April 2001 - openSUSE Edu - openSUSE Mailing Lists

Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Meeting yesterday and welcome to new members of the list
by Philip Hands 07 Jul '03

07 Jul '03

Roger Whittaker <roger(a)suse-linux.co.uk> writes: > I've just subscribed various people to the list - please post a > message to say hello and introduce yourselves. Hi, If you were at the meeting, I was wearing a Debian t-shirt (with a red swirl logo on it) --- there's a photo at the top of this article, where I'm wearing similar stuff (except for the penguin ;-) http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/articles/issue6/lu6-Editorial-A_patently_bad_ide… I'm a Debian GNU/Linux developer, and run the UK Debian mirror, and am responsible for producing the Debian official CD images: http://www.uk.debian.org/ http://cdimage.debian.org/ I have only a peripheral interest in educational matters, in that I've been frustrated in the past in my efforts to provide free computers (which were otherwise destined for a skip), but I can certainly contribute on a technical side, and having been involved in Debian (which is completely voluntary, like OSIE is expected to be) since 1996 I may be able to make some suggestions about how to ``organise'' such a thing. For those of you who've not come across Debian before, we're a world-wide voluntary organisation (read, chaotic jumble of mailing lists) that puts together a Linux distribution (and soon a HURD distribution) and gives it away. Debian doesn't pay people to do this, and doesn't sell what it produces, and in most legal senses doesn't really exist (i.e. the machines in the mirror network mostly belong to people like me, rather than to Debian, and the bandwidth is donated rather than paid for). This probably gives a pretty good feel for what Debian is all about: http://www.uk.debian.org/social_contract which you will notice leads into the The Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG), which is where the Open Source Definition came from. My internet machine, that hosts the Debian UK mirror, may be of use to OSIE, since it has about 30GB of spare disk, and a 20Mbit/s connection at a well connected ISP. This machine could act as either a primary host or mirror site for the web site, and could do DNS secondarying etc. as well. Something I'd be interested in working on (although perhaps a SuSE list is not the right place to spend too much time discussing this ;-) would be producing Debian CD images, tuned to the needs of educational users. Debian has accumulated some funds in the UK, and have been looking for a worthwhile cause to spend them on (we never really need to pay for anything that actually makes Debian work, so don't have much use for money), so we could probably afford to have a few thousand CDs pressed, and send them out to schools that are interested. Cheers, Phil. -- Say no to software patents! http://petition.eurolinux.org/ Philip Hands. +44 (0)20 7744 6244 philip.hands(a)uk.alcove.com Alcove UK --- Liberating Software --- http://www.alcove.com/ http://www.hands.com/ phil(a)hands.com http://www.uk.debian.org/

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
by Phil Driscoll 14 May '01

14 May '01

>However, I wouldn't exclude the >possibility of writing special clients if functionality required >it (and I'd write them in Tcl/Tk, for portability). I would argue strongly that special clients should not be required or provided. Once you provide them, then there is a temptation to implement functionality in them that is not available in the web clients, and I believe that in this day and age there is very little that cannot be done with cleverly designed web pages and server side software. That said, I think this implementing such a system is an excellent idea. Does anyone on the list have a handle on the value for the average cost per school x total number of UK schools for current systems? Cheers -- Phil Driscoll Dial Solutions +44 (0)113 294 5112 http://www.dialsolutions.com http://www.dtonline.org

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
by Phil Driscoll 06 May '01

06 May '01

>Once you get into Java or JavaScript you start excluding quite a few >platforms. I appreciate this - that's why I would insist on all functionality being available even on something as primitive (or leading edge :)) as a WAP interface, but you cannot deny that drag and drop will speed up a number of operations, and the richer user interface should not be denied to the overwhelming majority of users who will have access to a modern browser. Cheers -- Phil Driscoll Dial Solutions +44 (0)113 294 5112 http://www.dialsolutions.com http://www.dtonline.org

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
by Phil Driscoll 30 Apr '01

