Visit Our Sponsors:		Table of Contents: The MailBag Help Wanted & Article Ideas General Mail News Bytes Distro News News in General Software Announcements The Answer Guy , by James T. Dennis More 2-Cent Tips Graphical Programs , by Paulo Henrique Baptista de Oliveira Introduction to UNIX Assembly Programming , by Konstantin Boldyshev HelpDex , by Shane Collinge Miguel de Icaza on Gnome and His New Company HelixCode , by Fernando Ribeiro Corrêa KDE2 is Just Around the Corner. Are You Curious? , by Fernando Ribeiro Corrêa Linux in France: Guess Mandraksoft's Next Move , by Fernando Ribeiro Corrêa Functions and aliases in bash , by Pat Eyler Linux Site O' The Month: SourceForge , by Sean Lamb Introduction to Shell Scripting , by Ben Okopnik Setting Up International Keyboards , by Juraj Sipos Connecting to Your Home Computer , by Robert Stagner Some issues on floating-point precision under Linux , by Alan Ward The Back Page About This Month's Authors Not Linux

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Linux Gazette, http://www.linuxgazette.com/ This page maintained by the Editor of Linux Gazette, gazette@ssc.com Copyright © 1996-2000 Specialized Systems Consultants, Inc.

"Linux Gazette...making Linux just a little more fun!"

Answers to these questions should be sent directly to the e-mail address of the inquirer with or without a copy to gazette@ssc.com. Answers that are copied to LG will be printed in the next issue in the Tips column.

Before asking a question, please check the Linux Gazette FAQ to see if it has been answered there.

Fri, 31 Mar 2000 20:57:04 -0000
From: The Strangemores <sstrange@crrstv.net>
Subject:

Do you know what the Linux kernel split is? If so, can you tell me about it?

Chantil

Sat, 01 Apr 2000 01:03:33 -0600
From: Randall E. Cook, Sr. <Randy@MNCom.Net>
Subject: Help in setting up Red Hat as a dial-up server

I have searched and searched for 2 months now and can not get any info on how to set up a server for customers to dial into and access the internet with mail accounts and such. I have been to every news group and discussion I can find. No one will give any information on how to set this up. The ONLY help or answer I get is...:"why do you want to be an ISP, they are to expensive to set up?" Please have a "How-To" for the beginner to set up an ISP for the first time?

Thanks in advance.

Sun, 02 Apr 2000 15:37:16 -0500
From: Dan Stroock <dws@math.mit.edu>
Subject: linux and DHCP

I have been trying, without success, to hitch my Linux box to a Linksys Etherfast cable router. I set networking configuration to use DHCP, but my machine does not get the information which it needs. Has anyone got a HOWTO page or other source of information about this sort of thing?

Sun, 2 Apr 2000 23:31:20 +0100
From: andrew sprott <andru@btinternet.com>
Subject: sharing filesystems

hi

i have tried searchin your site for 'share', 'sharing filesystem' etc., but nothin came up. basically, i've got 6 networked machines, half of which can't take a full installation of suse 6.3. what i want to do is export the installation on a 20.4gb disk to the other machines. so say, most of /etc can be shared by the other machines.

the thing is how can linux be installed on the other machines without doin a seperate install that takes up all disk space on the local machines. has anybody tackled this and wrote about it? the thing that appeals to me is the prospect of simply loggin onto any machine and access my usual apps and data etc.

Sun, 02 Apr 2000 22:55:05 -0200
From: Rakesh Mistry <rakeshm@REMOVETHIS.netactive.co.za>
Subject: Swing on Linux

Hi

I am having trouble installing Swing1.0.3/1.1.1 on my RH6.0 system. I have managed to setup jdk117_v3 successfully sometime ago.

I have unzipped the tar.Z and placed it in /usr/local/lib/jdk117_v3/swing-1.0.3/ directory. I have added this path to my CLASSPATH. I have also added it to a SWING_HOME variable as well as added a JAVA_HOME variable.

However, everytime I try and compile a java program which tries to import a swing package, I get the following error :

SwingUI.java:4: Package javax.swing not found in import.
import javax.swing.*;
       ^
SwingUI.java:6: Superclass JFrame of class SwingUI not found.
class SwingUI extends JFrame 
                      ^
SwingUI.java:24: '(' expected.
        panel.setLayout(new BorderLayout);
                                        ^
3 errors

I have copied this code straight out of a java tutorial.

Any help would be greatly appreciated !!!

Mon, 03 Apr 2000 17:16:28 +0200
From: Silvia Scarpetta <scarpetta@na.infn.it>
Subject: linux and win2000

I have updated winNT to windows2000, and LILO is not able to boot either linux or win2000 , any more (before I had winNT and Linux on the two harddisks and it works!)

I mean LILO starts but when I says to boot windows2000 it says:

NTLDR is missing.
???????

I tryed to do again

sbin/lilo

Wed, 05 Apr 2000 10:53:22 PDT
From: Paul Grainger <psfgrainger@hotmail.com>
Subject: Interfacing with Novell Netware

Hi there, can you help me with tips on how to interface to a Novell Netware network (3.12 bindery). I am currently running Mandrake 7 and have a 3 Com ethernet adapter (which Linux seems to be able to auto-configure). Whenever I try to configure my card the system requests IP addresses, which is not relevant in this instant. I know that IPX support is provided but what are the steps required to enable use of file and print services on the network? Thanks in anticipation of your help,

Thu, 6 Apr 2000 23:16:16 +0200
From: Andrea <amerini@dada.it>
Subject: LILO

Hi , I 'm a new user of Linux (Great!!) and I have a little problem:

I have 2 HD , the 1st SCSI with Win 98 and th 2nd EIDE with Red Hat 6.1.

I can't start windoze from LILO , (the machine does nothing)and I must switch the boot from BIOS. Could you tell me please , how to solve this little problem ?

Wed, 12 Apr 2000 13:42:43 +0200
From: Otto Wyss <Otto.Wyss@eds.com>
Subject: More than one keyboard with different layout

Sorry I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, please tell me the right place if I'm wrong.

I have 2 keyboards connected to my PC, one is a old AT-serial keyboard and the other an USB-keyboard with Win98 key assignment. Now I'd like to modify the keymap so I could use the new Command("Windows")-key. Unfortunalty this conflicts with the old keyboard (which I still need in case of an emergency). I have to install 2 different keymaps, each one for each keyboard. but currently the kernel (2.2.14) only allows for one keyboard.

My wish for enhancement: Keyboards should be implemented as ordinary devices in the kernel (like mouses), so an arbitrary count of keyboards where possible. Keymaps, kbdrates, etc. should be attached to keyboard devices as well.

