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Re: [Wlug] REMINDER: WLUG meeting coming up

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 kstratton(a)fastmail.us wrote: > Some 1st timers questions: > > 1) How do I get there? I have never been to the WPI campus and a street > address would be helpful. Hi "1st timer", There are directions posted here for your convenience: http://www.wlug.org/directions.html The address is: 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609 One can find those directions from the WLUG home page, click "WLUG Meetings" (the yellow box near the top of the screen), and from there scroll to the bottom of the page to find the "directions" link. > 2) Where do I park? (part of question 1) Anyplace you can find an available spot - there is no cost for parking. Sometimes there are places on campus, and other times one needs to park on an adjacent street. It varies from meeting to meeting depending upon campus activities. The directions link is more specific about places to park on campus to minimize walking. Here is a link to a WPI campus map: http://www.wlug.org/files/wpi_campus_map.pdf > 3) Is it OK to be a lillte late and how late does the meeting go? We try to start right around 7:00 PM and the meeting generally runs to about 8:30 PM (occasionally later, but never past 9:00 PM that I can recall). If you're a few minutes late, we won't force you to install Windows or anything like that. We promise not to bolt down the doors at 7:00:01 PM. :-) Thanks for your interest in WLUG! Hopefully, you'll be able to make it on Thursday. See ya 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 iD8DBQFGw4/FHl0iXDssISsRAgIfAKCHnlNvgfYOvZkSUmVX/Gv9VFAkWwCcDXNl RH1wAYOniDcA2AXVCoIpIh0= =sbGC -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Aug. 15, 2007

Re: [Wlug] REMINDER: WLUG meeting coming up

by kstratton＠fastmail.us

Some 1st timers questions: 1) How do I get there? I have never been to the WPI campus and a street address would be helpful. 2) Where do I park? (part of question 1) 3) Is it OK to be a lillte late and how late does the meeting go? On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:20:52 -0400, "Andy Stewart" <andystewart(a)comcast.net> said: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > > HI Everybody, > > Its that time again for a WLUG meeting: > > Thursday, August 16th > 7:00 PM > Access Grid Room > WPI Campus > Worcester, MA USA > > See ya there! > > 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 > > iD8DBQFGwn8kHl0iXDssISsRAikMAJ9zfo16xjYwhPIRJFOIr2D0raS23ACcDEmA > D3w9ynOUYfEUFrgymuELv90= > =Jnxo > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us

Aug. 15, 2007

REMINDER: WLUG meeting coming up

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI Everybody, Its that time again for a WLUG meeting: Thursday, August 16th 7:00 PM Access Grid Room WPI Campus Worcester, MA USA See ya there! 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 iD8DBQFGwn8kHl0iXDssISsRAikMAJ9zfo16xjYwhPIRJFOIr2D0raS23ACcDEmA D3w9ynOUYfEUFrgymuELv90= =Jnxo -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Aug. 15, 2007

Linux meta-questions - platform choice

by Adam Keck

Hello All, I have some "meta-Linux" questions regarding platform choice. I am wondering if anyone knows of any research, papers, or other work that has been done on the topic. Given two major types of IT infrastructure: - Heterogeneous, where each application/service uses the platform to which it is best suited. - Homogeneous, where one bends a particular platform to fit every edge case. where the platform can be anything from and OS to a language to an application stack. o Under what general conditions is one infrastructure type more efficient than the other? o What other types of infrastructure are there? o More generally, how does one compare infrastructures in a rigorous manner? - How does one rigorously define "efficient" when comparing concepts like infrastructures? - What other metrics, besides "efficiency" (however defined) may be useful in comparing infrastructures? Does anyone know of any work where this topic has been abstracted and analyzed mathematically? Or of any trade papers where this question has been looked at in practice? So far, I found the following paper via Google: http://uic.edu/cba/cba-depts/ids/IDSNewsFiles/JGITM_Evaristopaper.pdf that seems to be on the topic and some hits on arxiv that appear related but not specifically on the topic. This relates to Linux in that convincing an organization to switch entirely over to Linux seems to be prohibitively hard in practice, but if one can show that the heterogeneous case above can be more efficient, then one can make the case for using Linux where it fits best. Thanks for any info/opinions/personal experiences! -Adam

Aug. 10, 2007

[Fwd: looking for someone to do system administration]