30 Apr '01

Sorry Robert - I still can't agree with you on the client front. The fact is that everything can be done in plain old html - and *ALL* functionality should be available to an agreed baseline browser (something pretty feeble). Many things can be done more 'slickly' with drag and drop, but surely this should be an enhancement in the browser based on JavaScript long before we need to start implementing clients on all and sundry platforms. I would personally then go to Java before leaving the browser domain, although I can't envisage anything in this project that would require going so far. Cheers -- Phil Driscoll Dial Solutions +44 (0)113 294 5112 http://www.dialsolutions.com http://www.dtonline.org

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
by Phil Driscoll 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

>plenty of other people in the education market (Viglen, RM (?) and others) >would like an alternative. Perhaps one of them can back the development. Clearly, even with an open source solution, there is plenty of scope for companies to make money on installation and support, but I can't imagine any of the big education ICT players funding developments that their rivals would be able to take advantage of. Perhaps there is more scope for an LEA or a consortium of LEAs to do so? The fact that the project would be an open source 'good cause' might reduce the overall amount of funding required. Certainly from my background in the php community, there seem to be plenty of 'good guys' in the UK who might be persuaded to help out. Cheers -- Phil Driscoll Dial Solutions +44 (0)113 294 5112 http://www.dialsolutions.com http://www.dtonline.org

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Smoothwall
by D Garside 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

Linuxformat magazine is offering on its CD this month a firewall package called 'Smoothwall.' Looking at the blurb, and reading the documentation, the software seems to good to be true from my persepctive (NQT learning to be sysadmin in between marking, previous experience as a casual desktop user). Does anyone have any experience of using smoothwall and can share pros and cons? Many thanks Darren Garside

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
by Phil Driscoll 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

I agree with Christopher's comments on the choice of technologies for an open source project. I would have though that the ideal choice of technologies for the job would be to use MySQL or PostgresSQL (or other good open source database) as a back end, PHP for the programming and all user interaction through a browser (it seems silly writing native clients in this day and age - particularly for this type of job). I can't foresee any performance issues with this setup and such a solution could be hosted on almost any modern computer platform, with client access via absolutely anything with a web (or even WAP) browser. HTTPS could be used between browser and server to ensure that all net traffic is encrypted and that secure access is available if required from inside and outside the school. Probably the hardest component of the overall job would be the database design so Richard may well have already done the tricky bit. Cheers -- Phil Driscoll Dial Solutions +44 (0)113 294 5112 http://www.dialsolutions.com http://www.dtonline.org

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[suse-linux-uk-schools] Re: Macs and Linux [2]
by Marcus Birkin 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

Thanks, but this no longer compiles under the SuSE v7.1 kernel (2.2.18) Any body managed to get it to work? Or has any other ideas? Marcus > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Paul Munro" <paul.munro1(a)btinternet.com> > To: <suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com> > Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2001 8:32 AM > Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Re: Macs and Linux [2] > > > Hello again! > > i remembered the name of the application you need: "afpfs". This, I > believe, > lets you mount shares from a Linux box that exist on an Apple machine, > whereas tthe Netatalk platform I think only goes the other way. I'm not > even > too sure if afpfs comes with the appletalk applications software on Linux, > but it would be worth searching your disks. Anyway, the link for the > application is: > > http://www.odyssey.co.il/~heksterb/Software/afpfs > > If I got it right :-O > > Hope that helps some more! > > Paul > >

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Re: Macs and Linux [2]
by Paul Munro 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

Hello again! i remembered the name of the application you need: "afpfs". This, I believe, lets you mount shares from a Linux box that exist on an Apple machine, whereas tthe Netatalk platform I think only goes the other way. I'm not even too sure if afpfs comes with the appletalk applications software on Linux, but it would be worth searching your disks. Anyway, the link for the application is: http://www.odyssey.co.il/~heksterb/Software/afpfs If I got it right :-O Hope that helps some more! Paul

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[suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
by richard＠tortoise.demon.co.uk 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

Miles, I have made a start on this sort of thing. Take a look at my page: www.openi.org I've only just started putting it together, so theres not much to see yet. Richard richard(a)tortoise.demon.co.uk

