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Re: [Alug] IRC meeting reminders
by MJ Ray 04 Dec '00

04 Dec '00

Adam Bower <abower(a)zeus.com> writes: > I could do it from a box at work but maybe the list admin (Savs or > Mark?) would have a better way of doing it? No, I'd just be lobbing it in cron, too. Anyone got a better idea? -- MJR

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["Jo Denton" <jdenton@sybex.co.uk>] Fw: Sybex books
by MJ Ray 04 Dec '00

04 Dec '00

Three weeks on and this goes out by mail rather than on the website. Useless. Hope you enjoy the article and if anyone wants to act on this (almost certainly too late), just let the list know so we don't get too many people claiming to be ALUG's rep. From: "Jo Denton" <jdenton(a)sybex.co.uk> To: <uklugs(a)lug.org.uk> Subject: Fw: Sybex books Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 16:13:45 -0000 Our world respected and best-selling author Craig Hunt is coming to the UK early Dec (he will be appearing at the linux user conference), and I would really like to see if we could do something exclusively with your members -- a workshop, or talk for example. I know the 6th Dec is now only 3 weeks away, but I'd be happy to design and print leaflets by the end of this week for us to distribute to your members. Because I'm keen to develop our relationship and work with you in the future, are there any other ways you can utilise Craig's knowledge and skills during his stay? And if you could advise me of when your Developer's conferences are next year that would be a big help so I can budget our involvement. Best wishes, Jo Denton ================= Linux DNS Server Administration (Craig Hunt Linux Library) By Craig Hunt ISBN: 0-7821-2736-3 Interview with Craig Hunt July 2000 How did you get started in the computer industry? Twenty-five years ago I took a programming job writing financial applications. Most people would not think writing billing and accounting programs was very exciting, but I loved it. It wasn't the subject matter, because in truth it didn't take me long to move on to other more advanced programming problems. What I loved was the creative act of building a new program. As I moved from programmer to system programmer to network designer and finally to chief of a network research organization, I never lost my love for the creativity that underlies all of computing. How did you get started working with Linux? For many years my professional career has been focused on Unix. The PC I had at home was little more than a terminal I used to login to the Unix system located in my office. I wanted to have Unix at home on my PC. I started by putting a free version of BSD Unix on my PC. However, I quickly discovered that Linux could support more types of hardware and that it had a larger, more vibrant community of supports. I switched my home system to Linux and soon replaced my office system with a Linux system. What has kept you working with Linux? The creativity that I love about computing is a palpable presence in the Linux community. Linux is built by a worldwide group of creative people who contribute to the development effort for the sheer joy of creating something worthwhile. Every time a new version of Linux is released I'm surprised by the quality of the software included with the system. Linux gives me everything I want in an operating system. Until something better comes along, I intend to stick with it. What does Linux offer that other operating systems do not? Linux offers many things. Here's just a few: Linux offers the same proven network services as Unix. Whether you build a Domain Name Server, an e-mail server or a Web server with Linux, you will be using the most widely used and tested server software on the Internet. Linux offers PC hardware compatibility that is comparable to the hardware support offered by Windows NT. PC hardware device drivers are generally available for Linux before they are available for Unix Linux is Open Source Software, which means you get the source code for the entire operating system. Because the source code is available to everyone, third party support for Linux is excellent. Third party support personnel can know as much about the Linux system as any Linux developer. Also, Linux does not have the "registry barrier" you find in Windows NT. All configuration files are human readable text that lends itself to automation. Linux is available free of charge. It is possible to use Linux in non- profit organizations where the cost of software is a significant barrier. Linux is extremely reliable. A system crash is unheard of. Also it is highly available. Installing application software upgrades does not require a system restart. How do you think Linux will evolve? Right now commercial customers primarily view Linux as a platform for network services. That will change as more college students who are familiar with Unix and Linux enter the workplace and choose Linux as a desktop. In addition to these new Linux-savvy customers, Linux vendors, particularly Caldera and Corel, are working to make a desktop Linux that appeals to a mass audience. Linux is also moving into embedded applications and dedicated systems. I think Linux will play a big role in the upcoming surge of Internet information appliances. What resources do you use to keep abreast of new Linux topics? (sites, journals, etc.) I read the Linux Journal, which is my favorite Linux magazine. I also visit the abundance of good Linux Web sites. Starting at www.linuxworld.com is a good idea because it has links to a very large number of other sites including www.linux.com, www.linux.org, slashdot.org, www.freshmeat.net, lwn.net and www.li.org, all of which I use. What other topics do you write about? I have written books about Unix and about Windows NT. All of my books are intended for system administrators and all of them focus on networking servers. My book TCP/IP Network Administration, O'Reilly, 1998, is a good example. How did you get started as a computer book writer? Ten years ago I was teaching a short course on TCP/IP networking at a local college. I accepted an invitation to speak on the same subject at a Usenix conference. An editor from O'Reilly & Associates attended my talk and asked if I would be interested in writing a