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Announce: WLUG Meeting Wednesday May 12 7PM
by Chuck Anderson May 7, 2010

May 7, 2010

Hi folks, Our next WLUG meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM in Morgan Hall at the WPI campus in Worcester, MA USA. I'm pleased to announce that Jeff Moyer from Red Hat will be our guest speaker. He will be giving a talk on Solid-State Drive technology (SSDs): A Complete Guide to SSDs This talk explains the inner workings of solid state storage technology in an easy to understand manner. The innate properties of NAND flash are discussed in the context of current disk scheduling methodologies. Benchmark results comparing SSDs and traditional rotating media are presented. The talk further outlines changes in the Linux kernel and file system utilities that have been made to accommodate SSDs, and changes that are on their way. Finally, guidance is given on practical deployment of SSDs, including file system creation and mount options, I/O scheduler selection, and answers to some frequently asked questions. I look forward to seeing you there, Chuck President, Worcester Linux Users' Group

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My SUN ULTRA ONE died!
by Ken Jones May 6, 2010

May 6, 2010

Help!! My SUN ULTRA ONE has stopped altogether. It had turned itself off a month or so ago. When I hit the ON switch the little green light came on for a moment then went off. I figured a fan or something of that nature had died. Today I got ready to work on it. Now nothing happens. Absolutely nothing when I push the ON switch. I have a running spare ULTRA ONE for parts. I suppose I have to start by swapping the power supplies, but I was hoping you guys would tell me about a fuse - or something. Ken Jones (Fitchburg) E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database version: 6.14790 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/

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Looking for a linux tablet
by kstratton＠fastmail.us April 30, 2010

April 30, 2010

Anyone have a suggestion for a Linux tablet? This is what I am looking for: 1) Ability to schedule and store and hot sync information to both linux and windows computers. 2) Ability to run arbritary apps, this includes: a) PDF viewer b) gcc or some other compiler 3) Ability to add external periphials such as a keyboard or mouse. Portability is more inportant than this feature. I would expect the keyboard/mouse would need external batteries. 4) Rechargable battery 5) A good technically oriented user base 6) Ability to reprogram the thing if I brick it. I am open for all ideas. -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us

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iPhone
by Spyrek April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010

There is much development between Linux and the iPhone, is anyone else interested in this? On Apr 20, 2010, at 8:57 AM, wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org wrote: > Send Wlug mailing list submissions to > wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Help finding decent headset? (E Johnson) > 2. Re: Help finding decent headset? (soup) > 3. Re: Help finding decent headset? (E Johnson) > 4. Re: Help finding decent headset? (Richard Klein) > 5. Re: Help finding decent headset? (Randall Mason) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:57:38 -0400 >From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset? > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: > <v2s70541d1e1004191557s40964f0cu20164ded771620e(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Wow, amazing. > > Bose is way too high-cost. > > Some of these headsets have an input impedence of over 100 ohms --I recall > having one like this which did not work. > > Plantronics does not show input impedence on their website. In fact tech > sheets there are impossible to find, even with the correct part number / > product description. Nor do their "technical representatives" have this > available. A nice girl there will have an engineer!!! look this up & tell > her, then she promises to e-mail me with this arcane but necessary data. > > I had been hoping someone here would be able to say "I have this unit, it > works great for the purpose you specified", but it appears I'm in for a long > stalk and not a quick ambush. > > So if I find whatever I'm hunting I'll be back with details. > > Thanks again, > Liz > > On 19 April 2010 17:01, Jorden M <jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Bose is generally regarded as having superior audio-quality. Maybe out >> of your price range, though. >> >> On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 4:31 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. >>> >>> I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The >>> headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, >> needs >>> to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice >>> nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. >>> >>> Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like >> analog >>> sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already >> digitally-processed >>> as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. >>> >>> Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets >>> are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled >> as >>> to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use >> for >>> emergency backup in case theirs fails. >>> >>> One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was >>> very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like >> wearing >>> little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I >>> have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with >>> pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little >>> better. >>> >>> Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same >>> headset might be too tight on the ears. >>> >>> Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics >>> Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about >>> $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. >> These >>> seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic >> wires >>> breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be >> nice >>> to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset >>> forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit >>> well, perhaps. >>> >>> Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) >> silicone-lined >>> headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one >> seem >>> mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different >>> requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for >>> what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. >> Has >>> anyone used this one?? >>> >>> Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable >>> questions, thanks again, >>> Liz J >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are >>>> your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways >>>> from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your >>>> phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset >>>> (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is >>>> wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many >>>> of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. >>>> >>>> Randall Mason >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >>>>> Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of >>>>> time >>>>> in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had >>>>> very >>>>> fuzzy sound in and out. >>>>> >>>>> I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset >>>>> that >>>>> was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What >>>>> to >>>>> get? >>>>> >>>>> VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets >>>>> that >>>>> gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to >> be >>>>> expensive for the build and/or quality. >>>>> >>>>> I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music >>>>> or >>>>> watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's >>>>> side >>>>> too. >>>>> >>>>> ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide >>>>> clear >>>>> direction on other options that do succesfully work with a >>>>> non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some >> consultation. >>>>> >>>>> Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) >>>>> Debian or Ubuntu? >>>>> >>>>> TIA, >>>>> Liz J >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> 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 >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 >> >