Tue, 11 Apr 2000 17:47:22 EDT
From: <JDGIOVINCO@aol.com>
Subject: shell scripting in a "C++" based shell

I recently read your article about the basic scripting commands in the April issue. However, the bash system and i are like oil and water, because i am more familiar with programing in "C++" After some searching I was able to find some incredibly informative manuals that also contained cdrom packages with libraries, patches and other assorted tools to help learn how to script some of the varieties of "C" based shell. Soon enough, my happiness was brought to a skreaching halt when i glanced down at some of the prices. So I was writing to ask if maybe in your next issue, you could follow up the scripting article with some basic commands in "ksh" or "zsh," or just inform me of any manuals published within a reasonable price range. Thanks

The author Ben Okopnic <fuzzybear@pocketmail.com> writes:

My current goal in writing the column is to concentrate on "bash" until I feel that my readers, by following the column, have reached a high enough level of proficiency that they would be interested in other options - and those may include a look at other shells. Unfortunately for your requirements, this isn't likely to happen for quite a long while. Do be aware, though, that unless you get into somewhat deep scripting stuff (co-processes, async pipelines, etc.), there isn't _that_ much difference between, say, "ksh" and "bash": "ksh" is actually a superset of "sh" which is bash-compatible, and "bash" incorporates a number of "ksh" and "csh" features.

Since I don't know what your level of general scripting/shell expertise may be, let me toss in a perspective from my own experience: the first shell that I ever used was "sh", and it was nothing short of a battle to produce my first script, simple as it was. Later, in my rather brief flirtations with other shells, I found that learning their specific syntax was an *incremental* task - I had already learned 90+% of what I needed to write scripts for them via my experience with "sh". You too may find that it isn't only "bash" that is problematic: there is a learning curve associated with any shell - they all have their quirks. I'm certainly not trying to talk you into switching your shell preference, but you should realize that there's a "cost" associated with entering the "shell game" - and the type of shell is, in my opinion, largely irrelevant to that "cost".

Given the nature of Linux, you'll find that the information that is freely available is copious and of high quality. This implies that any commercially available material will be a) _outstanding_ in quality (this is certainly true in my experience), and b) relatively expensive, since "quality costs". My suggestion for you is to study the free material, look for info on the Net (e.g., "ksh keybindings (vi keys)" in The Answer Guy's column, issue 51 of LG, has some good pointers), and study other people's "zsh"/"ksh" scripts (hint: use AltaVista's Advanced search to look for "#!*/bin/[kz]sh".)

By the time you exhaust those resources, you should either feel justified in your purchase of those "expensive" books - or you may decide that you've lerned enough that you don't need them after all.

Wed, 12 Apr 2000 14:40:44 -0700
From: Anderson, Randy (FRM) <randy.anderson@compaq.com>
Subject: adding pseudo devices in a sunos 4.1.4 environment..

hi, my sunos kernel is already configed for 256 pseudo devices. my users complain about running out of them often...i know they are not using even a fraction of that number, so what gives?? do i need to add /dev device files? recompile the kernel (GENERIC) again??? help!

thanks for any assistance..

Fri, 14 Apr 2000 11:14:17 -0500
From: David K. Daniels <daved@hutchtel.net>
Subject: Is There a Version of PC/NFS for Linux?

I have the O'Reilly book "Managing NFS and NIS" and there is a section in the back of the book called PC/NFS describing a Unix utility that enables a PC DOS machine to access a Unix machine using the NFS file system as an extended DOS file system. I am wondering if there is a Linux version of this available?

I would like to be able to run a Linux server on a TCP/IP network and have the capability of booting a PC using DOS and map a drive letter to the file system running on the Linux server for the purpose of using a utility called "Ghost" and make a ghost image of the DOS/Windows drive and drop it on the Linux server for storage.

Any information or pointers would be appreciated.

Sat, 15 Apr 2000 00:02:45 +0530
From: US Mohalanobish <usmbish@crosswinds.net>
Subject: SiS6215C graphics adapter card

Can anybody help me make my SiS6215c graphics card deliver a resolution more than 640x480 in Linux? On Windows, I get resolutions as high as 1024x768 with 256 colors or 800x600 with 16bit colors.

05 Apr 2000 09:19:10 +0200
From: Andrés Hortigüela García <Andres.Hortiguela@csbs.jcyl.es>
Subject: Graphics card question (Spanish)

Necesito un driver para la tarjeta gráfica integrada en placa base con chipset Intel 810, para configurar mi Linux (EsWare - Red Hat 6.0)

¿Me podéis ayudar? ¿Donde lo puedo obtener?

Muchas gracias, ... Andrés.

Fri, 14 Apr 2000 11:50:22 -0700
From: Ahmad <al-iman@net.sy>
Subject: How to hack a proxy dear sir we are in bad need for a program to pass the firewall because our server is filltering the most of hackers sites and all the free Email. your prompt positive reply is highly appreciated thanks, best regards.

Sun, 16 Apr 2000 14:39:06 -0400
From: Robin and David Pickens <rdpickens@email.msn.com>
Subject: Downloading X11/ XF86 upgrades

I am new to the alternative OS world of Linux. I recently purchased a (old) beginners version of Caldera Linux 1.3 and, through much frustration on my part as well as the tech reps at Mandrake, have come to realize that my computer's on- board video card is too modern for the XF86Setup v. 3.3.2. I discovered (I think) that XF86Setup v. 3.3.6 is the updated one which supports my card (a Trident Blade 3D/ MVP4). I went to the XF86 web site to download the proper files and uncovered a plethora of files and folders that have left me rather confused as to which ones to use. Can anybody tell me which ones (specifically) from that site to download or, direct me to another mirror site with a bit less confusing archives and easier to follow guidelines for acquiring these most needed programs? P.S. I have looked through "rpmfind.net" and could only find version 4.0 of XF86 for Trident Blade cards. The tech rep at Mandrake said 4.0 would probably not help me. Any further assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, David P.

Mon, 17 Apr 2000 15:34:34 +0530
From: Prakash Nair <nairp@zeenetwork.com>
Subject: Switching from Xchange Server To Linux

Hello.. I hope u can help me with this. We have MS Exchange server with 400 users.We would now like to switch to linux as the mail server(remove Xchange server). How could this be done?

Pl. help as this is to be done urgently.

Mon, 17 Apr 2000 14:39:39 -0700
From: Chetan Gadgil (Work - Linux) <chetan@objectstream.com>
Subject: Porting to a new language

I am interested in porting Linux to "Indic (Indian)" languages. Is there a good place to start? Could anyone please provide a brief outline of how a port to a new language/script is done?

Does Linux use GNU/gettext for the locale specific languages?

Tue, 18 Apr 2000 04:18:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: Phil Coval - RzR.online.FR <philippe_coval@yahoo.com>
Subject: is Debian deadbian ?

When next debian is out ?

i've seen on magazine that it will be out in a few weeks that was on jannuary 2000 ? the site isnt updated

Whats the matter ?

Tue, 18 Apr 2000 09:32:26 -0500
From: Mark Contatore <contatorem@iivip.com>
Subject: Compaq help

I recently acquired a Compaq ProSignia 300, it has the on board NCR53C810 SCSI controller. I have been totally unsuccessful in installing RedHat Linux 6.2, the system indicates the driver is incorrect . I am asking for anyone with the experience of a successful install on this platform to please help!

Wed, 19 Apr 2000 14:50:52 +0200
From: Joseph Simushi <jsimushi@pulse.com.zm>
Subject: LAN Administrator Books.

