- Roundtable - muug.ca

Patents - nothin' new here...
by gedetil＠cs.umanitoba.ca 13 Apr '05

13 Apr '05

Further to last night's discussion of intellectual property and, more specifically, patent abuse, I found the following web page interesting... http://lpf.ai.mit.edu/Patents/patents.html The information is a few years old, but still relevant. One link I particularly enjoyed reading was this one... http://lpf.ai.mit.edu/Links/prep.ai.mit.edu/supreme-court.patents ... which talks about a 1950 US Supreme Court opinion that was rather critical of the claimant's patent application and subsequent infringement claim. The judge's comments cite an earlier opinion, from 1882. There was something comforting about seeing that abuse of the patent system is not a recent thing, and that when these frivolous cases are brought to the attention of judges who understand the constitution and its implications, sanity usually does prevail. And in other news, I found this article from The Economist, on the economics of sharing, to be interesting too... http://www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?story_id=3623762 -- Gilbert E. Detillieux E-mail: <gedetil(a)cs.umanitoba.ca> Dept. of Computer Science Web: http://www.cs.umanitoba.ca/~gedetil/ University of Manitoba Phone: (204)474-8161 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R3T 2N2 Fax: (204)474-7609

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MUUG Meeting, Apr 12, 7:30pm - Digital Stereo Photography & Phantograms
by gedetil＠cs.umanitoba.ca 05 Apr '05

05 Apr '05

[Posted to man.unix.general and other news groups] ------ Forwarded Article <d2uf9n$1d0$1(a)canopus.cc.umanitoba.ca> ------ From gedetil(a)cs.umanitoba.ca (Gilbert E. Detillieux) The Manitoba UNIX User Group (MUUG) will be holding its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 12. The meeting topic for this month is as follows: Digital Stereo Photography and Phantograms Stereoscopic (3D) photography is almost as old as photography itself. However, when working with film and photo-chemical processing, getting good results was tricky and time-consuming. Digital cameras and computer-based processing have made the task much easier, and have also opened up the field to interesting new possibilities. The phantogram (technically a stereoscopic anamorphosis) is a relatively new form of stereo photograph, which makes use of the latest image manipulation tools, but is based on techniques and principles that have been around for centuries. The results can be quite impressive, and lifelike. In this presentation, Gilbert Detillieux will describe some of the principles of stereo photography and phantogram production, as well as demonstrating this using open-source tools such as The GIMP, and freeware such as AnaBuilder (which is Java-based, and platform independent). The presentation will also discuss some of the legal issues facing those working in this medium, due to two US patents that have been granted recently, which cover some of the fundamental processes involved. The group holds its general meetings at 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of every month from September to June. (There are no meetings in July and August.) Meetings are open to the general public; you don't have to be a MUUG member to attend. ********************************************************************** Please note our meeting location: The IBM offices, at 400 Ellice Ave. (between Edmonton and Kennedy). When you arrive, you will have to sign in at the reception desk, and then wait for someone to take you (in groups) to the meeting room. Please try to arrive by about 7:15pm, so the meeting can start promptly at 7:30pm. Don't be late, or you may not get in. (But don't come too early either, since security may not be there to let you in before 7:15 or so.) Limited parking is available for free on the street, or in a lot across Ellice from IBM, for $1.00 for the evening. Indoor parking is also available nearby, at Portage Place, for $2.00 for the evening. ********************************************************************** For more information about MUUG, and its monthly meetings, check out their Web server: http://www.muug.mb.ca/ Also note that MUUG maintains two mailing lists, called "muug-announce" and "roundtable". If you're not already on these lists, we encourage you to subscribe now: http://www.muug.mb.ca/mailman/listinfo/ The "muug-announce" list is used for monthly meeting announcements (such as this one) as well as other important announcements of interest to MUUG members. The "rountable" list is meant to be a forum for follow-ups to topics discussed at the meetings, or for round-table-style discussion on other topics that come up between meetings. Of course, for this to be effective, we need to reach a certain critical mass. So, please subscribe, and stay involved! -- Gilbert E. Detillieux E-mail: <gedetil(a)muug.mb.ca> Manitoba UNIX User Group Web: http://www.muug.mb.ca/ P.O. Box 130, St-Boniface Phone: (204)474-8161 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R2H 3B4 Fax: (204)474-7609 ------ End of Forwarded Article

