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KLUG Meeting Notes - 03/06/2001



KALAMAZOO LINUX USER'S GROUP

MEMBERS AND GUESTS - COME JOIN US FOR A MEETING!!!
http://kalamazoolinux.org/meetings
WE MEET WEEKLY, EACH TUESDAY AT 7:00PM.
Our meeting site is Room 4202 of Dunbar Hall on
the campus of Western Michigan University.

Tuesday  March 6, 2001 7:00PM    
KLUG Meeting Notes - Summary

I.	PRESENTATION RECAP  
II.	NEXT WEEK'S MEETING INFO                   
III.	PROJECT REPORTS
IV.	GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tonight's Meeting Moderator:
Chairperson - Dirk Bartley 

I.  PRESENTATION RECAP

THIS WEEK'S KLUG PRESENTATION: (12 active participants tonight)
*****************************************************************

Linux for Beginners
by Dirk Bartley

THE BEGINNER'S MEETINGS ARE HELD the first Tuesday of each
month.  Linux basics and distribution installs are the
lessons of these evenings.  If you do want KLUG's FREE help
installing Linux on your computer at one of these meetings,
see URL: http://kalamazoolinux.org/meetings/installform.html
Contact the KLUG Installmasters for more information:
installmaster@kalamazoolinux.org  Now is the time to get
started!  Linux is becoming a mainstay of free software,
free choice, dependability and power.

Tonight we discussed many topics in an open format.
System security, some newbie install problem descriptions,
common configuration considerations, and tricks and tips 
to making the transition from proprietary OS's were
sprinkled into the mix of questions and answers.  One KLUG
attendee was given a live Linux GUI demonstration on one
of the WMU Computer Club (Yakko) servers.  Ann Marie (Yakko
member) was kind enough to give Rod (from Kal. Gazette) a tour
of the Gnome desktop and discuss many Linux related questions.
Thanks Ann Marie!!!  

Note:
As Linux matures as an OS, the educational needs are evolving.
The Beginner's Meeting format is changing with those needs.
It is difficult to cover all the basics in one meeting.  Linux
is not just for CS experts and IT professionals.  The "BASICS"
meetings are intended for those with limited experience with
Operating System's or even Personal Computer's.  Your comments
and questions are welcomed!

Dirk graduated in 1991 from Western Michigan University
with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He is currently
employed as a Systems Administrator at Schupan Aluminum
Sales.  There he administers the corporate network using
a system running Red Hat Linux.  In his spare time Dirk
enjoys playing hockey, taking his dog a walk, using Linux
and learning about how software can be used to benefit
people.

--------------------------------------------------------------
COME TO A MEETING TO GET THE REAL GOOD STUFF!!!  Y U M M Y!
There were Oreo cookies and delicious cold whole milk! VERY 
NICE TREATS!!!  Thanks to Dirk Bartley for sharing these
goodies with the group.  The snacks were served after the
presentation and during the discussion session.
--------------------------------------------------------------
     NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.


II.   NEXT WEEK'S MEETING - TUESDAY 03/13/2001
********************************************************************

APL: Programming Power Tool for All
by Robert G. Brown

If you think you cannot program, but want to, please come
to this presentation!  APL stands for "A Programming Lanaguage"
and has several properties that set it off from conventional 
programming tools. Originally developed as a symbolic notation
for building algorithms, APL supports the creation of both general
and compact code which, when properly employed, provides performance
comparable to that of C. In a language free of declarations, arrays 
are handled in a fashion that is clear and a natural outgrowth of
the thinking that went into the design and development of the
lanaguage.

The state of APL programming systems for Linux has changed a good
deal in the last year, reflecting the growth in the use of Linux
and the continued utility of APL. In this presentation, we'll go
over some of the properties of APL, take a look at a few APL
programs, and touch on a number of areas where Linux and APL make
an unbeatable technology combination.

