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successful upgrade to openoffice.org 3.0 ; ubiquity of .docx; reaching college students with linux
by Andrew Perry Feb. 1, 2009

Feb. 1, 2009

Hi Everyone, (1) Thanks a million for all of the help, especially the link to the fantastic tutorial, posted by James Gray, I think. I am in the process of installing hardy updates, and it appears that openoffice.org 3.0 is part of what's being installed, so it looks like everything is working perfectly. (2) To Greg: yes, I could ask students to submit all of their assignments in .doc or .rtf format (or even open office format), but they most wouldn't listen. Many can't figure out how to save to any format but .docx. It's a perpetual hassle to nag them. Besides that, I get many files from colleagues, professors at my college and other colleges and universities, as well as the Mass. Dept. of Education, and increasingly, most are in Office 2007 formats. It's hard to convert the whole world to linux. (3) Here is a new issue for everyone who is interested in commenting. I am a mathematician but besides math ,I also teach a computer literacy course each semester. You would all be proud: I do my best every semester to convert students to the linux religion, or at least to make them aware of linux and the evils of Microsoft. However, for every student who finds my linux modules interesting (about 2 hours of a 45-hour course on average), there are a dozen who get annoyed and find the material boring and irrelevant. Once I brought in a PC running compiz and they found that mildly intriguing. They absolutely hate the movie "revolution os". If I pass out ubuntu cds, I doubt they get used. Can anyone suggest teaching resources (videos, for example) that would be likely to make an impact for non-technically minded college students ? Thanks, Andrew -Dr. Andrew B. Perry Dept. of Mathematics, Springfield College Schoo Hall Room 123 263 Alden St., Springfield MA 01109 Work Phone (413)748-3193

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Re: [Wlug] Wlug Digest, Vol 63, Issue 16
by Karl Lind Jan. 29, 2009

Jan. 29, 2009

As OpenOffice 3.0 is a DIFERENT branch from 2.4, the quickest way is to download and install 3.0. It is made to run in parallel and to allow you the chance to migrate anything that the install may have forgotten.All the data that is in your home directory will still be there and during the install you will have the option to use your old settings. Karl Lind On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:00 PM, <wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org> wrote: > Send Wlug mailing list submissions to > wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: problem upgrading openoffice.org to version 3.0 > (Gregory Avedissian) > 2. Re: problem upgrading openoffice.org to version 3.0 (James Gray) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:18:17 -0500 > From: Gregory Avedissian <avedis.g(a)verizon.net> > Subject: Re: [Wlug] problem upgrading openoffice.org to version 3.0 > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: <4981AC99.20403(a)verizon.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > > > Andrew Perry wrote: > > > [THE PROBLEM:] > > > > Unfortunately, I am at my wit's end to upgrade OpenOffice from 2.4.1 to > version 3 - which I need to open .docx and .xlsx files that my students at > Springfield College constantly send me. > > If these are class assignments that they're giving you, can't you specify > which file formats they use? > > Greg > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:22:16 -0500 > From: James Gray <jamespgray(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Wlug] problem upgrading openoffice.org to version 3.0 > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: > <1a6cab400901290722j306e156fp9033dc53e717fe22(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > There has been talk about getting ppa's signed, but you'll still need > to trust the signer. But that is always a problem with Free Software, > or anything else for that matter. > > On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 3:31 AM, randy cole <randyokc(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi Andy, > > > > I am reluctant to add unofficial repositories, not wanting to "pollute" > my > > "pure" installation. > > > > More important question, how do you decide what repositories to trust? I > > thought I read something about launchpad apps being unsigned too... > > > > So, I downloaded the official package. (source tarball? I think?) No > > integration, grr! Worse, when I bring up my resume the indent & > pagination > > was off. That was a dealbreaker, so oo 2.4 for now on Linux. And I > don't > > see much difference. > > > > Randy > > randyokc at gmail dot com > > > > Andy Stewart wrote: > > > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > James Gray wrote: > > > > > > This should do the trick for Open Office 3 in 8.04 (code named Hardy > Haron): > > > > deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/openoffice-pkgs/ppa/ubuntu hardy main > > > > Do you know how to add this repository in synaptic? Otherwise you can > > look here: > > > > > http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-To-Install-OpenOffice-org-3-0-in-Ubuntu-… > > > > *HOWEVER* in this example the deb line is for a different release then > > what you have so you need to use the line I provided above instead. > > > > Good luck and let us know how it goes, > > > > ~James > > > > > > HI Andrew, > > > > I'm not sure if it was clear, but the line that James suggested in his > > response needs to be added to the /etc/apt/sources.list file, if I'm not > > mistaken. You are telling the Ubuntu packaging system (apt) where to > > find the OpenOffice software package. There's probably a way to add > > this repository via the GUI as well. > > > > After you edit the /etc/apt/sources.list file, you need to update your > > package lists, and then if all works correctly, you should be able to > > install Open Office 3.mumble. > > > > Let us know how it goes, and then we'll know which blanks to fill in to > > help you further. Good luck! > > > > 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 > > > > iD8DBQFJf+94Hl0iXDssISsRAo9pAJ93oZbVjnrPTZXi2OUEzsR4VNxU8gCfaOC/ > > 4e1anUU1SiSPT/TFgFk6gns= > > =KnSY > > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > End of Wlug Digest, Vol 63, Issue 16 > ************************************ >

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problem upgrading openoffice.org to version 3.0
by Andrew Perry Jan. 29, 2009