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Shell programming question
by Mike Pfaiffer 04 Apr '05

04 Apr '05

I'm playing around with a little program called Zenity. It is a simple way to call up dialog boxes from a shell script. I've been able to produce a couple of simple examples with just an OK box. There are more complicated examples I'd like to try (this is going into some articles in Call-A.P.P.L.E.). The thing is Zenity can return values to the calling script. I'd like to know how to read these values... I have done a bit of research. The UNIX textbook I was using at university was written around the csh and didn't really have the information I wanted in a location I could find easily (although I could swear it was there when I took the course a little over 10 years ago). I looked at the man pages for Zenity and BASH. I also looked at several examples in the /etc directory (obviously unsuccessfully). I'll admit to being an airhead occasionally, but this is a really simple problem. Simple problems are the worst ones to solve. :-( Later Mike -- +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ |Call-A.P.P.L.E. and the Digital Civilization http://www.callapple.org | | http://members.shaw.ca/pfaiffer = Mike Pfaiffer (B.A., B.Sc.) | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ ----- BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK ----- Version: 3.12 GCS/G/IT/PA/SS d s+:- a? C++ UL L++ W++ N++ o+ K- w(---) O+@ M++@ V PS+ PE !PGP t+ 5+ X R tv b+ DI+++ D++ G e++* h! r-- !y-- UF++ ------ END GEEK CODE BLOCK ------

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Am I the only one having problems with Kernel 2.6/FC3?
by Sean A. Walberg 02 Apr '05

02 Apr '05

I upgraded my machine from FC1 to FC3 a while back. My sound card (ens1371) then started playing a lot of static whenever I used it. You could make out whatever you were trying to play, but it was very choppy and hard to understand. I played around with some BIOS settings, and found that turning off a lot of the PCI bells and whistles made it semi-usable, there is still static but at least it's playing at what seems like full speed. This weekend I swapped motherboards with another one of my computers and nothing at all worked. I couldn't get my machine to boot, and when I finally did, I was getting kernel panics during the boot sequence. I installed RH9, and it worked perfectly. Swapped everything back to where it was before, and things are back to normal (except the sound still sucks). I Googled around and can't find anything similar. I even filed a Bugzilla report on the sound problem a few months ago but I haven't heard anything on it. I can't believe I'm the only person having problems with FC3! Just curious if anyone else has run into similar problems before I re- install with FC2. Thanks, Sean -- Sean A. Walberg <sean(a)ertw.com> http://www.ertw.com

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Re: [RndTbl] faulty motherboard capacitors
by Ian 29 Mar '05

29 Mar '05

That's outstanding Trevor. Thanks. Ian Trevor Cordes wrote: > I just wanted to follow up on the brief discussion at the March meeting > regarding faulty motherboard capacitors and the related system > instabilities. > > I have an info page set up on my site at > http://www.tecnopolis.ca/tecnopolis/leakycaps.html > where I detail the symptoms, the cause, and the repair service I provide. > Anyone who's good with a soldering gun should be able to pull off the > repair themselves. > > This may help out anyone who has a board (and brand) from 2001-2002 that > is doing weird things and provide a possible solution without requiring a > whole new board/CPU/RAM purchase and consequent OS reinstall. > > -- Trevor Cordes > -- Tecnopolis Enterprises > _______________________________________________ > Roundtable mailing list > Roundtable(a)muug.mb.ca > http://www.muug.mb.ca/mailman/listinfo/roundtable > ______________________________________________________________________ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

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faulty motherboard capacitors
by Trevor Cordes 28 Mar '05

28 Mar '05

I just wanted to follow up on the brief discussion at the March meeting regarding faulty motherboard capacitors and the related system instabilities. I have an info page set up on my site at http://www.tecnopolis.ca/tecnopolis/leakycaps.html where I detail the symptoms, the cause, and the repair service I provide. Anyone who's good with a soldering gun should be able to pull off the repair themselves. This may help out anyone who has a board (and brand) from 2001-2002 that is doing weird things and provide a possible solution without requiring a whole new board/CPU/RAM purchase and consequent OS reinstall. -- Trevor Cordes -- Tecnopolis Enterprises

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[LinuxWorld] Countdown to LinuxWorld Canada & NetworkWorld (fwd)
by gedetil＠cs.umanitoba.ca 24 Mar '05

