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Re: Free Item: Elenco Kids 300 Project Electronics Kit

by Jim Dibb

Hi, Actually, I retract my interest. Went to look at what we do have and the kit you have would be redundant. Thanks for offering it. I'm sure it will find a good home. Regards, Jim On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 10:54 AM joel d via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > Hi WLUG, > > I have a free item someone's favorite electronics interested kid may love. > > Elenco Snap Circuits 300 in 1 Electronics Kit. > > Have the 300 projects kit plus an expansion kit for another 100+ projects. > > I believe all the parts and manuals are there, but no guarantees. > > As a ham radio geek, I will genuinely miss my son building a working AM > radio receiver on his own on a random rainy Saturday. > > Think electronics building kit, with no wires to connect and with > language-free Lego type instructions. > > My guess at age range is 6 years old (for simpler builds) to about 13 > years old. > Kids older than 13 may love it, but are more likely to live with a > death-grip on their modern data phone device. > > If more than one person happens to be interested, I will do a random.org > drawing to pick a winner later this week. > > Joel > > Here is what Amazon lists for a description of the 300 project kit: > > https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Circuits-SC-300-Electronics-Exploration/dp/B000… > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/BVGIH… >

Oct. 5, 2020

Re: Free Item: Elenco Kids 300 Project Electronics Kit

by Jim Dibb

Hi, my daughter, now 15, has a few smaller snap circuits kits. She's a math fan and is learning python on her own from the python for kids book. She'd love it. Jim On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 10:54 AM joel d via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > Hi WLUG, > > I have a free item someone's favorite electronics interested kid may love. > > Elenco Snap Circuits 300 in 1 Electronics Kit. > > Have the 300 projects kit plus an expansion kit for another 100+ projects. > > I believe all the parts and manuals are there, but no guarantees. > > As a ham radio geek, I will genuinely miss my son building a working AM > radio receiver on his own on a random rainy Saturday. > > Think electronics building kit, with no wires to connect and with > language-free Lego type instructions. > > My guess at age range is 6 years old (for simpler builds) to about 13 > years old. > Kids older than 13 may love it, but are more likely to live with a > death-grip on their modern data phone device. > > If more than one person happens to be interested, I will do a random.org > drawing to pick a winner later this week. > > Joel > > Here is what Amazon lists for a description of the 300 project kit: > > https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Circuits-SC-300-Electronics-Exploration/dp/B000… > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/BVGIH… >

Oct. 5, 2020

Free Item: Elenco Kids 300 Project Electronics Kit

by joel d

Hi WLUG, I have a free item someone's favorite electronics interested kid may love. Elenco Snap Circuits 300 in 1 Electronics Kit. Have the 300 projects kit plus an expansion kit for another 100+ projects. I believe all the parts and manuals are there, but no guarantees. As a ham radio geek, I will genuinely miss my son building a working AM radio receiver on his own on a random rainy Saturday. Think electronics building kit, with no wires to connect and with language-free Lego type instructions. My guess at age range is 6 years old (for simpler builds) to about 13 years old. Kids older than 13 may love it, but are more likely to live with a death-grip on their modern data phone device. If more than one person happens to be interested, I will do a random.org drawing to pick a winner later this week. Joel Here is what Amazon lists for a description of the 300 project kit: https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Circuits-SC-300-Electronics-Exploration/dp/B000…