Help me with information as regards where I can find the above books or if you offer some, please send me some on the address below.

Regards,

Simushi Joseph
LAN Administrator
PULSE Project
P.O. Box RW 51269
Lusaka
Zambia.
Tel: 295642 (W), 250236 (H)

Wed, 19 Apr 2000 15:23:27 +0100
From: Stephen Wileman <Pcrep@mancat44.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: linux courses / books

I am IT teacher being asked a lot of questions to do with the linux operating systems in particular Linux Red Hat 6 and above.

Please could you help with any suggestions on a good basic book or material which I could use to help my students out with their problems or a any recognised Linux professional qualifications I can undertake to aid my own understanding of the Linux / Red Hat operating system?

Wed, 19 Apr 2000 20:28:49 -0700 (PDT)
From: Venkat Rajagopal <venkat_rajagopal@yahoo.com>
Subject: Command line editing

Hi,

I have been trying to set command line editing (vi mode) as part of my bash shell environment and have been unsuccessful so far. You might think this is trivial - well so did I.

I am using Red Hat Linux 6.1 and wanted to use "set -o vi" in my start up scripts. I have tried all possible combinations but it JUST DOES NOT WORK. I inserted the line in /etc/profile , in my .bash_profile, in my .bashrc etc but I cannot get it to work. How can I get this done? This used to be a breeze in the korn shell. Where am I going wrong?

Thu, 20 Apr 2000 21:59:27 +0200
From: Matej Cepl <CeplM@seznam.cz>
Subject: Other markup languages - LG #27

Hi,

I have found your article on "markup languages and lout" on the website of Linux Gazette. Thank you for it -- as beginer in lout (and emigre from LaTeX), I have greatly appreciated it your open attitude towards something different than TeX.

However, I would be very interested in other articles from series -- on TeX and troff. When I tried to found them on LG site, I have not found either of them. Are they presented anywhere on the Web? If so, would you be so kind and send me URL, please?

Have a very nice day

Matej Cepl

Thu, 20 Apr 2000 16:37:53 -0700
From: Martin Perry <m.perry@dtn.ntl.com>
Subject: Screen Dump of Linux

I am writing to request a screen dump picture of what Linux looks like when it is running.

I am currently doing a HNC in Business Information Technology and I have got to give a presentation on Linux in a weeks time and would like to put a screen dump on the OHP for people to see. From what I understand it can either look like windows or the Mac equivalent.

I have been searching for days to find this on the net with no luck as yet.

Sorry for any inconvience.

Maria Perry. m.perry@dtn.ntl.com

[I think several distributions have such images on their web sites, usually in a section called "Screenshots". Go to www.linuxjournal.com, "How to Get Linux" and follow the links from there.

Also, the GUI interfaces (KDE and GNOME) and window managers have screen shots on their web sites, to give you a preview of what the program will look like. www.kde.org, www.gnome.org, www.enlightenment.org, www.windowmaker.org, http://www.plig.org/xwinman/fvwm95.html, etc. -Ed.]

Fri, 21 Apr 2000 11:41:19 +1000 (EST)
From: Russ Pitman <russ@tasman.net.au>
Subject: BU backup utility

This was the subject of an excellent article in Issue 32 of the Gazette.

My only hard copy is missing and the site (http://www.crel.com) is not reachable. Also mail to vstemen@crel.com is undeliverable.

Web searching has not, for me, found any other address for bu so I came here hoping that the Gazette can help.

Does any one know where a copy of Vincent Stemens 'bu' can be obtained. Thanks for your time.

Fri, 21 Apr 2000 00:21:56 -0700
From: MVE <getsome@mcsi.net>
Subject: Please Help

Please help me. I am at my wits end.

I have VERY recently installed Linux, so I am very new to all of this, and pehaps I am going about this the wrong way. I want to install Oracle8i on my system. ALL the information says I have to install a JRE (JRE 1.1.6v5) in order to get Oracle to work. (NOT JDK...JRE).

I CAN NOT find it for the life of me!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not send me to Blackdown.org. They do not have it either. Do not send me to Sun, because they do not have it either. Nor does Susie, nor does Red Hat...NOBODY!! I can NOT find it. What is up with this??? Is this usual? Why would a company sell me an operating system (I know, it's free), and the SAME company (Mandrake) sell me the Oracle81 program, and NOT include it in their package??? (They don't have JRE 1.1.6v5 either)!

Where can I find it???? I am becoming very discouraged with all the support I have heard about concerning Linux...(there doesn't seem to be ANY).

Fri, 21 Apr 2000 03:30:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: belahcene abdelkader <belahcene@yahoo.com>
Subject: troubling with ftp , telnet

hi, someone can help me! I have a lab with several PCs, pentium II, running under linux redhat 6.0. The installation is complete on each one, with ftp, http, telnet etc.... The ping is correct for all machines. I can use internet with netscape from each one. I use one machine as server with proxy. Clearly : I have machine 1 with proxy package, this machine is connected to internet via modem, the machines 2 and 3 are connected in LAN and can access to internet via machine 1. My probleme is: when I want to get file from one machine in another, via ftp, the system refuse with non permission. Sometimes it is possible in one sens and not in the other. I have the same probleme with telnet. I have login and passwd in all the machines and i can enter as root. Thank you.

Fri, 21 Apr 2000 18:48:03 BST
From: Ben Parsons <ukbenz@hotmail.com>
Subject: Help with email

Hello. I've only just really started out with linux Mandrake (call it redhat) and I wanted to know if I can get my hotmail email into say, Pine or Elm, I looked through all the docs but it dosen't mention it and in any case I don't know where to start. Cheers in advance to anyone who can help.

Tue, 25 Apr 2000 00:36:59 +0200
From: Gonzalo Aguilar <gad@reymad.com>
Subject: XFree 4.0 and internationalization

Hello, I'm an Spanish linux user and XFree 4.0 is having problems with the "special characters" of my keyboard.

I cannot write letter with "´" on the top (is very important for my languaje) or cannot put "¨" also.

Those work after in XFree 3.3.5 but now...

Do you know any tips on this. Nobody seems to know cause a lot of people has the same problem. Thanks

Tue, 25 Apr 2000 10:43:12 +0200
From: Dominic STEUR <dominic.steur@belgacom.be>
Subject: GUI

Hello, I am kind of a beginner in the linux world and I have little knowledge about unix and even less about linux. I have installed the Linux Redhat 6.1 recently, and that went quite smooth, it is on an intel machine with now a lilo boot and a win2000 boot menu, in which I can choose 98 or 2000. Here comes my problem: when booting the linux i end up in the bourne-shell login screen, but this is not quite what I had in mind for interface... i had performed the gnome workstation installation, so it should end up in a x-windows environment if I am correct. When i did an upgrade installation, it became clear that there were no interface ( or similar) packages installed, so I selected the lot of them and installed it. But after rebooting the bourne-shell was back, and I am at a loss. It probably is a stupid problem with a simple solution (I hope), but I fancy some help.

