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networking for dummies

by Andrew Perry

Hi All, I have a wireless network established at home using the latest version of a certain very widely used operating system whose name I dare not speak. I've been trying for years to "convert" to Linux, mostly for ideological reasons, but without much luck. I've succesfully installed a few distributions of Linux onto various PC's (mostly older), and I can play CD's and use office software with no problem. The real deal-breaker (the reason I haven't started using linux except as a novelty) is that I've never gotten the internet to work with Linux. With that other OS, installation of a wireless adapter is easy, and the OS generally recognizes it instantly. Are there any linux distros that will do the same thing (perhaps in conjunction with certain wireless adapters) ? Right now I have SUSE 9.1 (Home) running, and when I plug in a USB wireless adapter, nothing happens, and I can't figure out what to do. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks, Andrew ===== -Dr. Andrew B. Perry Assistant Prof. of Mathematics, Springfield College 263 Alden St., Springfield MA 01109

Jan. 19, 2005

Live Distro with VPN support

by Sean Flynn

I apologize if this has already been discussed, but after some cursory googling and searching I haven't found an answer yet. I am the "computer guy" for our heating oil company. The heating oil software is running on a SCO box, and everyone in the office connects to it over our Windows network. After hours people need to connect to the SCO box to check customer information. Currently they do it through their own windoze PCs with their own high speed internet, or through a company laptop through dial up. Using their own high speed access makes things much quicker and we have subsidized access for some of the people. But since it is windows, their PCs are often screwed up, and I get many after hours calls saying, "I can't connect to the VPN or I can't connect to the Internet". I have played with Knoppix and absolutely love how it can recognize hardware, and I have installed Suse on a home system to play with for myself, but I have little knowledge of Linux. Is their a live CD like Knoppix that has microsoft VPN support, that the remote users can pop it in their system, restart, connect to the microsft VPN and open a terminal window to the SCO box? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Sean Flynn

Jan. 19, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Bill Smith

On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 09:37:14 -0500 Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > One day, go in, and exchange the software for an identical title > because "the media is damaged and won't install". I've never seen a > store who won't offer even exchanges for defective product. :) Would be an idea, except most software these days comes on CDROM. This particular game is on FLOPPIES.... > On another day, return the newly shrinkwrapped package. Clever.... <g> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- William Smith wsmith-at-chezsmith-dot-com Fall River, MA http://www.chezsmith.com There are 10 kinds of people in the universe: Those who understand binary, and those who don't. * TAG! v3.1a *

Jan. 19, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Marc Hughes

> the book they wanted me to refer to! Didn't take long > for me to un-install it, but I couldn't return it because it > was already opened. One day, go in, and exchange the software for an identical title because "the media is damaged and won't install". I've never seen a store who won't offer even exchanges for defective product. On another day, return the newly shrinkwrapped package. -Marc

Jan. 19, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Bill Smith

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 10:11:53 -0500 Gregory Avedissian <gma2004(a)verizon.net> wrote: > Wow. I'm surprised at that. I returned a CD burner that stopped > working after a few burns, and they gave me no hassel at all. They > took it back and gave me credit. That's because the burner is hardware. If software is opened, it is assumed that a copy could have been made of the original. There are enough dishonest people that this has become the norm, unfortunately. 8( It was because of things like this that some software people started integrating things like keys mid-game (the game would only go so far, unless you were able to provide the fifth word of the second paragraph on page 57, for example). I hated that because a game that my wife bought for me years ago (Dune II) did that, and when I went to look for the key, I seemed to have everything in the box EXCEPT the book they wanted me to refer to! Didn't take long for me to un-install it, but I couldn't return it because it was already opened. > There were no other CD burners of the same model left on the shelf, so > I went and looked at some other stuff. A few minutes later, I went > back to look at other CD burners, and there was one burner on the > shelf of the same model that I'd bought. It was obvious that the > package had been opened and re-sealed. I didn't take it. Heh. Want to lay odds that if you had marked it somehow, your mark would have been on that one? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- William Smith wsmith-at-chezsmith-dot-com Fall River, MA http://www.chezsmith.com Blonde Klingon: Because it was a good day to dye. * TAG! v3.1a *