24 Mar '05

For those of you who might be interested, and able to get to Toronto in late April... -- Gilbert E. Detillieux E-mail: <gedetil(a)cs.umanitoba.ca> Dept. of Computer Science Web: http://www.cs.umanitoba.ca/~gedetil/ University of Manitoba Phone: (204)474-8161 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R3T 2N2 Fax: (204)474-7609 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 05:39:54 -0500 From: "Jai Cole"<ems(a)thindataworks.com> Subject: [Board] [LinuxWorld] Countdown to LinuxWorld Canada & NetworkWorld Expo 2005 You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in receiving updates about LinuxWorld Canada & Network World. _____________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------- LinuxWorld Canada & Network World April 18-20, 2005, Toronto Ontario Convention Centre, North Building www.plumcom.ca/linux_network.html www.linuxworldcanada.com www.networkworldexpo.com _____________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------- Dear LUG, Only 4 weeks left until LinuxWorld Canada and NetworkWorld Expo 2005. Two Events, One Admission. Both events run concurrently at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre - North Building, April 18-20th making this the largest IT Event in Canada. *LIMITED TIME OFFER* ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 15% Discount off the Advanced Rates MUST USE CODE: V15 http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfgflagajeimdpjdokobiioepfoonikdh… TRADE SHOW ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ The trade show is Free though April 17th when you register online at www.exporeg.com/lwnw. Tour through leading vendors in the Information Technology arena and learn all you need to know about Linux/Open Source and Networking. Your registration is for both events: Two Shows, One Admission! CONFERENCE ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Over 80 sessions to choose from in focusing on technology hot spots, including VoIP, Wireless, Storage, Security, IP-Telephony, Desktop, Application Development, Clustering/HPC and many more! Your registration is for both Conferences: Two Conference, One Admission! Remember to use code V15 for your 15% discount. A Total Technology Event! REGISTER TODAY http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfgflagajeimdpjdokobiioepfoonikdh… ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ MORE HIGHLIGHTS: -> Keynote Presentations are included with your Trade Show & Conference registration -> Visionary Presentations are included with Conference Registration -> Networking Reception: April 19- 5:00pm for all visitors -> First 150 people to register for a Flexi or Super Pass receive a free WiFi Internet Finder! Limited quantity remaining. -> Free Shuttle Bus ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Amazing BONUS! The first 150 people to register for a Super Pass or Flexi Pass Win a Free Kensington Wi-Fi Internet finder! ** Limited Amount Remaining - Register Today ** http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfgflagajeimdpjdokobiioepfoonikdh… ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ For more information about both shows visit: http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfgflagajeimdpjdokobiioepfoonikdh… QUESTIONS? ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Contact: Stephanie Cole (905) 695-0123 x211 (888) 823-7586 x211 steph(a)plumcom.ca www.linuxworldcanada.com www.networkworldexpo.com Thank You to our Event Sponsors ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Platinum - IBM Platinum - NOVELL Platinum - HP Platinum - CISCO Gold - RED HAT Silver - SUN MICROSYSTEMS Silver - DELL Bronze - KENSINGTON Bronze - RADWARE Bronze - USERFUL Bronze - XPM SOFTWARE Bronze - MRV Premier Media - COMPUTERWORLD MAG Premier Media - NETWORKWORLD MAG Premier Media - GLOBE AND MAIL Platinum Association - CATAALLIANCE Conference - IDC CANADA Conference - DESKTOP LINUX CONSORTIUM Conference - CIO MAGAZINE _____________________________________________________ © 2005 Plum Communications Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks contained are the property of their respective owners. Plum Communications Inc. | 1054 Centre Street #122 | Thornhill, ON | L4J 8E5 Subscription Information: >> Update your Profile http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfgflagajeimdpjdokobiioepfoonikdh… >> Click here to unsubscribe http://tdw.thindataworks.com/a/l.x?token=pkfgflagajeimdpjdokobiioepfoonikdh…

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Call for Papers LISA'05 (fwd)
by gedetil＠cs.umanitoba.ca 23 Mar '05