Tue, 25 Apr 2000 18:19:37 +0100
From: <saqib@saqib-shaikh.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: A Problem

Dear Editor,

My name is Saqib Shaikh and I live in the UK. I have been reading Linux books for a few years now, and decided to put my knowledge into practice. I got out my CD of Slackware 3.6, and my old computer. My computer's specifications are: 486, 33 mhz processor, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB hard drive. The Slackware guide said that 4 MB was enough RAM, so gave it a go. I made the boot and root floppies. I inserted the boot floppy, powered up, inserted the root floppy when asked. It stood there, blank screen, doing nothing. I thought on such an old computer it must just be taking its time. 25 minutes later I pressed ctrl+alt+del. This has resulted in my computer, whenever turned on, giving the error "Cannot find ROM basic"!. It does not even check the floppy disk. One last thing to mention is that before starting the install I used fdisk to remove all partitions, and used fdisk /mbr to remove the mbr. I would be extremely greatful for your help. I do not mind throwing the computer away, but rather would like to learn the cause for the future.

REgards, Saqib Shaikh

Tue, 25 Apr 2000 18:19:37 +0100
From: Linux Gazette <gazette@ssc.com>

Hai,
I want to take backup on HP 5GB Dat Drive. Could u please help me any body how to configure it. Thanks in advance.

[I inadvertently cut off the querent's name and e-mail address. Please send answers to the Gazette. -Ed.]

Tue, 25 Apr 2000 18:19:37 +0100
From: Linux Gazette <gazette@ssc.com> The following questions received this month are answered in the Linux Gazette FAQ:

• Will my Winmodem (this time a PCI Internal faxmodem Well FM-56PC V:RWH-A) work under Linux?

Wed, 26 Apr 2000 10:52:35 +0800
From: Kana Krishna <Kana_Krishna@netcel360.com>

My name is Kanagaraj and I'm from Malaysia . Currently I'm doing my degree in Computer Science in a local university here . I need help in creating a script that can log into telnet or ftp server ( with user name and password ) to copy a file(log file) and send it to a pc that is connected to the network . What I really need to do is :-

1. Telnet a site with its password and user name.
2. From there , ftp another site (with password and user name).Get a log file and send it through both the servers again to a pc that is connected to the network

I need the automate the process by scripting for one of my projects and I'm really having a tough time doing it . I'm have to connect using MS-Dos enviroment. As I was looking for some information or somebody to help me , I found your e-mail address in one of the web sites . It would nice if you could help me .Bye

Wed, 26 Apr 2000 18:42:50 -0400
From: Aurelio Martínez Dalis <aureliomd@cantv.net>

My Name is Aurelio Martínez, from Venezuela, Latin America. I speak english just a little, and I am a Linux begineer. I would like to know if exists any other video system for linux other than X11, free or comercial, under development or stable. Can you help me ? Thanks.

Fri, 28 Apr 2000 14:42:50 -0400
From: Roland Glenn McIntosh <roland@sunriselabs.com>
Subject: Two problems - change password with Eudora, how to APOP?

I'm using the IMAP package, whichever version comes with Red Hat Linux 6.2. I'd like to be able to change my mail password on the server from the client, using Eudora's "change password" feature.

I'd also like to be able to use APOP authentication, though I haven't seen how to set this up anyplace on the server side. Please help!

Fri, 28 Apr 2000 15:05:17 -0700
From: Julio <axios@dccnet.com>
Subject: leading distributions

hello there folks,

thank you for the quality publication

would you please help me find information on the leading distributions of Linux?

I have looked everywhere I can think of, including linuxorg, linux this and linux that. Also IDC and IDG. Internet.com, cnet...

where o where can I find a simple explanation of the top distributions, what is their market share, how many copies each has sold and if it is broken down by continent then all the better.

sorry to bother you but after 3 days of fruitless searching, I just came to the conclusion that I should start asking people who are likely to know

I am another new convert - I am having a dual processor Linux machine built as I type this and will deep six Windows for good. Finally. And good riddance.

please help if you can, even if you don't know that answer, please direct me to somebody that does know the answers to the above questions.

thanks for your help,

Mon, 3 Apr 2000 23:27:54 -0400
From: Pierre Abbat <phma@oltronics.net>
Subject: Best Linux and BestCrypt

Best Linux is at Technology Center Hermia, Tampere. BestCrypt is by Jetico, which is on Hermiankatu, Tampere. Any connection?

phma

Tue, 11 Apr 2000 15:23:46 GMT
From: Harry <harryw@thegenstore.com>
Subject: Good work.

Hi

I read the Linux Gazette regularly, but I hadn't read it for the few months just passed. I read the new cartoon Helpdex, and really liked it. So much in fact that I decided it was worth e-mailing you to tell you that I think it's a great addition to a great 'Zine.

Keep up the good work.

Mon, 24 Apr 2000 17:45:25 GMT
From: Michael Williams <iamalsogod@hotmail.com>
Subject: Newbie installation tips and reorganizing the tech support columns

[These are excerpts from a long conversation. My proposal is near the end. Readers: please send in your suggestions or offers to help! -Ed.]

How about setting up a regular section where people email their problems with setting up Linux, especially on a machine that already runs windows (along with the solutions of course). I'm suggesting this because of the problems that I found when installing Linux - I believe that this is a major factor in stopping people from using the operatins system. It wouldn't be immediate, but I would be happy to put it all together if you would just mention it in the next issue.

Your humble Editor wrote:

How would this be different from the Mailbag/2-cent Tips and The Answer Guy? Do you wish the installation questions moved all together under their own heading? Or what is it you're looking for?

Michael responded:

Okay....

1. It is different from the answer guy/2 cent tips as it allows the readers to offer their solutions for problems. As good as he is, the answer guy cannot answer every problem that may arrise simply because of the range of hardware available. If enough people responded, it would end up as a pretty comprehensive list of problems that may arrise during the Linux installation. I see your point, it is fairly similair to two cent tips. However, it would be purely based around installation issues.

2. Yes, I believe that the installation issues should be moved under a seperate heading. This is by far the most difficult/traumatic part of Linux (in my view), especially when there's another OS involved (ie windows). This put me off installing Linux for almost two whole years. Those were two wasted years - there should definately be a comprehensive and detailed guide to installing Linux (yes, I know they do exist, but I haven't seen any that allow user contribution on this scale).

Your magnificent Editor wrote:

You are very right about people putting off installing Linux because of potential installation problems, and how this is "wasted time" when they could be learning the OS. Unfortunately, even the most comprehensive book will not cover all situations.

I'm cc'ing Jim Dennis and Heather Stern (the Answer Guy and HTML Gal) and Margie Richardson (the Ruler of the Gazette) to get their input on this.

A good portion of our questions are indeed first-time user issues, and another good portion deals with adding hardware. I'm unsure whether trying to separate those questions out would be worthwhile. The thing is, the technical details regarding first-time installation also come back when you add new hardware, install Linux on `a different computer, etc.

Would you be interested in coordinating the installation- and hardware- related questions in the Mailbag and 2-Cent Tips?

You could also build something like a knowledge-base index based on subject with links to the letters, if you're ambitious. This would be something to help newbies find the information they need.

