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Hierarchical note taking, Joplin, Trilium, browser extensions, etc..
by Tim Keller Aug. 14, 2023

Aug. 14, 2023

At last night's meeting, a new attendee brought up a problem she was having and one of the solutions that got bandied about was Joplin. After doing some research, this might be my new note taking app. Another very interesting FOSS tool out there is called "Trilium" https://github.com/zadam/trilium As much as I like google's keep.. I'm fully aware that google capable of just pulling the rug out from under me in a moment's notice. I've spun up U22.04.3 server and I'm going to tinker with Joplin and possibly Trilium and let people know what I think of them. Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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FYI - Article about Framework brand laptop
by David Glaser Aug. 11, 2023

Aug. 11, 2023

FYI https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/turning-my-framework-laptop-into-a-… -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

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Meeting tomorrow at Technocopia at 7pm!
by Tim Keller Aug. 10, 2023

Aug. 10, 2023

Hey Everybody! I know we were just there.. but getting back onto our schedule of the 2nd Thursday of the month means we'll eventually have two meetings close together. Date: August 10th, 2023 Time: 7pm Location: Technocopia in Worcester: 44 Portland St, Worcester, MA 01608 Virtual Location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA As for a topic, I haven't really thought one up, but I'm just sure stuff will come up! I'd love people's ideas for what to install on a chromebook that's no longer taking updates.. Bunsenlabs looks promising.. I'll bring snacks and refreshments and afterwards we'll head off for dinner! Later, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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WLUG Meeting this month!
by Tim Keller Aug. 9, 2023

Aug. 9, 2023

Hey Gang! If we go back to our normal schedule we'll be at Technopia this Thursday. Would that work for people or would next Thursday work? Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Questions on Technocopia
by hammerron Aug. 1, 2023

Aug. 1, 2023

These questions may be more directed at Tim, or Kevin (if he gets these emails): Does Technopia allow food and drink? Would rooms for any future WLUG meetings there have access to AC outlets for laptops with Mesozoic age batteries that won't hold a charge? Ron

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WLUG Meeting next week! July 13th 2023.. Tentative topic is keyboards, RedHat.
by Tim Keller July 30, 2023

July 30, 2023

While not entirely linux related, keyboard preference is something that we all have opinions on. I'll bring along a couple interesting keyboards that play nicely with linux. I know we'll definitely talk about the the RedHat decision as well. It'll be interesting to get Joshua's perspective on this as well. I'm still working out a location on the WPI campus, I'll let everybody know when I get more details. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Happy Sysadmin Day
by Tim Keller July 28, 2023

July 28, 2023

Happy Sysadmin day! Later, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Installing ubuntu on a mac..
by Tim Keller July 26, 2023

July 26, 2023

So funny enough another Mac fell into my lap and our success with Matt's mac encouraged me to get U22.04 installed on a 2014 macbook pro.. I tried to install using Ventoy only to hit this issue: https://github.com/ventoy/Ventoy/issues/52 I ended up writing the ISO directly to my scratch stick and installing from there. Just a heads up if you end up tripping on this. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Lab bench giveaway
by John Stoffel July 24, 2023

July 24, 2023

Hi all, I've got an 8' lab bench to give away, but I need it picked up this week at the latest. It's 8'w x 30"d by dunno.. 40" high? I can get better numbers. It weighs a ton, is super solid, and has stainging and some imperfections. It's been in my garage for years and shows it. Any takers? I'll be posting to my town (Boylson) freebie group later tonight. Please email me or TEXT my number befow. John john(a)stoffel.org 508-736-5499

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Red Hat controversy
by Joshua Stone July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

Hey everyone, I didn't talk about the Red Hat controversy at last night's meeting, namely the decision to stop publishing RHEL sources to git.centos.org <https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/furthering-evolution-centos-stream> and the implications this has on the various RHEL clones. If there's anyone still interested in hearing about the rationale behind this recent decision and the response that's created from clone makers, then I recommend listening to the following Linux Unplugged episodes: Caught Red-Hatted | LINUX Unplugged 517 (timestamp 00:08:39): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra-mXDI-keo The Clone Grift Wars | LINUX Unplugged 519 (timestamp 00:06:02) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdYn_xlOma4 I hope that brings some much-needed context to the discussion. - Josh

