need to install network manager,hopefully I can get it through apt. I did not do this before as I thought it may cause a conflict with the ndis wrapper. Regards John. > > What type of encryption is the access point using? > > If it's using the (old, insecure) WEP encryption then you > should be able to set the key using > iwconfig <interface> key s:<password> > > The s: tells iwconfig that you're specifying a key in > ASCII. > > If it's using WPA or WPA2 encryption then you need to be > using wpa_supplicant to do the authentication. > > > In general however, if you're using network manager in > Ubuntu (I seem to recall it's not always installed by > default?) then you should be able to manage all of this > through the GUI without having to even know about > wpa_supplicant or bother with the commandline. > > My sugguestion for step 1 would be to determine whether > you are using network manager to control the wireless. To > do this go to > http://www.gnome.org/projects/NetworkManager/, do you have > an interface like the screenshot next to the second > paragraph titled "Flexible, Extendable, Open" - The dock > icon with a dropdown list of networks and signal strength, > etc? > > -- > Matt Brown > matt(a)mattb.net.nz > Mob +353 86 608 7117 www.mattb.net.nz

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Re: [wlug] wireless connection
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 08 Jul '07

08 Jul '07

This is the output from: iwlist eth1 scanning ESSID "martin" Protocol IEEE 802.11g Frequency: 2.412ghz Channel 1 Quality: 0/100 Signal level 64dbm: 256dbm Encryption key: on Bit rates 1-2-5.5-11.6-9-12-24-36-48-54MBS Extra:bin_int=100 Extra:ati=0 I have never had a problem with open access points so I wonder if I am incorrectly entering the key somehow ( does it need to be entered twice with a space/dash?) The key is a simple 5 letter dictionary word so I assume that it would be ascii though I did try the hexadecimal entry also. I can ping the router under windows with round trips under 2ms When i ping with ubuntu I get network unreachable. Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > I had very similar symptoms with Broadcom. > > On my Broadcom I have to issue the following command to > connect once the machine has booted. > sudo iwlist eth1 scanning > > (where eth1 is your card ID). > > Not sure why this does it but works for me... > > Ian > > On 7/8/07, jaytee(a)clear.net.nz <jaytee(a)clear.net.nz> > > wrote: Thanks for responses, > > I have a broadcom wireless in my note book and no wifi > > radar. Windows is reporting a constantly fluctuating > > signal on its gui giving a signal of 2 to three bars (5 > > is max) Ubuntu wireless network "sees" the connection > > but will not connect once I enter the wep key. My guess > > is that the signal is too week to connect with as I > > usually can connect with out any effort. > > Regards John > > > > > > ----- Original Message Follows ----- > > > > > > Is this with or without wifi-radar - I've had mixed > > > results without wifi-radar (not sure whether it's the > > > wireless card or not). > > > > > > Cheers. > > > > > > > > > On Sat, Jul 07, 2007 at 10:14:34PM +1200, Simon Green > > > > wrote: On 07/07/07, jaytee(a)clear.net.nz > > > > > <jaytee(a)clear.net.nz> wrote: My landlord has > > > > > agreed to share his wireless connection (for a > > > > > fee) with me and has provided me with the > > > > > password. If I boot into windows, add the password > > > > > it all works but with Ubuntu I cannot get a > > > > > connection. so far I tried ascii and hexadecimal > > > but no connection i have the networking set to dchp > > > > > the router address is 192.168.1.254 do I need to > > > > > turn off dchp and use a fixed address? Or is there > > > some other thing I may have missed? > > > > > Ubuntu 7.04 has zero-conf wireless (and wired) > > > > networking. You should be able to click the icon in > > > > your panel, type in the key, and away you go. This > > > > is assuming your wireless card is supported in > > > > Ubuntu (most cards should be though). > > > > -- simon > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > > > Unsubscribe: > > > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > > -- > > > Home - http://www.piersharding.com > > > xmpp:piers(a)ompka.net > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > > Unsubscribe: > > > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > > [Attachment: piers(a)ompka.net.sig] > > > > _______________________________________________ > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > -- > Web: http://wand.net.nz/~iam4/ > Blog: http://iansblog.jandi.co.nz > WAND Network Research Group

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Re: [wlug] wireless connection
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 08 Jul '07

08 Jul '07

Thanks for responses, I have a broadcom wireless in my note book and no wifi radar. Windows is reporting a constantly fluctuating signal on its gui giving a signal of 2 to three bars (5 is max) Ubuntu wireless network "sees" the connection but will not connect once I enter the wep key. My guess is that the signal is too week to connect with as I usually can connect with out any effort. Regards John ----- Original Message Follows ----- > > Is this with or without wifi-radar - I've had mixed > results without wifi-radar (not sure whether it's the > wireless card or not). > > Cheers. > > > On Sat, Jul 07, 2007 at 10:14:34PM +1200, Simon Green > > wrote: On 07/07/07, jaytee(a)clear.net.nz > > > <jaytee(a)clear.net.nz> wrote: My landlord has agreed to > > > share his wireless connection (for a fee) with me and > > > has provided me with the password. If I boot into > > > windows, add the password it all works but with Ubuntu > > > I cannot get a connection. so far I tried ascii and > > > hexadecimal but no connection i have the networking > set to dchp the router address is 192.168.1.254 do I need > > > to turn off dchp and use a fixed address? Or is there > > > some other thing I may have missed? > > > > Ubuntu 7.04 has zero-conf wireless (and wired) > > networking. You should be able to click the icon in your > > panel, type in the key, and away you go. This is > > assuming your wireless card is supported in Ubuntu (most > > cards should be though). > > -- simon > > > > _______________________________________________ > > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > -- > Home - http://www.piersharding.com > xmpp:piers(a)ompka.net > > > _______________________________________________ > wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz > Unsubscribe: > http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > [Attachment: piers(a)ompka.net.sig]

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wireless connection
by jaytee＠clear.net.nz 07 Jul '07

07 Jul '07

My landlord has agreed to share his wireless connection (for a fee) with me and has provided me with the password. If I boot into windows, add the password it all works but with Ubuntu I cannot get a connection. so far I tried ascii and hexadecimal but no connection i have the networking set to dchp the router address is 192.168.1.254 do I need to turn off dchp and use a fixed address? Or is there some other thing I may have missed?

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