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Help finding decent headset?
by E Johnson April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010

Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of time in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had very fuzzy sound in and out. I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset that was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What to get? VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets that gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to be expensive for the build and/or quality. I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music or watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's side too. ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide clear direction on other options that do succesfully work with a non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some consultation. Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) Debian or Ubuntu? TIA, Liz J

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New President
by Andy Stewart April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI everybody, It is my pleasure to announce that Chuck Anderson was elected as the next WLUG President. Chuck has been a WLUG member since the very first meeting (July 1997) and has been very active for all of these years. Chuck hosts the WLUG website and has been getting us the meeting rooms. I'm sure that Chuck will do a fine job as WLUG's new president. Congratulations, Chuck! Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLxvXCOjiraCaOTOoRAuFhAJ4pCNu6IiwG4m/YJxjo5TQGBSh8hgCeO//T 9ytuswrp1cA/XhbP+sNCnwk= =PFSI -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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REMINDER: WLUG meeting WED evening, 7:00 PM
by Andy Stewart April 14, 2010

April 14, 2010

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLxSwFOjiraCaOTOoRAgY9AJ48+m3FtDHzJFkYYXvZ+WDSOuxbSwCg4tOJ ZJq6U7xYepjyR10/dha1Jus= =kNxp -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Upcoming meeting: April 14th (Wednesday)
by Andy Stewart April 6, 2010

April 6, 2010

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI Everybody, This is an early announcement about our upcoming WLUG meeting, which is next week on Wednesday, April 14th, 2010, at 7:00 PM. I have been the acting president of WLUG since I founded the group back in July 1997. Due to increasing pressures on my personal time, I think it is time for me to step aside and let another person be the president of WLUG. I definitely have enjoyed the privilege of being the group president, and I plan to continue attending the group meetings. I think that our next meeting should include a detailed discussion of the future of WLUG, and sometime soon, an election of at least a president, and probably a treasurer. I am happy to continue acting as president until such an election occurs. I don't know if we really need a vice president and or a secretary, but those topics should definitely be part of the discussion. I think the group has been very successful due to all of you who come to the meetings, give presentations, etc. This announcement, and the election of a new president, will definitely change the group. I see this is an opportunity for the group to grow in different ways. There is no doubt that the group will be different. Whether it becomes better or worse is really up to all of us. I look forward, as always, to seeing you at the meeting *next* week on Wednesday, April 14th. Later, Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLuoNmOjiraCaOTOoRAun1AJ9Wz6jx4wvHKat9UUnOhrjcsIeZEgCglkUD x02mDM/AGIAGYPwAQ48qDUg= =iwnj -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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How to manipulate audio (ALSA) a lot with a HD audio card?
by Tatsh April 2, 2010