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI gang, Can anybody help out Anita? If so, please contact her directly. THanks! Andy - -------- Original Message -------- Subject: looking for someone to do system administration Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 17:43:45 -0400 From: Anita Wos <anita(a)artofrowing.com> To: andystewart(a)comcast.net Andy- I came across your name on the WLUG web site. Perhaps you can head me in the right direction. I am looking for someone to do System Administration on my Cobalt web server. It runs Apache, mySQL and pHp. It runs a couple of web sites. If you have any ideas, please let me know. - - Anita - -- The Art of Rowing 279 Plantation Street, 1st floor Worcester, MA 01604 tel: 978-342-8333 http://www.ArtofRowing.com Anita Wos anita(a)artofrowing.com <mailto:anita@artofrowing.com> mobile phone: 978-808-1102 - -- 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 iD8DBQFGt6/3Hl0iXDssISsRAvR4AJ96n9QU6ubmvNa0bJN3VAV0XPX86wCfc2Rq 57Ba3eYAzgBsjiZPJxiQlQU= =EFYE -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Aug. 6, 2007

Re: [Wlug] Anybody want a really cheap computer?

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 kstratton(a)fastmail.us wrote: > Even though nobody said to do this, I personally would be careful using > the decTOP directly wired to the car battery. I have seen car batteries > under charge with 15 volts or more at the terminals. This is outside > the range of the ATX power suply standard for the 12V output (+-5%) > acording to: http://www.formfactors.org/developer\specs\ATX12V > PSDG2.01.pdf. My greatest concern is for the 3.5" hard drive and > possibly the DC to DC converter that converts the 12V to a logic level > voltages. Point well taken - thanks! There is the theoretical possibility of slightly modifying the box to use something like this: http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-60-WI?sc=8&category=13 Granted, I haven't checked the specs in sufficient detail, but there is hope. :-) Also, I've sent email to the decTOP folks asking them for the spec and tolerances for the 12Vdc input. Once I get this info, I'll pass it along. 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 iD8DBQFGtonUHl0iXDssISsRAqRiAJ42at0gvTzEghAhnIck0Kr/i8ph3wCdF8ZV s2bUk14IPE+cN4F0+Zs4iEg= =Zdyj -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Aug. 6, 2007

Re: [Wlug] Anybody want a really cheap computer?

by Brian J. Conway

On Sun, 5 Aug 2007 14:41:35 -0400 (EDT) Jamie Guinan <guinan(a)bluebutton.com> wrote: > On Fri, 27 Jul 2007, Andy Stewart wrote: > > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > > > HI everybody, > > > > Check this link: > > http://www.dataevolution.com/dectop%20info%202.htm > > > > This company bought the assets to the AMD PIC (personal internet > > computer). They're selling it for $99, or three for $299. > > > > Yes, it runs Linux. Here is one person's experience: > > http://jsco.org/dectop/ > > > > I wonder if this machine would make a good LTSP thin client...hummmmm. > > Perhaps a topic for a future WLUG meeting? > > > > See ya later, > > > > Andy > > I remember reading about this when it came out a few years ago. It was > intended for the same market that OLPC is now aiming for. Hence the > rugged "big mac" case. :) Of course it lacks a monitor. > > A few others to consider, > > Nicer form factor, but slower CPU (166MHz), no HD: > http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS6828123924.html > http://www.norhtec.com/products/mcjr/index.html > > USB 2.0, but pricier (price listed in Euros): > http://www.linutop.com/ > > Consumer variant of OLPC XO1, whenever it comes out. > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC > > Not to discourage you - the PIC looks like a fun little box! > > -Jamie Here's a couple more that looked like fun toys: http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5551137361.html http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS2862783342.html (fee-based) The first one's a little pricey, but would make a great router/firewall with two onboard ethernet ports. Brian J. Conway

Aug. 6, 2007

Re: [Wlug] Anybody want a really cheap computer?

by Jamie Guinan

On Fri, 27 Jul 2007, Andy Stewart wrote: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > > HI everybody, > > Check this link: > http://www.dataevolution.com/dectop%20info%202.htm > > This company bought the assets to the AMD PIC (personal internet > computer). They're selling it for $99, or three for $299. > > Yes, it runs Linux. Here is one person's experience: > http://jsco.org/dectop/ > > I wonder if this machine would make a good LTSP thin client...hummmmm. > Perhaps a topic for a future WLUG meeting? > > See ya later, > > Andy I remember reading about this when it came out a few years ago. It was intended for the same market that OLPC is now aiming for. Hence the rugged "big mac" case. :) Of course it lacks a monitor. A few others to consider, Nicer form factor, but slower CPU (166MHz), no HD: http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS6828123924.html http://www.norhtec.com/products/mcjr/index.html USB 2.0, but pricier (price listed in Euros): http://www.linutop.com/ Consumer variant of OLPC XO1, whenever it comes out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC Not to discourage you - the PIC looks like a fun little box! -Jamie

