Monday, February 22, 2010

Re: [BLUG] uptime

Did you say uptime?

# uptime
08:28:17 up 1111 days, 23:40, 6 users, load average: 0.18, 0.12, 0.03

This is a host at Cook that does some monitoring and testing things.
Yes Yes, it needs updates.....

On Mon, Feb 22, 2010 at 01:07:14PM GMT, Mark Warner [markwarner1954@att.net] said the following:
>
> http://xkcd.com/705/
>
> --
> Mark Warner
> MEPIS Linux
> Registered Linux User #415318
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Mark Krenz
Bloomington Linux Users Group
http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

[BLUG] uptime

http://xkcd.com/705/

--
Mark Warner
MEPIS Linux
Registered Linux User #415318

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

If anyone's ever migrated from a windows authentication environment to a linux samba environment, i'd be keenly interested in that too.

thanks!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kelly McEvilly" <kellym@wbhcp.com>
To: "Bloomington LINUX Users Group" <blug@cs.indiana.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2010 8:09:04 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

I'm in! When and Where!

I have a mail server running on Redhat that I'd really like to be able to manage more effectively.

I have a 'test box' that runs CentOS that I play with.

Total Noob though...


----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Krenz" <mark@slugbug.org>
To: "Bloomington LINUX Users Group" <blug@cs.indiana.edu>
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2010 10:12:22 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?


Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session where
we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards new
users.

While the more experienced users out there want something more
interesting to them, they can also just go find something by themselves.
They don't need as much help with Linux. They already know where to go
(sorry but its true). You'll still get the socialization you want.

I think an intro/install meeting would cover a lot of the stuff below
anyways as people ask questions about what apps to use, whether to use
Gnome or KDE, etc.

I don't think BLUG has had a real install fest since the 90s, which
seems crazy. We should try one again. So I think each meeting should
be less presentation driven and more focused on helping people
individually. Then we also could have more regular meetings, less worry
about who will present and more time for socializing. Plus people
outside the group would start to see exactly what to expect.

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 01:44:02AM GMT, Steven Black [blacks@indiana.edu] said the following:
> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
>
> Do we want informational meetings? If so, what topics?
> + How do you do FOO using BAR?
> + How can you use FOO to replace the commercial/Windows-only BAR?
> + The trials and tribulations of migrating from FOO to BAR.
> + etc.
>
> Do we want reviews and/or demos of software? If so, how do we determine
> the software to review/demo?
> + Two+ people jointly review the FOO, BAR, and BAZ products to do FOOBAR.
> + Someone gives a presentation on the awesomeness of FOOBAR.
> + Recounting the awesomeness that was FOO-con, and why you should go
> + etc.
>
> Do we want to start having annual presentations on the state of FOOBAR
> software for Linux? If so, how do we determine which FOOBAR to use?
> + Graphics/3D software?
> + Office software?
> + FOOBAR-types of games
> + light-weight window managers?
> + etc.
>
> Do we want to have meetings where we plan group/community activities?
> + Install-fests?
> + CD hand-outs?
> + Bloomington Linuxfest? (A larger Indiana Linuxfest with CINLUG?)
> + Perhaps planning an annual Linux gaming night?
> + etc.
>
> Would folks be interested in changing the structure of the meeting so
> that people can get more out of it even if they're less interested in
> the core presentation?
> + Perhaps a more formal introduction with regular segments.
> - upcoming releases, software to watch, new distributions, etc.
> + (other ideas?)
>
> I'd like to see more people involved in each meeting, whether that's
> more joint presentations, small 5-10 minute regular segments of some
> sort, or if it is something more. Part of this is because many hands
> make light work, but part of it is that if there are four people which
> each contribute in some small way to the meeting, the speaker is
> guaranteed to have at least four people to listen to the presentation.
>
> I'd also like to advocate for annual presentations on particular
> software areas. Software changes quickly, and things can change fast
> while we're focussed on our day-jobs or other projects. Before we know
> it, there can be a great product that almost everyone is using, which
> we've never heard about.
>
> Cheers,
> Steven Black
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Mark Krenz
Bloomington Linux Users Group
http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Re: [BLUG] [Fwd]

Comments inline.

> I am new to the BLUG mailing list.

Welcome.

> I am in the process of having a desktop computer build from scratch - I
> want it to be compatible with Linux and so would like to speak with
> someone knowledgeable about hardware issues and Linux support.

I assemble computers for my workplace and for individuals. In nearly all
cases, I find that starting with a bundle of some sort from Tiger or
NewEgg gives me a good basic machine at a reasonable price, and
everything I've built in the last three years has been completely
compatible with Linux. Probably the biggest reason for that is the fact
that the components that are bundled are no longer the most current,
latest 'n greatest, cutting edge stuff, and that the kernel developers
have had time to integrate that hardware compatibility into the kernel.

> Mark Krenz recommend getting an Nvidia graphics card (ATI will work, but
> can be tricky – problems with ATI was also mentioned by another BLUG
> member). Mark also said that Intel graphics chipsets suck in general
> and cause problems. I have been looking at a Gigibyte mother board
> (GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX), but reviews on Newegg.com mention
> problems with memory slots (either the board was OK or some of the
> memory slots didn't work – or failed within 6 months). I have also read
> on the web that Asus mother boards do not play well with Linux. I am
> currently searching the Linux forums for more information. Do any of
> the BLUG have suggestions for a mother board that are reliable and
> compatible with Linux?

I would agree with Mark re: nVidia over ATI. I prefer using nVidia
chipped boards, AMD processors, and nVidia graphics. I've had good luck
with MSI, Asus, and Gigabyte boards. (And I've been badly burned on a
couple occasions by BioStar. JME. YMMV.)

It all depends on how much you want to spend, how "cutting edge" you
feel you need to be (remember, it's going to be outdated a week after
it's built), and how much horsepower you require. You can go really
basic for around $350, middle of the road for $450, and $600 will build
you a rocket ship if you shop and buy smart. My last build was for an
individual, an Asus/nVidia/AMD with a 3.0GHz dual core, 4G RAM, and
512MB integrated graphics. It came in right at $500, ran like a scared
rabbit, and should provide excellent performance for many years to come.

> I agree with Mark Warner's comment: most of "what you guys talk about
> here is waaay over my head 90% of the time." I am definitely a newbie.
> So far I have loaded Ubuntu 9.10 as a dual boot with XP – but I haven't
> worked out all of the hardware/driver problems (nor the LAN/firewall
> connections) – but still having fun.

Something doesn't sound right there. (Unless you're talking about a Wubi
install, then all bets are off.) In 98% of cases, a wired Ethernet
connection should be enabled out of the box. And frankly, if you're
running behind a NAT router, I wouldn't be too concerned about
firewalling a new desktop install. Messing with iptables, even with the
GUI front ends available, gains you little and can cause difficulties.
JMO. YMMV.

--
Mark Warner
MEPIS Linux
Registered Linux User #415318

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
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[BLUG] [Fwd]

Warren,


Did you send the following inquiry from an e-mail you used to subscribe to the list?  It got bounced.


Thanks,
Shing-Shong

=================
Hello,

 

I am new to the BLUG mailing list. 

 

I am in the process of having a desktop computer build from scratch - I want it to be compatible with Linux and so would like to speak with someone knowledgeable about hardware issues and Linux support. 