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Thoughts or experience with long range (350ft) wifi
by Bradley Noyes July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

Hello W-luggers — I have an out-building where I’d like to have wifi. The distance is about 350ft. There are some trees in the way, but not a thick forest. I’m curious to know if anyone here has recommendations on outdoor, long range wifi equipment. Perhaps something with a parabolic antenna or otherwise directional antenna. The following article (https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/08/point-to-point-wi-fi-bridging-betwe…) recommends some TP-Link wifi routers, which is likely the route I’ll try. Any one willing to share thoughts or experiences would helpful. Thanks! — brad

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Awesome meeting last night!
by Tim Keller July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023

Hey Gang, We had an amazing meeting last night, I'd like to thank Kevin from Technocopia for providing us the space, we will be back!! We had a number of random interlopers just show up and the discussion quickly pivoted from keyboards to linux drivers and the unix philosophy. The conversation then shifted to analog control devices and a guy named Rick gave us all a great education on analog process and control technologies. Then to cap things off, a maker named Matt showed up with an iMac and asked if we could help him get Linux Mint installed, in classic WLUG fashion we jumped at the opportunity and in no time flat we got him sorted out. It turns out that machine is slightly too old to run DeVinci Resolve, but I believe it'll be a great machine for him to get some basic linux knowledge. I believe we've found a new space to hold meetings, it's going to get interesting and weird! Later, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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WLUG Meeting tonight: LOCATION CHANGE!!! WE ARE AT TECHNOPIA!! 7PM
by Tim Keller July 20, 2023

July 20, 2023

Hey Gang! We are going to be at Technopia tonight at 7PM! Address: 44 Portland St, Worcester, MA 01608 Virtual Address: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Topic(s): Keyboards, RedHat not being cool, etc. As usual we'll be going out for dinner after the meeting (we'll figure it out there) I don't know the food/drink policy at Technopia so I'll hold off on bringing that stuff until I know better. See you there!!! Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Where to hold meetings..
by Tim Keller July 20, 2023

July 20, 2023

Hey Gang, It appears that WPI isn't going to work out for us as a stable place to hold meetings. I have two questions to ask the group. 1. Does the second Thursday still work for people or would a Wed/Fri work better? 2. How far would people be willing to drive? As for the second question, doing some research, Leominster public library has meeting rooms (I'm also a LPL member) and they're open till 9pm. Moreover, Leominster has great afforable places to eat. I believe it's likely too late for me to schedule a meeting at LPL, but I can always call and ask. So I suspect this months meeting (which is going to be this Thursday) will be virtual. Though I'll let people know asap. Let me know what you think, I'd really like some input. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Wireless Earbuds
by hammerron July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023

I see what looks like a bunch of people using wireless earbuds when doing a video chat. I am wondering if anyone would share their opinion about them, pros/cons, and if you recommend any certain ones (hoping not a budget strain). Ron

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Email Encryption on an Android Phone
by hammerron July 16, 2023

July 16, 2023

Just an update, if anyone's curious. The friend decided not to encrypt after all, but has started to use the K-9 email client for Android

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Whoops.. moving meeting to next week.
by Tim Keller July 10, 2023

July 10, 2023

After I announced the meeting for the week, my wife politely reminded me that I had a prior obligation. I'm moving the meeting to the 20th. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Email Encryption on an Android Phone
by hammerron July 8, 2023

July 8, 2023

I have a friend who is interested in encrypting her emails on an Android phone. She lacks computer experience. Anything that she would use would have to be very simple. A one time process will probably do her best, not steps that would have to be repeated at each use. Could anyone offer suggestions on the best solution for her? Would something like Proton Mail be sufficient? Ron

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Personal Continuing Education
by Kevin Stratton July 4, 2023

July 4, 2023

I have been looking at the following for personal education to get better skills in general. ( I already have a Bachelors, but am very rusty) 1) udemy.com - the prices for the courses change on the drop of a hat. The subscription does not cover all courses. Opinions on the coverage? 2) https://www.oreilly.com/online-learning/ - There is a subscription for courses, books, etc... , but there is not enough information to determine if I want it or not. 3) https://brilliant.org/ - Looking for opinions I am focused on the following topics: 1) Electronics (Engineering level) 2) Math (College level, post algebra) 3) Programming (C, Python, BASH, whatever...) Any opinions or alternatives?

