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Re: [Wlug] Linux Choix?
by Mike Leo Nov. 18, 2007

Nov. 18, 2007

Ubuntu is the current poster child for Linux. You can buy Dell desktops, laptops and servers with Ubuntu pre-installed, and I think even HP offers the same. I use it as my primary work desktop, and dual boot it on my work laptop. It just works. Though I prefer Debian because I like to tinker, the latest version of Ubuntu does everything it needs to with little help. If you are trying to sell Linux to someone, I think its the way to go. ~mike ----- Original Message ---- From: Greater Worcester Land Trust <gwlt(a)gwlt.org> To: wlug(a)mail.wlug.org Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 9:37:02 PM Subject: [Wlug] Linux Choix? It has been a while. I tried getting our nonprofit (Worcester land conservation) to adopt Linux some years back. Problem I had back then was weak graphic options, publisher options, Quicken options, and a lack of a good answer to running ArcGIS. I was beaten back into M$. I want another crack at this. I am looking to take a spare laptop and install a Linux OS and OS apps. Previously, some years back, I used to use what are now Mandriva Linux installs. Coming back to this I see that there are dozens and dozens of options these days. What, if any, of the options do the WLUG folk prefer/recommend. Thanks so much, Colin

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Re: [Wlug] Linux Choix?
by Mike Leo Nov. 18, 2007

Nov. 18, 2007

A pleasant correction... Mac OSX is a BSD derivative, not Linux, though they are similar. ----- Original Message ---- From: Colin Novick <c-novick-1(a)alumni.uchicago.edu> To: wlug(a)mail.wlug.org Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2007 9:23:49 PM Subject: [Wlug] Linux Choix? Steve, Thanks for the ArcGIS thoughts! I did some digging and came across this: http://spanring.eu/blog/2006/07/02/arcgis-on-mac-os-x-2/ They were getting ArcGIS 9.X to run (well even) on MacOS X with Parallels; Now I am a born-again newbie but as I understand it OS X is a Linux derivative, and Parallels is a means of faking a Windows OS (XP etc.) on the Mac. Do folks know if this might mean there is some hope for a Linux install that can be rigged to run Arc? Thanks so much, PS ESRI's (producer of Arc) site is supremely unhelpful as they aren't interested in much other than server support for Linux and a basic reader function. PPS Red Hat's site didn't give me much to go on.

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Linux Choix?
by Colin Novick Nov. 18, 2007

Nov. 18, 2007

Steve, Thanks for the ArcGIS thoughts! I did some digging and came across this: http://spanring.eu/blog/2006/07/02/arcgis-on-mac-os-x-2/ They were getting ArcGIS 9.X to run (well even) on MacOS X with Parallels; Now I am a born-again newbie but as I understand it OS X is a Linux derivative, and Parallels is a means of faking a Windows OS (XP etc.) on the Mac. Do folks know if this might mean there is some hope for a Linux install that can be rigged to run Arc? Thanks so much, PS ESRI's (producer of Arc) site is supremely unhelpful as they aren't interested in much other than server support for Linux and a basic reader function. PPS Red Hat's site didn't give me much to go on.

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Re: [Wlug] REMINDER: Upcoming WLUG meeting
by jbaillie＠netzero.com Nov. 16, 2007

Nov. 16, 2007

Hi Andy, I was thinking of attending the meeting tomorrow nite. I am a first-timer and was wondering whether I need id to get into the building, where to enter Morgan Hall for the best chance of finding the grid room, and where to park? thanks, Hope you all don't mind a newbie. jb -- Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> wrote: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI gang, Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 7:00 PM Access Grid Room WPI Campus Worcester, MA USA That's where our next meeting will be held. I hope to see you there! Later, Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFHOSH0Hl0iXDssISsRAng6AJ4uMs7iHZCs7bjbBFympwo9SWO7igCdGueh Hb/BR6ewY+oA10xn60O/YiE= =TQo4 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug _____________________________________________________________ 0% Intro APR. 5% Cashback bonus and fraud protection. Apply now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2211/fc/JKFkuJO6YWjYNl1gIhH49ynpErqi…

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Motherboard search tool?
by John Stoffel Nov. 15, 2007

