November 2003 - openSUSE Edu - openSUSE Mailing Lists

Quick question
by Paul Taylor 22 Apr '04

22 Apr '04

How do I kill kde and return the server to just a login so that I can save on resources. I have never done this as I am a child of the gui and it is killing my web server on the net. Paul

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An Open Source National curriculum
by garry saddington 03 Dec '03

03 Dec '03

We use Open Source almost exclusively to teach ICT and I have the idea that an alternative Open Source National Curriculum would be a good thing, what do others feel? regards garry

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology
by Grainge, Derek 02 Dec '03

02 Dec '03

Sadly, programming isn't on the agenda in any part of the national curriculum in UK school - unless you do A-level Computing as opposed to ICT - which means Computing is therefore the preserve of geekdom in schools. Contrast that against India - all Indian senior schools teach programming and hardware, and few teach ICT skills (although it's creeping in now). Few pupils use ICT for coursework etc in the way the UK does. Few countries except the UK would allow as much coursework as we do. Indians have a long history in areas like Philosophy and Maths, and they value Engineers far more than we do. You then see jobs going to India from the UK. Not all parts of India, needless to say - but there is an IT industry, they have lots of very expert programmers and they have the infrastructure to support all the stuff we now outsource to them: it's not just about price. National Curriculum and GCSE ICT make me sad in many ways: the former is largely tick-list mentality (can he do bold, can he do italic?) and the latter purports to create mini software engineers: 15 year olds doing system analysis - get real. Tests like CLAIT and ECDL don't provide any guarantees that those who pass them can use IT effectively. So how do you teach IT? : set pupils tasks which require them to use various features found in certain packages. It would be nice if everyone could self-learn applications but that would apply to only a proportion of pupils in any school. Provide support for the self-learners and teaching for those who can't get their heads round it. Assess the quality of the work done: it is 'fit for purpose'? Knowing which button to press to produce bullets is irrelevant; or should be. How do you teach programming? Most schools don't. But it's easy to pick up bad habits and it's very important that students who do decide to learn by themselves get guidance. I know I give it wherever possible. Do all schools have someone with the ability to teach C++ or VB or Java? I doubt it. Teaching programming is like teaching Latin or Maths - you are teaching a methodology and the need for rigour, attention to detail. IT companies will snap up Classics graduates because they have the intellect and approach needed to do programming. Previous experience not necessary. You can do the Times crossword? Straight in. So by teaching programming are we falling into the same 'skills' trap? Unfortunately as soon as you write a syllabus it need to be seen to be 'rigorous' (ha!) and QCA get involved. Sorry if I offend anyone connected with exam boards or the QCA - but I reckon that their muddled thinking is doing real damage. That feels better. I'll go and take a tablet. Derek -----Original Message----- From: John Dean [mailto:john@rygannon.com] Sent: 27 November 2003 15:53 To: Chris Puttick Cc: Matt Johnson; SuSe Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology On Thursday 27 November 2003 14:50, Chris Puttick wrote: Am I correct in assuming that you guys actually teach kids to use a Wordprocessor. Surely, your time would be better spent teaching the rudiments of programming. Would you believe that I have never been taught a single thing about the use of any any application from the multitude of Office Suites. The Help files and tutorials have always been my friend not the class room -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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nx9005 size & orientation??
by Ron Johnson 01 Dec '03

01 Dec '03

Dear All I dont know if you can help, but I have just put Suse 9 Prof on my school laptop- compaq/hp nx9005. Display is useless I can't get it off 640x480 using the Control Centre. When I apply 600x800 or 1024x768 I get some very weird screens - unworkable. Have you any answers otherwise I will have to wipe Suse off. I did this as a prelim to putting Suse 9 on my desktop as I wish to try out some Linux eduaction programs. Now I am not so sure, although I hope it wont be a problem on the desktop as it is up to date hardware. Thanking you in advance Many of God's blessings Ron Johnson ________________________________________________________________________ Download Yahoo! Messenger now for a chance to win Live At Knebworth DVDs http://www.yahoo.co.uk/robbiewilliams

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kernel bogie
by Paul Taylor 29 Nov '03

29 Nov '03

Hi all: If I can divert your energies for a moment from an excellent debate. It relates only slightly tenuously off topic (since SuSE/SUSE is now SuSELL). At my current school they are Novell-o-philes and use a Linux partition on every machine to deliver a customised M$ partition (I am, with the support of most at the school, trialling thin client to get rid of M$ completely-watch this space). However, they would like to modify the 2.4.18 kernel they use so that it can run a tftp server so that they can load some new files onto one machine locally and then push it out to all at the site. We have taken over the LEA support contract for 8 local promaries and hope to get more. All of them use OO. Since they are familiar now, they will have none of the objections cited by other writers on this list from parents. The battle needs to be started at an earlier stage and primaries I think are much more recipient to the get rid of M$ argument. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how this might be done? I know that tftp as a client sits in the sbin or bin, but we need a tftp server. I have recompilled a kernel a few times before with pretty guis but have not toyed at the command line. Paul

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Open file formats and idiology
by Matt Johnson 28 Nov '03

28 Nov '03

Hi all, A rallying cry for some assistance in a scary world. We're thinking of replacing MS Office here (97) with Oo.o 1.1 (to be honest, it's going to happen!). I've received a letter from a parent who is "alarmed" that we may be considering any alternatives to Microsoft, expressing how important it is for her child to be in a Microsoft environment because of the real world (I'm paraphrasing - not her words). I'm arguing along three lines... *Practicality (cost/budget/product features). *Educationally (we're teachers not trainers) *Idiologically (free thinking, open standards and specifically open file formats). Could anyone point me to some web resources for the definition of "educating" rather than "training" that would enhance my point. And also resources that support the case for "open file formats" versus proprietory (and thus I suppose opensource in general versus proprietory - although maybe this wouldn't directly help as we're at least "looking at Star Office". Hmm). The more professional the body of any report's author, the better I suppose (do Becta cover this stuff?). Any articles at all would be great. Cheers -- Matt Johnson ________________________________________________________________________ Download Yahoo! Messenger now for a chance to win Live At Knebworth DVDs http://www.yahoo.co.uk/robbiewilliams