The LG FAQ also has a section for questions that come up so frequently (like Winmodems) that Jim, Heather and I get tired of repeating them, so we just point people to the FAQ. If you'd like to augment that section of the FAQ, it might help some readers. (Now if readers would only realize the FAQ exists. It seems that links on every page and even a link in the blurb about how to submit a question doesn't help....)

Heather Stern chimed in:

Also with many querents it's not clear if they'd fall into the space of "first tine user" - they didn't say, so we'd be presuming to say so. And a very experienced person is often new to the one aspect they're asking about.

The readers already are supposed to be putting forward their own problems and solutions with 2cent Tips; but we're getting an increase of people sending raw Tips to The Answer Guy, usually inspired by a previous letter in his column.

My personal inclination would lean toward, if Michael's willing to coordinate it, sprouting Tips (short answers only), Answer Guy, and the Clueful Hoard (i.e. answerguy like answers from the readership, to technical questions to the Mailbag) into its own meta-section, with the FAQ and/or sorted best answers prominently bulleted below these. For such an endeavor I'd be happy to throw together some extra graphics, and send him the current edition of the AnswerGuy preprocessing script, with some docs on how to use it effectively :)

This would mean some things that presently get pubbed as Tips, and some messages that come to The Answer Guy, would be moved to the Clueful Hoard.

Jim had originally (way back in the teen issues) figured the Answer Guy would someday become an Answer Gang. This is one way to do it. Another way to do it would be to turn Answer Guy into a moderated list where the querent gets a consensus or best answer from the Gang. I have on occasion piped in an editorial comment as well...

It's hard to tell who uses Past Answers since if they got their answer, they generally don't email us...

I made an attempt at sorting Past Answers into topics and Michael, you're welcome to look at them, even, to become their maintainer (I'm usually a month or two behind on them), and for the FAQ too. Deciding on where to split the topics can be difficult, even if you're willing to link a question multiple times. It's behind (3 months I think ;P) but -All- the answers the Answer Guy wrote up to the last maintenance visit I made to them, are in the Past Answers.

Your all-around good guy Mr Editor wrote:

I'm hearing lots of good suggestions. Let's think about it for a month before deciding what to do. We have two requests: (1) giving Linux newbies better access to information about configuring their hardware, and (2) a general reorganizing of the tech support columns.

It's clear that the Answer Guy column is better organized than the Mailbag/2-Cent Tips in regard to finding the messages that deal with your question, so I'd like to consider moving all the tech support questions to that framework. The Mailbag would then be just for general mail (which usually means mail about the Gazette), and 2-Cent Tips would be for standalone tips: nifty shell scripts, cool .bashrc settings, etc. (I really enjoy doing the standalone tips, so nobody's taking that part away from me. :)

Heather responded:

How about creating a regular section entirely devoted to newbie's? It would almost be like a 'sub magazine' in its own right, with its own sections. To go into more detail....

It would be split up into 5 seperate sections:

1. Distrubution Reviews (which would have an archive of distribution reviews as well as new ones)

2. A newbie version of the answer guy (all newbie questions would go here)

The Answer Guy is popular because he is (1) an ordinary person answering ordinary people and (2) he will chase down a lot of weird answers (his experience can lead him to give much better than a newbie knows to ask for).

I think it is harmful rather than helpful to suggest that newbies should somehow get shoved into a corner (what, they're not "allowed" to speak to the answer guy? the same one who actually -answers- when he gently flames the poor weener who is not quite on-topic, or has asked in a creatively misunderstanding way? I don't think so) And lest you suggest that I have no experience with them... I teach on Mondays, to a few people who are newbies to Linux and computers themselves at the same time. If you'd be assuming that they even know what an A: is... you'd do them a terrible disservice.

I have no objections to a transformation into a Answer Gang (multiple gurus in the column, maybe more bubble types?) or a Clueful Hoard (someone edits answers from the multitude into a similar column, while the wizardly Answer Guy answers his as well) but I have a *serious* objection to completely restructuring the whole webzine.

3. Reader's Tips (this is basically my original idea, concentrating mainly on installation and compatibility issues. It too would have an archive section split up into easily findable topics)

Tips already exists as a column. If you're interested in becoming a maintainer for it that would probably be great.

4. Programming for Newbies (programming is an -extremely- important part of Linux. It would not concentrate on more complex and specific issues. It would deal with more general and introductory topics and contain links to reference material.

This could easily become a longterm column of its own, the transformation of one unfamiliar with programming into a script wizard and junior programmer. Good idea.

5. Feature artical (each month it would contain a different feature e.g setting up Linux under windows etc....)

You're welcome to contribute ordinary articles to the Gazette during any month whatsoever, and if you can encourage others to do so also, more power to you.

Didn't we used to have a "weekend mechanic" section?

Of course, I would be happy to moderate and design this with a little help. It would not be a huge, certainly not the size of the magazine itself. If you want to encourage people to use Linux and get the most out of it, a section like this would be great. I know it is a lot more than I originally suggested, but I for one certainly believe it would be a good idea.

On the one hand I want to encourage the enthusiasm. On the other, I'd like to note, it's a lot of work merely to corrdinate the answerguy letters into one column. I think at one point it was about half the work in the whole magazine, and that I took it over from Marjorie both made TAG look better, and allowed Marjorie some breathing room to make the Gazette better. I do not honestly believe that one person can do all of this that you describe without ramping up to it. Though you claim it'd be smaller than the zine, it sounds bigger than the early issues of it, and Marjorie had her hands full every month back then too.

Take over the FAQs and Past Answers and mush them together nicely, or start writing articles regularly. Heck, if you can manage to do both of those every month without going completely bonkers, maybe a "section for newbies" will be completely and utterly unnecessary, because they will tend to find what they are looking for.

Michael wrote:

I would be happy to help out in any way that I can, just tell me what to do :-). Your comments were justified - it would involve a huge remake of the overall layout and a considerable ammount of work. Thanx for your time :) (No hard feelings by the way).

Your Editor, who rode his bike to work and enjoyed the sunshine, wrote:

I think it is harmful rather than helpful to suggest that newbies should somehow get shoved into a corner

I agree with Heather here. Everybody is a veteran at some things and a newbie at others.

Here's a proposal:

1. Create a topic index covering both articles and tips
2. Answer Guy -> Answer Gang/Clueful Hoard
3. All tech support questions/answers -> Answer Gang/Clueful Hoard
4. Have more articles and series like the Weekend Mechanic

Now to elaborate.

#1 -- TOPIC INDEX

This would help newbies (and veterans) find the articles/letters relevant to their problem. We'd have to decide on categories (e.g., Network/PPP, Hardware/Video Cards, XWindows).

The back end for this is partially covered: each article and TAG answer already has its own URL, and some tips (not in recent issues) have their own anchor links as well. Somebody just needs to categorize the items and create the entry links in the index. For tips without their own anchor link (=all the recent issues), we'd just have to link to the page.

If we can build a framework that allows contributions from home, then readers can submit, say, a text file containing all the index entries for issue X (category, link title, URL), and a script can merge these into the index. I can categorize the articles for each current issue, and the Answer Gang can do the same for the tips, and volunteers can do the back issues gradually one by one.