Oct. 5, 2020

Re: Ubuntu update question

by Tim Keller

Ron, I hear you on the quality aspect. When you get near the sub 1k desktops, they're really trying to hit a price point and they'll do that shaving off any corner they don't think you'll need. My wife's desktop is nearing the end of its life and while I haven't had any issues with her prefab desktop, it's basically not upgradeable except for ram. I'm glad to hear everything is going well with the desktop! Tim. On Sat, Sep 19, 2020 at 11:30 PM John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > THE> Thank again for all the recent advice. I have one question. I > THE> installed Ubuntu (from a 20.04 flash drive I did a while back) > THE> and checked the option to download additional software. It was > THE> then up and running. I then had updates available. They were > THE> installing, and then the computer said a restart was needed. I > THE> clicked restart and rather than restart as expected it went to > THE> what I think was a grub menu. Ubuntu was highlighted, I hit the > THE> enter key. It said "unpacking failed" (forget if before or > THE> after) and started up. Everything seems to be fine, but I am > THE> sending this email in case if anyone knows if I will have > THE> problems. > > Did you remember to remove the USB stick? Just making sure you > weren't booting off that. The next thing to check is to just reboot > and not touch anything. Does it boot on it's own? If it does, then > you're just seeing the message during the timeout phase it gives you > to select different boot options. > > If it does NOT boot properly, then we're going to need more details. > Basically, when you get to the grub menu and Ubuntu is highlighted, > just don't do anything and see if it boots on it's own. > > THE> I tried googling "Ubuntu unpacking failed" and se references to > THE> initramfs, but can't say if my message said this. It flashed > THE> quickly. I'm confused on what I read there anyway. > > THE> FYI on the bios to make things work I changed: > THE> PTT to off > THE> Secure Boot Enable to off > THE> Changed RAID to AHCHI > > What happens if you change these one by one? With 3 changes, you have > 8 different combinations. But the last one, RAID to AHCI, I agree > with. Not sure what the PTT means, I associate it with Push To Talk > myself. > > > THE> The machine seems blazing fast compared to the previous one. > THE> Materials much more cheaply made, though. Surprised me that > THE> there was no Windows CD or label with license number. > > Most systems these days just come with a Windows10 restore partition. > But you can also just install windows 10 from an image you download > from MS and it just works. For some value of works. :-) > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/MBHBW… > -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Sept. 21, 2020

Re: Ubuntu update question

by John Stoffel

THE> Thank again for all the recent advice. I have one question. I THE> installed Ubuntu (from a 20.04 flash drive I did a while back) THE> and checked the option to download additional software. It was THE> then up and running. I then had updates available. They were THE> installing, and then the computer said a restart was needed. I THE> clicked restart and rather than restart as expected it went to THE> what I think was a grub menu. Ubuntu was highlighted, I hit the THE> enter key. It said "unpacking failed" (forget if before or THE> after) and started up. Everything seems to be fine, but I am THE> sending this email in case if anyone knows if I will have THE> problems. Did you remember to remove the USB stick? Just making sure you weren't booting off that. The next thing to check is to just reboot and not touch anything. Does it boot on it's own? If it does, then you're just seeing the message during the timeout phase it gives you to select different boot options. If it does NOT boot properly, then we're going to need more details. Basically, when you get to the grub menu and Ubuntu is highlighted, just don't do anything and see if it boots on it's own. THE> I tried googling "Ubuntu unpacking failed" and se references to THE> initramfs, but can't say if my message said this. It flashed THE> quickly. I'm confused on what I read there anyway. THE> FYI on the bios to make things work I changed: THE> PTT to off THE> Secure Boot Enable to off THE> Changed RAID to AHCHI What happens if you change these one by one? With 3 changes, you have 8 different combinations. But the last one, RAID to AHCI, I agree with. Not sure what the PTT means, I associate it with Push To Talk myself. THE> The machine seems blazing fast compared to the previous one. THE> Materials much more cheaply made, though. Surprised me that THE> there was no Windows CD or label with license number. Most systems these days just come with a Windows10 restore partition. But you can also just install windows 10 from an image you download from MS and it just works. For some value of works. :-)