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and ideology
by Grainge, Derek 28 Nov '03

28 Nov '03

Another argument would be that whatever version of word the child currently uses will look radically different by the time he uses it in business; that the company will provide specific training; that what matters are *transferable* skills and you can pick them up from OO or Word or Wordperfect. I believe kids *should* use more than one product, and should grapple with the real world issues over software compatibility. So by letting the child use M$ at home and OO at school you are going to increase real skills in the long term. What does matter short-term is when students do work at home and at school; not if you are doing your job properly, students will know how to use 'save as' to change file format, won't they? SO that's not an issue either. Parents who focus solely on little Jim doing project work are missing the point. [actually it might matter - I know from moving files between macs and PC that although text works fairly well, there will be font incompatibilities; that embedded pictures and objects like spreadsheet charts and graphs may not make the transition cleanly, and are unlikely to be editable on the new platform.] And you can still take the high ground over education v training: sorry I'm going off a bit at a tangent. Does the parent work for Microsoft? :-> -- Derek Grainge Microtechnology Wellington College 01344 444192 dgg(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk -----Original Message----- From: Matt Johnson [mailto:johnsonmlw@yahoo.com] Sent: 27 November 2003 14:14 To: SuSe Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology Hi all, A rallying cry for some assistance in a scary world. We're thinking of replacing MS Office here (97) with Oo.o 1.1 (to be honest, it's going to happen!). I've received a letter from a parent who is "alarmed" that we may be considering any alternatives to Microsoft, -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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Re: Open file formats and idiology - some thoughts
by Alan Harris 28 Nov '03

28 Nov '03

Hi All, Some thoughts for you re: open file formats ; At Work I use a Mac, I also use a PC, at home I use a Mac and a PC running Linux. All three run OpenOffice 1.0. I have no problems transferring files (in fact when I can download the newer Openoffice I'll have exactly zero problems, apart from databases that is!). On both my Macs I have MS Office X and, in work we have a deputy head using office X-pletive on Windows X-pletive. I can't get his powerpoint presentations to load properly on the Mac USING powerpoint! However, they work beautifully if I import them into Keynote! OpenOffice is free, it's inclusive, it's cross platform BUT, as our Deputy Head so eloquently phrased it - "I don't want to learn OpenOffice!". As a thought, ask your parents (and teachers) how many of them have a fully legal copy of MS Office and can prove that fact - I'm sure that the answers (truthfully now..) won't surprise anyone on this list but, they will be vigerously refuted by the powers that be. If you listen to your staff and parents then nothing can possibly be changed because MS is what everybody uses - I've already proposed what you have and been shot down. So, I've made my own decision - My home is now a Microsoft Free Zone - any complaints from the school that my daughters attend will be met with the statement " Openoffice is a free download with no catches and it's cross platform - if you want to read my childrens files then DOWNLOAD THE B****Y THING , INSTALL IT AND ACTUALLY TEACH THE KIDS SOMETHING USEFUL! " I'm sick of teachers (sorry to offend anyone here but it's a fact of life), I'm sick of management and governors who have little or no understanding of I.C.T. and I'm sick of being ripped off my Microsoft. During a time of falling roles and reduced budgets those of us who have children in school should remember that each child is worth approx £3K per annum to that school. As tax payers and parents WE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD ON THESE MATTERS. Maybe we should actually be considering the transfer of our children from non-oss using schools to oss using schools wherever it is possible. They'll understand a slap in the pocket far better than they'll understand a technical or ideological argument. My final thoughts come from some comments made by Mark Rogers, Apple UK Managing Director, made in MacFormat Christmas 2003 edition (An Apple For Teacher) - "The question is: what are we trying to prepare children for? It should be about learning and giving them the skills that they really need when they go into the workplace, such as being able to find information or being creative. It's not about teaching them how to use Excel. It's not about the application but the process, and we think that can be done on any platform." Alan

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Re: Open file formats and idiology - some thoughts
by Grainge, Derek 28 Nov '03

28 Nov '03

> A - level ICT syllabuses make a big point of extolling the virtues of client - > server and distributed databases but then accept coursework projects done in > Access (what is all that about?). OCR extols it in one part of one section of one module at A2. Pupil's knowledge really needs to be principles and background rather than technical, looking at exam questions. Being pragmatic, I would consider a pupil's chosen project - then point out that a 'pure database' solution will take a lot less development time than a web + SQL one. Less development time FOR HIM as an inexperienced developer. And since almost all the marks in project work come from following the development process and documenting it, and relatively few from the implementation per se, I would always want a candidate to spend as much time on paperwork as possible. Hence the minimum time necessary to a good implementation. This of course isn't education - it's mark chasing. But with UCAS points, parental attitudes, Management Team and school leagues to consider, I think we all end up doing a lot of mark chasing. My exam board may not specify Access, but all the exemplar and training material I have ever found for OCR ICT is based on Access - because that's what they know about. There's an OCR (I have had students develop database-only and others client/server stuff. It's up to them really. I will support what they want to do whether it's Access, asp, php, Mysql whatever.) -- Derek -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Re: Open file formats and idiology - some thoughts
by Grainge, Derek 27 Nov '03

27 Nov '03

> 2. We are running a competition for a mascot - like Tux but based on a > seagull for the OO.o Schools project the winning design will be adopted > by the project worldwide. Presumably the winning seagull will be doing what seagulls do over an effigy of Bill Gates.... No, just joking. -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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misnomer
by Paul Taylor 27 Nov '03

27 Nov '03

Hi John: I think I put in "Zend" as it was familiar to me. They use some system that sounds like Zend but it isn't. It was at the end of a long school day when they asked me as the "resident Linux expert" and I was only half listening. I will gather some more realistic details tomorrow. I think kernel is the wrong term too. They have a small footprint Linux distro which is compiled by Novel to support their client distribution. The guys in tech have a custom partition which is 100MB Linux with xGB for Doze. They boot a machine on the network using Linux and then join to a Novel server which dumps the doze partition on top of Linux. When they have a new version of Doze they can reboot one machine and get into the Linx partition to ghost another doze partition. I think they want to have a tftp server on the Linux distro (not kernel) to make it easier in remote schools. I hope that is clearer? As I write this I can see that I just need to make a new version of the Linux distro they use with an ftp program included. Sorry about the misinformation. Paul