Jan. 19, 2005

RE: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Martin, Eric

That sounds like a security box that you need a special lock for...surprised you got that out of the store -----Original Message----- From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 10:38 PM To: Justin Odom; Worcester Linux Users Group Subject: Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing This isn't just heavy bubble pack -- This is a rigid plastic (about 1/8" thick) with a hinged top. The top doesn't open by any obvious means. The the top is opaque grey plastic, and there's a metal mechanism inside. (A magnet is attracted to it.) I'm guessing that a sufficiently strong magnet would release a latch/interlock to allow easy opening. I'm sure it was a mistake that they didn't remove the memory package (a normal cardboard retail shelf packaging) from this "armored box", because most people would not be able to get it open. I'm going to use my cutoff saw to attack it. On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 10:19:45PM -0500, Justin Odom wrote: > slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you if you want > to return it. > > I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > > not be charge some fee for damaging the package....but > > then again, I always think the man is trying to keep > > me down! > > > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > > > and silicon are... > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill > > > Mills-Curran > > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > > some memory for me. > > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > > assuming that they made a > > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > > normal cardboard > > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > > non-destructive way > > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Bill > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > > http://my.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > > 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

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Gregory Avedissian

Wow. I'm surprised at that. I returned a CD burner that stopped working after a few burns, and they gave me no hassel at all. They took it back and gave me credit. There were no other CD burners of the same model left on the shelf, so I went and looked at some other stuff. A few minutes later, I went back to look at other CD burners, and there was one burner on the shelf of the same model that I'd bought. It was obvious that the package had been opened and re-sealed. I didn't take it. Greg Bill Mills-Curran wrote: > > I had a huge hassle returning a video game that I bought for my son. > The game would not work on the system we had (video card issues), even > though the box didn't list any limitations. Because we opened the > box, they were not going to accept a return. I had to get real > insistent.

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] key mapping on Fedora 3

by Jeff Moyer

==> Regarding [Wlug] key mapping on Fedora 3; Bill Mills-Curran <bill(a)mills-curran.net> adds: bill> I'm a little surprised at the differences in default key mappings in bill> F3 as compared to RH9. Maybe it's just me, but my old key mappings bill> are "implanted" and so automatic that's it's unpleasant to adjust. bill> One thing I miss is the ability to make the default edits act like bill> emacs. In particular, RH9 had an option on the keyboard shortcuts to bill> select either "gnome defaults" or "emacs". When I selected "emacs", bill> that affected mozilla/firefox, so that traditional shortcuts (like bill> <ctrl>u deleting all text on the URL box or a text entry box) worked bill> like the "old days". bill> Is there another way to do this, or do I need to learn new shortcuts? Go to Application -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor Then desktop -> gnome -> interface and type in "Emacs" in the "gtk_key_theme" field. Alternatively: put this: gtk-key-theme-name = "Emacs" in your .gtkrc-2.0 file. -Jeff