 

Mark Krenz recommend getting an Nvidia graphics card (ATI will work, but can be tricky – problems with ATI was also mentioned by another BLUG member).  Mark also said that Intel graphics chipsets suck in general and cause problems.  I have been looking at a Gigibyte mother board (GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX), but reviews on Newegg.com mention problems with memory slots (either the board was OK or some of the memory slots didn’t work – or failed within 6 months).  I have also read on the web that Asus mother boards do not play well with Linux.  I am currently searching the Linux forums for more information.  Do any of the BLUG have suggestions for a mother board that are reliable and compatible with Linux?

 

I agree with Mark Warner’s comment: most of “what you guys talk about here is waaay over my head 90% of the time.”  I am definitely a newbie.  So far I have loaded Ubuntu 9.10 as a dual boot with XP – but I haven’t worked out all of the hardware/driver problems (nor the LAN/firewall connections) – but still having fun.

 

Have you decided on your next meeting location/date/time?   

 

Thanks,

 

Warren Wilson

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

I think I have mentioned it on linuxbasement as well

Linuxcranks.info is another good show as well

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 3, 2010, at 11:44 AM, Mark Krenz <mark@slugbug.org> wrote:

>
> Oh, so that was you talking on the show? That's cool.
>
> On Wed, Feb 03, 2010 at 04:10:49PM GMT, Lord Drachenblut
> [lord.drachenblut@gmail.com] said the following:
>> Yep that would have been me who mentioned blug climagic and mark
>> krenz
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Feb 3, 2010, at 10:51 AM, Mark Krenz <mark@slugbug.org> wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 11:35:35PM GMT, Simón Ruiz [simon.a.ruiz
>>> @gma
>>> il.com] said the following:
>>>> It's been a while, but some good names I remember include:
>>>>
>>>> The Linux Link Tech Show (Lots of dead air, but they cover a pretty
>>>> good range of stuff; adult content, often)
>>>
>>> This one actually mentions the Bloomington Linux Users Group in
>>> their
>>> Jan. 20th episode from this year. It came up when they mentioned
>>> the
>>> climagic thing I setup. Its about an hour and 20 minutes in.
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Mark Krenz
>>> Bloomington Linux Users Group
>>> http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> BLUG mailing list
>>> BLUG@linuxfan.com
>>> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> BLUG mailing list
>> BLUG@linuxfan.com
>> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>>
>
> --
> Mark Krenz
> Bloomington Linux Users Group
> http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

Oh, so that was you talking on the show? That's cool.

On Wed, Feb 03, 2010 at 04:10:49PM GMT, Lord Drachenblut [lord.drachenblut@gmail.com] said the following:
> Yep that would have been me who mentioned blug climagic and mark krenz
>
> Cheers
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Feb 3, 2010, at 10:51 AM, Mark Krenz <mark@slugbug.org> wrote:
>
> > On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 11:35:35PM GMT, Simón Ruiz [simon.a.ruiz@gma
> > il.com] said the following:
> >> It's been a while, but some good names I remember include:
> >>
> >> The Linux Link Tech Show (Lots of dead air, but they cover a pretty
> >> good range of stuff; adult content, often)
> >
> > This one actually mentions the Bloomington Linux Users Group in their
> > Jan. 20th episode from this year. It came up when they mentioned the
> > climagic thing I setup. Its about an hour and 20 minutes in.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Mark Krenz
> > Bloomington Linux Users Group
> > http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > BLUG mailing list
> > BLUG@linuxfan.com
> > http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Mark Krenz
Bloomington Linux Users Group
http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

Yep that would have been me who mentioned blug climagic and mark krenz

Cheers

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 3, 2010, at 10:51 AM, Mark Krenz <mark@slugbug.org> wrote:

> On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 11:35:35PM GMT, Simón Ruiz [simon.a.ruiz@gma
> il.com] said the following:
>> It's been a while, but some good names I remember include:
>>
>> The Linux Link Tech Show (Lots of dead air, but they cover a pretty
>> good range of stuff; adult content, often)
>
> This one actually mentions the Bloomington Linux Users Group in their
> Jan. 20th episode from this year. It came up when they mentioned the
> climagic thing I setup. Its about an hour and 20 minutes in.
>
>
> --
> Mark Krenz
> Bloomington Linux Users Group
> http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 3, 2010, at 10:48 AM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu> wrote:

> On Wed, Feb 03, 2010 at 10:26:54AM -0500, Lord Drachenblut wrote:
>> I will also throw in mythtvcast.org, I think it is. A show about yep
>> that's right myth tv hosted by pay davila of Tllts and Dan frields
>
> It's actually http://mythtvcast.com/ (not .org)
>
>> Also hackerpublicradio.org.
>

HPR is a community project so if you find you like the show you can
contribute episodes if you like

> Note: These are real hackers (with the glider symbol) and not crackers
> or phreaks. (Do they even have phone phreaks anymore? It seems so 80s.

http://warvox.org/
It's notdead it's evolving
>
>> Binary revoltion
>
> http://www.binrev.com

http://audio.textfiles.com/shows/binrev/
Here is a listing of the show they produced before ending production

http://audio.textfiles.com/shows/
Is a great resource in general

>
> This is not actually a podcast. It is a series of forums that are
> available via RSS feeds. Some of the forums have media associated with
> them, however the media is provided as links and not as enclosures in
> the feed. You can not add it to a podcatcher.
>
> It looks like it used to be a podcast, though. It is referenced on
> podcastdirectory.com -- which is actually the first link I got via
> Google -- but both the links to RSS Feed and Website are broken from
> the podcastdirectory page.
>
>> And radio freek Americ
http://www.oldskoolphreak.com/radio.html
While they only did 99 episodes before ending even to today topics
discussed are releavent

>
> It has suffered a podfade. "02/20/04 - The final episode!"
>
> Cheers,
> Steven Black
>
>> On Feb 3, 2010, at 9:51 AM, Simón Ruiz <simon.a.ruiz@gmail.com> wr
>> ote:
>>
>>> On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:41 AM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu>
>>> wrote:
>>>>> Linux Action Show (Now Computer Action Show??? Loud and
>>>>> opinionated;
>>>>> take with a grain or two of salt.)
>>>>
>>>> They joined Jupiter Broadcasting and became The Computer Action
>>>> show
>>>> after their 100th episode. That happened in 2009-08.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/?cat=4
>>>>
>>>> A quick view of their feed makes Jupiter Broadcasting appear to be
>>>> the
>>>> FoxNews of geek podcasts. (*That* kind of fair and balanced.) I'm
>>>> just
>>>> not interested.
>>>
>>> *lol* Yeah, I can't blame you, that's not an unfair critique.
>>>
>>> It's pretty much just Bryan and Chris choosing seemingly random
>>> stances about the Linux/Open Source news of the day and ranting
>>> passionately about them; or, at least it was when I last was
>>> listening.
>>>
>>> Jupiter Broadcasting was just a name under which they did a bunch of
>>> different podcasts on a bunch of different geeky subjects; beer,
>>> sci-fi, etc.
>>>
>>>> Cheers,
>>>> Steven Black
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Simón Ruiz
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 11:35:35PM GMT, Simón Ruiz [simon.a.ruiz@gmail.com] said the following:
> It's been a while, but some good names I remember include:
>
> The Linux Link Tech Show (Lots of dead air, but they cover a pretty
> good range of stuff; adult content, often)

This one actually mentions the Bloomington Linux Users Group in their
Jan. 20th episode from this year. It came up when they mentioned the
climagic thing I setup. Its about an hour and 20 minutes in.