#2 -- Answer Gang/Clueful Hoard

We need to get more people working on this before we all get burned out.

Heather, can you and Jim propose some logistics on how we could coordinate keeping the Gang together and getting each question to the Hoard and moderating the answers? We first need to know what needs to be done, then we can figure out who will do what.

#3 -- Moving the tech support letters/tips

This will have to wait until the Answer Gang is ready to take it on.

#4 -- More articles/series

This will take care of itself as potential authors propose things. We can list in the Mailbag what series are missing and desired.

This could easily become a longterm column of its own, the transformation of one unfamiliar with programming into a script wizard and junior programmer. Good idea.

Didn't we used to have a "weekend mechanic" section?

This page written and maintained by the Editor of the Linux Gazette. Copyright © 2000, gazette@ssc.com
Published in Issue 53 of Linux Gazette, May 2000

"Linux Gazette...making Linux just a little more fun!"

Contents: Distro News News in General Software Announcements

May 2000 Linux Journal

The May issue of Linux Journal is on the newsstands now. This issue focuses on Programming and includes a Python supplement.

Linux Journal has articles that appear "Strictly On-Line". Check out the Table of Contents at http://www.linuxjournal.com/issue73/index.html for articles in this issue as well as links to the on-line articles. To subscribe to Linux Journal, go to http://www.linuxjournal.com/subscribe/index.html.

For Subcribers Only: Linux Journal archives are available on-line at http://interactive.linuxjournal.com/

BlueCat

SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 6, 2000 - Lynx Real-Time Systems, Inc., today announced delivery of Hewlett-Packard Company's (HP) ChaiVM, embedded virtual-machine technology on Lynx' BlueCat Linux operating system (OS). BlueCat users can now field soft real-time Java applications in a wide range of products using the Java-compliant embedded virtual machine from HP.

BlueCat offers a fast, interpretive byte code execution and a Java native interface to bind Java threads to BlueCat pthreads for deterministic scheduling. BlueCat features a reduced run-time footprint, as small as 600K, and concurrent, incremental garbage collection contributing to predictable soft real-time performance.

Corel

Following the launch of Corel LINUX OS in November 1999, Corel's U.S. retail market share for Linux increased more than eight times to 19.3 per cent as of February 2000. Prior to the release of Corel LINUX OS, the company held 2.3 per cent of the retail market share based on sales of Corel WordPerfect 8 for Linux. Corel also released WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux in March.

The free Corel LINUX OS Download is NOW available! Check it out at http://linux.corel.com/

Debian

Debian has recently added another machine to its computing resources. The system is an UltraSPARC 60 with dual 360Mhz CPU's and 512Megs of RAM. It was donated by Sun Microsystems . To add to the system, Sun also donated a Netra st A1000 Telecom Class storage array. The array contains eight 9gig 10k RPM drives, for a total of 72gigs of raw capacity. The storage unit, configured as a RAID 5 system, will serve as Debian's new primary internal archive server. IntraServer also assisted in getting this system operational by donating the PCI Differential UltraWide SCSI Controller that the array is attached to.

The system is currently running Debian's frozen SPARC GNU/Linux distribution, potato (aka, Debian 2.2), utilizing a 2.2.15-pre11 SMP kernel. The machine is being hosted at VisiNet , a Winstar owned ISP .

Debian wishes to thank all of the contributors of the system and hosting site as well as the developers who invested time and effort into testing and configuring the system for Debian's network. Thank you!

Mandrake

INDIANAPOLIS - March 27, 2000 - Macmillan USA, the Place for Linux, (www.placeforlinux.com), announced Secure Server 7.0 for professional server administrators. Macmillan's new product is a secure Linux web server built within the new Linux®-Mandrake(tm) 7.0 operating system. With Secure Server 7.0, managers of mid-level traffic web sites will have a secure server solution.

Secure Server 7.0 provides graphical tools for easy Linux installation and disk partitioning. The Apache-based web server utilizes RSA's BSAFE® SSL-C technology - the best technology available for encryption and security. Secure Server 7.0 is designed for the Linux professional responsible for managing an e-commerce, intranet or any web site requiring security. Additional tools, utilities, and documentation round out the product, providing more value and functionality.

Secure Server 7.0 is available now at an MSRP of U.S. $149.95.

SuSE

NUREMBERG, Germany -- March 13, 2000 -- SuSE Linux today announced that it has designated VA Linux Systems' SourceForge, the world's largest Open Source development center, as a primary mirror for ftp.suse.com, to help improve the availability of SuSE Linux via download.

SuSE Linux is available for download at ftp://download.sourceforge.net/pub/suse/, which carries the full FTP version of SuSE Linux, as well as ISO images of the evaluation version, updates and fixes.

Further, SuSE Linux is now offered as a platform on the SourceForge CompileFarm, a unique service that gives Open Source developers a convenient way to build and test applications on multiple versions of the Linux and BSD operating systems over the Internet. The SourceForge CompileFarm enables Open Source developers to automatically create packages that can be installed on SuSE Linux using SuSE's YaST installation tool, without having to compile the programs manually.

SuSE announced a deal with Fugitsu Siemens Computers, Siemens Business Services and Siemens IT Service to deliver SuSE Linux-based systems with complete customer and sales support. With a global reach, the Fujitsu/Siemens and SuSE agreement allows the above partners to deliver an encompassing enterprise Linux solution to thousands of potential customers.

SuSE will disperse a free distribution CD within the June 2000 issue of MacTech Magazine. This CD will be a fully working distribution of Linux on the 2.2.14 kernel, with SuSE's powerful installation tool as well as other open-source software. This CD does not expire and can be distributed freely.

SAN MATEO, CA and HANNOVER, GERMANY - March 14, 2000 - SuSE will now budle Enlighten Software Solutions, Inc.'s Linux System Monitoring and Reporting technology with the SuSE Linux 6.4 for Intel distribution. When enabled, the Enlighten Linux Monitoring Agent will be able to monitor and report on critical Linux system and operating conditions including processor, memory utilization, changes in hardware and software configuration and increases in network errors.