Jan. 18, 2005

RE: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Simoncini, Matthew

Yeah it's more fun to take a "laser" and cut through the damned plastic, but you never know, maybe they have some tech guys that are evil doctors and will throw you a bone. -----Original Message----- From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 8:20 AM To: Worcester Linux Users Group Subject: Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing Sorry Justin, I meant to reply to Matt's comment. Bill On Tue, Jan 18, 2005 at 08:19:08AM -0500, Bill Mills-Curran wrote: > Gee, Justin, where's the fun in that? :-) > > Actually, it's easier to saw it off than it is to go to Best Buy. > Also, they're a nasty bunch when it looks like you're trying to do > something out of the ordinary. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd > claim I stole it if I went back to the store, even though I have a > receipt. > > I had a huge hassle returning a video game that I bought for my son. > The game would not work on the system we had (video card issues), even > though the box didn't list any limitations. Because we opened the > box, they were not going to accept a return. I had to get real > insistent. > > The only reason I have something from Best Buy is because my wife > bought it. I'm won't go there if I have any choice. > > Bill > > On Tue, Jan 18, 2005 at 07:09:40AM -0500, Simoncini, Matthew wrote: > > I've been sort of keeping an eye on this thread and if someone has > > suggested this, please don't flame me, but why not just call BB and > > ask them what to do? > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org > > > [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran > > > Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 10:38 PM > > > To: Justin Odom; Worcester Linux Users Group > > > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing > > > > > > This isn't just heavy bubble pack -- This is a rigid plastic > > > (about 1/8" thick) with a hinged top. The top doesn't open by any > > > obvious means. The the top is opaque grey plastic, and there's a > > > metal mechanism inside. (A magnet is attracted to it.) I'm > > > guessing that a sufficiently strong magnet would release a > > > latch/interlock to allow easy opening. > > > > > > I'm sure it was a mistake that they didn't remove the memory > > > package (a normal cardboard retail shelf packaging) from this > > > "armored box", because most people would not be able to get it > > > open. I'm going to use my cutoff saw to attack it. > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 10:19:45PM -0500, Justin Odom wrote: > > > > slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you > > > if you want > > > > to return it. > > > > > > > > I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo > > > <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > > > not be charge > > > > > some fee for damaging the package....but then again, I > > > always think > > > > > the man is trying to keep me down! > > > > > > > > > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > > > and silicon > > > > > > are... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill Mills-Curran > > > > > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > > > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > > > > > some memory for me. > > > > > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > > > > > assuming that they made a > > > > > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > > > > > normal cardboard > > > > > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > > > > > non-destructive way > > > > > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > Bill > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > > > > Do you Yahoo!? > > > > > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > > > > > http://my.yahoo.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > 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 _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Jan. 18, 2005

key mapping on Fedora 3

by Bill Mills-Curran

I'm a little surprised at the differences in default key mappings in F3 as compared to RH9. Maybe it's just me, but my old key mappings are "implanted" and so automatic that's it's unpleasant to adjust. One thing I miss is the ability to make the default edits act like emacs. In particular, RH9 had an option on the keyboard shortcuts to select either "gnome defaults" or "emacs". When I selected "emacs", that affected mozilla/firefox, so that traditional shortcuts (like <ctrl>u deleting all text on the URL box or a text entry box) worked like the "old days". Is there another way to do this, or do I need to learn new shortcuts? TIA, Bill

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Bill Mills-Curran

Sorry Justin, I meant to reply to Matt's comment. Bill On Tue, Jan 18, 2005 at 08:19:08AM -0500, Bill Mills-Curran wrote: > Gee, Justin, where's the fun in that? :-) > > Actually, it's easier to saw it off than it is to go to Best Buy. > Also, they're a nasty bunch when it looks like you're trying to do > something out of the ordinary. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd > claim I stole it if I went back to the store, even though I have a > receipt. > > I had a huge hassle returning a video game that I bought for my son. > The game would not work on the system we had (video card issues), even > though the box didn't list any limitations. Because we opened the > box, they were not going to accept a return. I had to get real > insistent. > > The only reason I have something from Best Buy is because my wife > bought it. I'm won't go there if I have any choice. > > Bill > > On Tue, Jan 18, 2005 at 07:09:40AM -0500, Simoncini, Matthew wrote: > > I've been sort of keeping an eye on this thread and if someone has suggested > > this, please don't flame me, but why not just call BB and ask them what to > > do? > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org > > > [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran > > > Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 10:38 PM > > > To: Justin Odom; Worcester Linux Users Group > > > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing > > > > > > This isn't just heavy bubble pack -- This is a rigid plastic > > > (about 1/8" thick) with a hinged top. The top doesn't open > > > by any obvious means. The the top is opaque grey plastic, > > > and there's a metal mechanism inside. (A magnet is attracted > > > to it.) I'm guessing that a sufficiently strong magnet would > > > release a latch/interlock to allow easy opening. > > > > > > I'm sure it was a mistake that they didn't remove the memory > > > package (a normal cardboard retail shelf packaging) from this > > > "armored box", because most people would not be able to get > > > it open. I'm going to use my cutoff saw to attack it. > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 10:19:45PM -0500, Justin Odom wrote: > > > > slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you > > > if you want > > > > to return it. > > > > > > > > I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo > > > <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > > > not be charge > > > > > some fee for damaging the package....but then again, I > > > always think > > > > > the man is trying to keep me down! > > > > > > > > > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > > > and silicon > > > > > > are... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill Mills-Curran > > > > > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > > > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > > > > > some memory for me. > > > > > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > > > > > assuming that they made a > > > > > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > > > > > normal cardboard > > > > > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > > > > > non-destructive way > > > > > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > Bill > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > > > > Do you Yahoo!? > > > > > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > > > > > http://my.yahoo.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > 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

