- wlug - list.wlug.org.nz

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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