Robert Brown is a founding member and past chairman of 
KLUG, and has over 25 years experience in software 
development in numerous environments, disciplines, and 
industries. An intermittant user of UNIX systems for over 
10 years, Bob has developed applications with Linux in
in the course of his professional and volunteer activities.
He can also be seen cycling the Kal-Haven trail, hiking
the countryside in search of nature photographs, or traveling
to some fairly unusual places.

http://www.acm.org/sigapl/links.htm

     NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.


III. LINUX OR KLUG RELATED PROJECT REPORTS -

KLUG "PC SHOW" PUBLIC RELATIONS PROJECT!
The big yellow KLUG banner will be displayed next Sunday
or MARCH 11, 2001 at the computer show at the Kalamazoo
County Fairgrounds!!!  Robert G. Brown and Dirk Bartley
will be representing KLUG. Those who have expressed interest
in helping with this project should contact "Dirk Bartley"
<bartleyd2@net-link.net>

BOOGIE'S CYBER CAFE - KLUG's public commercial Linux project.
Stop in and see this "pay-to-compute" implementation.
Check out -  http://www.boogies.com/ Site by Matt Crampton!
This successful public demonstration of the flexibility and
suitability of Linux in a commercial environment provides
great exposure.  This project provides a share of the profits
to fund KLUG activities.  Members check on this LAN, remotely,
several times a day.  The network support for Boogie's is being
supplemented by Peter Buxton.  Robert G. Brown is supervising
the overall operation, remotely at times. The  Linux OS STILL 
remains cool, calm, and constant!  Running Squid, NFS, sendmail,
and the Apache web server local now to host the Boogie's web site!
The web server is up.  A game testing machine has been
configured.  Various upgrades and enhancements are being applied
currently, including a replacement (233 MHz Pentium Pro) CPU
installed on the main server.  Contact "Peter Buxton"
<somercet@hotmail.com> to help out or for more info.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

          Revenue from Boogie's to KLUG is UP 30%

* * *   W E   N E E D   G A M E  I N S T A L L E R S  * * *

 'GAMERS' AT BOOGIE'S SOON WILL BE HAPPIER and $pending more
 time on the network!  A KLUG member has donated many Linux
 game CD's and manuals.  Some of those titles, many of them
 produced by Loki, are as follows - Soldier of Fortune, 
 Heros III, Railroad Tycoon II, Civilization, Ultimate Solitare, 
 ...Quake, Myth II, Heretic II (network multi-player).  There
 was even a Linux CD which included 100 assorted games.  Who
 can install and test these new additions?  There are about
 15 to 20 CD's and manuals.  Peter and Robert have their hands
 full with other Boogie's related activities.  This assignment
 should be easy and fun.  Get in on the Boogie's excitement!
 Take a look via webcam - http://www.boogies.com/webcam.htm 
 Contact "Peter Buxton" <somercet@hotmail.com> or 
 "Robert G. Brown" <bob@acm.org> to volunteer!!!

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WEST MICHIGAN POLIO NETWORK WEB SITE - 
The site development is still heading into the final stages.  
This project needs a coordinator to wrap it up.  All the
images and text are awaiting transformation into HTML format.  
WMPN has asked us to assist them in getting their info
published for public use and good.  The web content includes
information on post-polio disorders.  More info from "Robert
G. Brown" <bob@acm.org> or "Dirk Bartley" <bartleyd2@net-link.net>

IF YOU KNOW OF ADDITIONAL LINKS that should be included
in the KLUG LINKS page... please send e-mail suggestions 
to <linkmaster@kalamazoolinux.org> so the LINKS team of
Ted & Thad Juszczak can review the content of the site.  
If you haven't checked these links out lately, take a look.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/links

THE LINUX VIDEO OUTREACH PROJECT -   
We are looking for a new "Post-Production Video Project
Manager."  Any ideas?   See the intro footage demo at
http://www.imago3d.com/KLUG An idea has been proposed to
include footage of KLUG meeting activities.  A visual
demonstration of this "community supported" OS.  The
subjects covered in the video include the internet, Linux,
and KLUG.  This video will be presented repeatedly on local 
public access channels for educational and KLUG/Linux
promotional purposes.  KLUG presents "The Internet Demystified"
More info from "Robert G. Brown" <bob@acm.org> or "Dirk Bartley"
<bartleyd2@net-link.net>

     NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.