--
Mark Krenz
Bloomington Linux Users Group
http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

On Wed, Feb 03, 2010 at 10:26:54AM -0500, Lord Drachenblut wrote:
> I will also throw in mythtvcast.org, I think it is. A show about yep
> that's right myth tv hosted by pay davila of Tllts and Dan frields

It's actually http://mythtvcast.com/ (not .org)

> Also hackerpublicradio.org.

Note: These are real hackers (with the glider symbol) and not crackers
or phreaks. (Do they even have phone phreaks anymore? It seems so 80s.)

> Binary revoltion

http://www.binrev.com/

This is not actually a podcast. It is a series of forums that are
available via RSS feeds. Some of the forums have media associated with
them, however the media is provided as links and not as enclosures in
the feed. You can not add it to a podcatcher.

It looks like it used to be a podcast, though. It is referenced on
podcastdirectory.com -- which is actually the first link I got via
Google -- but both the links to RSS Feed and Website are broken from
the podcastdirectory page.

> And radio freek America

It has suffered a podfade. "02/20/04 - The final episode!"

Cheers,
Steven Black

> On Feb 3, 2010, at 9:51 AM, Simón Ruiz <simon.a.ruiz@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:41 AM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu>
> > wrote:
> >>> Linux Action Show (Now Computer Action Show??? Loud and opinionated;
> >>> take with a grain or two of salt.)
> >>
> >> They joined Jupiter Broadcasting and became The Computer Action show
> >> after their 100th episode. That happened in 2009-08.
> >>
> >> http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/?cat=4
> >>
> >> A quick view of their feed makes Jupiter Broadcasting appear to be
> >> the
> >> FoxNews of geek podcasts. (*That* kind of fair and balanced.) I'm
> >> just
> >> not interested.
> >
> > *lol* Yeah, I can't blame you, that's not an unfair critique.
> >
> > It's pretty much just Bryan and Chris choosing seemingly random
> > stances about the Linux/Open Source news of the day and ranting
> > passionately about them; or, at least it was when I last was
> > listening.
> >
> > Jupiter Broadcasting was just a name under which they did a bunch of
> > different podcasts on a bunch of different geeky subjects; beer,
> > sci-fi, etc.
> >
> >> Cheers,
> >> Steven Black
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Simón Ruiz

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

I will also throw in mythtvcast.org, I think it is. A show about yep
that's right myth tv hosted by pay davila of Tllts and Dan frields

Also hackerpublicradio.org.
Binary revoltion
And radio freek America

Cheers

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 3, 2010, at 9:51 AM, Simón Ruiz <simon.a.ruiz@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:41 AM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu>
> wrote:
>>> Linux Action Show (Now Computer Action Show??? Loud and opinionated;
>>> take with a grain or two of salt.)
>>
>> They joined Jupiter Broadcasting and became The Computer Action show
>> after their 100th episode. That happened in 2009-08.
>>
>> http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/?cat=4
>>
>> A quick view of their feed makes Jupiter Broadcasting appear to be
>> the
>> FoxNews of geek podcasts. (*That* kind of fair and balanced.) I'm
>> just
>> not interested.
>
> *lol* Yeah, I can't blame you, that's not an unfair critique.
>
> It's pretty much just Bryan and Chris choosing seemingly random
> stances about the Linux/Open Source news of the day and ranting
> passionately about them; or, at least it was when I last was
> listening.
>
> Jupiter Broadcasting was just a name under which they did a bunch of
> different podcasts on a bunch of different geeky subjects; beer,
> sci-fi, etc.
>
>> Cheers,
>> Steven Black
>
> Cheers,
> Simón Ruiz
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:41 AM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu> wrote:
>> Linux Action Show (Now Computer Action Show??? Loud and opinionated;
>> take with a grain or two of salt.)
>
> They joined Jupiter Broadcasting and became The Computer Action show
> after their 100th episode. That happened in 2009-08.
>
> http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/?cat=4
>
> A quick view of their feed makes Jupiter Broadcasting appear to be the
> FoxNews of geek podcasts. (*That* kind of fair and balanced.) I'm just
> not interested.

*lol* Yeah, I can't blame you, that's not an unfair critique.

It's pretty much just Bryan and Chris choosing seemingly random
stances about the Linux/Open Source news of the day and ranting
passionately about them; or, at least it was when I last was
listening.

Jupiter Broadcasting was just a name under which they did a bunch of
different podcasts on a bunch of different geeky subjects; beer,
sci-fi, etc.

> Cheers,
> Steven Black

Cheers,
Simón Ruiz

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

I looked up the URLs for each of the ones listed to make it easier
on folks.

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 06:35:35PM -0500, Simón Ruiz wrote:
> It's been a while, but some good names I remember include:
>
> The Linux Link Tech Show (Lots of dead air, but they cover a pretty
> good range of stuff; adult content, often)

http://www.tllts.org/

> Lotta Linux Links (Good, random stuff)

http://lottalinuxlinks.com/podcast/ (OGG only)

> FLOSS Weekly ("professionally produced", less dead air and such, was
> quarterly for a while, but last I checked they were coming out pretty
> regularly again)

http://twit.tv/FLOSS

> Linux Outlaws (A German and a Brit, interesting perspectives random
> topics you wouldn't get from a strictly American show)

http://linuxoutlaws.com/

> Linux Basement

http://linuxbasement.com/

> Software Freedom Law Show (Yes, lawyer geeks, pretty good)

http://www.softwarefreedom.org/podcast/

When I heard the name of it, I was wondering if it was one of Bradley
Kuhn's projects. He's a good friend of a friend of mine.

I should ask the question on Facebook and see if any other good shows
come out from folks I know. ... and now I have.

> Linux Action Show (Now Computer Action Show??? Loud and opinionated;
> take with a grain or two of salt.)

They joined Jupiter Broadcasting and became The Computer Action show
after their 100th episode. That happened in 2009-08.

http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/?cat=4

A quick view of their feed makes Jupiter Broadcasting appear to be the
FoxNews of geek podcasts. (*That* kind of fair and balanced.) I'm just
not interested.

Cheers,
Steven Black

_______________________________________________
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Re: [BLUG] Linux podcasts?

It's been a while, but some good names I remember include:

The Linux Link Tech Show (Lots of dead air, but they cover a pretty
good range of stuff; adult content, often)

Lotta Linux Links (Good, random stuff)

FLOSS Weekly ("professionally produced", less dead air and such, was
quarterly for a while, but last I checked they were coming out pretty
regularly again)

Linux Outlaws (A German and a Brit, interesting perspectives random
topics you wouldn't get from a strictly American show)

Linux Basement

Software Freedom Law Show (Yes, lawyer geeks, pretty good)

Linux Action Show (Now Computer Action Show??? Loud and opinionated;
take with a grain or two of salt.)

