- WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

RE: [Wlug] GPL Videos ...

by Marc Hughes

Some people learn things in different ways. If reading HOWTOS was the best way to do something, why do we have WLUG meetings? I wouldn't see these as being comprehensive overviews of whatever we're trying to teach, but more like a WLUG presentation where we show the beginnings of one "cool" thing. I think this would be great for people who have heard of linux, but never tried it out before... The real newbies, the people who don't want to wade through pages and pages of documentation just to get an idea of what they need to do. Take the first video that was suggested, "What is linux and why it's good" I think a 15 minute video can show linux off more than reading about it for hours. Another person had suggested advocacy style videos, I would assume this would be "built in" to any video we made. If we make one on how to set up a small business server (mail, file sharing, dhcp, dns), then we would also mention why it's better than other solutions. Hell, maybe that video could even be used by employees to help sell management (who doesn't want to read through *any* technical documentation) on the linux idea. And yes, this is a lot of work. I wouldn't expect us to do more than one video a month. Lets take 60 for n ... 15 minute video equals 15 man-hours of work. 5 people working on it means they'll have to spend a full work day a month (I'm assuming video production is like programming where you don't scale linearly by throwing more people at it). Besides, if we do one or two, and the work to usefulness ratio is too low, we quit. -Marc -----Original Message----- From: doug waud [mailto:douglas.waud@umassmed.edu] Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 9:05 PM To: wlug(a)mail.wlug.org Subject: Re: [Wlug] GPL Videos ... Hi I've been listening to this thread and perhaps it is just generational disconnect but I cannot visualize what you could do with video that you could not do better with text/html/jpegs etc. Video is good if there is something to be viewed (for example, a trip to a foreign country, a beating heart in a Physiology course, the characteristic gait of a patient with Parkinson's disease, a football play etc.) But, in my experience, what you need if you are trying to learn how to do something, is usually a cookbook (this highlights a general weakness of man pages, they tend to leave out real-life examples). Furthermore, when something is textual, you and retrace easily and chose the pace. The problem now is that, if I am right, we would be competing with howtos! :-) Another problem is that, if Jeff's grandmother is like my wife (probably both about the same age), there is no way she is going to either watch a video or read a document on anything technical (This is a corollary of the advice to never give your wife a present which plugs in). So I'd like to ask those video enthusiasts out there to give a specific example of what a five/fifteen minute video might actually contain. doug PS Another hurdle I anticipate is that it usually takes n minutes to make 1 minute of good video where n is a large number :-( _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Sept. 20, 2002

Re: [Wlug] GPL Videos ...

by Walt Sawyer

Hi, I have been very interested in this thread (being that I am in the Community TV business). Instructional videos are fine, but what we might want to think about is an advocacy video. Teaching people how to use software can fill up a 29 minute time slot rather quickly (and still not cover the entire subject!). I would be willing to help out in any way I can. Walt P.S. That hurdle that you're talking about: x usually equals about 60. At 09:05 PM 9/19/2002 -0400, you wrote: >Hi > >I've been listening to this thread and perhaps it is >just generational disconnect but I cannot visualize >what you could do with video that you could not >do better with text/html/jpegs etc. > >Video is good if there is something to be viewed >(for example, a trip to a foreign country, a >beating heart in a Physiology course, the >characteristic gait of a patient with >Parkinson's disease, a football play etc.) > >But, in my experience, what you need if you >are trying to learn how to do something, >is usually a cookbook (this highlights a >general weakness of man pages, they tend >to leave out real-life examples). Furthermore, >when something is textual, you and retrace >easily and chose the pace. > >The problem now is that, if I am right, >we would be competing with howtos! :-) > >Another problem is that, if Jeff's >grandmother is like my wife (probably >both about the same age), there is no >way she is going to either watch a >video or read a document on anything >technical (This is a corollary of the >advice to never give your wife a present >which plugs in). > >So I'd like to ask those video enthusiasts >out there to give a specific example of what a >five/fifteen minute video might actually >contain. > >doug > >PS Another hurdle I anticipate is that it >usually takes n minutes to make 1 minute >of good video where n is a large number :-( > > > >_______________________________________________ >Wlug mailing list >Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Sept. 20, 2002