Aug. 5, 2007

Re: [Wlug] Anybody want a really cheap computer?

by kstratton＠fastmail.us

On Sun, 05 Aug 2007 09:50:11 -0400, "Andy Stewart" <andystewart(a)comcast.net> said: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > kstratton(a)fastmail.us wrote: > > My understanding is that playing flash movies is still at the alpha > > stage (gnash project http://www.gnu.org/software/gnash) For that > > reason alone, I would not give something like that to my mother. Is > > there a movie playing technology that is stable enough for general > > purpose consumption? > > > > One negative of the decTOP that is not obvious is that the decTop does > > not have an integrated network adaptor (based on a web page), instead it > > comes with a USB to network adaptor. If anyone has any suggestions, > > please let me know. I am willing to consider ARM or MIPS boards. > > decTOP likes: > > 1) low power usage (if I believe web pages, 8W) > > 2) standard memory and hard drive interface > > 3) video interface provided as well as mouse and keyboard > > 4) low price > > I still have to do some reading up on the TCP/IP protocol before > > actually deciding to buy something. > > Another thing that I like about the decTOP is that it takes a 12Vdc > input. That lends itself very well to ham radio related operations, > where most equipment takes 12Vdc (think: car battery). Also, a good > percentage of the 8W is to run the hard drive. I can imagine swapping > that out for a flash card and saving lots of power, which would be > important in some applications. > > If it weren't for the $40 shipping, I'd probably have bought one of > these by now. Shipping for four of these was $45 (I think), so if three > other people are interested, I'll split shipping with you. Just let me > know. > > 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 > > iD8DBQFGtdWTHl0iXDssISsRAlWYAJ0WhxA3RLXdi93qeepwscSzgVh2gwCfeiiG > mx807TDl2mRou4IUN8okVW4= > =djEY > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug Even though nobody said to do this, I personally would be careful using the decTOP directly wired to the car battery. I have seen car batteries under charge with 15 volts or more at the terminals. This is outside the range of the ATX power suply standard for the 12V output (+-5%) acording to: http://www.formfactors.org/developer\specs\ATX12V PSDG2.01.pdf. My greatest concern is for the 3.5" hard drive and possibly the DC to DC converter that converts the 12V to a logic level voltages. I was considering managing the power with some kind of script using hdparm to bring the hard drive in and out of sleep, but there are more than a few technical details to be worked out. -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us

Aug. 5, 2007

Re: [Wlug] Anybody want a really cheap computer?

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 kstratton(a)fastmail.us wrote: > My understanding is that playing flash movies is still at the alpha > stage (gnash project http://www.gnu.org/software/gnash) For that > reason alone, I would not give something like that to my mother. Is > there a movie playing technology that is stable enough for general > purpose consumption? > > One negative of the decTOP that is not obvious is that the decTop does > not have an integrated network adaptor (based on a web page), instead it > comes with a USB to network adaptor. If anyone has any suggestions, > please let me know. I am willing to consider ARM or MIPS boards. > decTOP likes: > 1) low power usage (if I believe web pages, 8W) > 2) standard memory and hard drive interface > 3) video interface provided as well as mouse and keyboard > 4) low price > I still have to do some reading up on the TCP/IP protocol before > actually deciding to buy something. Another thing that I like about the decTOP is that it takes a 12Vdc input. That lends itself very well to ham radio related operations, where most equipment takes 12Vdc (think: car battery). Also, a good percentage of the 8W is to run the hard drive. I can imagine swapping that out for a flash card and saving lots of power, which would be important in some applications. If it weren't for the $40 shipping, I'd probably have bought one of these by now. Shipping for four of these was $45 (I think), so if three other people are interested, I'll split shipping with you. Just let me know. 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 iD8DBQFGtdWTHl0iXDssISsRAlWYAJ0WhxA3RLXdi93qeepwscSzgVh2gwCfeiiG mx807TDl2mRou4IUN8okVW4= =djEY -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Aug. 5, 2007