   
IV.   GENERAL KLUG ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT IS KLUG? -
KLUG is a volunteer group formed by and for LINUX
system users in the Kalamazoo Michigan area. We
support, promote, and develop activities related
to the use, study, and application of LINUX in the
local community.

THE BEGINNER'S MEETINGS ARE HELD the first Tuesday of each
month.  Linux basics and distribution installs are the
lessons of these evenings.  If you do want KLUG's FREE help
installing Linux on your computer at one of these meetings,
see URL: http://kalamazoolinux.org/meetings/installform.html
Contact the KLUG Installmasters for more information:
installmaster@kalamazoolinux.org

Note:
As Linux matures as an OS, the educational needs are evolving.
The Beginner's Meeting format is changing with those needs.
It is difficult to cover all the basics in one meeting.  Linux
is not just for CS experts and IT professionals.  The "BASICS"
meetings are intended for those with limited experience with
Operating System's or even Personal Computer's.  Your comments
and questions are welcomed!

IF YOU KNOW OF ADDITIONAL LINKS that should be included
in the KLUG LINKS page... please send e-mail suggestions 
to <linkmaster@kalamazoolinux.org> so the LINKS team
can review the content of the site.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/links

REDHAT LINUX CERTIFICATION information is available
from a KLUG officer.  See the club listserv for more
info or check certifications on the Links page.
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/links/certification.html

WEST MICHIGAN SEARCH & RESCUE - Web site is done.
Go there and see this KLUG public service project!
The site is ready for the next phase of development.
Contact Brenda Williams with questions or comments.
<brenda@cvalaw.com>  Web site http://www.wmsar.org

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ > N E W S    F L A S H < +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
 Y O U   ARE ASKED TO REMEMBER THAT  K L U G  IS...
 A      --->   VOLUNTEER   <---    ORGANIZATION!!!
Please Honor the Spirit of the GPL!  Is it REALLY Free?
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
VOLUNTEER CLUB POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE:
All KLUG positions are NOT occupied currently.
Please consider serving the members as one of the following...
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
FTPMASTER
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/organize/ftp-mast.html
INSTALLMASTER
http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/organize/inst-mast.html
BOOGIE WEBMASTER (Boogie's Cyber Cafe)www.boogies.com
PROJECT MANAGER Wrap up of WM Polio Network's web site
PROJECT MANAGER Post-Production Video Outreach
More info from "Dirk Bartley" <bartleyd2@net-link.net>

*****************************************************************
#	J O I N    &    S U P P O R T    K L U G  !!!
#	Be a KLUG Supporting Member!  $25 annually *
#	($.50 per meeting) TRULY A GREAT BARGAIN!!!
#
#	THE SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE (= #)
*****************************************************************

# GREAT MEETING PRESENTATIONS. Your opportunity
to share your Linux experiences and see what
other people are doing.  Come enjoy a meeting!
If you have an IDEA FOR A KLUG PRESENTATION or know
of a good speaker, we want to hear about it!  Make
contact with our KLUG Program Director, Adam Williams
<awilliam@whitemice.org>.  A Pentium Class Desktop
PC, Ethernet/100 Web Connection, VGA Projector, VGA
Monitors, and Overhead Projector are is Available for
Use in KLUG Presentations! Contact Dirk Bartley
<bartleyd2@net-link.net>

# NEW GOLD EDITION CD GIFT FOR KLUG PRESENTATIONS!
In addition to the sincere appreciation felt
for those great KLUG presentations, presenters
will be given a gift of a new GOLD EDITION CD-ROM!