Re: [Wlug] S3 Trio Linux Driver

by Brian J.Conway

> Anyone know where I can find a linux driver for a S2 Trio32/64/64V+ > 86c764/765 for XFree4. I've searched all over and can't find > anything. Its not supported in Xfree4, but aparentally was supports > in 3.3.6. It is my understanding that the S3 and S3V were supported as of XFree86 4.2.0. I don't have any of those cards in use except in machines that are console-only, so I haven't tried it. If all else fails, you can always use the framebuffer X server with 4.x. Brian J. Conway bconway(a)alum.wpi.edu "Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves." - Albert Einstein

Sept. 20, 2002

S3 Trio Linux Driver

by Haines, Charles Allen

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Anyone know where I can find a linux driver for a S2 Trio32/64/64V+ 86c764/765 for XFree4. I've searched all over and can't find anything. Its not supported in Xfree4, but aparentally was supports in 3.3.6. Thanks, - ----------------------------------------- Chuck Haines GDC Systems Administrator Infinity Complex Developer WPILA Lab Manager - ----------------------------------------- AIM: CyberGrex ICQ: 3707881 Yahoo: CyberGrex_27 Cell: (410) 610-6343. - ----------------------------------------- "Geek by nature, Linux by choice." -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGPfreeware 6.5.8 for non-commercial use <http://www.pgp.com> iQA/AwUBPYqsFTUIT3qjYbBbEQKlZwCgrRxKZYaHA+IzL3hzxs2p7BKy+s8AnA2P qn4q/LkLVsSS7GzQ+oKo4dMt =BzlF -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Sept. 20, 2002

Re: [Wlug] GPL Videos ...

by doug waud

Hi I've been listening to this thread and perhaps it is just generational disconnect but I cannot visualize what you could do with video that you could not do better with text/html/jpegs etc. Video is good if there is something to be viewed (for example, a trip to a foreign country, a beating heart in a Physiology course, the characteristic gait of a patient with Parkinson's disease, a football play etc.) But, in my experience, what you need if you are trying to learn how to do something, is usually a cookbook (this highlights a general weakness of man pages, they tend to leave out real-life examples). Furthermore, when something is textual, you and retrace easily and chose the pace. The problem now is that, if I am right, we would be competing with howtos! :-) Another problem is that, if Jeff's grandmother is like my wife (probably both about the same age), there is no way she is going to either watch a video or read a document on anything technical (This is a corollary of the advice to never give your wife a present which plugs in). So I'd like to ask those video enthusiasts out there to give a specific example of what a five/fifteen minute video might actually contain. doug PS Another hurdle I anticipate is that it usually takes n minutes to make 1 minute of good video where n is a large number :-(

Sept. 20, 2002

RE: [Wlug] GPL Videos ...

by Keller, Tim

I think it's a great idea and I'd be willing to help in whatever way possible. I'm pretty sure if I asked nicely I'd be able to use Stratus's video equipment. Tim. -----Original Message----- From: Marc Hughes [mailto:HughesM@tomsnyder.com] Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 8:39 AM To: wlug(a)wlug.org Subject: [Wlug] GPL Videos ... Last night after going to the B several of us ended up in the parking lot chatting about a variety of things including classic video game emulation, microsoft bashing, and creating a WLUG series of videos. Last night, it seemed like a great idea to make some kind of linux based show and distribute those videos for free (over the internet, possible on VCD as well). There were several ideas, including a social commentary (ala "geeks in space" http://www.thesync.com/geeks/) a tech-help show answering emails (http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/) and instructional videos (just think of that comercial for the windows videos... "Just like a VCR, pop the cd into the computer, hit play, and learn"). Personally, I like the last idea best since it really can provide value for the community (as opposed to providing entertainment). We had also thought that a shorter 15-minute style video would be a great way to start. Personally, I'm in favor of "What is linux, and why is it good for you". So I guess the questions are, do people think this is still a good idea (as opposed to an idea made after consuming too much beer). Would people be willing to help? What resources can people donate to a project like this? -Marc This might be usefull: Cinelerra (New version of Broadcast 2000): http://heroinewarrior.com/cinelerra_081202.php3 _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Sept. 19, 2002

