- WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting (confidence in FOSS decreasing?)

by Tim Keller

Fifteen years ago we were trying to convince our boss to take a chance on replacing that sparc 20 with a linux machine. If back then these vulnerabilities had come to light it would have made our jobs really hard. Thankfully linux has had a decade to prove itself in the server room. At this point the pendulum as swung the other direction. When we have to deploy a windows box we need to think about how it's going to fit into our nice cohesive unix environment. I'd argue that these revelations and the many more to come can be demonstrated that the FOSS community cares about the quality of the software out there and is continuing to improve it. Yeah, this stuff is public, but the openness of our community almost invariably means that lots of dirty laundry ends up on the line for everybody to see. Microsoft has managed to shit show their patching operation so many times it's an easy target to FUD in the other direction. On Thu, Oct 16, 2014 at 1:59 PM, Michael C Voorhis <mvoorhis(a)cs.wpi.edu> wrote: > John Stoffel writes: > > What makes anyone think that closed source model is any better? Just > > look at the number of patches Microsoft, Oracle (Java) and Adobe have > > to release for their products all the time. If they were so much > > better, why do they supply so many patches? > > I certainly do NOT think the closed source model is better. Anyone > who knows how I work will know the extent to which I believe this. > But it is also truthful that all these "events" --heartbleed, the bash > problem, and now TLSv3 (oh yeah, it's called "POODLE") is adding to > the FUD. > > The fact that I can look at sourcecode tips the balance in favor of > FOSS for me certainly, and I assume for most people on this list. But > that doesn't change the fact that the questions are out there. > > So people using/running FOSS in a non-hobby environment should be > prepared to answer questions about it if we consider ourselves to be > advocates. I don't think FOSS confidence is a silly discussion item > for this group. > > --MCV. > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Oct. 16, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting (confidence in FOSS decreasing?)

by Michael C Voorhis

John Stoffel writes: > What makes anyone think that closed source model is any better? Just > look at the number of patches Microsoft, Oracle (Java) and Adobe have > to release for their products all the time. If they were so much > better, why do they supply so many patches? I certainly do NOT think the closed source model is better. Anyone who knows how I work will know the extent to which I believe this. But it is also truthful that all these "events" --heartbleed, the bash problem, and now TLSv3 (oh yeah, it's called "POODLE") is adding to the FUD. The fact that I can look at sourcecode tips the balance in favor of FOSS for me certainly, and I assume for most people on this list. But that doesn't change the fact that the questions are out there. So people using/running FOSS in a non-hobby environment should be prepared to answer questions about it if we consider ourselves to be advocates. I don't think FOSS confidence is a silly discussion item for this group. --MCV.

Oct. 16, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting (confidence in FOSS decreasing?)

by John Stoffel

What makes anyone think that closed source model is any better? Just look at the number of patches Microsoft, Oracle (Java) and Adobe have to release for their products all the time. If they were so much better, why do they supply so many patches? John

Oct. 16, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting (confidence in FOSS decreasing?)

by Keith Wright

Michael C Voorhis <mvoorhis(a)cs.wpi.edu> writes: > Here's an interesting discussion topic: > > ../hackers-shake-confidence-in-1980s-free-software-idealism.html > ../heartbleed----another-horrible--horrible--open-source-fail.html > ../heartbleed-is-the-open-source-development-model-broken/ > > [...etc...] Where there's smoke, there's a smoke making machine. Maybe a more interesting topic would be: Why were WPI IT employees who usualy hang out in the basement all over campus at 6am trying to undo the emergency security patches that MS had installed overnight? Now excuse me, I have to go put Windows 9 on my Xbox. -- Keith PS: Are there bugs in open-source software? Yes, a few. Are there bugs in secret-source software? Yes, many. Did I learn from Rumsfeld to ask myself easy questions before you can ask a hard one? Yes, exactly.

Oct. 16, 2014

Topics for next meeting (confidence in FOSS decreasing?)

by Michael C Voorhis

Here's an interesting discussion topic: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-14/hackers-shake-confidence-in-1980s-… http://www.computerworld.com/article/2476147/encryption/heartbleed----anoth… http://www.zdnet.com/debate/heartbleed-is-the-open-source-development-model… http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/opinions/95606763/heartbleed-should-not-b… [...etc...]

