AustinLUG.org

Many distros do not install because of low memory on some old computers. I have a laptop for which, sans swap file, Ubuntu won't even boot and yet I have installed Open SuSE on it.

Never mind what the 'systems requirements' say. Many well known distros like ubuntu, opensuse and fedora can be made to install on low memory computers if you install a swap file first.

How to do it. Plan your basic partitioning. Download and burn the GParted Live CD. This Software can also be made to boot from a usb stick.

Boot, delete or move existing partitions and install a /boot and swap partition in the low numbered cylinders. (Old hardware is often subject to BIOS Cylinder limits. The /boot partition is used to insure that your kernel image and initrd are in partitons that satisfy these limits.)

With the Swap file in place, you can almost install your Distro as you would normally.

If the Distro installation procedure asks for permission to use your swap file, say "yes".

Do not let the distro installation procedure automaticly repartition your hard drive, because it may attempt to move the swap file. It won't work to try to move a swap file that is in use.

Specify "manual disk partitioning". This has different names for different distros.

During repartitioning, you can do anything you want except move or delete the swap file. (If you need to move the swap file, you will have to abort the installation, and go back to the beginning and repartition with the GParted LiveCD.)

Once the disk repartitioning phase is complete, the rest of the installation usually procedes normally. If you are installing on the typical piece of junk, expect everything to proceed slowly, much more slowly, than you are used to.

There are also other tricks to install Linux on computers without a CD or DVD drive.

Outliners on Linux -- May 15, 2008

Clio Dunn will give an overview of outliner options on Linux. Outliners are applications which aid in organizing data, thoughts or information into a hierarchical tree format. They can be used to create overviews or serve as a structure for programming, educational or writing projects. There will be demonstrations of older and newer apps. Most are native Linux, some are loosely associated with specific desktop environments, a couple will be run on Wine. We'll be examining the options different programs have and how they can complement each other.
The demo will occur at the regular ALG meeting at:
Google map of how to get to 625E 10th+St, Austin TX

Paul Elliott will give a short presentation on how to post to Drupal. How to post a message. How to schedule an event. How to post a meeting minute.
The demo will occur at the regular ALG meeting at:
Google map of how to get to 625E 10th+St, Austin TX

Carl Perry will give a demonstration of how to upgrade the version of Drupal.
The demo will occur at the regular ALG meeting at:
Google map of how to get to 625E 10th+St, Austin TX

The
Austin Linux Meetup Group, which is a distinct organization from Austin Linux Group is having an
Ubuntu Install Fest. The meeting will occur on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The meetup will happen at

the Triumph Cafe
3808 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Austin , TX 78759

Let's help them out. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

Stephen Gutknecht will make this presentation:
"-- Inexpensive. SATA over SCSI, commodity DDR2 RAM (not FB), desktop CPU
-- our first experience with remote motherboard management and IPMI solution
-- Small size and weight. Our goal was to have a server we could ship via
UPS or Fedex overnight to a co-location center for under $120.
-- We used a 14" case, crammed 2 desktop hard drives, 8gb of RAM, quadcore
-- The "RAM sweet point" - 8GB of RAM at the time in late-2006 / early
2006. We wanted to be able to take advantage of Xen and we often run

Austin Linux Group Meeting Minutes
Date: April 17, 2008
Location: Waller Creek

Discussion of backup programs. Opportunity for further nominations. Clio Dunn nominated for Treasurer. Carl for system as well as mailing list. Stephen Gutknecht. for President. Denis Oxford for Secretary. Paul Elliott withdraws for Secretary. Denis Oxford withdraws for President.

Therefore this is the nominations.

Stephen Gutknecht for President.
Secretary Denis Oxford.
Treasurer Clio Dunn.
System Administrator Carl Perry
Mailing List Carl Perry
Web Administrator Paul Elliott
Program Coordinator Newton Hammet

Slate passed by acclimation.

Discussion of virtual booting Linux under OSX.

I am a local Linux activist. I am secretary of a local LINUX Lug, and I have written commentaries on Free Software/Open Source Software history. When I read about the LINUX Foundation Collaboration Summit in the local paper I thought I would like to attend. So, I put on my suit, which I do not wear often and headed off for the Pickle Research Center.

When I reached the summit registration, I talked to Jennifer Cloer. I said that I was secretary of a Local Lug and that I have written on Free software/open source history. I asked to attend as an observer and journalist. She said that journalists were only allowed the previous day and that remaining days were only for Linux Foundation Members. Our local LUG was never notified of the existence of the summit in Austin.

The front page of the Linux Foundataion's Web page says "The Linux Foundation is a non profit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux". Fostering the growth of Linux is also what Austin Linux Group is supposed to be doing. The event was called the "collaboration summit", but apparently the LINUX foundation did not want to colaborate with any one but themselves.

There was a forum on open source legal issues from which I could have profited. Too bad.

I believe that local LUGS and local LINUX activists have much to contribute to the development of LINUX. I believe that the LINUX FOUNDATION is making a mistake by excluding them.

We are stronger together than separate.

Austin Linux Group Meeting Minutes
Date: April 3, 2008
Location: Waller Creek

Tested directional wireless card belonging to Eric. Module loaded under OpenSuse 10.3. Got it working under OpenBSD. But it is too slow.

Paul Elliott nominates:

President Dennis Oxford.
Secretary Paul Elliott
System Administrator Carl Perry
Mailing List Carl Perry
Web administrator Paul Elliott
Program Coordinator Newton Hammet

more nomination on 10th, election on 17th.

On January 24, Konrad Rosenbaum will give a presentation on Basic Desktop Security.

If this meeting goes as usual, informal meeting, and discussion from 7:00pm to 7:30pm
then the presentation 7:30pm to 9pm.

Location Map:
Google map of how to get to 625E 10th+St, Austin TX