Jan. 29, 2009

Hi Everyone, [GREETINGS:] I have a Dell Inspiron 1420 running Ubuntu 8.04, Hardy Heron. I bought it from Dell, preloaded with Ubuntu, at about the time Dell started selling linux preloaded. I'm knowledgable about computers relative to the general public but probably will be a perpetual "newbie" to this crowd since, for example, I have never learned how to use the comamnd line well. I started using linux seriously when distros like Ubuntu came out that, supposedly, took care of most of the technical details so that a "normal user" could use linux without spending all his free time troubleshooting and reading manuals. Part of what made me "convert" was fantastic folks like LUG members; I love the linux community and am grateful for the help WLUG members have offered at times. [THE PROBLEM:] Unfortunately, I am at my wit's end to upgrade OpenOffice from 2.4.1 to version 3 - which I need to open .docx and .xlsx files that my students at Springfield College constantly send me. I've been wanting to do this for months and haven't had any luck looking in online help files. The openoffice.org help files direct me to options that simply aren't there. For example: "Choose Help- Check For Updates to check manually" - but there is no such option in my help menu ! "To check for updates automatically, Choose Tools- Options - OpenOffice.Org- Online Update" - again, the promised option, "Online Update" , simply isn't there. I tried to uninstall and reinstall OpenOffice.org in "add/remove programs" , but the default package manager (adept?synaptic? it doesn't say which it is, but I think it is synaptic) won't let me uninstall the "base package" as other packages require it. I could try to upgrade the whole distro to Ubuntu 8.10, but am reluctant totake the risk of crashing the computer and feel it shouldn't really be necessary. [HELP?] Can anyone help ? Solutions comprehensible to a "perpetual" newbie will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Andrew Perry

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My HP Laser Jet works!
by Ken Jones Jan. 29, 2009

Jan. 29, 2009

Thank you again WLUGers. I went to the page Brian recommended, followed the instructions, struggled with a couple of stupid mistakes and finally got my Fedora 4 box SAMBA writing on my HP Laser Jet attached to USB003 of my XP machine. Ken Jones Brian J. Conway wrote: --------- It looks like it's supported by the foo2zjs package: http://www.linuxprinting.org/show_printer.cgi?recnum=HP-LaserJet_1020 Haven't used it myself or checked Fedora, but I see it available in Debian 4.0/Etch -----------

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Self-Introduction : Markus McLaughlin
by Markus McLaughlin Jan. 28, 2009

Jan. 28, 2009

Hi, my name is Markus McLaughlin, I run a small Linux Blog, I reside in Hudson, I been wanting to join your group and get some expert advice on Fedora 10. I am not a Programmer, I am an Advanced User who wants to learn Fedora, I don't mind tinkering with it so I get to work right. Ubuntu is cool but it's not American based like Fedora is. Does the group have an IRC channel? I like to IRC chat with everyone here when I have some free time! I hope we can ALL make a small difference in the Linux Community! M. McLaughlin linuxglobe.wordpress.com Hudson, MA, USA

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Problem with a HP Laser Jet printer.
by Ken Jones Jan. 28, 2009

Jan. 28, 2009

Subject: Re: [Wlug] Problem with a HP Laser Jet 1020 printer. Tim Keller <turbofx(a)gmail.com> wrote: Are you trying to print through the XP box to the printer from your linux box? I ask because I just looks at my CUPS configuration and I have an option for "LaserJet 1020" as a printer. ----------------- Tim, Sounds like my Linux package 2.6.16-1.2115_FC4 is old and out-of-date. Time to get foo2zjs. Thanks, all, Ken

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Problem with a HP Laser Jet printer.
by Ken Jones Jan. 28, 2009

Jan. 28, 2009

Folks, thank you for past help. Here's another one... I have an HP Laser Jet 1020 black and white printer attached to a PC running Windows XP Professional. It is my home network shared printer. I have no problem using it from other Windows machines. I am having no luck using it from my Linux boxes. (a Fedora and an Aurora). The CUPS package does not have a driver for this printer. I understand that this laser printer is a bit different from other HP laser jets, but I do not understand how this relates to my problem. Without me going into all the details of my guessing game do any of you know exactly what I should do? Ken Jones

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Newbie's Guide to Linux
by Richard Klein Jan. 28, 2009

Jan. 28, 2009

I haven't read this yet; the link just came across my inbox. It sounds helpful, though. http://www.linuxworld.com/nllinuxopensourc179761 -- Rich

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HP T5720 info...
by Tim Keller Jan. 23, 2009

Jan. 23, 2009

Hey Gang, So last night I'd mentioned as an alternative to a NSLU2 was one of these HP T571X machines that can be found on eBay for around $100. Currently the HP has a very stripped down Debian install on a 32GB SSD. Last night the box was stressed all night and didn't crash (this was after tuning down the DMA) Also I've put up pictures of a "fitPC" that my other coworker is playing with. Both of these machines are going to be used for home automation stuff. In fact the guy who bought the HP is using an Adrino with a home built circuit to read the information off of his pool chemistry controller. I've posted some pictures on my picasa site so people can see how it's all setup, with a standard hard drive for comparison. Here's a link to the pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/turbofx/Micro_pcs# Later, Tim. -- I am weary of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".

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Early reminder: upcoming WLUG meeting
by Andy Stewart Jan. 23, 2009

Jan. 23, 2009

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI everybody, We have a WLUG meeting coming up NEXT week on Thursday, January 22, 2009. I'm looking for a speaker for this meeting, or any future meeting for that matter. If you are doing cool things with Linux that you'd like to share with the group, please send me an email. Thanks, 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 iD8DBQFJb7OAHl0iXDssISsRAuc8AJ9EpYNe0HIv+CpP2QCAm7ruu2ivNgCfbvy3 q5WLNNARzTy0KQGGr4MOptI= =nGqy -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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