Oct. 15, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting...

by Joel

I second the snap circuits. . My 7 year old has been experimenting with it for over a year. Starting to follow instructions now and build more complex stuff. Thank you, Joel On October 15, 2014 11:18:40 AM Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> wrote: Eric, Firstly, congratulations! Eli might be too young for it right now, but a couple years ago I bought Isabelle a "Snap Circuits" kit: http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-Snap-Circuits-SC-300-Physics/dp/B00CIXVIRQ It's been a hit in our house. I'm thinking of buying a copy of "Code Monkey Island": http://codemonkeyplanet.com/ Though I'd like to see the reviews first. Later, Tim. On Wed, Oct 15, 2014 at 8:46 AM, Eric Martin <eric.joshua.martin(a)gmail.com> wrote: > We just had our second and our first is super interested in things so I'm > on board too. Telephony is also good for my job so no arguments here. > > > On Wednesday, October 15, 2014, Joel <joelgroup(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I have a 7 year old, so kids & education sounds great. >> >> Telephony would be a great topic as well. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Joel >> >> >> >> >> On October 14, 2014 5:37:27 PM Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> I figure we're half way through October at this point, we should start >> thinking about what we'd like talk about for a topic next month. >> >> One area that's of interest to me with young kids is educational programs >> that work on linux. >> >> Thanks, >> Tim. >> >> -- >> I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their >> constituents as "consumers". >> >> >> >> ---------- >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> > > > -- > Eric Martin > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". ---------- _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Oct. 15, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting...

by Tim Keller

Eric, Firstly, congratulations! Eli might be too young for it right now, but a couple years ago I bought Isabelle a "Snap Circuits" kit: http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-Snap-Circuits-SC-300-Physics/dp/B00CIXVIRQ It's been a hit in our house. I'm thinking of buying a copy of "Code Monkey Island": http://codemonkeyplanet.com/ Though I'd like to see the reviews first. Later, Tim. On Wed, Oct 15, 2014 at 8:46 AM, Eric Martin <eric.joshua.martin(a)gmail.com> wrote: > We just had our second and our first is super interested in things so I'm > on board too. Telephony is also good for my job so no arguments here. > > > On Wednesday, October 15, 2014, Joel <joelgroup(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I have a 7 year old, so kids & education sounds great. >> >> Telephony would be a great topic as well. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Joel >> >> >> >> >> On October 14, 2014 5:37:27 PM Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> I figure we're half way through October at this point, we should start >> thinking about what we'd like talk about for a topic next month. >> >> One area that's of interest to me with young kids is educational programs >> that work on linux. >> >> Thanks, >> Tim. >> >> -- >> I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their >> constituents as "consumers". >> >> >> >> ---------- >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> > > > -- > Eric Martin > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Oct. 15, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting...

by Tim Keller

I like the idea of doing the Asterisk/Telephony talk for Nov. Logan that would give you some time to polish your presentation, etc. I have no problem giving the talk on "Educational programs and toys that work with linux" for Dec that's a good lead into $GIFT_GIVING_HOLIDAY. Thanks, Tim. On Wed, Oct 15, 2014 at 8:09 AM, Joel <joelgroup(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I have a 7 year old, so kids & education sounds great. > > Telephony would be a great topic as well. > > Thank you, > > Joel > > > > > On October 14, 2014 5:37:27 PM Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I figure we're half way through October at this point, we should start > thinking about what we'd like talk about for a topic next month. > > One area that's of interest to me with young kids is educational programs > that work on linux. > > Thanks, > Tim. > > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their > constituents as "consumers". > > > > ---------- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Oct. 15, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting...

by Eric Martin

We just had our second and our first is super interested in things so I'm on board too. Telephony is also good for my job so no arguments here. On Wednesday, October 15, 2014, Joel <joelgroup(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I have a 7 year old, so kids & education sounds great. > > Telephony would be a great topic as well. > > Thank you, > > Joel > > > > > On October 14, 2014 5:37:27 PM Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com > <javascript:;>> wrote: > > I figure we're half way through October at this point, we should start > thinking about what we'd like talk about for a topic next month. > > One area that's of interest to me with young kids is educational programs > that work on linux. > > Thanks, > Tim. > > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their > constituents as "consumers". > > > > ---------- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org <javascript:;> > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org <javascript:;> > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > -- Eric Martin

Oct. 15, 2014

Re: [Wlug] Topics for next meeting...

by Joel

I have a 7 year old, so kids & education sounds great. Telephony would be a great topic as well. Thank you, Joel On October 14, 2014 5:37:27 PM Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> wrote: I figure we're half way through October at this point, we should start thinking about what we'd like talk about for a topic next month. One area that's of interest to me with young kids is educational programs that work on linux. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". ---------- _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Oct. 15, 2014