On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 6:16 PM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu> wrote:
> Does anyone listen to any Linux/OSS related podcasts?
>
> What would you recommend?
>
> Cheers,
> Steven Black
>
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[BLUG] Linux podcasts?

Does anyone listen to any Linux/OSS related podcasts?

What would you recommend?

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 03:25:18PM -0500, Kirk Gleason wrote:
> All,
> You know, something that I have been curious about recently, that
> isn't necessarily Linux-related and is probably off-tpoic, is how to
> live a more DRM free life. As I look around (work, home, etc) I see
> people making decisions that they may not necessarily understand. As
> an example, I am still astounding by people who think they like iTunes
> for media management. I think it is about the worst tool I have ever
> used for managing my collection.
> But I digress. I watch my kids, who have iPods, and want to use
> Macs; and I wonder what kind of monsters I have created. I recognize
> why DRM is not in anyone's best interest (except may RIAA / MPAA), but
> as far as educating someone on how to divest themselves of the
> shackles of DRM I find myself woefully lacking.
> Does anyone have anything interesting?

Kids like the technology, but they also frequently want to share their
media. Talk to them about what they are legally allowed to do with their
media, and about the alternatives and they will more than likely want
the more free option.

Many kids illegally share music. Sharing music isn't implicitly illegal,
as if it is a Creative Commons license it is totally legal. (As it is
also legal to share MP3s from your personal band.) DRM crypled devices
make no distinction about whether it is legal to share particular music.
It can be an MP3 of yourself reading notes to study for class, and your
media player won't allow you to share it with your classmates.

On a fundamental level, DRM is a device used by bullies to prevent users
from legally using products they legitimately purchased. Kids understand
bullies, even if they've never encountered one outside of movies.

Did you know that some music CD DRM has physically damaged hardware?
It violated the spec in ways the CD-ROM drives couldn't handle and it
resulted in permanent damage.

With DVD region encodings if you move to Europe you can't just order a
US movie from the internet and watch it. In fact, you can't even just
bring your favorite movie with you from home and share it with your
European friends. You speak English, your friends speak English, you
want to watch it in English, but it won't work. You need to by the
European version, and if they never release it in Europe, you just can't
watch it. Explain this to a kid, and they'll tell you it doesn't seem
fair.

Proprietary formats are frequently used to bully folks. Tell a kid that
if free software FOO supports format BAR the developers could be sued
and it is likely the software will disappear forever. They'll likely
think when someone makes something on their own it is only fair that the
person can give it away for free if they want.

Shoot, tell a kid that they can't get a newer (used) computer because
whenever old computers go to Goodwill they have to throw away the CPU
as if they don't Microsoft will sue them and they'll start to think
Microsoft is a meanie. (It is also why pawn shops can only accept
computers complete with the original installation media.)

When the iPod connects to Linux, (some models have worked), it isn't
bound to a single machine like it is in Windows. You can plug someone
else's iPod to your computer and share music directly.

Something like Rockbox <http://www.rockbox.org/> allows a person to
share their media with any computer they come across.

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

All,
You know, something that I have been curious about recently, that
isn't necessarily Linux-related and is probably off-tpoic, is how to
live a more DRM free life. As I look around (work, home, etc) I see
people making decisions that they may not necessarily understand. As
an example, I am still astounding by people who think they like iTunes
for media management. I think it is about the worst tool I have ever
used for managing my collection.
But I digress. I watch my kids, who have iPods, and want to use
Macs; and I wonder what kind of monsters I have created. I recognize
why DRM is not in anyone's best interest (except may RIAA / MPAA), but
as far as educating someone on how to divest themselves of the
shackles of DRM I find myself woefully lacking.
Does anyone have anything interesting?

--Kirk
On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 2:30 PM, Simón Ruiz <simon.a.ruiz@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 12:57 PM,  <pd335@comcast.net> wrote:
>> On a personal note, I am interested in recording music and I would love to
>> be able to build a cost effective powerful system to run some of the free
>> DAW's out for Linux systems.
>
> Have you heard about the open source musician podcast?
>
> http://opensourcemusician.libsyn.com/
>
> I met one of these guys out at Ohio LinuxFest and started listening to
> their podcast; very cool stuff, if you're interested in studio
> recording, very educational.
>
> Simón
>
> _______________________________________________
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> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Kirk Gleason

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 12:57 PM, <pd335@comcast.net> wrote:
> On a personal note, I am interested in recording music and I would love to
> be able to build a cost effective powerful system to run some of the free
> DAW's out for Linux systems.

Have you heard about the open source musician podcast?

http://opensourcemusician.libsyn.com/

I met one of these guys out at Ohio LinuxFest and started listening to
their podcast; very cool stuff, if you're interested in studio
recording, very educational.

Simón

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

One thing I have found lacking in audacity is it's inAbility to easily
record from multiple inputs. For this I will recommend jokosher. Also
for a dedicated multimedia recording distro check out http://ubuntustudio.org/

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 2, 2010, at 1:22 PM, Barry Schatz <sorbetninja@gmail.com> wrote:

> Look into the program Audacity for recording and audio editing. It's
> available on all the major platforms. If you're looking for something
> heavier, check out Ardour. I haven't tried these out myself, but no
> time
> like the present!
>
> -Barry
>
> pd335@comcast.net wrote:
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I am new to the group and I have just a little experience with
>> Ubuntu.
>> It is on a laptop my wife and I use to search the web as we hang out
>> at home. No real heavy-hitting with it yet.
>>
>> I am very interested in learning more about how Linux/Unix/GNU/Open
>> Sourced operating systems are used in the real world. I work as a
>> basic desktop and hardware support tech and I mostly deal with
>> Windows
>> environments but ,I know that networking positions deal more with
>> unix
>> and other os's so I am trying to spend some time learning more about
>> other offerings.
>>
>> On a personal note, I am interested in recording music and I would
>> love to be able to build a cost effective powerful system to run some
>> of the free DAW's out for Linux systems.
>>
>> So, if you can cover how to more effectively use Ubuntu as a home
>> laptop, recording software, and more advanced usage but geared
>> towards a entry level person, I would love to get out and go to a
>> meeting!
>>
>>
>>
>> Have a good day,
>>
>> Patrick Davis
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> BLUG mailing list
>> BLUG@linuxfan.com
>> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

Look into the program Audacity for recording and audio editing. It's
available on all the major platforms. If you're looking for something
heavier, check out Ardour. I haven't tried these out myself, but no time
like the present!

-Barry

pd335@comcast.net wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I am new to the group and I have just a little experience with Ubuntu.
> It is on a laptop my wife and I use to search the web as we hang out
> at home. No real heavy-hitting with it yet.
>
> I am very interested in learning more about how Linux/Unix/GNU/Open
> Sourced operating systems are used in the real world. I work as a
> basic desktop and hardware support tech and I mostly deal with Windows
> environments but ,I know that networking positions deal more with unix
> and other os's so I am trying to spend some time learning more about
> other offerings.
>
> On a personal note, I am interested in recording music and I would
> love to be able to build a cost effective powerful system to run some
> of the free DAW's out for Linux systems.
>
> So, if you can cover how to more effectively use Ubuntu as a home
> laptop, recording software, and more advanced usage but geared
> towards a entry level person, I would love to get out and go to a meeting!
>
>
>
> Have a good day,
>
> Patrick Davis
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:14:21 -0500, Lord Drachenblut
<lord.drachenblut@gmail.com> wrote:

> I would like to see a "small" series dedicated on bash for the
> Newbie to the advanced user

I think it would be interesting to do a survey of the various common
shells, like bash, ksh, csh, tcsh, and zsh.