book on the subject. Since I couldn't find a decent book for my college course and I had already written a 250- page course workbook on the topic, I accepted the offer. Little did I know how much more difficult it would be to write a real book than it was to write a course workbook! Is writing a full-time job for you? If not, what's your "real" job? Writing has just become my full-time job, at least for the next year or so. I recently left my full-time job to dedicate myself to creating high quality technical books about Linux. Over the next year, I will be working with other authors to create a comprehensive line of books for Linux system administrators. Linux DNS Server Administration is the first book in this line, which is called the Craig Hunt Linux Library. Until October 1999, my real job was network research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. I came to the research side of NIST from the operational side where I was a system and network administrator and the head of the network engineering group. What do you think makes a good computer book? In my field, system and network administration, a good book needs to respect the knowledge and skill of the reader. These readers are not amateurs. They are computer professionals. Perhaps the specific topic is new to them, but not the subject of computers. The writer must assume the role of a mentor in a particular field who is explaining that field to a respected colleague. A good book explains why things are done and how the underlying system works. It doesn't waste time explaining simple tasks that the professional reader can grasp without any explanation. A good book has more content in 600 pages than a poorly written book has in 1000 pages. In your opinion, how does the Craig Hunt Linux Library series differ from other books on the same technologies? The books in the Craig Hunt Linux Library differ from other books about DNS, Samba, sendmail and the other technologies by maintaining a consistent format and focus. The focus is clear. It is on Linux and Linux alone. This gives the Linux system administrator more accurate information than they would get from a book that tries to cover every variety of Unix. It also creates a "cleaner", well-organized book that does a better job of telling the story of the underlying technology. The consistent format across the line of books helps the system administrator know what information is contained in each book and where to find it. This is a great benefit for Linux administrators because, at present, no comprehensive line of Linux references exists that has a consistent design and consistent goals. When Linux was a hobbyist operating system this didn't matter. Now that professional administrators use it for mission critical applications, it needs proper documentation. What did you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing Linux DNS Server Administration? The most challenging part of writing Linux DNS Server Administration was developing the logical structure of the book. DNS is a complex subject that can be made even more complex by a book that lacks a logical flow. Linux DNS Server Administration has a logical structure that takes the reader from an understanding of the underlying protocols and architecture to mastery of advanced server configurations. Once the structure was developed, the text flowed logically from that structure. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? While writing Linux DNS Server Administration I had no spare time! But when the pace is not as hectic I love to travel and enjoy the outdoors, splitting time between the mountains and the sea. When I'm at home I love to listen to music, which is something I can do when I'm writing. If money weren't an issue, what job would you like to have? An author; I love to write. It has the same creative energy that first drew me to programming. And I like to think I'm good at it. What are your thoughts about the computer industry and where it's heading? The days of monolithic, "one-size-fits-all" solutions are fading. I love the general-purpose computer system that does anything I want it to. But for others, this type of system is too complex and many of its features are unnecessary. Many people would prefer a network appliance that performs a single dedicated function: a device that you simply turn on and it works. These appliances may be the next growth area for the computer industry. =========================== PRESS RELEASE London, August 30, 2000--- Sybex, International announces the release of Linux DNS Server Administration, by Craig Hunt, the first book in the new Craig Hunt Linux Library. Designed to provide seasoned Linux administrators with the most complete, advanced DNS information available, the book provides step-by-step techniques, and clear examples to illustrate both standard and complex Linux skills. Linux DNS Server Administration can be found at online and retail stores for £29.99. The author, Craig Hunt, is a noted TCP/IP and Linux expert who lectures regularly on topics at the Networld+ Interop, ComNet and other networking trade shows. He is known for his thorough understanding of the Linux kernel and his outstanding ability to communicate it to an audience. Other books include Linux Network Servers 24seven and the upcoming Linux Apache Web Server Administration also from the Craig Hunt Linux Library. (TCP/IP Network Administration from O'Reilly & Associates) The Craig Hunt Linux Library is an eight-book set that provides in-depth, advanced coverage of the key topics for Linux administrators. Craig has identified the key elements of the Linux Operating system that require extensive knowledge to master and turned them into references that show administrators how to configure, maintain and troubleshoot their own Linux networking environments. Other books in the new series include Linux Apache Web Server Administration, -- available October 2000 Linux System Administration, -- available November 2000 Linux Samba Server Administration, -- available November 2000 Linux Sendmail Administration -- available February 2001 Linux NFS and Automounter Administration -- available March 2001 For more information, contact Jo Denton, Marketing Manager at Sybex on 020 7604 3769 or email jdenton(a)sybex.co.uk -- MJR