Sept. 20, 2020

Re: Ubuntu update question

by joshua.gage.stone＠gmail.com

Ron, Is this the latest point release of 20.04 LTS? 20.04.1 LTS came out last month, which would probably have some bugfixes for this unexpected behavior. https://releases.ubuntu.com/20.04.1/ Alternatively, Fedora has frequent respins (for Workstation and other supported flavors) which package the latest stable kernel to ensure your hardware is supported OOTB and has bugfixes for broken updates. https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/alt/live-respins/ I don't think disabling Secure Boot is necessary; it's generally going to work OOTB in a modern distro like Ubuntu if you don't need additional drivers, and provides some security since only trusted kernel modules can be loaded. You may have to defer additional updates when reinstalling (that is if you plan on upgrading the OS drive from HDD to SSD), as it's a bit concerning that there are boot errors are happening right from the start. You'll be able to more easily see log output when running `apt update && apt full-upgrade` in a terminal window too. Josh On Sat, 2020-09-19 at 14:05 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: > Hello everyone. > > > > > > > > Thank again for all the recent advice. I have one question. I > installed Ubuntu (from a 20.04 flash drive I did a while back) and > checked the option to download additional software. It was then up > and running. I then had updates available. They were installing, > and then the computer said a restart was needed. I clicked restart > and rather than restart as expected it went to what I think was a > grub menu. Ubuntu was highlighted, I hit the enter key. It said > "unpacking failed" (forget if before or after) and started > up. Everything seems to be fine, but I am sending this email in case > if anyone knows if I will have problems. > > > > > > > > I tried googling "Ubuntu unpacking failed" and se references to > initramfs, but can't say if my message said this. It flashed > quickly. I'm confused on what I read there anyway. > > > > > > > > > > FYI on the bios to make things work I changed: > > PTT to off > > Secure Boot Enable to off > > Changed RAID to AHCHI > > > > > > > > The machine seems blazing fast compared to the previous one. > > Materials much more cheaply made, though. > > Surprised me that there was no Windows CD or label with license > number. > > > > cheers > > > > > > > > > > Ron > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________WLUG mailing list -- > wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/NOGNS…

Sept. 19, 2020

Ubuntu update question

by THE HAMMER

Hello everyone. Thank again for all the recent advice. I have one question. I installed Ubuntu (from a 20.04 flash drive I did a while back) and checked the option to download additional software. It was then up and running. I then had updates available. They were installing, and then the computer said a restart was needed. I clicked restart and rather than restart as expected it went to what I think was a grub menu. Ubuntu was highlighted, I hit the enter key. It said "unpacking failed" (forget if before or after) and started up. Everything seems to be fine, but I am sending this email in case if anyone knows if I will have problems. I tried googling "Ubuntu unpacking failed" and se references to initramfs, but can't say if my message said this. It flashed quickly. I'm confused on what I read there anyway. FYI on the bios to make things work I changed: PTT to off Secure Boot Enable to off Changed RAID to AHCHI The machine seems blazing fast compared to the previous one. Materials much more cheaply made, though. Surprised me that there was no Windows CD or label with license number. cheers Ron

Sept. 19, 2020

Re: desktop advice update

by THE HAMMER

Josh, Thanks for the info. I did not realize that the costs were so low for an SSD. I think I will get settled first and then pick one up! ...I don't know if windows 10 is pre installed on this, or if it comes with an installation cd as I have not opened it yet (won't be home till tonight). I hope that I can just install Ubuntu with having to "register" or install windows on the computer. I'll try to launch the usb flash drive as a live os first to see how it runs, etc ________________________________ From: joshua.gage.stone(a)gmail.com <joshua.gage.stone(a)gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 18, 2020 11:11 AM To: Worcester Linux Users' Group General Discussion <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org>; wlug(a)mail.wlug.org <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Cc: THE HAMMER <hammerron(a)hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [WLUG] desktop advice update Hey Ron, That machine looks like a great starting point -- the 6C/12T i5-10400 should be excellent for productivity workloads, and having all of the parts already assembled into a pre-built system saves a lot of hassle. You're unlikely to ever have to worry about UEFI (Secure Boot specifically) on this particular machine since you picked a configuration without Nvidia graphics, and most of the popular distributions have their own signed kernel modules for full UEFI support. This machine is even certified to run Ubuntu 18.04: https://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/inspiron-3880-desktop_users-guide_en-us.pdf… More documentation can be found here: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/inspiron-38… I think the one recommendation I would make is to install an SSD, because I guarantee that it'll make this machine *fly*. Almost everything will be accelerated, even common applications like file browsers and web browsers will load faster. A CPU and GPU will spend more time waiting than actually executing tasks if copying data into memory take seconds to complete instead of milliseconds. An M.2 SSD should be an excellent investment and will be very easy to install: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/internal-hard-drive/#i=85&sort=-rating&pa… I hope that helps! Josh On Fri, 2020-09-18 at 14:18 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: First off, thanks to everyone for the great advice. It's rather a long story for another day, but I wound up picking up this model: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400… [https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6416/6416004…]<https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400…> Dell Inspiron 3000 Desktop Intel Core i5-10400 8GB Memory 1TB HDD Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth keyboard and mouse Black i3880-5920BLK-PUS - Best Buy<https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400…> Shop Dell Inspiron 3000 Desktop Intel Core i5-10400 8GB Memory 1TB HDD Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth keyboard and mouse Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee. www.bestbuy.com There are way bigger and badder machines out there, this one should still has way more to offer that what is replacing. I have experience distro hopping and before had no worries about installing a linux distro on a pc, but they have always been older machines. I presume that the one will have uefi which is something I have never worked with. I am a bit apprehensive and hope I can figure it all out without major problems. I hope to get this all up and running tonight or over the weekend. Ron _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- <mailto:wlug@lists.wlug.org> wlug(a)lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to <mailto:wlug-leave@lists.wlug.org> wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org Create Account: <https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/> https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: <https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/> https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: <https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/GO27S…> https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/GO27S…