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RE: FW: FW: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology
by Chris Puttick 27 Nov '03

27 Nov '03

If these were supplied by a government department or other public body, then they should be reported to the E-Envoy's office as this would seem to contravene the guidelines in a major way. -----Original Message----- From: garry saddington [mailto:garry@joydiv.fsnet.co.uk] Sent: 27 November 2003 15:54 To: Chris Puttick; johnsonmlw(a)yahoo.com; SuSe Subject: Re: FW: FW: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology <snip> The KS3 strategy was accompanied by a great deal of resources - all of them supplied helpfully in MS formats. This included a type of sound file that I had never seen before and was not recognised by any of the multitude of Linux sound players. There are about 14 modules in the strategy and each could have from 10 -50 associated files. It has been a nightmare converting these to OO and I am on the verge of kicking the whole thing into touch. regards garry <snip> This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales(a)euroele.com

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FW: FW: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology
by Chris Puttick 27 Nov '03

27 Nov '03

This should help... (for someone who claims it's not her area, she seems to have a pretty good grasp!) -----Original Message----- From: sue Sent: 27 November 2003 08:22 To: Chris Puttick Subject: Re: FW: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology This is not my area in all honesty. The main archival argument for open standards is preservation (what organisations like the Digital Preservation Coalition and ERPANET are about); records management also requires longevity, interoperability and value for money (of course!). The preservation argument is fairly irrelevant for the work of schoolchildren! My views, for what they are worth: Government policy is a good place to start, this is a trend coming from the top: http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/00/28/41/04002841.pdf UNESCO is also a good source. Probably the EU also. Practically speaking, the differences between the two aren't enormous. Having learnt to use one, finding your way round the other shouldn't present any problems. Given government policy on OSS, and increased use in the private sector, exposure to openoffice might be sold as a benefit. If IBM have a good opensource page, this could represent the so-called "real world" corporte side of the equation. As far as presenting the ideological and practical arguments go, see: http://openopen.org/resoruces/oss/oss-uk-gov.html which also has links to the UK govt. policy and background work to it. Certainly it is unethical for schools to be seen as institutions who train pupils in the use of proprietary software. They are there to provide basic skills and teach the curriculum (Microsoft isn't on it, surely! Perhaps that might be somewhere to look when justifying the differences between education and training). Her child can obviously choose to save her work using that horrid .doc format so she can utilise Microsoft Word at home if her parents can afford it. Perhaps she is unaware that not everyone in the real world can afford expensive software licences, and that openoffice is much more socially inclusive and public spirited. UKOLN site on open standards is quite good for Q&A too: http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/qa-focus/documents/briefings/briefing-11/html/ Chris Puttick wrote: >Your expertise is called for - this guy needs references on the open >file format debate... > >-----Original Message----- >From: Matt Johnson [mailto:johnsonmlw@yahoo.com] >Sent: 27 November 2003 14:14 >To: SuSe >Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology > > >Hi all, > >A rallying cry for some assistance in a scary world. > >We're thinking of replacing MS Office here (97) with >Oo.o 1.1 (to be honest, it's going to happen!). I've >received a letter from a parent who is "alarmed" that >we may be considering any alternatives to Microsoft, expressing how >important it is for her child to be in a Microsoft environment because >of the real world (I'm paraphrasing - not her words). > >I'm arguing along three lines... > >*Practicality (cost/budget/product features). > >*Educationally (we're teachers not trainers) > >*Idiologically (free thinking, open standards and >specifically open file formats). > >Could anyone point me to some web resources for the >definition of "educating" rather than "training" that >would enhance my point. And also resources that >support the case for "open file formats" versus >proprietory (and thus I suppose opensource in general >versus proprietory - although maybe this wouldn't >directly help as we're at least "looking at Star >Office". Hmm). The more professional the body of any >report's author, the better I suppose (do Becta cover >this stuff?). Any articles at all would be great. > >Cheers > >-- >Matt Johnson > > > >_______________________________________________________________________ >_ >Download Yahoo! Messenger now for a chance to win Live At Knebworth DVDs >http://www.yahoo.co.uk/robbiewilliams > > > I think your experience is better suited to presenting this argument than mine! Whatever happens, "ideology" ought to be spelt correctly, or it will undercut whatever is written in the response. S x This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales(a)euroele.com

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology
by Chris Puttick 27 Nov '03

27 Nov '03

The big one is inclusion; all students in the school benefit because everyone can freely use OO.org in the school or at home, regardless of their financial situation. If they are not employed by MS or a shareholder, the above should work. If you want to get another support to your argument, try this: history tells us the dominant player in any emerging technology sector *never* remains dominant: Remington were once the world's number one supplier of typewriters; Sony once dominated television supply (either direct or by CRT supply); Novell were the name in SME file and print servers; Netscape was the only web browser anyone serious ever used; and of course WordPerfect was once the word processor of choice. Training a child to use a set of packages that, even if MS retains their dominance until that child leaves higher education, will be changed beyond all recognition seems pointless. It is highly unlikely that a Microsoft world will continue; to give the child the best chance, they need transferable skills. (for references on the above, see any site about history of science and technology) On the open file formats, my partner is the absolute expert (archives and records management). I'll get her input to you ASAP. -----Original Message----- From: Matt Johnson [mailto:johnsonmlw@yahoo.com] Sent: 27 November 2003 14:14 To: SuSe Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology Hi all, A rallying cry for some assistance in a scary world. We're thinking of replacing MS Office here (97) with Oo.o 1.1 (to be honest, it's going to happen!). I've received a letter from a parent who is "alarmed" that we may be considering any alternatives to Microsoft, expressing how important it is for her child to be in a Microsoft environment because of the real world (I'm paraphrasing - not her words). I'm arguing along three lines... *Practicality (cost/budget/product features). *Educationally (we're teachers not trainers) *Idiologically (free thinking, open standards and specifically open file formats). Could anyone point me to some web resources for the definition of "educating" rather than "training" that would enhance my point. And also resources that support the case for "open file formats" versus proprietory (and thus I suppose opensource in general versus proprietory - although maybe this wouldn't directly help as we're at least "looking at Star Office". Hmm). The more professional the body of any report's author, the better I suppose (do Becta cover this stuff?). Any articles at all would be great. Cheers -- Matt Johnson ________________________________________________________________________ Download Yahoo! Messenger now for a chance to win Live At Knebworth DVDs http://www.yahoo.co.uk/robbiewilliams -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales(a)euroele.com