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JOB AD
by MJ Ray 03 Dec '00

03 Dec '00

Does anyone mind job ads here? If so, I'll stop sending them on and we can all read linux-jobs.co.uk or similar. Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2000 16:42:04 +0000 To: uklugs(a)lug.org.uk From: Frederick Frank <frederick.frank(a)legn.com> Subject: Business wishing to submit to user groups. To whom it may concern: The company I work for is seeking a Linux administrator. If you consider that your members/subscribers might be interested in this opportunity, I would be grateful if you would forward it to your user group mailing lists. Below is a copy of my proposed submission. Thank you for your attention. Regards, Frederick Frank. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Legion seeks Linux administrator. Legion Ltd. is the world's leading expert in using scientific methods to plan and design large public environments. We have recently installed ADSL, a Linux firewall/mailserver and a central Linux server on a small (10 users) network of Windows clients in our London office and are looking for a network administrator. The local network will grow to 15-20 in the next six months and there is potential for a broader remit involving an international IT infrastructure within 6-12 months. Work would include: - Setting up file shares; - Internet connections; - Public & private web sites; - E-mail; - Firewalling; - Printing; and, - Back-up configuration & scripting. Remuneration would be in the order of £20k-£25k. Experience required. Please could those interested in an interview submit a CV and covering letter by email, fax or post to: Frederick Frank Legion 22-26 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TJ Tel: 020 7793 0200 Fax: 020 7793 8948 Email: frederick.frank(a)legn.com -- MJR

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News
by MJ Ray 01 Dec '00

01 Dec '00

| | W | A | http://www.bbspot.com/News/2000/11/linux_bash.html L | L | | | -- MJR

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Missing person
by MJ Ray 27 Nov '00

27 Nov '00

I wonder why they want him? From: Andrew Akhurst <andrew.akhurst(a)itconnections.co.uk> To: "'uklugs(a)lug.org.uk'" <uklugs(a)lug.org.uk> Subject: Help! Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2000 11:46:01 -0000 Hi I'am not sure if you can help, but would be grateful if you can. I am trying to locate a Linux Developer by the name of Mike Armstrong, I have some information that I would like to share with him. All I know is that he works for a Linux development company in the South East. Thankyou for your help. Andrew Akhurst IT Connections Ltd Bedford Business Centre Mile road Bedford MK42 9TW Telephone:01234 405504 E-Mail:andrew.akhurst@itconnections.co.uk Facsimile:01234 405508 URL http://www.itconnections.co.uk

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Mandrake 7.2
by Deana 27 Nov '00