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HDTV Antennas
by David Glaser June 25, 2023

June 25, 2023

Has anyone in the list had any experience using an external HDTV antenna in Worcester? Reason I ask is that we ditched the full spectrum tv channel lineup and went with a the abbreviated channel lineup. However, we are missing the local broadcast tv stations and I was wondering it I could pick up some of them using an external antenna. I searched the web for information but I do not have enough of a radio background to understand the meaning of the signal strength tables that I find. A while ago I purchased an interior antenna and did not have any luck so I figure that I might try an external antenna. Any help would be appreciated. -David -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

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Keyboard recommendations
by Frank Sweetser June 21, 2023

June 21, 2023

My primary mechanical keyboard that I've been using for a while is starting to go a little flakey on me, even after a few rounds of cleaning, so I'm looking to finally replace it. I'm looking for something: - With fully mechanical keys (replaceable switches would be a nice bonus) - Ergonomic layout, which these days seems to primarily mean a split design - Illuminated keycaps would be preferred Anyone have good recommendations they can share? -- - Frank

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Laser cut puzzles?
by John Stoffel June 16, 2023

June 16, 2023

Guys, Anyone have a lead to where I could get a puzzle design cut out with a laser from either thick cardboard or thin plywood? But I also want to engrave a message on the puzzle pieces before they're cut out. I've been looking into inkscape pluggins for this and I think I've got one I can use, it's now finding someone/place with the right equipment. Any ideas? The message would just be text, maybe some simple graphics. Nothing crazy, but the entire idea is to make the message into a puzzle to be put together. John

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Wacom One with Pressure Sensitivity
by Dennis Payne June 11, 2023

June 11, 2023

I bought a used Wacom One a while ago. It is a drawing tablet (not a standalone tablet as it needs to hook up to a computer). It has an display that you can use the stylus on. You can find some examples of my bad art on mastodon: https://cdn.masto.host/mastodongamedevplace/media_attachments/files/110/413… https://cdn.masto.host/mastodongamedevplace/media_attachments/files/110/469… Recently I finally determined how to turn on the pressure sensitivity in gimp. If you go to Edit->Input Devices, you can enable "xwayland- tablet stylus". (Obviously it probably has a different name if you aren't using wayland.) Once enabled the "Dynamics" setting in Tool Options takes effect. You can choose from a large variety of options. For example, "Basic Dynamics" makes pressure affect opacity and velocity affect size. I've been using "Pressure Size" which simply makes pressure affect the size of the pencil (or other tool). It probably hard to tell from this scaled down image but the lines for the eyebrows have a different thickness from the larger outer lines. I used to have to edit the tool settings to do that so this is nicer. I'm sure a trained artist could produce better output. https://cdn.masto.host/mastodongamedevplace/media_attachments/files/110/510… -- Dennis Payne dulsi(a)identicalsoftware.com https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@dulsi

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Reminder! WLUG meeting tonight! Topic: Flipper Zero / NixOS
by Tim Keller June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

Hey Gang! We've got a meeting tonight! Time: 7PM Date: June 8th, 2023 !!LOCATION CHANGE!! WE will be meeting in the Morgan student center. I think the best option is to meet on the quad side of Morgan until we can get let in. Cara has reserved a conference room. Virtual location: https://meet.jit.si/WlugMA Cara Salter is going to show off her flipper zero. If you don't know what the flipper zero is, you're in for a treat. You can check it out here: https://flipperzero.one/ As they call it, it's a multitool for geeks. As usual, I'll have snacks and refreshments and afterwards we'll head off for dinner. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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WLUG Meeting this Thursday! Topic: Flipper Zero (maybe)
by Tim Keller June 6, 2023

June 6, 2023

Hey Everybody, We've got a meeting this Thursday! Date: June 8th, 2023 Time: 7pm Location: WPI, still working out the room details Topic: Flipper Zero (hopefully), Otherwise, NixOS. At our last meeting, Cara spoke briefly about bring her Flipper Zero to show off. I managed to blow up my laptop with a failed Ubuntu upgrade and decided to experiment with NixOS. So I can show that off as well. Snacks and Refreshments will be provided and we'll do dinner afterwards. Thanks, Tim. -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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