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Macs and Linux
by Marcus Birkin 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

Is there any way for SuSE v7.1 to mount AppleTalk shares? Marcus (Assistant Technician - The Arts in Education Centre)

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MIS, databases
by Miles Berry 29 Apr '01

29 Apr '01

My governors have invited me to put together proposals for implementing a Management Information System / School database. The lack of flexibility, poor interface and high cost of most commercial offerings make these unattractive. One key requirement is that my colleagues can access and add to the database from their classroom PCs or laptops. I'm eager to see as much of our administartion, timetabling, planning and assessment computerised as possible. Obviously I'm interested in pushing for an open source solution and am curious to know how much work has been done in this area. As I see it at present our options are: 1. A full commercial product. Not SIMS, but we've heard good things about Hebron and Facility CMIS (http://www.ccmsoftware.com/cmis.htm) The latter at least has an optional web interface. It is difficult to justify the costs involved given only 140 pupils on roll. 2. Run Facility CMIS as the back end (I'm told it'll run on an SQL server, regardless of OS), their proprietry front end on key workstations (the school office, my laptop) and develop our own web interface for the other PCs. 3. Find an open source developer who would be interested in exploring this market and would like to work alongside us. I'd have thought a small school such as ourselves with an existing commitment to open source software would make an excellent test bed / case study. Please feel free to get in touch off list if you're interested. 4. Develop our own system in house. Possibly start in MS Access, then port the back end to PostgreSQL / MySQL and then develop a web interface. There is much to be said for a bespoke system, and I'd thoroughly enjoy the challenge, but a) have I got the time to do this? and b) what happens when I leave? Miles Berry Deputy Head St Ives School, Haslemere www.st-ives.surrey.sch.uk mberry(a)st-ives.surrey.sch.uk 01428 643734

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re: SuSE 7 + firewall
by Marcus Birkin 28 Apr '01

28 Apr '01

Quick note, the link file should be /etc/init.d/rc3.d/S06myfirewall not rc6myfirewall

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Suse 7 + firewall
by Azrael Angel Of Death 28 Apr '01

28 Apr '01

Perhaps I have caused some confusion. I am _not_ refering to the SUSE Firewall that comes with suse. I have made (via an online script) a firewall script, and all I want to do is know where to put it to run. I do not want to use the 'SUSE firewall' just my firewall ... and on SUSE. Does this make sense? --Azrael _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

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Firewall SUSE 7 again
by Azrael Angel Of Death 28 Apr '01

28 Apr '01

Just another attempt to rattle people's brains :) Still having little luck on the firewall front... anyone with a SUSE firewall able to help me with this? thanks :) --Azrael _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

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Firewall SUSE 7
by Azrael Angel Of Death 24 Apr '01

24 Apr '01

Am making a suse 7 machine into a firewall... I have my firewall script.. but am not 100% sure where to put it. I read soemthing about /etc/rc.d/rc.firewall invoked from /etc/rc.d/rc.local but I'm not sure. Can anyone help me? :) thanks... Azrael _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

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Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Firewall SUSE 7
by Azrael Angel Of Death 23 Apr '01

