February 2009 - Roundtable

Winmodems and Linux
by M Moffat 07 Feb '09

07 Feb '09

I'm a newbie to Linux. I saved a Win98 system from going to the Dump; the Windows system was non-functional but hardware seemed useful for some version of Linux. I have managed to find and download two different distributions of Linux which are intended for use on older and less powerful systems, BasicLinux 3.5 and TinyLinux. I have both of these installed and functioning on separate partitions of the hard drive. Unfortunately the modems that were in the system are NOT functional. One is an ISDN modem and the other is a Motorola SM56 Voicemodem. I have scoured the websites with references to Motorola SM56 modems and although I found a couple of references to the existence of a Linux driver for this modem, I can not actually find where to download this supposed driver and see if I can make it work!! Anyone have info on this?? If not, does anyone have an external 56K modem kicking around that they would like to get rid of?? I'm out in the boonies near Russell, MB and don't have many used computer sources nearby :-(( If this is not the desired type of inquiry/use of this mail list, just say so and I'll just butt out. Mel.

1 0

New laptop with XP?
by Kevin McGregor 05 Feb '09

05 Feb '09

Not really apropos of this list, but does anyone know where one can still get a new laptop with Windows XP pre-installed as opposed to Vista? It's for someone at work who's asking. Thanks, Kevin

5 5

MUUG Meeting, Feb 10, 7:30pm -- Firewall Software for UNIX
by gedetil＠cs.umanitoba.ca 03 Feb '09

03 Feb '09

The Manitoba UNIX User Group (MUUG) will be holding its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10. The meeting topic for this month is as follows: Firewall Software for UNIX Network firewalls are typically dedicated boxes that sit between an organisation's internal network and the Internet. But how do you protect hosts that are outside of that, such as in a DMZ? How do you protect your internal hosts from potential rogue systems? What if you can't afford a dedicated firewall? As it turns out, most common UNIX/Linux systems today have some form of packet filtering software included in their kernels. These can be used to provide added protection for Internet-connected hosts, at no extra cost. In this presentation, Gilbert Detillieux will look at three such solutions: ipfilter for Solaris (and also available for other platforms), ipfw for Mac OS X, and Netfilter/iptables for Linux. In addition to showing some of the basic features of each, the presentation will also mention some of the limitations. Time permitting, a demo of each system will be given (possibly with GUI front-ends). 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.) Non-members may be required to show photo ID at the security desk. Limited parking is available for free on the street, either on Ellice Ave. or on some of the intersecting streets. Indoor parking is also available nearby, at Portage Place, for $3.00 for the evening. Bicycle parking is available in a bike rack under video surveillance located behind the building on Webb Place. ********************************************************************** For more information about MUUG, and its monthly meetings, check out their Web server: http://www.muug.mb.ca/ Help us promote this month's meeting, by putting this poster up on your workplace bulletin board or other suitable public message board: http://www.muug.mb.ca/meetings/MUUGmeeting.pdf -- Gilbert E. Detillieux E-mail: <gedetil(a)muug.mb.ca> Manitoba UNIX User Group Web: http://www.muug.mb.ca/ PO Box 130 St-Boniface Phone: (204)474-8161 Winnipeg MB CANADA R2H 3B4 Fax: (204)474-7609

1 0

Sun Type 5 kbd cable?
by Adam Thompson 03 Feb '09

03 Feb '09

Does anyone have a Sun Type 5 keyboard cable they can spare? My E450 keeps dropping to the OBP prompt spontaneously and I suspect the cable rather than the keyboard itself. Thanks in advance if anyone has one to offer! -- -Adam Thompson <athompso(a)athompso.net>

2 1