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Bill Mills-Curran

Gee, Justin, where's the fun in that? :-) Actually, it's easier to saw it off than it is to go to Best Buy. Also, they're a nasty bunch when it looks like you're trying to do something out of the ordinary. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd claim I stole it if I went back to the store, even though I have a receipt. I had a huge hassle returning a video game that I bought for my son. The game would not work on the system we had (video card issues), even though the box didn't list any limitations. Because we opened the box, they were not going to accept a return. I had to get real insistent. The only reason I have something from Best Buy is because my wife bought it. I'm won't go there if I have any choice. Bill On Tue, Jan 18, 2005 at 07:09:40AM -0500, Simoncini, Matthew wrote: > I've been sort of keeping an eye on this thread and if someone has suggested > this, please don't flame me, but why not just call BB and ask them what to > do? > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org > > [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran > > Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 10:38 PM > > To: Justin Odom; Worcester Linux Users Group > > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing > > > > This isn't just heavy bubble pack -- This is a rigid plastic > > (about 1/8" thick) with a hinged top. The top doesn't open > > by any obvious means. The the top is opaque grey plastic, > > and there's a metal mechanism inside. (A magnet is attracted > > to it.) I'm guessing that a sufficiently strong magnet would > > release a latch/interlock to allow easy opening. > > > > I'm sure it was a mistake that they didn't remove the memory > > package (a normal cardboard retail shelf packaging) from this > > "armored box", because most people would not be able to get > > it open. I'm going to use my cutoff saw to attack it. > > > > On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 10:19:45PM -0500, Justin Odom wrote: > > > slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you > > if you want > > > to return it. > > > > > > I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo > > <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > > not be charge > > > > some fee for damaging the package....but then again, I > > always think > > > > the man is trying to keep me down! > > > > > > > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > > and silicon > > > > > are... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill Mills-Curran > > > > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > > > > some memory for me. > > > > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > > > > assuming that they made a > > > > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > > > > normal cardboard > > > > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > > > > non-destructive way > > > > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > Bill > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > > > Do you Yahoo!? > > > > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > > > > http://my.yahoo.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > 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

Jan. 18, 2005

RE: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Simoncini, Matthew

I've been sort of keeping an eye on this thread and if someone has suggested this, please don't flame me, but why not just call BB and ask them what to do? > -----Original Message----- > From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org > [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran > Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 10:38 PM > To: Justin Odom; Worcester Linux Users Group > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing > > This isn't just heavy bubble pack -- This is a rigid plastic > (about 1/8" thick) with a hinged top. The top doesn't open > by any obvious means. The the top is opaque grey plastic, > and there's a metal mechanism inside. (A magnet is attracted > to it.) I'm guessing that a sufficiently strong magnet would > release a latch/interlock to allow easy opening. > > I'm sure it was a mistake that they didn't remove the memory > package (a normal cardboard retail shelf packaging) from this > "armored box", because most people would not be able to get > it open. I'm going to use my cutoff saw to attack it. > > On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 10:19:45PM -0500, Justin Odom wrote: > > slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you > if you want > > to return it. > > > > I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo > <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > not be charge > > > some fee for damaging the package....but then again, I > always think > > > the man is trying to keep me down! > > > > > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > and silicon > > > > are... > > > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill Mills-Curran > > > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > > > some memory for me. > > > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > > > assuming that they made a > > > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > > > normal cardboard > > > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > > > non-destructive way > > > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > Bill > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > > Do you Yahoo!? > > > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > > > http://my.yahoo.com > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 >