Aaron W. Hsu

--
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:14:37 -0500, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu>
wrote:

> Coupled with VirtualBox it should be a good time.

Speaking of VirtualBox, I'd be willing to demo the latest version of
VMWare Workstation as well.

Aaron W. Hsu

--
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

Hello,

I am new to the group and I have just a little experience with Ubuntu. It is on a laptop my wife and I use to search the web as we hang out at home. No real heavy-hitting with it yet.

I am very interested in learning more about how Linux/Unix/GNU/Open Sourced operating systems are used in the real world. I work as a basic desktop and hardware support tech and I mostly deal with Windows environments but ,I know that networking positions deal more with unix and other os's so I am trying to spend some time learning more about other offerings.

On a personal note, I am interested in recording music and I would love to be able to build a cost effective powerful system to run some of the free DAW's out for Linux systems.

So, if you can cover how to more effectively use Ubuntu as a home laptop, recording software, and  more advanced usage but geared towards a entry level person, I would love to get out and go to a meeting!

 

Have a good day,

Patrick Davis

 

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Mon, Feb 01, 2010 at 11:37:38PM -0500, Aaron W. Hsu wrote:
> [...] I'd consider the following
> just "basic" sets that we would want:
>
> * Ubuntu
> * Slackware
> * RHEL/Fedora
> * Debian
> * SUSE Enterprise
> * FreeBSD and OpenBSD

I'd like to add:
* DamnSmallLinux (DSL)
- It fits on a 50MB business card CD and live-boots (novel for the size)
* Ultimate Boot CD
- Not Linux, but free and highly useful for various diagnostics
* FreeDOS (with source)
- Just in case x86 hardware shows up that's not at least a 386.
* Foresight Linux
- I've been meaning to look at it for years now.

I have some experience with the first of the three I've mentioned.
DSL and the UBCD have been particularly helpful in the past.

Some of us should have bootable USB devices for our distributions of
choice (and perhaps a Netbook edition). (The Ubuntu family makes this
exceptionally easy.)

I've attempted to use the Canonical's Wubi tool
<http://wubi-installer.org/> but my only attempt to use it was with
Mythbuntu instead of a supported variant and the finished result didn't
boot when it was done. When it works, it should be better for testing
Ubuntu than Virtualbox, as while there is some additional file-system
overhead (it does not create a separate partition -- it installs in the
normal Windows partition), it does not run in a virtualized environment
and so it has full control of the other resources.

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

Bouncing off mark's climagic Twitter/ident.ca account I would like to
say I would like to see a "small" series dedicated on bash for the
Newbie to the advanced user

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 2, 2010, at 12:07 PM, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu> wrote:

> On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 03:12:22AM +0000, Mark Krenz wrote:
>> Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
>> right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session
>> where
>> we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
>> may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
>> Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards
>> new
>> users.
>
> I just wanted to state that I agree with Mark here.
>
> My only real thought was that people should think about what they want
> to see. As the thread has been lively, it appears it is working.
>
> Cheers,
> Steven Black
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 01:33:17AM -0500, Aaron W. Hsu wrote:
> Good to know that all the BSDs should be represented then. :) I'm actually
> more capable with OpenBSD than FreeBSD. One thing that I really don't like
> at some install fests is the insistence on using a single distribution for
> the installation. I think part of the fun and enjoyment comes from the
> distro bantering that you get, so long as the newbies get the right distro
> on their system.

It seems to me it would also be a good place to have the more
experienced users try installing new/different distributions they've
been meaning to try. (At least, between helping the new folks.)

Coupled with VirtualBox it should be a good time.

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 12:02:29AM -0500, Kirk Gleason wrote:
> [...] Maybe
> we can even throw the forgotten BSD (that would be NetBSD -- my
> personal fav) on the list too.

If you're going to include NetBSD at the install-fest, you should bring
a good demonstration of NetBSD -- some crazy hardware you have sitting
around that runs nothing current -- except NetBSD.

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 03:12:22AM +0000, Mark Krenz wrote:
> Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
> right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session where
> we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
> may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
> Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards new
> users.

I just wanted to state that I agree with Mark here.

My only real thought was that people should think about what they want
to see. As the thread has been lively, it appears it is working.

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Mon, Feb 01, 2010 at 08:54:41PM -0500, Paul Purdom wrote:
> Steven Black wrote:
> > On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
> > should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
> >
> For a group like BLUG, it seems to me that the topics are going to have
> to depend very much on what people are willing to talk about. Having
> said that, it seems like that some effort should be made to alternate
> really basic talks that would be of interest to new members with more
> advanced talks that would be of interest to people who would themselves
> be interested and able to give talks.

Regular presentations on generally common areas of interest could help
ease the line between "advanced topics on FOOBAR" and "basic topics on
FOOBAR". If new folks are going to be interested in it, and we want
new folks to arrive regularly, it makes sense to revisit these things
regularly. This makes the basic half of the presentation an easy revisit
of the previous presentation, (with research to see if any basic task
has changed in recent versions), and the "advanced" segment of the
presentation can cover particular fancy/useful techniques, or even
changes coming up in future versions.

> It might also be a good idea to start each meeting by asking whether
> people have topics that they would hope someone would give a talk on.
> There is a basic problem there, what we want may not match what anyone
> can talk on. For example, I want a talk on setting up GIS (geographic
> information systems), and probably do a few more people, but we don't
> seem to have anyone to give the talk.

I also think that having a small group which does a research
presentation may also work. People want to learn about FOOBAR, but no
one knows enough to do a presentation. Two or more people get together
to do some research, take notes, make some things happen for themselves,
then do a presentation on their research in a meeting.

Cheers,
Steven Black

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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:31:47 -0500, Brian Wheeler <bdwheele@indiana.edu>
wrote:

> I never understood the appeal of OpenBSD with Theo at the helm...he's
> kind of like anti-Linus, except without the goatee.

Have you seen the new installer? If you want a newbie to "install" their
system quickly, you probably won't find a more streamlined installation
process than OpenBSD now. Everything from intelligent auto-partitioning on
up is done fairly well (amazingly improved) and I honestly haven't found a
nicer install program anywhere.

Of course, once you install it, there is that nice "configuration by text
editing" that Windows users are *not* used to. That's the main hump as I
see it. One big benefit of OpenBSD compared to Linux is that things are
usually "black and white." They work fairly seamlessly, or they are not
supported.

As for non-newbie users, well, it's hard to find an easier to administer
firewall/router. The general system performance of OpenBSD lags Linux, for
sure, but administering an OpenBSD box is really quite breezy.