Upcoming conferences & events

Forum of Free Software	May 4-5, 2000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil English: http://www.softwarelivre.rs.gov.br/welc_ing.html Portuguese: http://www.softwarelivre.rs.gov.br/welc_port.html
HPC Linux 2000: Workshop on High-Performance Computing with Linux Platforms	May 14-17, 2000 Beijing, China www.csis.hku.hk/~clwang/HPCLinux2000.html (In conjunction with HPC-ASIA 2000: The Fourth International Conference/Exhibition on High Performance Computing in Asia-Pacific Region)
Linux Canada	May 15-18, 2000 Toronto, Canada www.linuxcanadaexpo.com
Converge 2000	May 17-18, 2000 Alberta, Canada www.converge2000.com
SANE 2000: 2nd International SANE (System Administration and Networking) Conference	May 22-25, 2000 MECC, Maastricht, The Netherlands www.nluug.nl/events/sane2000/index.html
ISPCON	May 23-25, 2000 Orlando, FL www.ispcon.internet.com
Strictly Business Expo	June 7-9, 2000 Minneapolis, MN www.strictly-business.com
USENIX	June 19-23, 2000 San Diego, CA www.usenix.org/events/usenix2000/
LinuxFest	June 20-24, 2000 Kansas City, KS www.linuxfest.com
PC Expo	June 27-29, 2000 New York, NY www.pcexpo.com
LinuxConference	June 27-28, 2000 Zürich, Switzerland www.linux-conference.ch
"Libre" Software Meeting #1 (Rencontres mondiales du logiciels libre), sponsored by ABUL (Linux Users Bordeaux Association)	July 5-9, 2000 Bordeaux, France French: www.abul.org/rmll1-fr.html English: www.abul.org/rmll1-uk.html
Summer COMDEX	July 12-14, 2000 Toronto, Canada www.zdevents.com/comdex
O'Reilly/2000 Open Source Software Convention	July 17-20, 2000 Monterey, CA conferences.oreilly.com/convention2000.html
Atlanta Linux Showcase	October 10-14, 2000 Atlanta, GA www.linuxshowcase.org
Web 2000	November 1-3, 2000 (Location unknown at present) (URL unknown at present)
Fall COMDEX	November 13-17, 2000 Las Vegas, NV www.zdevents.com/comdex
USENIX Winter - LISA 2000	December 3-8, 2000 New Orleans, LA www.usenix.org
Linux Expo	(Dates unknown at present) San Jose, CA (URL unknown at present)
ISPCON	(Dates unknown at present) San Jose, CA www.ispcon.internet.com

Magic Software news

[Magic Software sent in these beautiful penguin photos from Antarctica.

The pictures were taken when Mike McMillin won the Magic for Linux Really Cool Contest and embarked on his prize--an 18-day cruise around Antarctica and its surrounding islands.

Thanks, Magic! -Ed.]

Magic introduced eService, the Company's new Web-based, enterprise-level customer service management system that allows companies to manage their service departments as profit centers. The new product, which marks the debut of Magic's new customer relationship management (CRM) suite, streamlines service workflow and provides companies a comprehensive picture of their service departments in real time.

In addition, Magic eService reduces costs by making it possible for companies to employ cost-effective "virtual support centers," where service agents can work from their own homes around the world. Virtual support centers also allow the organization to easily provide 24-hour, seven day a week support through "follow-the-sun" service that utilizes the availability of the Internet.

Magic has also signed a deal to deliver MiTAC Europe Ltd. Powered by Magic's eMerchant, the web site will provide consumers easy access to a wide range of mall-type stores through a three-dimensional interface that helps simulate a true store-to-store mall shopping experience for the visitor. It is a site that MiTAC expects will revolutionize the design and convenience of online shopping sites. eMerchant is available for Linux.

PileofPcs.Org: open-source Beowulf project

(STOCKHOLM,SWEDEN) (April 17, 2000) In an effort to address some of the barriers that are limiting the spread of Beowulf class cluster-based supercomputer, Pileofpcs.Org has been created. It is dedicated to the proliferation of cluster-based supercomputing (i.e. Beowulf class computers) by creating, promoting and sponsoring the Open Source development of distributions, applications and tools comparable to those sold by traditional supercomputer vendors. All three of our initial projects are being hosted at Sourceforge.net.

"PileofPcs.Org hopes to hasten the day that clusters of cheap computers become more useful. Our intention is to apply all the technology, resources and volunteers we can to help the growth of cluster-based high performance computing as fast as it possibly can. Furthermore, the PileofPcs.Org is imbedded and wedded to the Open-Source Philosophy and community," Dr. Terrence E. Brown, Founder/Executive Director.

We are doing this in a number of ways. First, we are creating a new Linux distribution (and tools) that will allow anyone to easily create a general purpose supercomputer - a Vanilla Beowulf without being a linux programming expert. Second, given that a supercomputer is worthless unless it does something; therefore, perhaps more importantly, we are also, sponsoring the development of wide range of useful applications both parallel and parametric. Additionally, one of the biggest problem with deploying scalable production-class superclusters is the lack of mature and tested management tools comparable to what the traditional supercomputer vendors provide. PilesofPcs.Org aims to change this as well.

Current Projects 1. A new linux distribution that will allow those with limited technical knowledge create a vanilla Beowulf class supercomputer. SuperClustor Linux is hosted here. http://sourceforge.net/project/?group_id=4302

2. An Open source version of an base application that would delivers the high level of performance required for parametric executions by distributing the jobs over a computer cluster and/or network. This application will allow users of cluster systems to using already existing programs with little of no rewriting. Commercial products that do similar tasks include Clustor and EnFuzion. This would be an open source alternative to them. OpenClustor is hosted here. http://sourceforge.net/project/?group_idC03

3. An open source version of a base application that would enable users with no particular knowledge in Linux, to setup, configure and manage a linux cluster. With ease of use so that simple click is enough to add or remove nodes, monitor processors loads and temperatures. Users will no longer be required to anymore to allocate specific resources to build and maintain their cluster supercomputer. A commercial product of this nature include Alinka's Raisin. SuperCluster Manager is hosted here. http://sourceforge.net/project/?group_id=4304

PileofPcs.Org is looking to support and encourage the development many other application and/or tool projects including two special types: those requiring parallelization and those supporting parametric execution. We want to spur the development applications for all types of situations including, but not limited to science, finance, multimedia, bioinformatics, statistics, weather, data mining, design, neural networks, modelling, etc.

1. Parallelized applications - Although efficient parallelization is a property of the specific beowulf computer, we believe that we can promote the creation of pre-parallelized applications. While this will be a challenge, creating a repository for pre-parallelized and parallelized code with help speed the development of useable applications for all.

2. Applications that support parametric execution - Parametric executions require that the same application is executed numerous times. A single application is run under a wide range of input conditions and the results of these different runs are collected together. Parametric executions are ideally suited to run on large computing clusters, since they produce a lot of jobs, often exceeding thousands. These applications will allow users to tap power of distributed computing.

PileofPcs.Org is looking for Project leaders, developers, html designers, and all others interested in the PileofPcs.Org and Open Source movement. PileofPcs.Org is also looking for software and hardware sponsors to facilitate the rapid development and deployment of our efforts.

Contact: Dr. Terrence E. Brown
drbrown@pileofpcs.org
www.PileofPcs.Org
+46 8 790 6174

Seagate Partners with cobalt Networks

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA and MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - April 3, 2000 - Seagate Technology, Inc., announced the first of a suite of Linux-based server appliances targeted at Internet and Application Service Providers (ISPs and ASPs), through a strategic partnership with Cobalt Networks, Inc. The first Seagate Server Appliance Solution, scheduled to be available this summer, is an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution that provides scablable storage and reliable data protection for ISPs and ASPs. The Seagate Server Appliance Solution enables ISPs and ASPs to generate incremental revenue through "vending" storage and data protection applications to their small and medium-sized customers.

http://www.seagate.com
http://www.cobalt.com

Agate HotData Shuttle

FREMONT, Calif., March 30 -- Agate Technologies, Inc. today announced the release of its popular HotData Shuttle(TM) hot swap IDE Plug & Play solution, designed to support the Linux operating system on Intel based workstations and Internet Server Appliances.