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Keith Wright

> From: Bill Mills-Curran <bill(a)mills-curran.net> > > On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 09:50:22AM -0500, Keller, Tim wrote: > > > > You do realize that the /dev/ stuff is being progressively depreciated... > > Tim. > > Yeah, I've read about /dev going away, but I have no experience with > the replacement. > > BTW, you guys on WLUG are a tremendous resource. > > Bill Oh No! Don't let /dev go away! One of the first things I ever did with my first Linux system back in 1996 was accidentally delete /dev. The result was just horrible; I don't think I can take that again. Seriously, I haven't heard that /dev is deprecated. Who deprecates it? Where can I read about it going away? I assume the deprecator has a new plan well documented somewhere... -- Keith

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Bill Mills-Curran

This isn't just heavy bubble pack -- This is a rigid plastic (about 1/8" thick) with a hinged top. The top doesn't open by any obvious means. The the top is opaque grey plastic, and there's a metal mechanism inside. (A magnet is attracted to it.) I'm guessing that a sufficiently strong magnet would release a latch/interlock to allow easy opening. I'm sure it was a mistake that they didn't remove the memory package (a normal cardboard retail shelf packaging) from this "armored box", because most people would not be able to get it open. I'm going to use my cutoff saw to attack it. On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 10:19:45PM -0500, Justin Odom wrote: > slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you if you want > to return it. > > I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > > not be charge some fee for damaging the package....but > > then again, I always think the man is trying to keep > > me down! > > > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > > > and silicon are... > > > > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill > > > Mills-Curran > > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > > some memory for me. > > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > > assuming that they made a > > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > > normal cardboard > > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > > non-destructive way > > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Bill > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > > http://my.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > > 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

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Best Buy -- weird packing

by Justin Odom

slice it with a razor blade on back, they wont charge you if you want to return it. I worked at that horrible place for over a year :-p On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:23:59 -0800 (PST), Mike Leo <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > I think they do that so you can't return it opened and > not be charge some fee for damaging the package....but > then again, I always think the man is trying to keep > me down! > > --- Marc Hughes <marc.hughes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > I wonder what the relative melting points of plastic > > and silicon are... > > > > > > On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 23:47:10 -0500, Bill > > Mills-Curran > > <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > > > Along with my new computer, my wife also picked up > > some memory for me. > > > It's in the bullet-proof plastic case. I'm > > assuming that they made a > > > mistake and meant to take the memory (with it's > > normal cardboard > > > packaging) out of this tough plastic. There's no > > non-destructive way > > > to open this plastic case without destroying it. > > > > > > Comments? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Bill > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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 > > > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? > http://my.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Bill Mills-Curran

On Mon, Jan 17, 2005 at 09:50:22AM -0500, Keller, Tim wrote: > Bill, > > In regards to your issue with /dev/cdrom Your /etc/fstab doesn't have > something like this in in it.. > > ... > /dev/hdc /media/cdrecorder auto > pamconsole,fscontext=system_u:object_r:removable_t,exec,noauto,managed 0 0 > ... > > You do realize that the /dev/ stuff is being progressively depreciated... > Tim. I have that entry in fstab. Yeah, I've read about /dev going away, but I have no experience with the replacement. BTW, you guys on WLUG are a tremendous resource. Bill

Jan. 18, 2005

Re: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Bill Mills-Curran

On Sat, Jan 15, 2005 at 01:17:59PM -0500, Charles R. Anderson wrote: > On Sat, Jan 15, 2005 at 11:34:00AM -0500, Bill Mills-Curran wrote: > > Where do I find this (the setting to use digital rather than analog)? > > I gave a quick look at the user controls & did not find it. > > Oh yeah, the "CD Player" app in GNOME doesn't support it. I used XMMS > instead, whose cd input plugin supports Digital audio extraction. > > > I inspected the hardware, and you're right -- no audio cable. Maybe > > the solution is to just get that cable. (?) > > If there is a place to plug it into the soundcard (onboard I presume), > then yes, that would solve the problem too. I've always found xmms to be non-intuitive for playing CD's -- I just can't seem to get it to see the CD. I found an audio cable & that fixes the "standard" audio apps. (The only thing I'd like is the equalizer from xmms, but that's just to play with it.) Thanks, Bill

