The Virtual World of Linux
Bob White and Brad Youngman
Bob and Brad will demonstrate Linux and Windows from 2 approaches. The goal is to show you ways to try Linux, where to download distributions (they're mostly FREE!), and what to watch out for during setup. Bob, a primarily Linux user since 1994, will show a dual boot system, and then concentrate on native Linux with Windows running in a virtual machine emulator. Brad, a Linux user since his retirement from Stanford University, will demonstrate a native Linux system with a variety of Window and other Linux systems all running in emulation on a new laptop.
A number of the Linux distributions and tips on how to install them are described in this handout.
General Discussion Meeting
Fred Townsend and Kevin Lynn
We resume the regular SVCS meeting schedule with an open discussion of hardware and techniques for building your own system. Feel free to bring your questions and problems to be discussed with a group of build it yourself enthusiasts.
NOTE: This tour has been rescheduled for week of July 18th
As of May 6th, Intel informed us that they have closed their Tech Museum for renovations. SVCS has been invited to join the reopening celebrations expected to be the week of July 18th.
Fred has sent messages to all those who signed up for the tour. He will send a new notice sometime around July 13th confirming the new date and time for the event.
We have had a lot of interest in this tour and space may be limited. There is a possibility that we may schedule a second group. For those who have not yet signed up, if you are interested in joining this tour, please RSVP with your name and email address to inteltour@svcs.net.
The regular Monday night meetings of the Build It Yourself and Windows Software SIGs for May are CANCELLED!
The regular Monday night meeting of the Build It Yourself SIG for May is CANCELLED!
In its place there will be a combined meeting featuring a tour of the Intel facilities in Santa Clara with special emphasis on SSD (solid state drives) and chipsets.
This tour is currently scheduled for 1PM on Monday, May 9th. Space on this tour is limited!
If you are interested in joining this tour, please RSVP with your name and email address to inteltour@svcs.net as soon as possible.
New Products for the Computer Builder
Davin Wong, Microcenter Knowledge Expert
If you are an experienced do-it-yourself computer builder, just thinking about whether to build that first computer or trying to decide what features you want in the new computer you will buy, this is a session you will not want to miss. Davin will display and discuss many of the new products that are available this year and answer your questions about component selection, including:
Fred will discuss some of the new components available for building your own computer. There will be time for an open discussion by attendees, so bring along your stories and information about your choices for a new system build.
What is Arduino and Why Might It Interest Me?
Michael Shiloh, TeachMeToMake
Arduino is a tool for making computers that can sense and control more of the physical world than your desktop computer. It's an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple inexpensive microcontroller board, and a free development environment for writing software for the board.
Arduino can be used to develop interactive objects, taking inputs from a variety of switches or sensors, and controlling a variety of lights, motors, and other physical outputs. Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can be communicate with software running on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, Fortran.) Arduino can be used as the glue to bind various electronic and electromechanical components together to create whatever contraption you can imagine.
NO MEETING