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FLOSSIE conference reminder
by ian 26 Nov '03

26 Nov '03

Just a reminder about the FLOSSIE conference to be held at the London Institute of Education, 18th February 2004. A lot of practical case studies of schools using FLOSS. Please come and join in. Let's show the UK government officials who will be attending that there is real interest in FLOSS in the education sector. If the conference makes any money it will be divided equally between SchoolforgeUK and AFFS who are co-hosting with The Learning Machine, the main sponsor. If you have something interesting to show relevant to FLOSS in schools you can have a table in the exhibition free, just pay the delegate rate. (Subject to space available on a first come first served basis) http://www.schoolforge.org.uk/flossie/conference200402.html -- ian <ian.lynch2(a)ntlworld.com>

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OSS Watch ?
by Alan Harris 26 Nov '03

26 Nov '03

Hi all, Anybody know anything about the following posting, it was forwarded to me my my wife who's on a library mailing list. Any comments anybody ?  From: Michael Fraser <mike.fraser(a)COMPUTING-SERVICES.OXFORD.AC.UK> Date: Mon Nov 24, 2003 16:52:57 Europe/London To: LIS-LINK(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK Subject: OSS Watch inaugural conference, 11 December 2003 - book now! Reply-To: Michael Fraser <mike.fraser(a)COMPUTING-SERVICES.OXFORD.AC.UK> OSS Watch, the national open source software advisory service, will hold its inaugural conference, "Open Source Deployment and Development", on 11 December 2003. The conference is free but you must register to attend. IT Managers, software developers and end-users at higher and further education institutions are encouraged to attend. The conference will take place in the Martin Wood Complex, University of Oxford. Full details including a booking form are available on the OSS Watch website, see http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/events/2003-12-11/ The list of presenters at the conference includes: Eddie Bleasdale, netproject Paul Browning, University of Bristol Andrew Charlesworth, Centre for IT and Law, University of Bristol Jim Farmer, JA-SIG Brian Kelly, Web Focus, UKOLN Ben Lund, Nature Publishing Group Jon Maber, Bodington VLE Project Matt Meyer, Eversheds LLP Nick McGrath, Head of Platform Strategy, Microsoft Ltd Henrik Omma, TheOpenCD Sebastian Rahtz, Manager, OSS Watch David Tannenbaum, Researcher, OSS Watch Jeremy Wray, Business Development Executive, Public Sector, IBM Do be sure to register soon as places are going quickly! We look forward to seeing you on 11 December. Best wishes, Randy Metcalfe Communications Manager OSS Watch http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/ OSS Watch is based within the Research Technologies Service at the University of Oxford. OSS Watch aims to inform and advise about open source software and open standards through the development of best-practice guidelines, and out-reach activities aimed at OSS strategic planners, developers and users. For further information concerning OSS Watch please visit http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/ or email us at info(a)oss-watch.ac.uk  Alan

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RPM file for OpenOffice 1.1.0
by Rob Keeling 26 Nov '03

26 Nov '03

I have a small LTSP system currently running OpenOffice 1.0 as supplied with Suse 8.1. I would like to upgrade to OpenOffice 1.1.0, for the better import filters etc. However I can not find a RPM for Suse 8.1 which I can upgrade with! I don`t want to break the system by trying to install in the wrong place from a tar ball or something similar. Any suggestions? Rob Keeling Network Manager Queen Elizabeth`s Grammar School -- I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] OSS Watch ?
by Chris Puttick 25 Nov '03

25 Nov '03

OSS Watch is a new body funded by JISC and based in Oxford University as part of the Research Technologies Service. See: http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk and http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=oss_watch_softlaunch_100703 For more information. Cheers Chris -----Original Message----- From: Alan Harris [mailto:alanh@bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk] Sent: 25 November 2003 11:37 To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] OSS Watch ? Hi all, Anybody know anything about the following posting, it was forwarded to me my my wife who's on a library mailing list. Any comments anybody ?  From: Michael Fraser <mike.fraser(a)COMPUTING-SERVICES.OXFORD.AC.UK> Date: Mon Nov 24, 2003 16:52:57 Europe/London To: LIS-LINK(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK Subject: OSS Watch inaugural conference, 11 December 2003 - book now! Reply-To: Michael Fraser <mike.fraser(a)COMPUTING-SERVICES.OXFORD.AC.UK> OSS Watch, the national open source software advisory service, will hold its inaugural conference, "Open Source Deployment and Development", on 11 December 2003. The conference is free but you must register to attend. IT Managers, software developers and end-users at higher and further education institutions are encouraged to attend. The conference will take place in the Martin Wood Complex, University of Oxford. Full details including a booking form are available on the OSS Watch website, see http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/events/2003-12-11/ The list of presenters at the conference includes: Eddie Bleasdale, netproject Paul Browning, University of Bristol Andrew Charlesworth, Centre for IT and Law, University of Bristol Jim Farmer, JA-SIG Brian Kelly, Web Focus, UKOLN Ben Lund, Nature Publishing Group Jon Maber, Bodington VLE Project Matt Meyer, Eversheds LLP Nick McGrath, Head of Platform Strategy, Microsoft Ltd Henrik Omma, TheOpenCD Sebastian Rahtz, Manager, OSS Watch David Tannenbaum, Researcher, OSS Watch Jeremy Wray, Business Development Executive, Public Sector, IBM Do be sure to register soon as places are going quickly! We look forward to seeing you on 11 December. Best wishes, Randy Metcalfe Communications Manager OSS Watch http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/ OSS Watch is based within the Research Technologies Service at the University of Oxford. OSS Watch aims to inform and advise about open source software and open standards through the development of best-practice guidelines, and out-reach activities aimed at OSS strategic planners, developers and users. For further information concerning OSS Watch please visit http://www.oss-watch.ac.uk/ or email us at info(a)oss-watch.ac.uk  Alan -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales(a)euroele.com