23 Apr '01

Ahh.. but in that case.. why is there no rc.local file.. and why does /etc/rc.d/README say... NAME INIT.D - The S.u.S.E. boot concept SYNOPSIS /sbin/init.d/* /etc/rc.config DESCRIPTION The scripts for controlling the system are placed in /sbin/init.d/. These scripts are executed directly or indirectly by /sbin/init, the father of all processes. The configuration of /sbin/init is given by the file /etc/inittab (see inittab(5)). etc.... thanks.. Azrael >From: "John McCabe" <manager(a)enorf.ac.uk> >To: <suse-linux-uk-schools(a)suse.com> >Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Firewall SUSE 7 >Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 14:58:08 +0100 > > >----- Original Message ----- > > > Am making a suse 7 machine into a firewall... I have my firewall >script.. > > but am not 100% sure where to put it. > > >That's a *very* silly thing to say!!! > >The Script should be saved as /etc/rc.d/rc.firewall. That appears to be the >usual convention. > > > I read soemthing about /etc/rc.d/rc.firewall > > invoked from /etc/rc.d/rc.local > > but I'm not sure. > > >Exactly right. At the end of the /etc/rc.d/rc.local file add > > #Run the IP MASQ and firewall script > /etc/rc.d/rc.firewall > >Make sure your script is executable. (chmod 700 etc) > >See http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~dranch/LINUX/index-linux.html for lots >of useful hints and tips. > > > >This e-mail is intended for the addressee shown. It contains information >that is confidential >and protected from disclosure. Any review, dissemination or use of this >transmission or its >contents by persons or unauthorized employees of the intended organisations >is strictly prohibited. > >The contents of this email do not necessarily represent the views or >policies of >East Norfolk Sixth Form College, it's employees or students. > > _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

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Multi-site ADSL setup - comments wanted
by Gary Stainburn 22 Apr '01

22 Apr '01

Hi all, I've been asked to look at the existing setup for a local adult education authority (sorry don't know correct terminology/TLA's). Currently they have 5 centres which each have a Planet gateway. This gateway consists of a closed headless Linux box connected to an ISDN router. It performs caching and mail server functionality and is administered via a web browser. It does not do NAT/masq as each PC as a public IP address. They only have a limited number of IP, so each site has a finite network size. This setup works quite well, but the phone bills are quite extortionate. I have looked at conventional kilostream connection, but the cost of this is comparable with the current phone bills. I have therefore had a look at ADSL, as BT's Openworld is available to most of the sites. The Openworld 500 Business is only £150 install + £70/qtr and appears as a 4 port eithernet hub. It gives 512K downstream and 256k upstream. On the end of this I would then put a Linux box with squid, Masq, ipchains, etc., and hang the network off the back of it. The only problem I can see is that the ADSL connection is dynamic IP, which means that the site could possibly move without warning. This will of course stuff any inbound traffic such as email. To get round this, I thought about co-hosting a box somewhere and use that as the mail gateway. After all that waffle, I have only a few simple questions. 1) Has anyone had experience with BT openworld? does the service perform as quoted? Is the Dynamic IP *really* dynamic, or are they just saying that? 2) Can anyone see any gaping holes in this setup? 3) Assuming that dynamic means dynamic, does anyone have suggestions on how I can deliver the mail. Ideally, I would like to push the mail using standard smtp if possible rather than using fetchmail etc. 4) As technical info is not very forthcoming from BT, can anyone explain how, if the link is presented as a 4-port ethernet hub, does it manage dynamic IP? Is it done at the router stange and then NAT'd before it appears on the hub? 5) Can anyone come up with a better setup? Cheers, -- Gary Stainburn This email does not contain private or confidential material as it may be snooped on by interested government parties for unknown and undisclosed purposes - Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, 2000

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Re: Update to KUser Manager
by Paul Munro 20 Apr '01

20 Apr '01

Thanks to all who answered my questions regarding the KUser application. I think we have "solved" the issue. This is what we found out: After searching links provided on the subject of NIS, looking in the rc.config file and also checking /etc/passwd and /etc/group, we found no indication that NIS was running on the system at all. We checked the rc.config in YAST2 just to make sure, and even checked YAST1. It would seem that the application (for some reason) is looking for this service to run, even when it isn't supposed to. Anyway, finally my brain got into gear and I checked the SuSE Linux Support site (should have done that first I guess :-) I searched "KDE2 User Manager failing" and the result was satisfying in a weird way. It told us that there is "an error in the user manager of KDE2" and that the solution was to "use YaST1 to manage your users". This is what we had thought in the first place, but wanted to check it out anyway. The knowledgebase article reference is mjb_kuser_71. So- we will now be using YaST1 (which isn't that bad anyway). Again, thanks to all who helped :-) Paul

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Re: KUserManager and Groups
by Paul Munro 19 Apr '01