Aaron W. Hsu

--
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, 2010-02-02 at 10:21 -0500, Robert Freeman-Day wrote:
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA1
>
> Kirk Gleason wrote:
> > Install fest sounds like it could be a good time. Maybe
> > we can even throw the forgotten BSD (that would be NetBSD -- my
> > personal fav) on the list too.
> >
> > I am going to encourage my co-workers to take that survey, so that
> > Mark can get some good feedback.
> >
> > woot!
> >
> > --Kirk
>
> Too bad the NetBSD community did not like the idea of the live DVD
> project GNOBSD. I know there are other ways to do it, and other issues
> involved as well, but this really did look promising for newbies:
>
> http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20100201#feature

That was OpenBSD, not NetBSD. I like NetBSD for resource constrained
machines (Sun 3/60, DECStation 5000/120, etc) but on modern hardware it
is a little...um...old school for my tastes. Not that I'm a big fan of
eye candy, but my tinkering time is at a premium these days.

I never understood the appeal of OpenBSD with Theo at the helm...he's
kind of like anti-Linus, except without the goatee.

> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
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>
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> FWQAnR9yPEt+DeOynk9bzsf6HpZOOPDy
> =P5Uh
> -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug


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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Kirk Gleason wrote:
> Install fest sounds like it could be a good time. Maybe
> we can even throw the forgotten BSD (that would be NetBSD -- my
> personal fav) on the list too.
>
> I am going to encourage my co-workers to take that survey, so that
> Mark can get some good feedback.
>
> woot!
>
> --Kirk

Too bad the NetBSD community did not like the idea of the live DVD
project GNOBSD. I know there are other ways to do it, and other issues
involved as well, but this really did look promising for newbies:

http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20100201#feature
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.9 (GNU/Linux)

iEYEARECAAYFAktoQuwACgkQup357T5MfTY17QCg0TjIIHo79QzQOPCumuYtXboM
FWQAnR9yPEt+DeOynk9bzsf6HpZOOPDy
=P5Uh
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
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Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

I'm an enthusiast that doesn't claim to know much. I moved my personal
computing environment to desktop Linux (SimplyMEPIS) some three years
ago, and haven't looked back. I've also been an active participant on
newsgroups and forums that cater to the newbie, and have helped a number
of people get up and running.

That said, what you guys talk about here is waaay over my head 90% of
the time. What I could bring to the table is an ability to talk at a raw
newbie level (I'm not that far removed from it), and anticipate and
accommodate all the questions and concerns that an unsophisticated but
curious Windows user would have. What I've found is that once it's
installed and the basic configuration is made, a convert from Windows
will very much appreciate the stability, security, and performance that
desktop Linux can provide.

---
Mark Warner

Kelly McEvilly wrote:
> I'm in! When and Where!
>
> I have a mail server running on Redhat that I'd really like to be able to manage more effectively.
>
> I have a 'test box' that runs CentOS that I play with.
>
> Total Noob though...
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mark Krenz" <mark@slugbug.org>
> To: "Bloomington LINUX Users Group" <blug@cs.indiana.edu>
> Sent: Monday, February 1, 2010 10:12:22 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?
>
>
> Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
> right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session where
> we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
> may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
> Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards new
> users.
>
> While the more experienced users out there want something more
> interesting to them, they can also just go find something by themselves.
> They don't need as much help with Linux. They already know where to go
> (sorry but its true). You'll still get the socialization you want.
>
> I think an intro/install meeting would cover a lot of the stuff below
> anyways as people ask questions about what apps to use, whether to use
> Gnome or KDE, etc.
>
> I don't think BLUG has had a real install fest since the 90s, which
> seems crazy. We should try one again. So I think each meeting should
> be less presentation driven and more focused on helping people
> individually. Then we also could have more regular meetings, less worry
> about who will present and more time for socializing. Plus people
> outside the group would start to see exactly what to expect.
>
> On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 01:44:02AM GMT, Steven Black [blacks@indiana.edu] said the following:
>> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
>> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
>>
>> Do we want informational meetings? If so, what topics?
>> + How do you do FOO using BAR?
>> + How can you use FOO to replace the commercial/Windows-only BAR?
>> + The trials and tribulations of migrating from FOO to BAR.
>> + etc.
>>
>> Do we want reviews and/or demos of software? If so, how do we determine
>> the software to review/demo?
>> + Two+ people jointly review the FOO, BAR, and BAZ products to do FOOBAR.
>> + Someone gives a presentation on the awesomeness of FOOBAR.
>> + Recounting the awesomeness that was FOO-con, and why you should go
>> + etc.
>>
>> Do we want to start having annual presentations on the state of FOOBAR
>> software for Linux? If so, how do we determine which FOOBAR to use?
>> + Graphics/3D software?
>> + Office software?
>> + FOOBAR-types of games
>> + light-weight window managers?
>> + etc.
>>
>> Do we want to have meetings where we plan group/community activities?
>> + Install-fests?
>> + CD hand-outs?
>> + Bloomington Linuxfest? (A larger Indiana Linuxfest with CINLUG?)
>> + Perhaps planning an annual Linux gaming night?
>> + etc.
>>
>> Would folks be interested in changing the structure of the meeting so
>> that people can get more out of it even if they're less interested in
>> the core presentation?
>> + Perhaps a more formal introduction with regular segments.
>> - upcoming releases, software to watch, new distributions, etc.
>> + (other ideas?)
>>
>> I'd like to see more people involved in each meeting, whether that's
>> more joint presentations, small 5-10 minute regular segments of some
>> sort, or if it is something more. Part of this is because many hands
>> make light work, but part of it is that if there are four people which
>> each contribute in some small way to the meeting, the speaker is
>> guaranteed to have at least four people to listen to the presentation.
>>
>> I'd also like to advocate for annual presentations on particular
>> software areas. Software changes quickly, and things can change fast
>> while we're focussed on our day-jobs or other projects. Before we know
>> it, there can be a great product that almost everyone is using, which
>> we've never heard about.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Steven Black
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> BLUG mailing list
>> BLUG@linuxfan.com
>> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>>
>

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

I hate to reply to the middle of a thread, but I want to stay on topic.

I'm willing to demonstrate Virtualbox (http://www.virtualbox.org/) for
anyone interested. It's handy for anyone who wants to try a distro in a
more persistent fashion than a LiveCD without risking their existing OS
install. It works with the major OS hosts (Windows, OS X, *nix) and does
so very well. This is be a great tool for newbies who are unsure of what
they're getting into as well as more experienced users looking to try a
new distro.