Nov. 15, 2007

Hi guys, I'm looking for a new system/motherboard for my home computer. But trying to dig through the steaming piles of crap out there to find the right board is painful. And I don't want to have to go and look at every single damn vendors site just to figure out what's available. Sigh... So does anyone know of a useful resource which compares motherboards and allows you to filter down the selection quickly and easily? Esp by features? So say I want: AM2 socket FireWire onboard 4gb > RAM potential Gigabit Ethernet >= 3 PCI slots 1 PCIe x16 >= 1 PCIe x1 or x4 How would I go about finding this easily? You'd think it would be simple, but no... it's a total pain. And of course I'm not totally sold on AMD, but I would like to support them since I like 64bit CPUs and the lack of hassle going over 4Gb of RAM, since I suspect that will be how I upgrade this system in the future, instead of getting more CPUs, etc. I've looked at ArsTechinca, Phoronix, LinuxBios (since I'd *love* to have a Linux BIOS for quicker boot times...), etc. But they're not that easy to figure out without spending way more time than I want. I'm starting to think I should just start coding up a Rails app to hold all this data and provide easy searches. Then I'd need to *find* all the data as well... whee! Yet another time sink. :] Thanks, John

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Re: [Wlug] Motherboard search tool?
by Mike Leo Nov. 15, 2007

Nov. 15, 2007

newegg.com does a good job of that, if you know what you want... go to the mother board section, then on the left, continually add features till you get down to a selection. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=22&name=AMD-Mother… or http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=280&name=Intel-Mot… ----- Original Message ---- From: John Stoffel <john(a)stoffel.org> To: wlug(a)wlug.org Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 11:39:07 AM Subject: [Wlug] Motherboard search tool? Hi guys, I'm looking for a new system/motherboard for my home computer. But trying to dig through the steaming piles of crap out there to find the right board is painful. And I don't want to have to go and look at every single damn vendors site just to figure out what's available. Sigh... So does anyone know of a useful resource which compares motherboards and allows you to filter down the selection quickly and easily? Esp by features? So say I want: AM2 socket FireWire onboard 4gb > RAM potential Gigabit Ethernet >= 3 PCI slots 1 PCIe x16 >= 1 PCIe x1 or x4 How would I go about finding this easily? You'd think it would be simple, but no... it's a total pain. And of course I'm not totally sold on AMD, but I would like to support them since I like 64bit CPUs and the lack of hassle going over 4Gb of RAM, since I suspect that will be how I upgrade this system in the future, instead of getting more CPUs, etc. I've looked at ArsTechinca, Phoronix, LinuxBios (since I'd *love* to have a Linux BIOS for quicker boot times...), etc. But they're not that easy to figure out without spending way more time than I want. I'm starting to think I should just start coding up a Rails app to hold all this data and provide easy searches. Then I'd need to *find* all the data as well... whee! Yet another time sink. :] Thanks, John _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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REMINDER: Upcoming WLUG meeting
by Andy Stewart Nov. 13, 2007

Nov. 13, 2007

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI gang, Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 7:00 PM Access Grid Room WPI Campus Worcester, MA USA That's where our next meeting will be held. I hope to see you there! Later, Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFHOSH0Hl0iXDssISsRAng6AJ4uMs7iHZCs7bjbBFympwo9SWO7igCdGueh Hb/BR6ewY+oA10xn60O/YiE= =TQo4 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [Wlug] web hosting
by Mike Leo Nov. 11, 2007

Nov. 11, 2007

Found it! It was http://linode.com/ thanks ----- Original Message ---- From: TrickFinlay2 <cfinlay(a)gmail.com> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:31:33 PM Subject: Re: [Wlug] web hosting Im not sure which one youre referring too,but I've heard good things about ASmallOrange. http://asmallorange.com/services/vps/ is what you're looking for -Conner On Nov 10, 2007 6:13 PM, Mike Leo <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Sorry to ask again, but someone recommended a web hosting company and I've lost that email. Someone named the "guinea pig" recommended a place that used VMWare so thatI could have full root access... If you could remind me of who that was, I'd appreciate it! Mike _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug -- Conner Finlay AIM:TrickFinlay2 Email:cfinlay@gmail.com Mobile:(774) 276-1145

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web hosting
by Mike Leo Nov. 11, 2007