19 Apr '01

Hi all! I've been trying to help someone with an implementation of SuSE Linux Professional 7.1 on a LAN that requires four primary groups: 1. Sales 2. Accounts 3. Office 4. Schedule These groups have on average some 10 users each, and each group requires global access to "all software" except four users who require specific data access (to a database and payroll application). To "speed" things up, we decided to try K User Manager on a Laptop not connected to the LAn first to see how it implements users and groups and how easy the additions would be compared to other alternatives. I personally was struck by the excellent graphical element, and thought that it would be fine for the task ahead. Anyway, we encountered a number of errors whilst attempting the test: 1. On loading the application the errors "Couldn't read from /etc/yppasswd" and "couldn't read from /etc/ypgroup" popped up. The application launched, but only after these errors. 2. On trying to save the new groups and users, and after spending much time loading in the parameters for each, the application closed without saving with the error "/etc/yppasswd.bak" and a red error (windows looking!) sign. I realise that I can add users normally from YAST or using the command line, and add them to /etc/group, but it would help if we could use the graphical element of KUserManager. Does anyone have any ideas or advice on how we could fix this, or am I missing something important? From what I understand, ypbind etc looks for a yp server (NIS?) on the LAN, and I wondered whether KUserMgr needs this before operating properly? We're stumped, and if you could help I know there would be two very happy users out there and perhaps a very appreciative school!! Thanks! Paul.

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Linux Terminal Workshop 2nd, 3rd and 25th May
by Malcolm Herbert 17 Apr '01

17 Apr '01

hi all there are still places for the workshops on Linux/public access terminals, they will cover the following areas:- - enabling thin client terminals using the K12 Linux Terminal server distribution - demonstration of desktop solutions and configuration - examples of recycled and new hardware solutions. - discussion on solutions for remote booting Linux, and other OS images (yes incl Win9x) from a Linux server - some case studies more details on the meeting below, and attached an outline of the course notes. if you'd like to attend please let me know asap and return the email form below. regards Malcolm ------------------------------------ Malcolm Herbert Red Hat Europe t:+44 1483 734955 m:+44 7720 079845 ------------------------------------ Linux Terminal Server / Public Access Terminal Workshop 2rd/3rd May 2001 - Sandwell EMU, West Midlands 25th May 2001 - Bryngwyn School, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire ----------------------------------- Introduction -------------- Red Hat and Sandwell LEA have joined together to provide a workshop on developing low cost terminals, which can developed on a range of hardware. It can make the ideal lab or public access terminal and has the benefit of using open source applications. Overview -------------- This workshop presents an effective means of providing a thin client network solution for education and community network access. It can provide both fully functional desktop environments (incl. productivity tools, browsers, graphics and multimedia etc) and bespoke solutions, such as public access terminals providing using browser-based interfaces. The approach uses a thin client-server approach, where the terminals can use both legacy hardware (early Pentiums will work) or new hardware built specifically for the purpose, starting as low as £200. The workshop will look at both strategic and practical issues of designing and implementing terminal server solutions. It will also cover the issues of using open source applications and the benefits that they bring, including being free of licensing costs, having the freedom to develop applications, integrating with existing networks, applications and platforms and versatility to deploy something you want. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and networking, with a fairly informal atmosphere. There will be plenty of time to look at the practical issues involved, please feel free to bring some prospective client hardware (ie nearly anything, 'run wot u brung') with you. Agenda -------------- The workshop will be run on both days, with an emphasis on commercial organisations on Wednesday 2nd and Schools and LEAs on the Thursday 3rd May. 9.30am Registration and Coffee 10.00 Introduction: Linux, open source and how it can be used 10.30 Server: the K12LTSP distribution, hardware specifications 11.30 Coffee 11.45 Clients: new and legacy hardware, configuration and deployment 12.45pm Lunch 1.45 Configuring desktops, window managers for public, labs and office users 2.45 Discussion and future developments 3.30 Tea and Close Space is limited (we've already had considerable interest), priority will be given to early respondents. Links ------------------ Linux Terminal Server Project http://www.ltsp.org K12LTSP Project http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/linux/k12ltsp.html Venue ------------------ 2/3 May Sandwell EMU Popes Lane Oldbury West Midlands B69 4PJ Tel: 0121 544 2001 25 May Bryngwyn School Llanelli Carmarthenshire Travel Arrangements ------------------- Sandwell -------- Road - Sandwell EMU is located less than 10 minutes drive from Junction2 of the M5. >From the junction you will come immediatly to another roundabout (next to Retail park), take the 4th (last) exit towards Oldbury and along a dual carriageway until the next roundabout (by Mecca bingo), turn right and along back underneath the motorway. Take the second right (into Popes Lane). EMU is immediatly on the right. Rail - The nearest station is Langley Green, about 5 minute walk from EMU. The nearest mainline station is Sandwell and Dudley, which about 15-20 minutes walk away, or a short taxi ride. Bryngwyn -------- Further details will be available soon Accomodation - Please contact Malcolm Herbert if you require assistance in finding accomodation. You can find a location map on http://www.streetmap.co.uk, postcode B69 4PJ Registration ------------------- Please can you confirm attendance by completing the attached form with payment. You can reserve your place in advance by sending an email to Malcolm Herbert, mherbert(a)redhat.com. Costs. ------------------- The costs for schools, LEA staff and academic institutions is £25 for the day, will for commercial insititutions it will be £50. For an additional people from the same institution the charges are £15 and £40, sorry max of two people from each place at the moment. These charges will be used to cover costs (room rental etc). Please make cheques payable to 'Red Hat Europe' and we will deal with expenses with Sandwell LEA. Payment and forms in the post to (you can book provisionally by Email):- Malcolm Herbert Red Hat Europe 10 Alan Turing Way Research Park Guildford Surrey GU2 7YF <cut> ========================================================= Linux / Public Access Terminals Workshop ---------------------------------------- Name: Organisation: Address: Post Code: Telephone: Mobile: email: Preferred Date: 2 May 3 May 25 May *please indicate ==========================================================