Jan. 18, 2005

RE: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Keller, Tim

Bill, In regards to your issue with /dev/cdrom Your /etc/fstab doesn't have something like this in in it.. ... /dev/hdc /media/cdrecorder auto pamconsole,fscontext=system_u:object_r:removable_t,exec,noauto,managed 0 0 ... You do realize that the /dev/ stuff is being progressively depreciated... Tim. -----Original Message----- From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org]On Behalf Of Bill Mills-Curran Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 11:38 PM To: Worcester Linux Users Group Subject: [Wlug] audio on new machine Happy Birthday to me! My wife couldn't stand me whining about my old machine, so she picked up a demo emachines for my birthday from Best Buy. I just finished installing fedora core 3, and I'm having a few problems with the audio. 1. The audio test worked fine during the installation, and the "soundcard detection" menu pick still works fine. 2. When I play an audio CD, I have a couple of problems. a. There is no /dev/cdrom device. I made a sym link, but that disappears during reboot. What's the right way to get it in place & stay? b. The permissions on the cd player (/dev/hdc) are 600. I changed them to 666 so I could use the player, but, like the symlink (above), this change does not survive the reboot. Again, what's the right solution? Once I do a & b, then I can see that the cd is playing. With "grip", I can see that it's even getting the names of the tracks. Very cool. 3. No sound. I've played plenty with gnome-volume-control, but no sound. I don't even get anything from the headphone jack on the front panel. Some futher diagnostics: From soundcard detection: Detect sound device Vendo: Intel Model: Corp. 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) AC'97 Audio Controller Module: snd-intel8x0 When I run gnome-cd I get: ** (gnome-cd:3579): WARNING **: Generic IO error >From /etc/modprobe.conf: <snip> alias snd-card-0 snd-intel8x0 options snd-card-0 index=0 install snd-intel8x0 /sbin/modprobe --ignore-install snd-intel8x0 && /usr/sbin/alsactl restore >/dev/null 2>&1 || : remove snd-intel8x0 { /usr/sbin/alsactl store >/dev/null 2>&1 || : ; }; /sbin/m <snip> > lsmod snd_intel8x0 34829 3 snd_ac97_codec 64401 1 snd_intel8x0 snd_pcm_oss 47609 0 snd_mixer_oss 17217 2 snd_pcm_oss snd_pcm 97993 2 snd_intel8x0,snd_pcm_oss snd_timer 29765 1 snd_pcm snd_page_alloc 9673 2 snd_intel8x0,snd_pcm gameport 4801 1 snd_intel8x0 snd_mpu401_uart 8769 1 snd_intel8x0 snd_rawmidi 26725 1 snd_mpu401_uart snd_seq_device 8137 1 snd_rawmidi snd 54053 13 snd_intel8x0,snd_ac97_codec,snd_pcm_oss,snd_mixer_oss,snd_pcm,snd_timer,snd_ mpu401_uart,snd_rawmidi,snd_seq_device soundcore 9889 2 snd $ ll mixer crw------- 1 bcurran root 14, 0 Jan 14 22:39 mixer Even after changing these permissions, I get no sound. Can anyone offer suggestions? Thanks, Bill _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Jan. 17, 2005

Re: audio on new machine

by albutler33＠netscape.net

b. The permissions on the cd player (/dev/hdc) are 600. I > changed them to 666 so I could use the player, but, like the > symlink (above), this change does not survive the reboot. > Again, what's the right solution? As root try changing the permissions to 755,which would give you read-execute permission (owner has write permission also).You've got them set as read-write for owner,group and other.After all, I doubt that you can write to a read only device. Al Butler __________________________________________________________________ Switch to Netscape Internet Service. As low as $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at http://isp.netscape.com/register Netscape. Just the Net You Need. New! Netscape Toolbar for Internet Explorer Search from anywhere on the Web and block those annoying pop-ups. Download now at http://channels.netscape.com/ns/search/install.jsp

Jan. 15, 2005

Re: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Charles R. Anderson

On Sat, Jan 15, 2005 at 11:34:00AM -0500, Bill Mills-Curran wrote: > Where do I find this (the setting to use digital rather than analog)? > I gave a quick look at the user controls & did not find it. Oh yeah, the "CD Player" app in GNOME doesn't support it. I used XMMS instead, whose cd input plugin supports Digital audio extraction. > I inspected the hardware, and you're right -- no audio cable. Maybe > the solution is to just get that cable. (?) If there is a place to plug it into the soundcard (onboard I presume), then yes, that would solve the problem too.