Nov. 11, 2007

Sorry to ask again, but someone recommended a web hosting company and I've lost that email. Someone named the "guinea pig" recommended a place that used VMWare so thatI could have full root access... If you could remind me of who that was, I'd appreciate it! Mike

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JOB: Software migration opportunity
by Andy Stewart Nov. 9, 2007

Nov. 9, 2007

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI gang, Dave Cardalino from Cimtec, Inc. is looking for a person to help with a software migration project. If you are interested, please reply directly to him at DCardalino(a)aol.com, or via the supplied telephone number. ===== Andy, I was referred to you by Carl Silvia. He and I work together at Cimtec Inc. We have a software application that runs on Unix. We are looking to migrate our application to Linux. Carl says that you may be able to point us in a direction or answer some questions I may have. We currently use SCO Openserver Ver. 5.0.7. We also use SCO Openserver Enterprise Edition Ver. 5.0.7. We actually load up a computer with the SCO platform, then we load our Application Software (HVAC) to run on top of it. Since Unix and Linux are a form of each other, we believe the migration is very possible and not extremely intensive. I have contacted Red Hat and they said that the migration can be done. I am looking to seek other sources as well. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You, Dave Cardalino Cimtec Inc. 978-532-7102 ===== - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFHNE3+Hl0iXDssISsRAr2tAJ9/IBKAddruTEVLY2BGuWgZf6XTfwCfZbb/ /t0LuxY/eciC+DgzN8S2s+8= =4oQ3 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [Wlug] LISA Dallas 2007
by johnmalloy＠comcast.net Nov. 5, 2007

Nov. 5, 2007

I might go, but have not gotten a plane ticket or lodging. Have you? -- Thanks! John Malloy johnmalloy AT comcast DOT net -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Tal Cohen" <wlug(a)cohen123.com> Is anyone from the group going to LISA? My schedule has prevented me from attending WLUG meetings, but I am going to LISA and was hoping to meet other WLUG members there J Tal

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LISA Dallas 2007
by Tal Cohen Nov. 5, 2007

Nov. 5, 2007

Is anyone from the group going to LISA? My schedule has prevented me from attending WLUG meetings, but I am going to LISA and was hoping to meet other WLUG members there :-) Tal

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LISA Dallas 2007
by Tal Cohen Nov. 5, 2007

Nov. 5, 2007

Is anyone from the group going to LISA? My schedule has prevented me from attending WLUG meetings, but I am going to LISA and was hoping to meet other WLUG members there :-) Tal

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Looking for a project and contact person
by kstratton＠fastmail.us Oct. 27, 2007

Oct. 27, 2007

I am looking for a good project to get involved with and I am looking for ideas. What I offer to the potential project: 1) Low level programming experience (no operating system) in C. I do know some assembly programming, but I would likely have to learn or relearn the architecture being used or developed for. I am currently developing non-trivial applications for microchip microcontrollers and I have also worked with MIPS4 (Microprocessor Without Interlocking Pipeline Stages). 2) Ability to read a datasheet and understanding of how hardware works. 3) Time Where I am weak (today): Although I consider myself to have basic linux/gentoo skills there is a plethora of linux topics and technologies that I need to learn in a more methodical way. I am willing to do my homework, but I looking for the focus or direction of a project to force me to learn these things. What I hope to achieve: Learn more about the interfaces to the kernel and other resources. I eventually wish to be reasonably independent developing for an embedded system. An example of a project that may be appropriate is lm_sensors, but at this time I am unwilling to continuously buy hardware to develop on. If anybody has any serious ideas, I am more than willing to listen. -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us

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How to stop screen blanking while watching movie?
by Richard Klein Oct. 23, 2007

Oct. 23, 2007

Windows XP and OS X are both smart enough to not blank the screen or invoke the screensaver when I'm watching a movie. My P4m-based laptop (Dell Inspiron 8200) running debian etch blanks the screen after 15 minutes, even if I disable the screensaver and all power saving options. I don't watch movies on it that often, so I resigned myself to hitting the CTRL key every so often when I do. I installed Ubuntu Guilty Gibson on my Opteron-based desktop (Asus A8V Deluxe motherboard) yesterday and found it does exactly the same thing. Do you have any ideas how I can get them to stop blanking the screen, at least while I'm watching movies? -- Thanks! Rich