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Hello
by Marcus Birkin 17 Apr '01

17 Apr '01

Hello, I'm a new list member. My name is Marcus Birkin, I work for The Arts In Education Centre, Nottingham I have about 4 Months experience with Linux (over 6 years with Windows) Please excuse any stupid or foolish questions I may ask. Regards Marcus Birkin P.S. As my primary job is a Theatre Technician, please feel free to ask me questions about Lighting and Sound :-)

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Create users with quotas
by Phil Jones 14 Apr '01

14 Apr '01

Dear all The free user-adding tool createusers can now set user quota. Please feel free to download and try it out. The URL for more information is: http://www.lfsp.org/#createusers The direct download URL is: http://www.lfsp.org/tarred/createusers-1.2.1.tar.gz Best wishes and a happy Easter! Phil Linux for Schools Project

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Configuring Outlook to use Linux Servers
by kevin.taylor＠powerconv.alstom.com 12 Apr '01

12 Apr '01

For those of you who don't read Linux Weekly News, I thought I would pass on the following. This article describes how to configure Outlook to use Linux servers, in order to try to get as much of the existing functionality of an exchange server as possible. http://www.bynari.net/Products/TradeServer/trade_server.html Kevin.

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MySQL and Linux quota - download
by Phil Jones 12 Apr '01

12 Apr '01

Hello all This is to announce 'mysqlquota' which is now available for download from the Linux for Schools Project. Mysqlquota brings MySQL user databases under the control of the Linux quota system. MySQL does not, as far as I know, currently have a facility for limiting the size of user databases. Mysqlquota is an attempt to fix this problem and allow user databases to be controlled by the Linux quota system. Mysqlquota is free software licenced under the GPL. The URL for more information is: http://www.lfsp.org/#mysqlquota For the impatient, the download URL is: http://www.lfsp.org/tarred/mysqlquota-1.0.tar.gz Wishes Phil Jones Linux for Schools Project.

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