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China to install 200 million Linux desktops
by ian 21 Nov '03

21 Nov '03

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031117/sfm143_1.html If there is strength in numbers, this must help a bit :-) -- ian <ian.lynch2(a)ntlworld.com>

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Career change advice?
by garry saddington 21 Nov '03

21 Nov '03

On Thursday 20 November 2003 15:39, garry saddington wrote: > On Thursday 20 November 2003 11:35, Mark Evans wrote: > > On Thu, Nov 20, 2003 at 09:25:09AM +0000, David Bowles wrote: > > > Very well put Chris; > > > > > > > ...the current curriculum is not about IT per > > > > se, but more about use of applications. OK, I've been waiting for an oportunity to ask the following question and this seems the right juncture. What do members of this list think of the National Curriculum for ICT and the new KS3 strategy? Iam an ICT co-ordinator, presently trying to get th KS3 stuff into school using OpenOffice.org. Whenever I read the new framework, the National Curriculum, or any government advisory document I feel very uneasy about what I am being 'told' to teach young people. regards garry ps. Mark, sorry for the dual post.

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Career change advice?
by Grainge, Derek 20 Nov '03

20 Nov '03

Garry, could you give examples of the things you feel are wrong? Apart from the obvious no-brainer over material skewed towards specific products :-) -- Derek Grainge Microtechnology Wellington College 01344 444192 dgg(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Career change advice?
by Chris Puttick 20 Nov '03

20 Nov '03

To be honest, no job with the salary and prospects that teaching has is a 9 to 5 job; like any professional occupation, you have to go the extra mile to have success (financial or otherwise). And unlike many other professions, it is entirely possible to do the bare minimum and still get a pay rise! Tim, if you're interested in IT, then becoming an ICT teacher could be a very negative experience as the current curriculum is not about IT per se, but more about use of applications. If you want to teach IT (and can cope with teenagers), then A-level is the lowest I'd suggest you consider - or an FE college doing NVQ's/BTECs web development. Cheers Chris -----Original Message----- From: Paul Hornshaw [mailto:paul.hornshaw@blueyonder.co.uk] Sent: 17 November 2003 21:52 To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Career change advice? Hiya Tim, As someone who came to teaching from industry seven years ago I would advise you to think long and hard about why you want to become a teacher. It can be a very demanding "job". Ask yourself is it the regular salary you want or do you want to work with young people? And by work I mean "work". It isn't just a case of standing in front of a laptop and a data projector letting rip with your pearls of wisdom. If you don't like kids, they''ll sus you out faster than you can smell a fart in a lift. You have to be prepared to be a mentor/counsellor and get involved in extra-curricular activities, like a club or a sport - it's not compulsory and I know lots of teachers who don't "do" anything outside of the clasroom but they always seem to be the ones with the problems inside the classroom too. It isn't a 9-5 job, regardless of the new working hours agreement, during term time, and you'll find, apart from the summer holidays, spending a lot of your free time, especially at weekends working or preparing for your classes. In your first few years you'll find yourself looking at everyday things and wondering how you can work them into your lessons. Above all, you've got to like kids and want to help them be all that they can be, both inside and outside the clasroom. If you're looking for "just" a job, forget it. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tim Pizey" <timp(a)paneris.org> To: <suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 10:18 PM Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Career change advice? Hi, I am 43 and am pretty good at web/linux/java but can't get work or a job. Would anyone advise trying to become an IT teacher? cheers tim pizey -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.536 / Virus Database: 331 - Release Date: 03/11/2003 -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales(a)euroele.com

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Career change advice?
by Tim Pizey 20 Nov '03

20 Nov '03

Hi, I am 43 and am pretty good at web/linux/java but can't get work or a job. Would anyone advise trying to become an IT teacher? cheers tim pizey

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Sparkle modem ?, Linux User Mandrake 9.2
by Ron Johnson 17 Nov '03

17 Nov '03

Dear All I've just got a sparkle speedcom+ intel 56k fax modem v.92 I want to replace my US Robotics win modem so that it is worthwhile to put Linux on my home machine and run it with XP (sorry) Will the sparkle one work? What do you think of the Mandrake 9.2 off Linux Format for the purpose? I looked up the 9.2 on web and it talked about loads of patches etc. As you might realise (especially if youre not too clever - I have only got a 56k transfer - so laoding off net is slow derrr slow) I think Linux User has got a Unix OS - how difficult is that? (that might be a impossible answer) Thanks for your time and advice Ron Johnson ________________________________________________________________________ Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! Messenger http://mail.messenger.yahoo.co.uk

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Squid and RM broadband
by Chris Puttick 13 Nov '03