Sept. 18, 2020

Re: desktop advice update

by joshua.gage.stone＠gmail.com

Hey Ron, That machine looks like a great starting point -- the 6C/12T i5-10400 should be excellent for productivity workloads, and having all of the parts already assembled into a pre-built system saves a lot of hassle. You're unlikely to ever have to worry about UEFI (Secure Boot specifically) on this particular machine since you picked a configuration without Nvidia graphics, and most of the popular distributions have their own signed kernel modules for full UEFI support. This machine is even certified to run Ubuntu 18.04: https://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/inspiron-3880-desktop_users-guide_en-us.pdf… More documentation can be found here: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/inspiron-38… I think the one recommendation I would make is to install an SSD, because I guarantee that it'll make this machine *fly*. Almost everything will be accelerated, even common applications like file browsers and web browsers will load faster. A CPU and GPU will spend more time waiting than actually executing tasks if copying data into memory take seconds to complete instead of milliseconds. An M.2 SSD should be an excellent investment and will be very easy to install: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/internal-hard-drive/#i=85&sort=-rating&pa… I hope that helps! Josh On Fri, 2020-09-18 at 14:18 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: > First off, thanks to everyone for the great advice. It's rather a > long story for another day, but I wound up picking up this model: > > > > https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400… > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dell > Inspiron 3000 Desktop Intel Core i5-10400 8GB Memory 1TB HDD > Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth keyboard and mouse Black i3880-5920BLK-PUS - > Best Buy > > Shop Dell Inspiron 3000 Desktop Intel Core i5-10400 8GB Memory 1TB > HDD Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth keyboard and mouse Black at Best Buy. > Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store > pick-up. Price Match Guarantee. > > www.bestbuy.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > There are way bigger and badder machines out there, this one should > still has way more to offer that what is replacing. > > > > I have experience distro hopping and before had no worries about > installing a linux distro on a pc, but they have always been older > machines. I presume that the one will have uefi which is something I > have never worked with. I am a bit apprehensive and hope > I can figure it all out without major problems. I hope to get this > all up and running tonight or over the weekend. > > > > Ron > > > > > > _______________________________________________WLUG mailing list -- > wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/GO27S…

Sept. 18, 2020

desktop advice update

by THE HAMMER

First off, thanks to everyone for the great advice. It's rather a long story for another day, but I wound up picking up this model: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400… [https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6416/6416004…]<https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400…> Dell Inspiron 3000 Desktop Intel Core i5-10400 8GB Memory 1TB HDD Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth keyboard and mouse Black i3880-5920BLK-PUS - Best Buy<https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-3000-desktop-intel-core-i5-10400…> Shop Dell Inspiron 3000 Desktop Intel Core i5-10400 8GB Memory 1TB HDD Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth keyboard and mouse Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee. www.bestbuy.com There are way bigger and badder machines out there, this one should still has way more to offer that what is replacing. I have experience distro hopping and before had no worries about installing a linux distro on a pc, but they have always been older machines. I presume that the one will have uefi which is something I have never worked with. I am a bit apprehensive and hope I can figure it all out without major problems. I hope to get this all up and running tonight or over the weekend. Ron