IDE hot swap is an industry term used to describe technology, which allows a component of a computer, such as a hard drive, to be attached or detached physically and electrically without impeding the performance and state of the computer. Agate provides this hot swap data-transfer capability by integrating its proprietary ASCII HotChip(TM) with an interface Printed Circuit Board (PCB) mounted in a generic device bay. The end result is the only true hot swap solution available today.

Priced at $49.95 (U.S.), HotData Shuttle for Linux comes with Shuttle bay/Tray, software driver, and mounting kit. HotData Shuttle(TM) for Linux will be marketed and distributed through its fully owned subsidiary, ei Corporation.

Penguin power credited for 100.000% network availability

NORTH QUINCY, MASS: Wednesday, April 5, 2000: Jeff Morris, President of the Xensei Corporation (http://www.xensei.com), announced today that they have reached a service level milestone that will allow them to begin rolling out high-availability web hosting, an emerging service level that has now become business-critical for eCommerce. High-availability hosting is required by successful eCommerce sites to ensure that their site will be "up", or open for business for a pre-determined percentage of time-often guaranteed in a service-level agreement (SLA).

He commented that, "Our customers have certainly appreciated the increased reliability of our hosting service as network availability has increased to 99.982% over the past year, and 100.000% over the last 90 days."

There are multiple grades of high-availability hosting-they are named according to the number of "nines" in the uptime percentage. 90% is one nine or Class I, 99% is two nines or Class II, 99.9% is three nines or Class III, and so on. Class V is 99.999% and means that the site is down only 5 minutes per year as opposed to a Class 1 which means that your site is down for 876 hours per year (or 73 hours per month). Most hosting providers are currently providing Class I or lower hosting. Few offer the guarantee of an SLA.

Class 1 hosting is most appropriate for companies interested in maintaining an Internet presence that is informative in nature. Class II hosting is recommended for companies who are outsourcing their e-mail system or doing P.O.S. retailing over the Internet. Class IV hosting is required by companies involved in Manufacturing, Utilities, Telecommunications Customer Service, or whose business is strictly eCommerce. Class V hosting is business critical to health systems, satellite navigation, reservation systems, banking (EFT and ATM transactions) and financial securities trading. Class VI (99.9999%) hosting is used by defense systems in launch readiness.

LinuxMall news

DENVER - The first Linux product orders from LinuxMall.com's web site are being filled through Frank Kasper & Associates' Minneapolis, Minn. warehouse. The fulfillment operation is a key component of the recently announced merger between LinuxMall.com and Frank Kasper & Associates.

LinuxMall sponsored all four Linux Business Expo Community Hubs. Linux Community Hubs provide free booth space to non-profit organizations that make significant contributions to the Linux and Open Source movement.

Tux and DustPuppy (Linux Mall)

DENVER - Tux the penguin and Dust Puppy, the hottest celebrities in the IT technical community, have announced their partnership agreement. Geeks from around the Internet are gathering to support the cuddly mascots in the joint venture. The partnership between Tux, the Linux mascot and User Friendly's Dust Puppy clears the way for a cross-marketing agreement between LinuxMall.com and Userfriendly.org.

"I'm thrilled about the Little Guy and my new friends at User Friendly," said Tux in response to the agreement. "My favorite thing to do after eating a few gallons of raw herring, is to curl up with Dust Puppy and the cast of User Friendly. Now I'll get some laughs first-hand."

"Tux and the whole Linux community are way-cool," the Canadian Dust Puppy remarked. "I'm looking forward to some major appearances together in the future."

Linux Expo North America (review)

Montreal, April 18, 2000 - The first ever Linux Expo North America was a marked success. Close to 4,500 visitors made their way through the snow storm to attend the Expo at Palais des Congrès. The slight shortfall in the number of visitors due to Mother Nature's whimsy was more than made up for in the discernible quality of visitors. The success of this first edition set the tone for future shows in Toronto in October and in Montreal in April 2001.

"The comments we've received from the majority of our 102 exhibitors confirm that our choice of quality versus quantity of visitors, was indeed the best strategy for positioning our event as one of the great shows in the Linux North America circuit" declared Stéphane Labrouche, V.P. and Director General of Sky Events, show organizers.

Linux Expo North America is already scheduled to take place in Montreal from April 10 to 12, 2001. In the meantime, the event will be held in Sao Paulo June 20 and 21, 2000 and at Toronto's Metro Convention Center October 30, 31 and November 1, 2000.

www.linuxexpocanada.com

Hewlett-Packard to bundle TapeWare Linux software its tape drives

FRESNO, CA., February 14 ( Yosemite Technologies, Inc. today announced an agreement with Hewlett-Packard Company to bundle Yosemite's storage management software, TapeWare, with the HP SureStore family of DAT, and DLT tape drives.

HP gains a powerful, comprehensive, yet intuitive backup technology that has been often rated superior to other industry leading backup applications and the bundled solution will provide additional support for the innovative new HP One-Button Disaster Recovery (OBDR) feature, for integrated full-system restoration. HP's OBDR offers a fast, simple solution to return a server or desktop system to its normal operational state following a crash.

"Introducing TapeWare into HP SureStore products offers a complete backup solution and One-Button Disaster Recovery for Windows NT and NetWare" says Peter Doughty, marketing manager for HP Computer Peripherals Bristol. "It also provides HP SureStore customers with the ability to backup Linux servers and workstations."

http://www.tapeware.com

NetWinder OfficeServer 1.5

OTTAWA, Canada - April 5, 2000 - Rebel.com Inc. announced the availability of an upgrade to its OfficeServer software - NetWinder OfficeServer 1.5.

NetWinder OfficeServer 1.5 is an all-in-one Internet gateway server appliance which provides small and medium-sized businesses with full Internet and local area network support. Based on the Linux operating system, NetWinder OfficeServer 1.5 is configured with a broad range of network services such as firewall/VPN, Web site hosting, Web access, file and printer sharing and e-mail.

Features and enhancements to NetWinder OfficeServer 1.5 include:

* PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) support - PPPoE is a relatively new protocol that specifies how a computer interacts with a broadband modem (ie. xDSL, cable, wireless, etc.) to achieve access to the growing number of highspeed data networks;

* Third-party plug-in to allow developers to add applications independently to the OfficeServer;

* Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client has been upgraded to support the @home cable modem service.

The security features of the OfficeServer have been significantly enhanced in order to keep pace with industry-standard security criteria. This includes more secure default firewall rules and increased privacy protection in the mail server. In addition, NetWinder OfficeServer 1.5 now allows users to securely connect to their OfficeServer-protected LAN anywhere in the world using the Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. The VPN software is bundled with the OfficeServer at no additional charge and includes 3 free client licenses. http://shop.rebel.com/netwinder/officeserver.cfm

Cobalt RaQ3i Systems and Phoenix Adaptive Firewall