# NON-COMMERCIAL OR PERSONAL WEB SITE HOSTED on the
KLUG server.  Single page .html files can be sent to the
interim KLUG webmaster@kalamazoolinux.org for
posting.  These are intended to be low traffic web
sites displaying appropriate content.

# CHECK OUT THE NEW KLUG LIBRARY PAGE -  See the updated
inventory listing of our KLUG Library. The items listed in
green are only available to KLUG supporting members.
We have Debian, SuSE, Mandrake, and WinLinux distribution
packages available in our library along with several others.
Did you know we have *non-Linux* distribution additions!
Everything else is available to anyone that can come to a
KLUG meeting. If you would like to check out one of these
items, please check it off and submit the form on the KLUG
library page.   We are sharing these next two items as an F-Y-I !
Please do show up at the meeting if you have books requested.
What about you?  Do you need to return any KLUG library books?
Contact Dirk Bartley for more info <bartleyd2@net-link.net>.

# *************************************************************
  **************   BSWARE SOFTWARE DISCOUNTS   ****************
	=========================================   
	RED HAT VERSION 7.0 HAS BEEN RELEASED!!!    
	=========================================   
This Linux distribution now comes on two (2) CD's.  
Supporting Member Discount on BSware is $1.50 per
CD or 50% off!  Bruce distributes a non-commercial
version of the Red Hat Linux OS!  Notice - BSware
prices are $3 per CD.  A Great Deal!!!  Thanks Bruce!!!  
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
VISIT      http://kalamazoolinux.org/bsware/
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
See Bruce's BSware web site to find out what Linux & other
distributions and application software he has available.
E-mail him in advance about your needs and pick up your
CD's at the next meeting.  bruce@armintl.com
**************************************************************
**************************************************************

# A PHP SIG HAS BEEN FORMED - FOR ALL those interested
in learning this powerful server-side scripting language.
THE FIRST MEETING WAS HELD Tuesday, June 13th at 7pm.
See the listserv info on the KLUG web site.  Newbies and
experienced PHP developers alike will have ample opportunity
to share and encourage one another in the use of PHP. More
info from "Tony Gettig" <tony@gettig-group.com>
http://kalamazoolinux.org/listserv/ SIGN UP NOW!!!

# MAKE SURE YOU ARE SIGNED UP for the KLUG mailing list!
    **********************
THIS IS THE WAY TO GET THESE WEEKLY KLUG MEETING NOTES!  <--*HEY!*
    **********************
Diversified mailing lists can be found on our web site.
http://kalamazoolinux.org/listserv/
Currently Available KLUG Lists:
- Common List (All Members)
- Assistance for New Linux Users
- Merits/Weaknesses of different Operating Systems
- PHP

*****************************************************************

TAX DEDUCTIBLE STATUS - STILL WAITING FOR THE IRS!!!
The 501c3 application was sent to the IRS in December 1999.
We have received notice that they are proceeding with the 
processing of our request.  We hope to hear from them
REAL SOON with notice of our charitable deductibility.
Charitable and tax-exemption status is routinely granted 
to educational not-for-profit organizations.  This should
help us attain our financial goals.  We need working
capital for increased Linux promotional activities.

     NOTE -
* Must come to three meetings to qualify as a full member.
  Bring a friend... who was disappointed by a proprietary OS!

THANKS to YAKKO/WMU Computer Club for providing their
T-1 net feed via a 10-based T 100 Mbs network cable and
a rolling overhead VGA Projector to support KLUG and Linux
presentations.  Thanks to Wes Leonard and the Yakko team!

THANKS to ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL, INC. for providing their
much appreciated IT Resources to support KLUG and Linux.

 >><< send corrections, additions, flames to the KLUG scribe >><<
         mag00@voyager.net  or  magoo@yakko.cs.wmich.edu

Space & Time Coordinates: Planet Earth During the Holocene Period