Jan. 15, 2005

Re: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Bill Mills-Curran

On Sat, Jan 15, 2005 at 09:52:52AM -0500, Charles R. Anderson wrote: <snip> > > 3. No sound. I've played plenty with gnome-volume-control, but no > > sound. I don't even get anything from the headphone jack on the > > front panel. > > Are you playing the CD with Analog output, or Digital Audio Extraction > output? If you are using the former, you might not have an Analog > audio cable between your CD drive and the sound card. This is > becoming common on newer machines (one less cable == cheaper). Try > telling the CD player app to use the Digital method instead. Where do I find this (the setting to use digital rather than analog)? I gave a quick look at the user controls & did not find it. I inspected the hardware, and you're right -- no audio cable. Maybe the solution is to just get that cable. (?) > > Finally, make sure the channels are unmuted and turned up. It may be > as simple as finding the CD slider in the volume control and turning > it up (for Analog). I had already tried this with no results. Thanks, Bill

Jan. 15, 2005

Re: [Wlug] audio on new machine

by Charles R. Anderson

On Fri, Jan 14, 2005 at 11:37:58PM -0500, Bill Mills-Curran wrote: > a. There is no /dev/cdrom device. I made a sym link, but that > disappears during reboot. What's the right way to get it in > place & stay? Is there a /dev/cdrecorder or similar? Something like this should have been created automatically by the scripts in /etc/udev.d. I think you can force manual creation of device nodes my mucking about in /etc/udev.d, but I haven't tried it yet. > > b. The permissions on the cd player (/dev/hdc) are 600. I > changed them to 666 so I could use the player, but, like the > symlink (above), this change does not survive the reboot. > Again, what's the right solution? The owner of the device(s) should be set automatically by pam/consolehelper when a user logs into the console/GDM. This is set in /etc/security/console.perms. > 3. No sound. I've played plenty with gnome-volume-control, but no > sound. I don't even get anything from the headphone jack on the > front panel. Are you playing the CD with Analog output, or Digital Audio Extraction output? If you are using the former, you might not have an Analog audio cable between your CD drive and the sound card. This is becoming common on newer machines (one less cable == cheaper). Try telling the CD player app to use the Digital method instead. Finally, make sure the channels are unmuted and turned up. It may be as simple as finding the CD slider in the volume control and turning it up (for Analog). > $ ll mixer > crw------- 1 bcurran root 14, 0 Jan 14 22:39 mixer > > Even after changing these permissions, I get no sound. No need to change the permissions to 666. See, you own the device, being the currently logged in console user.

Jan. 15, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Linuxworld

by Bill Smith

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 21:26:44 -0800 (PST) Mike Leo <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > I lost the thread about the linuxworld trip since I > didn't think i was going, now I am.... Still not sure if i'm going. <shrug> > Anyone ever been before? Is it worth dragging a > laptop down there for 4 days? Will I get beat up if I > bring a windows laptop? Heh. I'd be more concerned over the fact that my employer issued me an iBook. :D At least the Win* laptop can go "under cover" and run Knoppix or something. AFAIK, you can't do that with a Mac. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- William Smith wsmith-at-chezsmith-dot-com Fall River, MA http://www.chezsmith.com Never lick a gift horse in the mouth. * TAG! v3.1a *

Jan. 15, 2005

Linuxworld

by Mike Leo

I lost the thread about the linuxworld trip since I didn't think i was going, now I am.... Anyone going all 4 days? Was there a commutting option? Ya'll just taking the train, etc,etc,etc... I get to go all 4 days on the company's credit card! Hope there is good stuff down there. Anyone ever been before? Is it worth dragging a laptop down there for 4 days? Will I get beat up if I bring a windows laptop? Is there any 1 thing I should be sure to see? see ya! Mike __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com

Jan. 15, 2005