Re: [Wlug] Haiku for computers

by Clint Moyer

Similar to (and possibly borrowed from) the error messages in BeOS. Clint On Thu, 19 Sep 2002 14:25:15 -0400 doug waud <douglas.waud(a)umassmed.edu> wrote: >Hi all > >Thought you might enjoy the following sent to my wife: >(Yes technically it is not Linux but it does make you >appreciate it!) > >Haiku For Computers >An e-mail currently circulating offers Haiku in place of >the impersonal and unhelpful Microsoft error messages. >Haiku poetry has strict construction rules. Each poem has >only 17 syllables:5 in the first line, 7 in the second >line and 5 in the third line. > >Your file was so big. >It might be very useful, >But now it is gone. > >The Web site you seek >Cannot be located, but >Countless more exist. > >Chaos reigns within. >Reflect, repent, and reboot. >Order shall return. > >Program aborting: >Close all that you have worked on. >You ask far too much. > >Windows NT crashed. >I am the Blue Screen of Death. >No one hears your screams. > >Yesterday it worked. >Today it is not working. >Windows is like that. > >First snow, then silence. >This thousand-dollar screen dies >So beautifully. > >With searching comes loss >And the presence of absence: >"My Novel" not found. > >The Tao that is seen >Is not the true Tao - until >You bring fresh toner. > >Stay the patient course. >Of little worth is your ire. >The network is down. > >A crash reduces >Your expensive computer >To a simple stone. > >Three things are certain: >Death, taxes and lost data. >Guess which has occurred. > >You step in the stream, >But the water has moved on. >This page is not here. > >Out of memory. >We wish to hold the whole sky, >But we never will. > >Having been erased, >The document you're seeking >Must now be retyped. > >Serious error. >All shortcuts have disappeared. >Screen. Mind. Both are blank. > >doug > > > >_______________________________________________ >Wlug mailing list >Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Sept. 19, 2002

Haiku for computers

by doug waud

Hi all Thought you might enjoy the following sent to my wife: (Yes technically it is not Linux but it does make you appreciate it!) Haiku For Computers An e-mail currently circulating offers Haiku in place of the impersonal and unhelpful Microsoft error messages. Haiku poetry has strict construction rules. Each poem has only 17 syllables:5 in the first line, 7 in the second line and 5 in the third line. Your file was so big. It might be very useful, But now it is gone. The Web site you seek Cannot be located, but Countless more exist. Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and reboot. Order shall return. Program aborting: Close all that you have worked on. You ask far too much. Windows NT crashed. I am the Blue Screen of Death. No one hears your screams. Yesterday it worked. Today it is not working. Windows is like that. First snow, then silence. This thousand-dollar screen dies So beautifully. With searching comes loss And the presence of absence: "My Novel" not found. The Tao that is seen Is not the true Tao - until You bring fresh toner. Stay the patient course. Of little worth is your ire. The network is down. A crash reduces Your expensive computer To a simple stone. Three things are certain: Death, taxes and lost data. Guess which has occurred. You step in the stream, But the water has moved on. This page is not here. Out of memory. We wish to hold the whole sky, But we never will. Having been erased, The document you're seeking Must now be retyped. Serious error. All shortcuts have disappeared. Screen. Mind. Both are blank. doug