Sept. 18, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by James Gray

ZaReason is another supplier of computers preloaded with Linux operating systems. I haven't bought from them. From what I know they are a very small company with all the pluses and minuses that come with that. https://zareason.com/Desktops/ On Fri, Sep 18, 2020 at 8:44 AM Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > Ron, > > For a desktop machine, I would consider the following minimums: > > Ram: Minimum 16GB > Modern web browsers are memory hogs. Once you throw in the window manager > and a couple more applications, there's never been a situation where I've > thought, "Damn, this machine has too much memory" My current machine has > 16gb of ram, and frankly, I wish it had 32GB or 64GB. > Disk: Minimum 512GB > Disk Type: If you can afford the price, buy an NVME, if not an SSD. > NVME is essentially a solid state disk plugged directly into the PCI bus > skipping the SATA buss) so the I/O performance is kick ass. Yet again... > nobody ever complains their program loads *too* fast. The price has come > way down on these. > > Personally, other features that I'd want would be support for dual > monitors. > > Tim. > > On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > wrote: > >> I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me >> as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time >> since I've bought new. >> >> I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music >> streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. >> >> If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os >> >> Suggestions? >> >> Ron >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BM… >> > > > -- > I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their > constituents as "consumers". > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/BNKJ2… >

Sept. 18, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Tim Keller

Ron, For a desktop machine, I would consider the following minimums: Ram: Minimum 16GB Modern web browsers are memory hogs. Once you throw in the window manager and a couple more applications, there's never been a situation where I've thought, "Damn, this machine has too much memory" My current machine has 16gb of ram, and frankly, I wish it had 32GB or 64GB. Disk: Minimum 512GB Disk Type: If you can afford the price, buy an NVME, if not an SSD. NVME is essentially a solid state disk plugged directly into the PCI bus skipping the SATA buss) so the I/O performance is kick ass. Yet again... nobody ever complains their program loads *too* fast. The price has come way down on these. Personally, other features that I'd want would be support for dual monitors. Tim. On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me > as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time > since I've bought new. > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music > streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > Suggestions? > > Ron > > > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BM… > -- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

Sept. 18, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Theo Van Dinter

I'll throw a +1 for this idea. The sorts of things you're looking to do aren't particularly intensive, so you don't need anything high powered. For some projects at home, I've been looking at getting older refurb desktops, like a Lenovo M83 or HP 8030, something with an i5-4570 or 4590, and 8G of RAM. If it comes with an SSD great but new small ones ~120G are only $25 or so, so it's cheap to slap your own in and do an install. These machines are fairly plentiful (old office desktops) and you can find them pretty inexpensively. For example I'm watching 2 on Facebook marketplace right now at $100 and $120. fwiw, I need some GPU power as well, so was going to get an NVidia 1650 LP to put in there, but for your list of things the built-in graphics should be fine. On Tue, Sep 15, 2020, 11:34 Richard Klein via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > My last few computers have been used Dell or HP workstations, mostly > off-lease from a couple ebay sellers I have experience with. One was from > a WPI student off craigslist. They all do great with Linux and I've had no > regrets. > > A couple ebay sellers I've had good luck with: > https://www.ebay.com/str/dellofficialrefurbishedstore > https://www.ebay.com/str/enviroit > > -- > Rich > > On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > wrote: > >> I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me >> as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time >> since I've bought new. >> >> I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music >> streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. >> >> If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os >> >> Suggestions? >> >> Ron >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BM… >> > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/2TAOH… >

Sept. 18, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Aljerin Butler,Jr.