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Reminder: Upcoming Meeting Wed Oct 10th
by Andy Stewart Oct. 15, 2007

Oct. 15, 2007

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI Everybody, Our next WLUG meeting is approaching soon. On Wednesday, October 10th, 2007, we'll be having our Newbie Night at WLUG. On this occasion, new Linux users are most welcome to attend and ask their questions to the more experienced Linux users in a non-intimidating environment. Experienced folks are also welcome to attend to help out the new users. Try to remember what it was like when you were a new user and tailor your answers accordingly! The new folks will be very appreciative. Also, if some people would be willing to burn a few CDs or DVDs with their favorite Linux distribution or Live CD, then the new users will have choices that they can take home and try at their leisure. My personal recommendations would be Knoppix, (K)ubuntu, OpenSuse, Damn Small Linux, and some RedHat derivative (Fedora, CentOS, etc). Feel free to share whatever your favorite may be. I also think that a few laptops running these different distros would be great demo tools for the new users. One last note: unfortunately, I will not be present for this meeting. I will be in Austin, TX on business. I've asked Chuck and Frank if they would run the meeting. Just because I can't make it, you should all still get together and enjoy the meeting. This is your chance to make fun of me in my absence (as opposed to doing so in my presence!). :-) I will have access to email during my trip. Have fun, and remember, we were all new...once upon a time. Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFHBZkIHl0iXDssISsRApNrAJ9Vg/FOwrA5eef5MgUXZxgby3TwhACfdJ3h aDunlcUOkwxCP5xUgqGTlrE= =cjtu -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [Wlug] sshfs + certificate files + fstab?
by Jamie Guinan Sept. 21, 2007

Sept. 21, 2007

Sure, http://goonathon.net/misc/x.mount I keep in it ~/bin/ . I mount everything under ~/ssh/ (sshfs) or ~/ftp/ (curlftpfs). Usage: $ x.mount $ x.mount ~/ssh/bluebutton.com To unmount, $ fusermount -u /home/guinan/ssh/bluebutton.com but I usually mount as-needed and forget about it. -Jamie On Fri, 21 Sep 2007, Eric Stein wrote: > Could I get a look at that script? > > Eric > > Jamie Guinan wrote: > > What userid is invoking sshfs? If its in /etc/fstab, and you're using > > a setuid /bin/mount, it might be looking for authorized_keys under > > the setuid id's homedir (root?). > > > > In which case, you might also want to add "-o allow_other", and > > double-check the other sshfs options. > > > > Since I'm the only user of my sytsem, I use a little script, do it all > > under my userid, and avoid /etc/fstab. > > > > -Jamie > > > > > > On Fri, 21 Sep 2007, Eric Stein wrote: > > > > > >> I already do this for normal ssh and it doesn't work for sshfs - I get > >> queried for my password anyway. > >> > >> Eric > >> > >> Mike Leo wrote: > >> > >>> Create an ssh key on the local machine and put the public portion of > >>> it into the remote servers /home/user/.ssh/authorized_keys file then > >>> you can ssh(fs) without a password > >>> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Wlug mailing list > >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >> > >> > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

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Re: [Wlug] sshfs + certificate files + fstab?
by Jamie Guinan Sept. 21, 2007

Sept. 21, 2007

What userid is invoking sshfs? If its in /etc/fstab, and you're using a setuid /bin/mount, it might be looking for authorized_keys under the setuid id's homedir (root?). In which case, you might also want to add "-o allow_other", and double-check the other sshfs options. Since I'm the only user of my sytsem, I use a little script, do it all under my userid, and avoid /etc/fstab. -Jamie On Fri, 21 Sep 2007, Eric Stein wrote: > I already do this for normal ssh and it doesn't work for sshfs - I get > queried for my password anyway. > > Eric > > Mike Leo wrote: > > Create an ssh key on the local machine and put the public portion of > > it into the remote servers /home/user/.ssh/authorized_keys file then > > you can ssh(fs) without a password > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

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Re: [Wlug] sshfs + certificate files + fstab?
by Mike Leo Sept. 21, 2007