13 Nov '03

What's in the squid logs? -----Original Message----- From: Derek Harding [mailto:derek@lagham.uklinux.net] Sent: 12 November 2003 08:13 To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Squid and RM broadband Hi all, I'm hoping someone can give me a clue to solve this problem. A friend has installed a proxy server in his school with RH9 and that release's squid. (After using ClarkeConnect and RH8 installs.) Squid configures fine and appears to run fine but as soon as an attempt is made to connect to, for example, an online email service, after the logon there is no further traffic. Similarly, other logon sites (some closed school support sites etc.) also fall into the bit bucket. The browser is immaterial and dropping squid and running just NAT does not encounter this behaviour. Broadband is for Surrey Schools and is, I believe, RM provided but Surrey C.C. (.gov.uk!!) supported, hence there is no non-M$ advice available. Is it a squid thing or a feed thing? Why can it proxy normal traffic but not after a logon? I don't think it is an https thing because some of these sites aren't using https! Any ideas gratefully investigated and I can get more info if required. -- Best wishes, Derek -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com This message may contain information and/or data that is confidential and legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, publication, reproduction or dissemination is strictly prohibited and may violate certain laws. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy this and all copies of this message and/or data. The content of this message has been scanned by MailPatrol for unacceptable language and inappropriate content. European Electronique limited thanks you in anticipation of your co-operation. MailPatrol is a fully managed service that offers your organisation the ability to monitor and enforce your Acceptable Usage Policy. For further information regarding the MailPatrol services contact the European Electronique Sales Enquiry line on 0845 345 8340 (local rate) or email sales(a)euroele.com

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Squid and RM broadband
by Derek Harding 13 Nov '03

13 Nov '03

Hi all, I'm hoping someone can give me a clue to solve this problem. A friend has installed a proxy server in his school with RH9 and that release's squid. (After using ClarkeConnect and RH8 installs.) Squid configures fine and appears to run fine but as soon as an attempt is made to connect to, for example, an online email service, after the logon there is no further traffic. Similarly, other logon sites (some closed school support sites etc.) also fall into the bit bucket. The browser is immaterial and dropping squid and running just NAT does not encounter this behaviour. Broadband is for Surrey Schools and is, I believe, RM provided but Surrey C.C. (.gov.uk!!) supported, hence there is no non-M$ advice available. Is it a squid thing or a feed thing? Why can it proxy normal traffic but not after a logon? I don't think it is an https thing because some of these sites aren't using https! Any ideas gratefully investigated and I can get more info if required. -- Best wishes, Derek

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SUSE LINUX education program announcement
by Roger Whittaker 12 Nov '03

12 Nov '03

We have announced educational prices for a range of products (including the new Standard Server) here: http://www.suse.co.uk/uk/company/edu/ http://www.suse.co.uk/uk/company/edu/products_prices.html Enjoy... Roger -- ----------------------------------------- Roger Whittaker Technical Consultant SUSE LINUX Ltd Appleton House 139 King Street Hammersmith London W6 9JG tel +44(0) 20 8846 3923 mob +44(0) 7866 602 434 fax +44(0) 20 8748 0538 roger.whittaker(a)suse.com ----------------------------------------- simply change to http://www.suse.com

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Rekall V2.1.1 release for Linux and Windows
by John Dean 12 Nov '03

12 Nov '03

Hi We have just release Rekall V2.1.1. This is basically a fix of a major bug in affecting both the Linux and Windows release. The Windows release was missing to two modules from the package - the Macro Editor/Viewer and Query Builder V2.1.1 is now ready for download. Rekall V2.2.0 beta0 should be ready for testing shortly after the weekend, so keep an eye on Total Rekall for an announcement -- Regards John http://www.totalrekall.co.uk

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Squid and RM broadband
by s-clarob＠st-aidans.cumbria.sch.uk 12 Nov '03

12 Nov '03

You will probably need the never_direct statement in the squid conf to prevent you proxy from trying to fetch sites directly rather than going to RM's own proxy ( which i would assume you have as a parent) Rob At 08:12 12/11/2003 +0000, you wrote: >Hi all, > >I'm hoping someone can give me a clue to solve this problem. > >A friend has installed a proxy server in his school with RH9 and that >release's squid. (After using ClarkeConnect and RH8 installs.) > >Squid configures fine and appears to run fine but as soon as an attempt is >made to connect to, for example, an online email service, after the logon >there is no further traffic. Similarly, other logon sites (some closed >school support sites etc.) also fall into the bit bucket. > >The browser is immaterial and dropping squid and running just NAT does not >encounter this behaviour. > >Broadband is for Surrey Schools and is, I believe, RM provided but Surrey >C.C. (.gov.uk!!) supported, hence there is no non-M$ advice available. > >Is it a squid thing or a feed thing? Why can it proxy normal traffic but >not after a logon? I don't think it is an https thing because some of >these sites aren't using https! > >Any ideas gratefully investigated and I can get more info if required. > >-- >Best wishes, >Derek > >-- >To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com >For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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CUPS printing with Samba.
by Brett Roberts 12 Nov '03

12 Nov '03

> We're running Cups and Samba on a SUSE Linux 8.2 server with Windows 98, NT and > 2000 clients. We are experiencing intermittant problems whereby > printers on the client PC's are setting themselves to offline when > print jobs are sent to them. The problem is I'm finding it difficult > to diagnose the cause of this as it isn't happening consistently in > that we'll have 25 client pc's in a room set to print to the same > network printer and only 4 or 5 of them will set the printer to > offline while the other 20 will print fine. All our printers are HP > 2100, 2200 and 4050's. I have checked the error log in CUPS and there are none that seem to pertain to the problem. In the Samba logs though there are a series of errors stating :- ERROR: NULL dest in safe_strcpy I don't know if this is related to the problem but would appreciate any help with this problem Cheers Brett

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Rekall and associated software
by John Dean 09 Nov '03

09 Nov '03

Hi It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Rekall, the cross-platform alternative to MS Access, is now totally GPL. So please visit http:// www.totalrekall.co.uk and download whatever you need. In order for you to be able to download you must register with the Total Rekall Portal. The reason we have have made this a requirement is because we would like to be able to notify everybody when a new version becomes available. We are presently working on V2.2.0 and I am sure you would not like to miss out. You should also be aware that in order for for us to continue the future development of Rekall we will have to charge for technical support, customisation, training and consulting, therefore now that we have gone wholly GPL, you will have to take out a technical support subscription. I will post information relating to support levels and pricing once Mike and I have worked out the detail. In the meantime may I suggest that you sign up to our mailing list. Instructions can be found at the bottom of the home page -- Regards John http://www.totalrekall.co.uk

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Squid acls...
by Alan Davies 07 Nov '03