Hi Ron, You might try looking around on my website here.I purchased my last desktop locally from Thinkmate (formerly PCs For Everyone) out of Norwood, now located in Waltham and Cambridge. If things are the same, you can design your own desktop - something you might be able to do with some of the other companies also. While you're at it you can search here for open source alternative software. Al ButlerCustom Desktop Solutions On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 7:48:14 AM EDT, THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new. I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os Suggestions? Ron _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BM…

Sept. 18, 2020

Mini Debian Conference Online #2

by Dennis Payne

Debian is running a mini online conference in Nov. It is specifically about gaming. I've offered a talk on Gamerzilla, my open source achievement system for games. https://wiki.debian.org/DebianEvents/internet/2020/MiniDebConfOnline2 -- Dennis Payne dulsi(a)identicalsoftware.com https://social.freegamedev.net/channel/dulsi

Sept. 16, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Richard Klein

My last few computers have been used Dell or HP workstations, mostly off-lease from a couple ebay sellers I have experience with. One was from a WPI student off craigslist. They all do great with Linux and I've had no regrets. A couple ebay sellers I've had good luck with: https://www.ebay.com/str/dellofficialrefurbishedstore https://www.ebay.com/str/enviroit -- Rich On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me > as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time > since I've bought new. > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music > streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > Suggestions? > > Ron > > > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BM… >

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Mike Peckar

I cross reference passmark cpu ratings with refurbs and discontinued items on ebay in my price range. Sometimes I opt for the squaretrade, other times not. Similar to the System76 meerkat is the Intel NUC, on which I run an ubuntu image from Canonical. Mike On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 10:19 AM Andy Stewart via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > On 9/15/20 7:47 AM, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: > > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me > as to > > a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time > since I've > > bought new. > > > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music > streams > > and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > > > Suggestions? > > > > Ron > > > Hi Ron et al, > > I have a System76 meerkat with Intel graphics that works very well for > me. I > use it for general purposes (email, web surfing, occasional Libre Office, > etc), > but I also hammer on it at times doing lengthy compiles and creating 3 GB > ISO > files (in 2-3 minutes!!). > > I'm running a remastered version of Ubuntu 18.04.*. > > https://system76.com/desktops/meerkat > > Andy > > -- > Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) > Vice President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) > Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/M2YWJ… >

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Andy Stewart

On 9/15/20 7:47 AM, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to > a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've > bought new. > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams > and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > Suggestions? > > Ron Hi Ron et al, I have a System76 meerkat with Intel graphics that works very well for me. I use it for general purposes (email, web surfing, occasional Libre Office, etc), but I also hammer on it at times doing lengthy compiles and creating 3 GB ISO files (in 2-3 minutes!!). I'm running a remastered version of Ubuntu 18.04.*. https://system76.com/desktops/meerkat Andy -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Vice President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Doug Mildram

Desktops haven't needed to evolve much in the 201x decade. Though I've had my head in the sand as usual, enjoying my 8-15 yr old desktops, 1 older w/ side panel removed, breathing max air at my knees. Sorry for a lack of RECOMMENDATION (maybe Dell Optiplex though), all depends on.... Silly Q's to ask yourself: do I like or dislike SMALL factor w/ half height cards, less air to cool? Do you like the quietest possible chassis or is a little white noise (maybe even blue lights) OK? Can you be happy with a minimal-ish video card, ie FANLESS? (even these can do a lot) And all them audio/video preference details ( HDMI, is that useful? ..........digital optical sound out? Little things... ) and big things like onboard RAID and fitting raid1 or whatever IN your case/chassis, or not. Finally for me, how about: Do you hate being "locked into" a brand/mfgr, even it it just means you shop@Dell when your Dell power supply dies? It's not that wide of a limitation, you can customize most everything else, so I'm ok w/that... What used to matter even in a brick-store-alive world is WHERE(ok, just another mfgr-preference now) YOU BOUGHT IT, which of course matters less to "us" geeky fix-it-yourself types. -doug On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me > as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time > since I've bought new. > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music > streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > Suggestions? > > Ron > > > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BM… >

