>From: "Martin, Eric" <MartinE@worc.k12.ma.us> >Reply-To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug@mail.wlug.org> >To: "'Worcester Linux Users Group'" <wlug@mail.wlug.org> >Subject: RE: [Wlug] For discussion: A Worthy LUG project? (was gmail invites) >Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 09:03:27 -0400 > >I like the idea, could be fun!  However, I think hosting would be the >biggest hump... > >-----Original Message----- >From: Bob George [mailto:mailings02@ttlexceeded.com] >Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 4:55 PM >To: Worcester Linux Users Group >Subject: [Wlug] For discussion: A Worthy LUG project? (was gmail invites) > > >Frank Sweetser wrote: > > >>[...] > >>Is there a benefit to having a gmail account, other than the free > >>space? > > > > Gmail actually is pretty neat.  The whole archive and search vs > > folders takes a little getting used to, but I think they implemented > > it pretty nicely.  It ends up giving you a very flexible view of your > > email archives. > > > > Oh yeah, and it's about an order of magnitutde faster than any other > > webmail service I've tried =) > >As a long time Linux enthusiast, I've never quite understood the thrill >of having 1GB of my personal data stored on someone else's server, much >less on one that is hosted by a company that -- while mostly playing >nice now -- reserves the right to do whatever with that data later. > >I've also not understood why that would be any more attractive than the >building of a (better, faster, bigger) server of my own, particularly >given the wealth of tools available to us GPL. > >On the BLU list recently, there was much discussion about building a >cluster, but plans stalled when the reality of power and HVAC were >detailed. However, hosting a box or two somewhere didn't seem to be an >issue. > >So... For the tech-minded but still willing to store personal stuff >outside, wouldn't a secure, private (as in gpg) and shared Gmail >alternative make a good LUG project? > >I know many folks are looking for ways to get experience doing >real-world things, and enough of us probably are interested in specific >aspects of this to be involved at varying levels. Others may have >hardware available for dontation. > >So... >1.) Is there interest in something like this >2.) Where could it be housed/hosted and what would it cost? > >Advantages I see are: >1.) A cool LUG project. I haven't heard of anyone doing this, and it >makes for a nice "Gmail? Hah!" response at techie gatherings. >2.) A good hands-on project for the curious (apache, webmail, gpg/pgp, >spamassassin, system hardening, procmail, php/whatever, mysql, etc.) >3.) We can address Gmail shortcomings >4.) We can enhance security and privacy (gpg/pgp, encrypted data and >other options come to mind) >5.) We can allow users more direct (and effective) spam control >(spamassassin, milters come to mind -- allow each user more control!) >6.) We can allow POP/IMAP access to/from the server (secure SMTP?) >7.) A good place to store LUG files etc. (be good now) >8.) Cool WLUG domain names! > >Disadvantages abound of course: >1.) Time - Effort to get started, and over the hump >2.) Money - Hosting primarily >3.) Support - Who'll fix it >4.) Scalability - Will it be killed by success? How much room can be >allocated per-user? How big of a box before it buckles? > > > >_______________________________________________ >Wlug mailing list >Wlug@mail.wlug.org >http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >_______________________________________________ >Wlug mailing list >Wlug@mail.wlug.org >http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug