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KLUG Meeting Notes - 04/10/2001



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  April 10, 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: (23 active participants tonight)
*****************************************************************
Paranoid Penguin: Tips to Securing Linux 
by Richard Zimmerman

See the links from this excellent presentation at:
http://kalamazoolinux.org/presentations/20010410/

Linux is a great operating system with a lot of potential.
However, Linux strengths can also be it's Achilles Heel. 
If you are new to Linux or Unix for that matter, then you
definitely did not want to miss this meeting.  We looked
at different aspects for securing our Linux systems 
against the evil empire of the Black Hat Hacker, port
scans & probes.

Richard addressed firewall basics, patching software on
your system, performing an S-UID security audit, disabling
unused daemons, tightening security on running Daemons,
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and educating yourself to
stay ahead of the evil hacker!

http://www.securityportal.com/topnews/linuxnews.html

Richard Zimmerman is the Information Systems guru for K&B
Transport in Elkhart, Indiana where his duties include
programming, network administration, PC support & many other
tasks for several offices.  Richard has been working with
Linux both at home & work for the past year.  He even manages
to find time to share his learning experiences of Linux in
his spare time!

--------------------------------------------------------------
COME TO A MEETING TO GET THE REAL GOOD STUFF!!!  Y U M M Y!
There were chilled cream puffs and chocolate cookies served
with 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------

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


II.   NEXT WEEK'S MEETING - TUESDAY 04/17/2001
********************************************************************
Paranoid Penguin: Netfilter
by Dirk Bartley

Tonight Dirk will discuss the latest upgrade to network
security available with the new 2.4 Kernel.  Netfilter is
a packet filter similar to Ipchains from the 2.2 Kernel
but it is capable of much more.  A packet filter is software
that analyzes network traffic by looking at it's header.
Then it chooses wheather to allow it to pass based on a set
of rules.  Netfilter is capable of being "stateful" by
tracking the connections allowed and insuring that packets
that pass are from allowed connections rather than just have
the appropriate header.  Netfilter is capable of network
address translation and packet mangling.  If you want to make
your connection to the internet secure from intruders, come
tonight for this presentation. 

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.

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


III. LINUX OR KLUG RELATED PROJECT REPORTS -

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>

KLUG "PC SHOW" PUBLIC RELATIONS PROJECT!
Success was reported and many contacts were made.
We will be back again in April, as more experienced
exhibitors.  The big yellow KLUG banner was displayed
on Sunday MARCH 11, 2001 at the computer show at the
Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds!!!  Robert G. Brown and
Dirk Bartley represented KLUG with help from Bruce and
Joe.  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   ****************
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.

The Kalamazoo Linux Users Group would like to
thank the Law firm of Kreis Enderle Callander &
Hudgins for thier generousity toward KLUG.  Matt
DePerno has made contributions of his time to
assist us in our attempts to achieve 501(c)(3) tax
status with the IRS!!!

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

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

THANKS to MORRISON INDUSTRIES, INC. for providing their 
VGA Projector to support KLUG and Linux presentations.

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!

 >><< 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