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Stephen Breaux

I would look into one of the mainstream e-sellers.. Also depends on your location and if you can get to the microcenter in Cambridge.. As you can get a lot of info. Just watch out for the push one or two sales staff. But there you can see and touch the hardware.. Then they will price match alot of places including NewEgg.. The main parts I would make sure is compatibility with the Linux distro you're going to use. On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 8:56 AM Dennis Payne via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > My general response to someone asking about a desktop computer: > > If you aren't gaming or doing something else that requires lots of memory > or graphics support, any modern computer will do what you need. > > I've liked System 76 computers but there insistence on using Nvidia has > decreased my interest. I haven't looked at desktops in a long while so I > can't say I have anyone to recommend. > > On Tue, 2020-09-15 at 11:47 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: > > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me > as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time > since I've bought new. > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music > streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > Suggestions? > > Ron > > -- > > Dennis Payne > dulsi(a)identicalsoftware.com > https://social.freegamedev.net/channel/dulsi > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/EA3KP… >

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: desktop advice

by Dennis Payne

My general response to someone asking about a desktop computer: If you aren't gaming or doing something else that requires lots of memory or graphics support, any modern computer will do what you need. I've liked System 76 computers but there insistence on using Nvidia has decreased my interest. I haven't looked at desktops in a long while so I can't say I have anyone to recommend. On Tue, 2020-09-15 at 11:47 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote: > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise > me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a > long time since I've bought new. > > > > > > > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music > streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a > gamer. > > > > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > > > > > > > > > Suggestions? > > > > > > > > Ron > > > > -- Dennis Payne dulsi(a)identicalsoftware.com https://social.freegamedev.net/channel/dulsi

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: [EXT] desktop advice

by John Eismeier

Ron, I want to try: https://www.pine64.org/pinebook-pro/ my 2017 laptop was ASUS runnig Ubuntu but it was a little more $$$ THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> writes: > I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new. > > I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. > > If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os > > Suggestions? > > Ron > > > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwlug.mail… > Change Settings: https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwlug.mail… > Web Forum/Archive: https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwlug.mail… -- John 508.735.3640

Sept. 15, 2020

desktop advice

by THE HAMMER

I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new. I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os Suggestions? Ron

Sept. 15, 2020

Re: Thanks everybody, last nights virtual meeting was great!

by Mher Mnatsakanyan

What a handful of information in two emails. Thank you very much. Well a lot to check and learn. In any case, I am preparing myself for the RHCSA exam this December. The more Linux staff the better it is for me. Respectfully, Mher Mnatsakanyan On Sat, 12 Sep 2020 at 21:22, Jon "maddog" Hall via WLUG < wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > Mher, > > Another way you can "sharpen your skills" is to check out the objectives > of the Linux Professional Institute's LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 tests (lpi.org) > > https://www.lpi.org/our-certifications/lpic-1-overview > > https://www.lpi.org/our-certifications/lpic-2-overview > > Although we do list training partners and offer some training materials, > we do not do training ourselves, only certifications. We have 180,000 > certified people in over 180 countries. > > If you look through our objectives for each level and you can honestly say > that you can do each objective, then you have the skills that many > companies want. If you get to some of the objectives and say "I do not > know how to do that", then you can spend some of your time looking it up > and practicing so when you go for that interview and are asked about it you > can tell them with confidence that you can do it. > > For full disclosure, I am the Board Chair of LPI. > > Good luck in your job hunt. > > maddog > > On Sat, Sep 12, 2020 at 8:45 PM Aljerin Butler,Jr. via WLUG < > wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > >> Hello Mher, >> >> Perhaps you can start here >> <https://www.indeed.com/q-Linux-System-Administrator-Work-From-Home-jobs.html> >> to look for a Linux sysadmin position. If you want to do a wider search, >> perhaps this >> <http://customdesktopsolutions.mywebcommunity.org/index.php/linux-system-adm…> >> is more helpful. >> If you want to take advantage of your time at home here is where you can >> strengthen your skills >> <http://customdesktopsolutions.mywebcommunity.org/index.php/linux-system-adm…> >> . >> >> Hope this helps, >> Al Butler >> Custom Desktop Solutions >> <http://customdesktopsolutions.mywebcommunity.org/> >> >> >> >> >> On Saturday, September 12, 2020, 10:46:40 AM EDT, Mher Mnatsakanyan via >> WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: >> >> >> Hello everyone. >> >> Zori told me that you guys had another wonderful WLUG meeting yesterday. >> I wish I could also make it to the WLUG meeting yesterday. >> >> It's been over three months now that I was among the 250 people (1/3 of >> the company) that got laid off because of COVID19 crisis from Bullhorn. I >> was one of their Linux Sys Admins. >> >> If any of you guys know of any entry level Sysadmin positions locally. >> Please keep me in mind if something pops up. >> >> I really appreciate it. >> >> Hope to see you at next month's meeting. >> >> Respectfully, >> Mher Mnatsakanyan >> >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, 11 Sep 2020 at 16:22, John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> >> wrote: >> >> >> I wish I had know about the meeting, I would have loved to join. >> Silly me for not checking the website at least. >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/N55FK… >> >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/ANJ2C… >> _______________________________________________ >> WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org >> Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ >> Change Settings: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ >> Web Forum/Archive: >> https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/RIXNO… >> > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/MR3MO… >