April 2, 2010

Stupid Intel decided to build-in DRM into the spec of these things. I have a Conexant which has Nvidia codec to provide audio for the HDMI output (this works fine except that in alsa settings I have to force a default output device, 3). What I'd like to do is be able to record from the stereo mixer, which I have none in alsamixer. So how do I go about creating one? I've tried a few different configs I found on-line but nothing seemed to work for me. WIth this capability of course I could record audio from my computer in say, Audacity, or I could even broadcast audio through Skype. And the best part would be if I could broadcast audio through Skype AND use my headset at the same time (mixing the 2 into one channel input). I have 3 mic inputs apparently (one of them is webcam, another is the jack, and I don't know what the 3rd one is). Image of KMix: http://bitpic.net/image/kmix-nvidia-hd-audio-codec So far I know it's something I can do with ALSA settings where I can tell ALSA to redirect audio and 'copy' whatever is going on on any input channel (overriding the jack of course). No luck there yet. Any help appreciated Thanks -- Tatsh www.bitpic.net www.tatsh.net ddrtist(a)gmail.com

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Two Senior IT positions open at TripAdvisor in Newton (IT and Operations)
by Ryan Pugatch April 2, 2010

April 2, 2010

Hi all, We have a couple of tech positions open at TripAdvisor. The first is for a "Principal Technical Operations Engineer" which is on our operations team, handling our livesite environment. The second, "IT Lead", is on our internal IT team. Below are the job postings. We're definitely looking for people with several years experience. If you are interested, please email me your resume. I am also glad to answer any questions. - Ryan (Systems Administrator @ TripAdvisor) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principal Technical Operations Engineer Hundreds of servers. Thousands of requests per second. Millions of users. Two admins (you could be number 3)! We are looking for a senior hands-on network (mostly Cisco) and systems (mostly Linux) administrator. You will have several years of prior experience in the operation of one or more of the following: High traffic web application OR Software as a service OR Internet/Network Service Provider TripAdvisor is the top site for travel advice and reviews on the Internet. It is very profitable. It's also a fun place to work where "speed wins" is the operating principle. We move fast. We are flexible and we take risks. An open mind and ideas are always welcome. Dogmatism and inflexibility not so much. You will play a lead role in the design and operation of the network, server, and datacenter infrastructure beneath TripAdvisor's applications. The environment currently spans 3 datacenters, and that is likely to increase. You will work closely with the software engineering team to support product changes and enhance their performance, scalability, reliability, and security. We are small team. You will be expected to work on a project or task from end to end with a comfort level running projects and implementing the details. One day you might be working with our ISPs to transition from static routing to BGP, and the next day you are racking and cabling switches. This morning you are kicking off a load balancer replacement project, and in the afternoon you are upgrading firewall firmware after you determine that we are exposed to a potential security vulnerability. This week you are putting together a comprehensive network monitoring system, and next week you are running tcpdump with a DBA to try and diagnose why database replication is "slow". You will have a thorough knowledge of enterprise networking including Cisco switching, routing, and security as well as TCP/IP internals. You will also preferably have a strong Linux or Unix background. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT Lead TripAdvisor is looking for an IT generalist who will provide leadership and mentoring to a team of 4 supporting the IT needs of roughly 350 employees worldwide. This role is part hands-on sysadmin and part team lead with the potential to grow into a team management role. TripAdvisor is the top site for travel advice and reviews on the Internet. It is very profitable. It's also a fun place to work where "speed wins" is the operating principle. We move fast. We are flexible and we take risks. An open mind and ideas are always welcome. Dogmatism and inflexibility not so much. We are not your typical Windows / Active Directory / Exchange shop. Desktops: 60% Windows 40% OSX. Our email/collaboration system is Zimbra running on Linux. Our phone system is Asterisk running on Linux. Instead of Active Directory, we use OpenLDAP. Our file/print servers run Samba. We tend to prefer open solutions that we can take off the shelf and adapt to our needs, but we are not wedded to a particular OS or vendor. To be successful in this role you will: Possess excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and a genuine desire to help people with their technology challenges Have strong troubleshooting skills and a diagnostic intuition Enjoy and excel at mentoring other talented team members to reach their full potential Be a self-starter. If you don't know how to do something you consider it a challenge to try to figure it out for yourself You will have demonstrated experience with: Linux systems administration Windows systems administration Samba OpenLDAP Postfix Server virtualization Scripting (perl, python, bash...) Duties and Responsibilities include: Operation of corporate networked applications and infrastructure (Zimbra, OpenLDAP, Samba, Asterisk) Overseeing backups of roughly 20+TB of data weekly Ensuring the security of TripAdvisor's corporate systems Procuring and deploying server hardware Tier 2/3 Helpdesk support Working with the Director of IT to develop IT strategy

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