07 Nov '03

OK so no one can tell me how to connect PC clients to POP3 or IMAP which are known to be running on a linux box. I now want to restrict access to squid on the linux box from room K13 and included the line acl roomK13 src 1.0.131.131-1.0.131.159/16 http_access deny roomK13 The netmask for my network is 255.255.0.0 and I only want to prevent access in the range given. Squid complains I have masked my IP part and ignores the acl. -- Alan Davies Head of Computing Birkenhead School

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Novell buys SuSE
by Phil Driscoll 06 Nov '03

06 Nov '03

http://www.novell.com/news/press/archive/2003/11/pr03069.html -- Phil Driscoll

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ANN: Rekall V2.1.0 is released
by John Dean 06 Nov '03

06 Nov '03

Hi I would like to draw you attention to the recent release of Rekall V2.1.0. We would very much like to see Rekall replace MS Access as the database application in our schools and colleges. Therefore, we would like to offer Rekall free licenses for educational use. What is Rekall? Rekall is a cross platform, programmable, database independent, GUI database client similat to MS Access. With Rekall you can design data input forms, reports, queries and create database tables using the built in designers. Through the use of the Python scripting language interface you can produce full functional database application. The Rekall Run Time allows you to distribute your application without the need to have Rekall installed on the target machine, thus preventing users from modifying your application and corrupting your applications data and/or designs. Rekall includes a Python editor and debugger, macro editor, wizards, re-useable components, form designer, table creater, report designer, query builder, database importer/ exporter and lots more. The standard edition includes database drivers for PostgreSQL, MySQL, and xBase. Additional drivers for heavy weight RDBMS and ODBC are available separately. For more information please visit either http://www.totalrekall.co.uk or http://www.rygannon.com. If you would like to take advantage of our free for educational use offer, please send email me at john(a)totalrekall.co.uk or john(a)rygannon.com. I will reply with details of how to set up a "download" account. Please note this offer is limited to educational establishments in the UK and European. -- Regards John http://www.rygannon.com http://www.totalrekall.co.uk

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Novell buys SuSE
by Grainge, Derek 06 Nov '03

06 Nov '03

-----Original Message----- From: MJ Ray [mailto:mjr@dsl.pipex.com] > On 2003-11-05 18:13:21 +0000 "Grainge, Derek" >> We already have Redhat, Suse, Debian, ad naus distros. These differ >> greatly >> in the way apps are packaged, e.g. file locations or initial >> configurations. > If this troubles you, No it doesn't trouble me - I was implying that concerns over Linux heading 'the same way as Unix' are not that urgent - we do seem to be able to stumble along despite the apparent fragmentation, because either you download a package from the correct distribution, or you roll your own from the source. With Unix, most but not all distributions were purchased, there were binary incompatibilities between executables, and generally source wasn't available. Then there was copyright. In Linux we have the GPL or to keep us honest :-) At the moment differences between Linux distributions are an inconvenience, not a problem for the experienced user but a barrier for the relative novice who doesn't understand why a Redhat rpm won't always install cleanly on a Suse box. No different from a Windows installation which fails to account for different OS platforms. All of which, IMO, implies the conjoining of Novell and Suse will open up server platforms in business rather than desktops at home. Novell adds enough weight to tip the scales in business. I wonder how quickly Parity and other trainers will offer Linux courses? Oh, they already do: Linux Systems Administrator, 4 days for £1195 ! I wouldn't be surprised if Novell create a certifiable Linux course structure real soon. With all that in place you can really start tweaking your network manager's beard! -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Novell buys SuSE
by Grainge, Derek 05 Nov '03

05 Nov '03

-----Original Message----- From: Phil Thane [mailto:phil@techsoftuk.co.uk] > Just pray we don't get an SCO Linux, a Novell Linux etc, etc, > then we'd be back where Unix was...... > > Regards, > > Phil Thane - Support Manager, TechSoft UK Ltd. We already have Redhat, Suse, Debian, ad naus distros. These differ greatly in the way apps are packaged, e.g. file locations or initial configurations. They run on different file systems, Ext2, Ext3, etc. and their security settings differ. Packages rolled up for Redhat may or may not work on Suse or vice versa. So to some extent we already have a fragmented Linux world. I also remember Corel snapping up a Linux distro - and what eventually happened to CorelLinux ?? Novell are not in the habit of handing away their software free. How they will square business motives against the GPL remains to be seen. Quoted from Novell's website: "Novell expands its open source commitment " which prima facie suggests that it must continue to provide access to at least Source under the GPL. The upside may be that Managers will be prepared to take a product with Novell's name on it more seriously that a Redhat or Suse brand - by buying into support contracts from a big name, IT managers may feel happier about using Linux at all. I have heard reports about Linux / Samba running two or three times faster than the equivalent Windows 2003 file server. Similar reports about security, failure rates. If the supplier is 'reputable' or 'rated' by the IT industry I can see a large number of Windows servers getting the boot. Sorry, Suse, I didn't mean you were disreputable - just that IT managers can safely marginalise you, as they do to all Linux redistributors. Support is the real issue - or rather the apparent ability to provide support as opposed to the real situation. -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster(a)wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************

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What do people use for a desktop database?
by s-clarob＠st-aidans.cumbria.sch.uk 05 Nov '03

05 Nov '03

What are people using for a desktop database? Or what options are there? If we were to move to Linux in the curriculum we would need a useable Database for our sixth form projects. Thanks Rob

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Automatic Updates
by Alex Brett 04 Nov '03

04 Nov '03

I have been using Red Hat Linux (8.0) on a server in a prep school and had been using the Red Hat Network to keep it up to date security wise etc. Now I find out that Red Hat are discontinuing support and updates for the basic Red Hat Linux (8.0 end of December and 9.0 end of April) I am having to look for another distribution :( Basically, does anybody have any experience with SUSE/Mandrake/Debian/any other suitable distro of automating updates - I guess I could write a script to download them from an ftp and run them etc etc - I was just wondering if anybody knows if any other distro has updates integrated. This is important because I am not at this school much so if it isn't done unattended automatically then most of the time it won't get done (as the machine is currently just providing the firewall and web services so is basically left to run) which is obviously quite a security risk :| . Thanks in advance, Alex Brett alex.brett(a)brettcomputers.co.uk