-Barry

Mark Krenz wrote:
> Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
> right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session where
> we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
> may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
> Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards new
> users.
>
> While the more experienced users out there want something more
> interesting to them, they can also just go find something by themselves.
> They don't need as much help with Linux. They already know where to go
> (sorry but its true). You'll still get the socialization you want.
>
> I think an intro/install meeting would cover a lot of the stuff below
> anyways as people ask questions about what apps to use, whether to use
> Gnome or KDE, etc.
>
> I don't think BLUG has had a real install fest since the 90s, which
> seems crazy. We should try one again. So I think each meeting should
> be less presentation driven and more focused on helping people
> individually. Then we also could have more regular meetings, less worry
> about who will present and more time for socializing. Plus people
> outside the group would start to see exactly what to expect.
>
> On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 01:44:02AM GMT, Steven Black [blacks@indiana.edu] said the following:
>
>> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
>> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
>>
>> Do we want informational meetings? If so, what topics?
>> + How do you do FOO using BAR?
>> + How can you use FOO to replace the commercial/Windows-only BAR?
>> + The trials and tribulations of migrating from FOO to BAR.
>> + etc.
>>
>> Do we want reviews and/or demos of software? If so, how do we determine
>> the software to review/demo?
>> + Two+ people jointly review the FOO, BAR, and BAZ products to do FOOBAR.
>> + Someone gives a presentation on the awesomeness of FOOBAR.
>> + Recounting the awesomeness that was FOO-con, and why you should go
>> + etc.
>>
>> Do we want to start having annual presentations on the state of FOOBAR
>> software for Linux? If so, how do we determine which FOOBAR to use?
>> + Graphics/3D software?
>> + Office software?
>> + FOOBAR-types of games
>> + light-weight window managers?
>> + etc.
>>
>> Do we want to have meetings where we plan group/community activities?
>> + Install-fests?
>> + CD hand-outs?
>> + Bloomington Linuxfest? (A larger Indiana Linuxfest with CINLUG?)
>> + Perhaps planning an annual Linux gaming night?
>> + etc.
>>
>> Would folks be interested in changing the structure of the meeting so
>> that people can get more out of it even if they're less interested in
>> the core presentation?
>> + Perhaps a more formal introduction with regular segments.
>> - upcoming releases, software to watch, new distributions, etc.
>> + (other ideas?)
>>
>> I'd like to see more people involved in each meeting, whether that's
>> more joint presentations, small 5-10 minute regular segments of some
>> sort, or if it is something more. Part of this is because many hands
>> make light work, but part of it is that if there are four people which
>> each contribute in some small way to the meeting, the speaker is
>> guaranteed to have at least four people to listen to the presentation.
>>
>> I'd also like to advocate for annual presentations on particular
>> software areas. Software changes quickly, and things can change fast
>> while we're focussed on our day-jobs or other projects. Before we know
>> it, there can be a great product that almost everyone is using, which
>> we've never heard about.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Steven Black
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> BLUG mailing list
>> BLUG@linuxfan.com
>> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>>
>>
>
>

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

I'm in! When and Where!

I have a mail server running on Redhat that I'd really like to be able to manage more effectively.

I have a 'test box' that runs CentOS that I play with.

Total Noob though...


----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Krenz" <mark@slugbug.org>
To: "Bloomington LINUX Users Group" <blug@cs.indiana.edu>
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2010 10:12:22 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?


Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session where
we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards new
users.

While the more experienced users out there want something more
interesting to them, they can also just go find something by themselves.
They don't need as much help with Linux. They already know where to go
(sorry but its true). You'll still get the socialization you want.

I think an intro/install meeting would cover a lot of the stuff below
anyways as people ask questions about what apps to use, whether to use
Gnome or KDE, etc.

I don't think BLUG has had a real install fest since the 90s, which
seems crazy. We should try one again. So I think each meeting should
be less presentation driven and more focused on helping people
individually. Then we also could have more regular meetings, less worry
about who will present and more time for socializing. Plus people
outside the group would start to see exactly what to expect.

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 01:44:02AM GMT, Steven Black [blacks@indiana.edu] said the following:
> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
>
> Do we want informational meetings? If so, what topics?
> + How do you do FOO using BAR?
> + How can you use FOO to replace the commercial/Windows-only BAR?
> + The trials and tribulations of migrating from FOO to BAR.
> + etc.
>
> Do we want reviews and/or demos of software? If so, how do we determine
> the software to review/demo?
> + Two+ people jointly review the FOO, BAR, and BAZ products to do FOOBAR.
> + Someone gives a presentation on the awesomeness of FOOBAR.
> + Recounting the awesomeness that was FOO-con, and why you should go
> + etc.
>
> Do we want to start having annual presentations on the state of FOOBAR
> software for Linux? If so, how do we determine which FOOBAR to use?
> + Graphics/3D software?
> + Office software?
> + FOOBAR-types of games
> + light-weight window managers?
> + etc.
>
> Do we want to have meetings where we plan group/community activities?
> + Install-fests?
> + CD hand-outs?
> + Bloomington Linuxfest? (A larger Indiana Linuxfest with CINLUG?)
> + Perhaps planning an annual Linux gaming night?
> + etc.
>
> Would folks be interested in changing the structure of the meeting so
> that people can get more out of it even if they're less interested in
> the core presentation?
> + Perhaps a more formal introduction with regular segments.
> - upcoming releases, software to watch, new distributions, etc.
> + (other ideas?)
>
> I'd like to see more people involved in each meeting, whether that's
> more joint presentations, small 5-10 minute regular segments of some
> sort, or if it is something more. Part of this is because many hands
> make light work, but part of it is that if there are four people which
> each contribute in some small way to the meeting, the speaker is
> guaranteed to have at least four people to listen to the presentation.
>
> I'd also like to advocate for annual presentations on particular
> software areas. Software changes quickly, and things can change fast
> while we're focussed on our day-jobs or other projects. Before we know
> it, there can be a great product that almost everyone is using, which
> we've never heard about.
>
> Cheers,
> Steven Black
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Mark Krenz
Bloomington Linux Users Group
http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

I would absolutely agree with that. Since I started my current job,
where we have a lot of flexibility to experiment, we have run all
kinds of different OSS OS's, including all f the BSDs, and most of the
major flavors of Linux -- even Yellow Dog. It really sounds like it
could be fun.

--Kirk

On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 1:33 AM, Aaron W. Hsu <arcfide@sacrideo.us> wrote:
> On Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:02:29 -0500, Kirk Gleason <kgleason@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Install fest sounds like it could be a good time. Maybe
>> we can even throw the forgotten BSD (that would be NetBSD -- my
>> personal fav) on the list too.
>
> Good to know that all the BSDs should be represented then. :) I'm actually
> more capable with OpenBSD than FreeBSD. One thing that I really don't like
> at some install fests is the insistence on using a single distribution for
> the installation. I think part of the fun and enjoyment comes from the
> distro bantering that you get, so long as the newbies get the right distro
> on their system.
>
>        Aaron W. Hsu
>
> --
> A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Kirk Gleason

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Monday, February 1, 2010

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:02:29 -0500, Kirk Gleason <kgleason@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Install fest sounds like it could be a good time. Maybe
> we can even throw the forgotten BSD (that would be NetBSD -- my
> personal fav) on the list too.

Good to know that all the BSDs should be represented then. :) I'm actually
more capable with OpenBSD than FreeBSD. One thing that I really don't like
at some install fests is the insistence on using a single distribution for
the installation. I think part of the fun and enjoyment comes from the
distro bantering that you get, so long as the newbies get the right distro
on their system.

Aaron W. Hsu

--
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

That's awesome that you are getting e-mails like that Mark. I went to
a few meetings a few years ago, and would like to participate as much
as I can again. An install fest sounds like it could be fun. I have a
couple of co-workers that want to get started with this stuff (ok, I'm
requiring some of them too), but not everyone can get what they need
from a book. Install fest sounds like it could be a good time. Maybe
we can even throw the forgotten BSD (that would be NetBSD -- my
personal fav) on the list too.

I am going to encourage my co-workers to take that survey, so that
Mark can get some good feedback.

woot!