Sept. 13, 2020

Re: Thanks everybody, last nights virtual meeting was great!

by Jon "maddog" Hall

Mher, Another way you can "sharpen your skills" is to check out the objectives of the Linux Professional Institute's LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 tests (lpi.org) https://www.lpi.org/our-certifications/lpic-1-overview https://www.lpi.org/our-certifications/lpic-2-overview Although we do list training partners and offer some training materials, we do not do training ourselves, only certifications. We have 180,000 certified people in over 180 countries. If you look through our objectives for each level and you can honestly say that you can do each objective, then you have the skills that many companies want. If you get to some of the objectives and say "I do not know how to do that", then you can spend some of your time looking it up and practicing so when you go for that interview and are asked about it you can tell them with confidence that you can do it. For full disclosure, I am the Board Chair of LPI. Good luck in your job hunt. maddog On Sat, Sep 12, 2020 at 8:45 PM Aljerin Butler,Jr. via WLUG < wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > Hello Mher, > > Perhaps you can start here > <https://www.indeed.com/q-Linux-System-Administrator-Work-From-Home-jobs.html> > to look for a Linux sysadmin position. If you want to do a wider search, > perhaps this > <http://customdesktopsolutions.mywebcommunity.org/index.php/linux-system-adm…> > is more helpful. > If you want to take advantage of your time at home here is where you can > strengthen your skills > <http://customdesktopsolutions.mywebcommunity.org/index.php/linux-system-adm…> > . > > Hope this helps, > Al Butler > Custom Desktop Solutions > <http://customdesktopsolutions.mywebcommunity.org/> > > > > > On Saturday, September 12, 2020, 10:46:40 AM EDT, Mher Mnatsakanyan via > WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> wrote: > > > Hello everyone. > > Zori told me that you guys had another wonderful WLUG meeting yesterday. I > wish I could also make it to the WLUG meeting yesterday. > > It's been over three months now that I was among the 250 people (1/3 of > the company) that got laid off because of COVID19 crisis from Bullhorn. I > was one of their Linux Sys Admins. > > If any of you guys know of any entry level Sysadmin positions locally. > Please keep me in mind if something pops up. > > I really appreciate it. > > Hope to see you at next month's meeting. > > Respectfully, > Mher Mnatsakanyan > > > > > > On Fri, 11 Sep 2020 at 16:22, John Stoffel via WLUG <wlug(a)lists.wlug.org> > wrote: > > > I wish I had know about the meeting, I would have loved to join. > Silly me for not checking the website at least. > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/N55FK… > > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/ANJ2C… > _______________________________________________ > WLUG mailing list -- wlug(a)lists.wlug.org > To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave(a)lists.wlug.org > Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ > Change Settings: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ > Web Forum/Archive: > https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/RIXNO… >

Sept. 13, 2020