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Suse 8.2 as a mailserver
by Alan Davies 03 Nov '03

03 Nov '03

I'm going to keep posting in the hope that someone who knows the answer will eventually respond. (I realise that thinking down to my level probaby hurts - I apologise...) I just need SUSE 8.2 to act as a mailserver and to accept POP3 and IMAP connections to PC clients. POP3 and IMAP either get username password rejected or refused authorisation. I note that SUSE8.2 comes with a warning that unencrypted sessions are not allowed. I've never had this restriction placed on PC access before. So perhaps I don't know how to configure a PC for this. I have tried going into the advanced TAM on Outlook Express and making it do SSL - with the result that I am refused access. I have tried telnet to the linux box to port 110, etc and get a welcome message so I know POP3 and IMAP demons are running on the box OK. But they won't allow me to use USER username PASS password returning an authorisation error - possibly as I am not using an SSL session. I have also realised that I need to use the full email address as a logon rather than just the abbreviated logon name (or so it would seem). Surely - someone must be sitting there thinking - ah He's forgotten to enable SSL or He needs a certificate (I probably do need to be certified...mad). Come on. What am I missing to do? -- Alan Davies Head of Computing Birkenhead School

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Suse Open Exchange Server
by Jon Lawson-Broadhead 03 Nov '03

03 Nov '03

Hi, I wanted to know what methods are available for en masse user account creation from say, a comma separated file (.csv) etc,. We've got 2000 users and the manuals are hardly 'in depth' on the subject.... regards Jon Lawson-Broadhead IT Support Manager -----Original Message----- From: Chris Puttick [mailto:Chris.Puttick@euroele.com] Sent: 01 November 2003 18:04 To: Jon Lawson-Broadhead Subject: RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Suse Open Exchange Server I'm pretty comfortable with the solution. What would you like to know? Regards Chris Puttick -----Original Message----- From: Jon Lawson-Broadhead [mailto:jon@lawson-broadhead.com] Sent: Fri 10/31/2003 3:02 PM To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Cc: Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Suse Open Exchange Server Is anyone out there using Suse OpenExchange server????? Jon Lawson-Broadhead IT Support Manager Fairfax School - IT Support Office Fairfax Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B75 7JT email jon.lawsonbroadhead(a)fairfax.bham.sch.uk website <http://www.fairfax.bham.sch.uk/> http://www.fairfax.bham.sch.uk phone 0121 378 1288 ext 444 mobile 07956 211712

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reply from edexcel uk
by fsanta 03 Nov '03

03 Nov '03

<me> Here is the reply from edexcel about using Linux in their gcse courses. It's worrying. Please tell me our opinions. </me> Date: 29/10/03 Ref: SS/CSS Dear Steve Sheriff, In response to your email, as per advice from the Principal Moderator, I can confirm that the GCSE course is not dependent on any particular software, therefore centres can use any platform they like. Examples of standard and extended are microsoft based so your centre would need to be careful in their justification of Extended project work. I hope you will find this information helpful, but if you require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. Regards, Seyi Salawu Customer Relations Co-ordinator International Customer Relations Unit

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] reply from edexcel uk
by Chris Puttick 01 Nov '03

01 Nov '03

This seems to be exactly what SchoolForge UK was invented for... Get registered and start putting things together! Sun have some stuff that might be a useful starting point. Cheers Chris (Schoolforge UK publicity officer...) -----Original Message----- From: Darren Smith [mailto:darren@icthelp.biz] Sent: Thu 10/30/2003 8:43 AM To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Cc: Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] reply from edexcel uk fsanta wrote: <snip> I don't want to flood everyones inbox but I am curious as to how many people out there are teaching gcse edexcel and using either linux / openopffice.org? If we have a reasonable number it could be worth our while us getting together to produce implemenation examples using such software. Darren -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Suse8.2 as a mailserver
by Chris Puttick 01 Nov '03

01 Nov '03

On SUSE, you'll be looking for Cyrus for your IMAP server - can't remember the POP3 solution, but searching in YaST should find something. If you want a hearts and minds winning solution, consider paying for SLOX4.1 - the school's pricing is *very* generous. Cheers Chris -----Original Message----- From: Alan Davies [mailto:Alan Davies] Sent: Thu 10/30/2003 2:21 PM To: suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com Cc: Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Suse8.2 as a mailserver I've decided to branch out and extend our use of LINUX by using it as a mail server> postfix seems to be istalled and i"ve set up the run level to start smtpd and smtp - and used yast to start imap and pop3. However, I cannot get our PC clients to connect to either pop3 or imap - despite trying various combinations of secure/not seure ssh or whatever. Clearly this is a case of that metaphysics rule that its always harder the first time you try it and once you can convince yourself that you have made the right settings it WILL work. The trouble is that I don't have that confidence. When I do ps -A (as root) I can see smtp things but no reference to imap or pop - whch rather bothers me. -- Alan Davies Head of Computing Birkenhead School -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe(a)suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help(a)suse.com

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Some obverations on installing Windows
by Phil Driscoll 01 Nov '03

01 Nov '03

Happily it is several years since I last had to install Windows on anything, but this week it has been my lot to have to install Windows 2000 Advanced Server on a machine*. What a contrast it is to installing GNU/Linux. Firstly, to get from an ampty hard disk to a fully patched and configured machine takes hours, and heaven help you if you don't have a broadband connection. Secondly, licences. With GNU/Linux its so easy - the GPL is clearly in the interests of humanity and is familiar enough that I don't need to read it every time I have to agree to it. With Windows, every fix that Windows update downloads seems to have a licence containing a new way for MS to screw you over. A nightmare! Cheers *For those who think I must have taken leave of my senses, I am involved in the release process for the windows binary version of PHP and need a machine to build the installer on. My old NT4 installation has lost the will to live - it does a BSOD immediately after login, and I neither know nor care to know how to fix it. -- Phil Driscoll

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