Sept. 21, 2007

Create an ssh key on the local machine and put the public portion of it into the remote servers /home/user/.ssh/authorized_keys file then you can ssh(fs) without a password ----- Original Message ---- From: Eric Stein <eastein(a)WPI.EDU> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 10:28:47 AM Subject: [Wlug] sshfs + certificate files + fstab? Eric, I remember you mentioned you knew how to use sshfs with certificates for passwordless mounting at the last meeting when we went out for pizza. How was that done? Eric _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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sshfs + certificate files + fstab?
by Eric Stein Sept. 21, 2007

Sept. 21, 2007

Eric, I remember you mentioned you knew how to use sshfs with certificates for passwordless mounting at the last meeting when we went out for pizza. How was that done? Eric

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Re: [Wlug] Can Feisty Fawn solve an iPod problem?
by Ben Childs Sept. 20, 2007

Sept. 20, 2007

In the worst case, once you have the 350 songs off the Ipod, you could just copy them over to the vista pc and then itunes on the vista pc will take care of the rest... -Ben Childs

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Re: [Wlug] Can Feisty Fawn solve an iPod problem?
by brad Sept. 18, 2007

Sept. 18, 2007

> Thanks Brad for the info. Yes, it's an HFS+ formatted iPod, and hence my > problem. I'll try the "touch test" test you suggest. I have a feeling > though, I may be out of luck. > My ipod is formatted as hfs+ and i can use it on linux. however i needed to disable the journal feature; that can only be done from within OS X. To do so plug your ipod into OS X and run diskutil -disableJournal <ipod_mount_point>. Although if you plan to reformat the ipod for visit, the format of the ipod will change from HFS+ to vfat, linux has fill read/write support for vfat; so writing to the ipod after you format for visita will not be a problem - brad

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Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics
by Mike Leo Sept. 15, 2007

Sept. 15, 2007

Also, it looks like my debian desktop calls it atsar for some reason ----- Original Message ---- From: "kstratton(a)fastmail.us" <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org>; Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 9:58:15 AM Subject: Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics Could you provide more information abdout "sar"? I tried wikipedia.com, and on my system: man, info, apropos and emerge (a gentoo distribution tool) for "sar". I did not find anything I thought was relevant.... On Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:18:22 -0700 (PDT), "Mike Leo" <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> said: > I learned about "sar" last night due to a server outage...check it out. > > I think it will server your purpose > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 5:42:55 PM > Subject: Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > Michael Long wrote: > > Hi All, > > > > I just install Ubuntu 6.06 lts. With the box up and running it appears > > that there is disk activity because the light on the case is active. > > However running top shows the box is basically idle (CPU < 1%) and "ps > > aux" shows nothing unusual. I do not claim to be a sys admin however so > > I may not be interpreting things correctly. The fans seem to be working > > harder than before as well. > > > > What command line tools should I be looking at determine the health of > > the machine and drives. The os is on an IDE drive and I have a raid > > (MegaRAID) for the other drive. > > > > I know this is a bit vague but I am not sure where to start. I have been > > using opensuse but now I do not have x or the other tools that come > > bundled with kde. > > > > Thanks, > > Mike > > HI Mike, > > Here's what I would try: > > a) Are you sure that the disk activity light on the case is properly > wired to your MB? Is the light constantly on, or does it flicker? > > b) unplug the network cable to insure that the disk activity isn't > caused by something on the network > > c) If you are sufficiently patient and wait, does the activity stop (say > in 5-10 minute)? > > d) What happens if you run "tail -f /var/log/messages" as root ? Lots > of messages here could cause disk activity. > > I'm sure other folks with have other ideas, but that's my 2cents, > devalued for inflation. > > HTH, > > Andy > > > - -- > Andy Stewart, Founder > Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) > Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) > Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) > Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org > > iD8DBQFG6wBfHl0iXDssISsRAmW4AJsF4LyFbM4xr0iZbSZX4aEFkSrh8gCfbTpP > /Cqxnygs6eR/rWTvB5/euKs= > =Gr5U > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics
by Mike Leo Sept. 15, 2007