27 Nov '00

Apologies that in previous postings I never quite got the hang of replying to existing threads. Regarding previous posting on Linux Mandrake 7.2 install, I should have looked more closely rather than trusting the installation routine. Pine, fetchmail, etc *were* included, but for whatever reason were never copied over. In my 6th and absolutely final attempt with this distro, I ignored "complete" installation, let the install routine present me with the choice of available packages, and chose "everything". This worked. (Hours of fun now stripping out what I don't need.) On another note, nice to see WH Smiths at Yarmouth take both Linux Format and Linux Magazine, and that they sell out so quickly - so where are all these Yarmouth Linux users? -- Regards, Deana deana.day(a)btinternet.com

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Re: alug digest, Vol 1 #96 - 3 msgs
by Deana 21 Nov '00

21 Nov '00

On Tue, 21 Nov 2000, you wrote: > I finally got around to installing > KDE, and it ran like an utter pig. Warning: do not believe people who > tell you that a P200 with 32MB of RAM is enough for KDE :) Poor old > drmanhattan thrashed itself to death, it was awful... > > Aq. Yes, I have KDE 2 courtesy of the Mandrake 7.2 boxed set. The only real improvement seems to be the addition of Konqueror. Unfortunately, I'm having to use it from the Gnome desktop or Enlightenment, since Kicker (the panel) crashes with a SIGSEGV error every time KDE starts - I'm on my fifth re-install and the same bug occurs every time. While I think about it, anybody contemplating an upgrade to LM 7.2 for the sake of KDE 2 might want to wait until Mandrake have got it right. Several packages are missing or missed even on the "complete" installation (fetchmail, of all things, being one, no sign of Pine at all, no Enlightenment), KOffice is crude, and the LM installation itself bizzare - 5 installs on the same empty 13gig drive have managed to throw up five different configurations. Oh, and the Helix Gnome (1.21) upgrade wipes the existing Gnome, but the installer fails before completion - I tried this at work just to make sure it wasn't me. Overall, all I got for £30 was Konqueror and more hassle than was really worth it. You might have had better luck, of course... -- Regards Deana

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Re: [Alug] Netscape 6
by MJ Ray 21 Nov '00

21 Nov '00

Neill Newman <njnewm(a)essex.ac.uk> writes: > aaww ;)..well, just for the record, I have a P200 with 64Meg and kde2 > runs smoothly > moral of the story, you don;t need a fast processor, just (a little) > more memory... More memory, more memory... hrm... this sounds like what I was trying to get away from by using Linux ;-) MJR (currently running sapphire 0.15.x CVS as his desktop)

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Re: [Alug] Netscape 6
by David Freeman 21 Nov '00

21 Nov '00

I had a problem with my old suse install where it took weeks to boot up and do anything graphical. The fix was to recompile the kernel minus the bits I didn't need. I am currently runnning a AMD K6 200 with 32mb RAM and KDE runs fine. I have had every thing removed from the kernel bar what is needed to boot up and the rest is put in as modules, makes a lot of difference to the speed. Thanks D --- MJ Ray <markj(a)cloaked.freeserve.co.uk> wrote: > Neill Newman <njnewm(a)essex.ac.uk> writes: > > > aaww ;)..well, just for the record, I have a P200 with 64Meg and > kde2 > > runs smoothly > > moral of the story, you don;t need a fast processor, just (a > little) > > more memory... > > More memory, more memory... hrm... this sounds like what I was trying > to get away from by using Linux ;-) > > MJR > (currently running sapphire 0.15.x CVS as his desktop) > > > _______________________________________________ > alug, the Anglian Linux User Group list > Email: alug(a)stu.uea.ac.uk > http://rabbit.stu.uea.ac.uk/cgi-bin/listinfo/alug > See the website for instructions on digest or unsub! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Shopping - Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. http://shopping.yahoo.com/

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Netscape 6
by Deana 20 Nov '00

20 Nov '00

Hello all. I have Netscape 6, and even though I knew it would be buggy it was hardly worth the download. Mozilla M18 is very stable (if lacking in plugin support), but for some reason passing the mouse over animations on certain sites causes them to disappear. KDE's Konqueror is excellent, though lacking in features. I think this is the one to watch. -- Regards, Deana

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