23 Mar '05

I'm forwarding this, in case any of you are interested in the Usenix LISA conference... -- Gilbert E. Detillieux E-mail: <gedetil(a)cs.umanitoba.ca> Dept. of Computer Science Web: http://www.cs.umanitoba.ca/~gedetil/ University of Manitoba Phone: (204)474-8161 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R3T 2N2 Fax: (204)474-7609 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2005 13:24:36 -0800 (PST) From: Danielle Young <danielle(a)usenix.org> Message-Id: <200503232124.j2NLOa0S016413(a)voyager.usenix.org> Subject: Call for Papers LISA'05 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Call For Papers LISA '05: 19th Large Installation System Administration Conference December 4-9, 2005, San Diego, CA, USA http://www.usenix.org/lisa05/cfpa Submissions Deadline: May 10, 2005 Sponsored by USENIX and SAGE -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Colleague The LISA '05 organizers invite you to contribute proposals for refereed papers, invited talks, and workshops, plus any ideas you have Guru Is In sessions, Work-in-Progress reports, and training sessions. The Call for Participation with submission guidelines and sample topics can be found on the USENIX Web site at http://www.usenix.org/lisa05/cfpa The annual LISA conference is the meeting place of choice for system, network, security, and other computing administrators. Administrators of all specialties and levels of expertise meet at LISA to exchange ideas, sharpen skills, learn new techniques, debate current issues, and meet colleagues and friends. People representing every work assignment from the full-time position at a large site to the part-time one at a small shop come to LISA from over 30 countries, bringing divergent backgrounds and experience levels to the conference dedicated to them. System and network administrators from environments as diverse as academia, large corporations and small businesses, government organizations, and research sites find LISA to be The Place to go for training, education, networking, and interacting with their peers. The conference's diverse group of participants is matched by an equally broad spectrum of activities: * Training sessions for both beginners and experienced attendees cover many administrative topics ranging from basic administrative procedures to using cutting-edge technologies. * Technical sessions present the latest developments and ideas related to system and network administration. * Invited talks and panels discuss important and timely topics and often spark lively debates and conversation. * Work-in-progress reports (WiPs) provide brief peeks at next year's innovations. GET INVOLVED! * Submit a draft paper or extended abstract proposal for a refereed paper. * Suggest an invited talk speaker or a panel discussion topic. * Share your experience by leading a Guru Is In session. * Propose a training session topic. * Organize or suggest a Birds-of-a-Feather (BoF) session. * Email an idea to the chair: lisa05chair(a)usenix.org ------------------------------------------------------------ IMPORTANT DATES Submissions due: May 10, 2005 Notification to authors: June 2005 Final papers due: September 27, 2005 Submission guidelines and more information can be found at http://www.usenix.org/lisa05/cfpa Sponsored by USENIX and SAGE ------------------------------------------------------------- We look forward to hearing from you! On behalf of the LISA '05 Program Committee, David N. Blank-Edelman, Northeastern University CCIS lisa05chair(a)usenix.org

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Provincial NDP endorses Free and Open Source Software
by Sydney Weidman 22 Mar '05

22 Mar '05

Manitoba NDP first major political party in North America to officially endorse Free and Open Source Software: http://plug.ca/article.php?story=20050321233431578 Regards, Syd Weidman Prairie Linux User Group

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Solaris 10 DTrace and how it achieves zero probe effect
by Stuart Williams 11 Mar '05

11 Mar '05

Some of us at yesterday's presentation by Bryan Cantrill on Solaris 10 were wondering how DTrace can instrument kernel code with no extra speed overhead, or as he claimed, with zero probe effect, which is a much stronger claim than just no time penalty. The detailed answer is in their paper "Dynamic Instrumentation of Production Systems" available here: http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/content/dtrace/dtrace_usenix.pdf Here's the most relevant paragraph which explains how they do it for Function Boundary Tracing on SPARC (x86 is not as clean, surprise, surprise): On SPARC, FBT [Function Boundary Tracing] works by replacing an instruction with an unconditional annulled branch-always (ba,a) instruction. The branch redirects control flow into an FBT-controlled trampoline, which prepares arguments and transfers control into DTrace. Upon return from DTrace, the replaced instruction is executed in the trampoline before transferring control back to the instrumented code path. This is a similar mechanism to that used by Kerninst[13] -- but it is at once less general (it instruments only function entry and return) and completely safe (it will never erroneously instrument code executed at TL>0). How they did it for Statically-defined Tracing (section 4.2 in the paper) is also interesting, and as they admit, not quite zero probe effect because of potential register pressure on the compiler. The paper is a good read, especially after the presentation. Stuart Williams.

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