Sept. 15, 2007

I learned about "sar" last night due to a server outage...check it out. I think it will server your purpose ----- Original Message ---- From: Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 5:42:55 PM Subject: Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Michael Long wrote: > Hi All, > > I just install Ubuntu 6.06 lts. With the box up and running it appears > that there is disk activity because the light on the case is active. > However running top shows the box is basically idle (CPU < 1%) and "ps > aux" shows nothing unusual. I do not claim to be a sys admin however so > I may not be interpreting things correctly. The fans seem to be working > harder than before as well. > > What command line tools should I be looking at determine the health of > the machine and drives. The os is on an IDE drive and I have a raid > (MegaRAID) for the other drive. > > I know this is a bit vague but I am not sure where to start. I have been > using opensuse but now I do not have x or the other tools that come > bundled with kde. > > Thanks, > Mike HI Mike, Here's what I would try: a) Are you sure that the disk activity light on the case is properly wired to your MB? Is the light constantly on, or does it flicker? b) unplug the network cable to insure that the disk activity isn't caused by something on the network c) If you are sufficiently patient and wait, does the activity stop (say in 5-10 minute)? d) What happens if you run "tail -f /var/log/messages" as root ? Lots of messages here could cause disk activity. I'm sure other folks with have other ideas, but that's my 2cents, devalued for inflation. HTH, Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFG6wBfHl0iXDssISsRAmW4AJsF4LyFbM4xr0iZbSZX4aEFkSrh8gCfbTpP /Cqxnygs6eR/rWTvB5/euKs= =Gr5U -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics
by Mike Leo Sept. 15, 2007

Sept. 15, 2007

I wont trick you...i know very little, but a senior was helping me the other day and showed me it. sar - Possibly one of the most useful (and vexing) commands you can use to monitor a system, System Activity Reporter gathers the specified information from the system on a scheduled basis and builds logfiles that you can then report on or mine specific timeframes to see what was going on between a set of time ticks. You can monitor many things with sar, including: file access routines, buffer activity, system call activity, block device activity, paging and much more. http://schogini.us/wordpress/index.php/2005/11/01/useful-linux-performance-… http://www.remote-dba.net/unix_linux/monitoring_commands.htm Using lvm? http://linux.about.com/library/cmd/blcmdl8_lvmsar.htm http://oklinux.org/oracle/Oracle9i_by_guppy.txt ----- Original Message ---- From: "kstratton(a)fastmail.us" <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org>; Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 9:58:15 AM Subject: Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics Could you provide more information abdout "sar"? I tried wikipedia.com, and on my system: man, info, apropos and emerge (a gentoo distribution tool) for "sar". I did not find anything I thought was relevant.... On Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:18:22 -0700 (PDT), "Mike Leo" <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> said: > I learned about "sar" last night due to a server outage...check it out. > > I think it will server your purpose > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 5:42:55 PM > Subject: Re: [Wlug] System diagnostics > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > Michael Long wrote: > > Hi All, > > > > I just install Ubuntu 6.06 lts. With the box up and running it appears > > that there is disk activity because the light on the case is active. > > However running top shows the box is basically idle (CPU < 1%) and "ps > > aux" shows nothing unusual. I do not claim to be a sys admin however so > > I may not be interpreting things correctly. The fans seem to be working > > harder than before as well. > > > > What command line tools should I be looking at determine the health of > > the machine and drives. The os is on an IDE drive and I have a raid > > (MegaRAID) for the other drive. > > > > I know this is a bit vague but I am not sure where to start. I have been > > using opensuse but now I do not have x or the other tools that come > > bundled with kde. > > > > Thanks, > > Mike > > HI Mike, > > Here's what I would try: > > a) Are you sure that the disk activity light on the case is properly > wired to your MB? Is the light constantly on, or does it flicker? > > b) unplug the network cable to insure that the disk activity isn't > caused by something on the network > > c) If you are sufficiently patient and wait, does the activity stop (say > in 5-10 minute)? > > d) What happens if you run "tail -f /var/log/messages" as root ? Lots > of messages here could cause disk activity. > > I'm sure other folks with have other ideas, but that's my 2cents, > devalued for inflation. > > HTH, > > Andy > > > - -- > Andy Stewart, Founder > Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) > Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) > Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) > Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org > > iD8DBQFG6wBfHl0iXDssISsRAmW4AJsF4LyFbM4xr0iZbSZX4aEFkSrh8gCfbTpP > /Cqxnygs6eR/rWTvB5/euKs= > =Gr5U > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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