--Kirk

On Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 11:37 PM, Aaron W. Hsu <arcfide@sacrideo.us> wrote:
> On Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:44:02 -0500, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu>
> wrote:
>
>> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
>> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
>
> I agree with Mark here. Given that new users were the ones requesting the
> meeting, I think that we should focus on new user topics to start with.
> One thing that I used to do with the New user install fests that we did in
> my old LUG was a "Personal Consult," where we would ask each new user why
> they wanted to use Linux, what they wanted out of it, and we would give
> them the layout of the land. Basically, at that time, we had people who
> didn't know whether they should use RedHat, Debian, Mandrake, Slackware,
> or a BSD. We helped them figure out what was right for them, and maybe
> guided them towards our favorites ( ;-) ), but in the end, it helped us to
> support them as they started out.
>
> For myself, my expertise in Linux lies with Slackware and OpenBSD. I'm
> quite good at getting new users up and running with something like
> Slackware. I'm sure that some of you have other experiences with other
> distributions. An install fest can be great when we all bring the
> appropriate installation disks for a bunch of distros, and then we let the
> Users discover which one is right for them. I'd consider the following
> just "basic" sets that we would want:
>
>        * Ubuntu
>        * Slackware
>        * RHEL/Fedora
>        * Debian
>        * SUSE Enterprise
>        * FreeBSD and OpenBSD
>
> That's if there are experienced users who know these distros and are
> willing to mentor the new users. I usually find that this helps a lot with
> getting new users started. The above distribution represent a fairly broad
> range of target users for Linux, but each of them is mature and accessible
> to new users because of their stability and documentation (community help,
> of course, counts too).
>
> On the other hand, if our New Users have already installed Linux to their
> satisfaction, maybe it doesn't make sense for us to have an Install Fest.
>
> One thing I could do is set up a little "Requested Topics" page where
> users can submit requests for topics or other items, and people can
> "sign-up" to discuss them. I like very informal meetings where people are
> all pretty much hacking and playing on their machines, and having a good
> time. I'm not as big a fan of the formal presentation thing. I prefer
> learning Linux to be interactive and educational.
>
>        Aaron W. Hsu
>
> --
> A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Kirk Gleason

_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

On Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:44:02 -0500, Steven Black <blacks@indiana.edu>
wrote:

> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.

I agree with Mark here. Given that new users were the ones requesting the
meeting, I think that we should focus on new user topics to start with.
One thing that I used to do with the New user install fests that we did in
my old LUG was a "Personal Consult," where we would ask each new user why
they wanted to use Linux, what they wanted out of it, and we would give
them the layout of the land. Basically, at that time, we had people who
didn't know whether they should use RedHat, Debian, Mandrake, Slackware,
or a BSD. We helped them figure out what was right for them, and maybe
guided them towards our favorites ( ;-) ), but in the end, it helped us to
support them as they started out.

For myself, my expertise in Linux lies with Slackware and OpenBSD. I'm
quite good at getting new users up and running with something like
Slackware. I'm sure that some of you have other experiences with other
distributions. An install fest can be great when we all bring the
appropriate installation disks for a bunch of distros, and then we let the
Users discover which one is right for them. I'd consider the following
just "basic" sets that we would want:

* Ubuntu
* Slackware
* RHEL/Fedora
* Debian
* SUSE Enterprise
* FreeBSD and OpenBSD

That's if there are experienced users who know these distros and are
willing to mentor the new users. I usually find that this helps a lot with
getting new users started. The above distribution represent a fairly broad
range of target users for Linux, but each of them is mature and accessible
to new users because of their stability and documentation (community help,
of course, counts too).

On the other hand, if our New Users have already installed Linux to their
satisfaction, maybe it doesn't make sense for us to have an Install Fest.

One thing I could do is set up a little "Requested Topics" page where
users can submit requests for topics or other items, and people can
"sign-up" to discuss them. I like very informal meetings where people are
all pretty much hacking and playing on their machines, and having a good
time. I'm not as big a fan of the formal presentation thing. I prefer
learning Linux to be interactive and educational.

Aaron W. Hsu

--
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug

Re: [BLUG] BLUG meetings topics?

Those are all well and good, but I think the first couple should get
right back to the basics. The first one can be an install session where
we can help anyone install Linux for anyone that wants too. The group
may have gotten too far away from people just getting starting with
Linux and we probably should get back to being focused more towards new
users.

While the more experienced users out there want something more
interesting to them, they can also just go find something by themselves.
They don't need as much help with Linux. They already know where to go
(sorry but its true). You'll still get the socialization you want.

I think an intro/install meeting would cover a lot of the stuff below
anyways as people ask questions about what apps to use, whether to use
Gnome or KDE, etc.

I don't think BLUG has had a real install fest since the 90s, which
seems crazy. We should try one again. So I think each meeting should
be less presentation driven and more focused on helping people
individually. Then we also could have more regular meetings, less worry
about who will present and more time for socializing. Plus people
outside the group would start to see exactly what to expect.

On Tue, Feb 02, 2010 at 01:44:02AM GMT, Steven Black [blacks@indiana.edu] said the following:
> On a similar note to talk about changing the meeting time, I think we
> should discuss what we want to talk about at the meetings.
>
> Do we want informational meetings? If so, what topics?
> + How do you do FOO using BAR?
> + How can you use FOO to replace the commercial/Windows-only BAR?
> + The trials and tribulations of migrating from FOO to BAR.
> + etc.
>
> Do we want reviews and/or demos of software? If so, how do we determine
> the software to review/demo?
> + Two+ people jointly review the FOO, BAR, and BAZ products to do FOOBAR.
> + Someone gives a presentation on the awesomeness of FOOBAR.
> + Recounting the awesomeness that was FOO-con, and why you should go
> + etc.
>
> Do we want to start having annual presentations on the state of FOOBAR
> software for Linux? If so, how do we determine which FOOBAR to use?
> + Graphics/3D software?
> + Office software?
> + FOOBAR-types of games
> + light-weight window managers?
> + etc.
>
> Do we want to have meetings where we plan group/community activities?
> + Install-fests?
> + CD hand-outs?
> + Bloomington Linuxfest? (A larger Indiana Linuxfest with CINLUG?)
> + Perhaps planning an annual Linux gaming night?
> + etc.
>
> Would folks be interested in changing the structure of the meeting so
> that people can get more out of it even if they're less interested in
> the core presentation?
> + Perhaps a more formal introduction with regular segments.
> - upcoming releases, software to watch, new distributions, etc.
> + (other ideas?)
>
> I'd like to see more people involved in each meeting, whether that's
> more joint presentations, small 5-10 minute regular segments of some
> sort, or if it is something more. Part of this is because many hands
> make light work, but part of it is that if there are four people which
> each contribute in some small way to the meeting, the speaker is
> guaranteed to have at least four people to listen to the presentation.
>
> I'd also like to advocate for annual presentations on particular
> software areas. Software changes quickly, and things can change fast
> while we're focussed on our day-jobs or other projects. Before we know
> it, there can be a great product that almost everyone is using, which
> we've never heard about.
>
> Cheers,
> Steven Black
>
> _______________________________________________
> BLUG mailing list
> BLUG@linuxfan.com
> http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug
>

--
Mark Krenz
Bloomington Linux Users Group
http://www.bloomingtonlinux.org/
_______________________________________________
BLUG mailing list
BLUG@linuxfan.com
http://mailman.cs.indiana.edu/mailman/listinfo/blug