Sept. 19, 2002

Re: [Wlug] GPL Videos ...

by jeff

> Last night after going to the B several of us ended up in the parking > lot chatting about a variety of things including classic video game > emulation, microsoft bashing, and creating a WLUG series of videos. > Last night, it seemed like a great idea to make some kind of linux based > show and distribute those videos for free (over the internet, possible > on VCD as well). > free downloads online... charge a few bucks for the VCD's. btw, the best emulated game is samurai showdown... *sigh*.. love that one... > There were several ideas, including a social commentary (ala "geeks in > space" http://www.thesync.com/geeks/) a tech-help show answering emails > (http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/) and instructional videos (just > think of that comercial for the windows videos... "Just like a VCR, pop > the cd into the computer, hit play, and learn"). > geeky social commentary is boring much like sports commentary...i'd rather watch the game than 2 or 3 guys sittin' there talkin' 'bout 'what i think is/should be happening'. :-) tech-help will only get you into trouble. 'hey guys! watched/listened to/bought your video... and the part where you set up the SCSI watchamacallit? and i did it at home and there was this smoke and... ?!@#...' instructional is the healthy choice.. as a lot of people (including myself) get lost in the maze of stuff that is a distribution. what i think would be extra cool is to have 'biased' instructional videos/presentations. one might be how to set up postfix on debian... maybe the next would be setting up apache on freebsd. now it's a variety show. :-D and lest we forget, who are these videos aiming at anyway? admins? programmers? cazh' users like me? would be kinda neat of you split up 15-20 minutes into 3 segments... maybe 5 minutes for 'tips & tricks' for n00bs, 5 for hardcore programming/scripting, and 5 for admin/security... something like that. lol, 'short attention span linux theater' ... call it s.p.l.a.t. heh... why only 15-20 minutes? well... what more do you need? how much time/money are you willing to spend, and you want people to want more... yes? don't be afraid to let your audience hang a little. if they wanted more info/advice, they could always hit the list. plug plug plug... put subliminal mailing list messages in it or something. besides, you want to guide them... not read the whole sendmail compendium to them. i like the fact that most websites give you the 'generic' version of set-ups and then sorta leaves you wanting more so you go and try and break stuff on your own. teaches you a lot... and, if you get really stuck, hit the mailing list. > Personally, I like the last idea best since it really can provide value > for the community (as opposed to providing entertainment). > there's that french guy in that linux magazine. he's valuable and entertaining. he's got some nifty tips about new software and he has some decent tutorials. can't think of his name... > We had also thought that a shorter 15-minute style video would be a > great way to start. Personally, I'm in favor of "What is linux, and why > is it good for you". > open up that question... what is gnu/linux? and just maybe an added extra cool something would be to interview a real company/person who uses it all over the place. real world examples. kinda like 'national geographic explores the land of *nix... today our travels take us to joe smith's web corp where they have a 1,000 node server farm that uses redhat... blah blah blah...'. would be cool to see these animals in their environment and what they're doing with gnu/linux and/or open/net/freebsd's. > So I guess the questions are, do people think this is still a good idea > (as opposed to an idea made after consuming too much beer). Would > people be willing to help? What resources can people donate to a > project like this? > i've always thought it was a neat idea. computers are fun to play with dammit. i need to teach my grandmother not to be afraid of them (no, i'm not kidding) and if i could show her a cool video, she would be impressed and i would make her the geek i want her to be. i'm being 100% completely serious. plus, it would give me a good excuse to go hang out with her which would make us both happy. she always hooks me up with chinese food. :-D the most i can offer is 2-4 hours a week and my trusty crappy HP and it's oh so used cd-burner. and btw, 'Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.' - Benjamin Franklin "Rock over London, rock on, Chicago!" - Wesley Willis -jeff

Sept. 19, 2002

RE: [Wlug] GPL Videos ...

by Haines, Charles Allen

Sept. 19, 2002