BELUG meeting Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 6:30pm
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Steve Herber
Jan 12, 2026, 4:04:40 AMJan 12
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BELUG: Supporting Linux and open source for 21 years.
The next BELUG meeting is Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30pm.
The Zoom link, with password, is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/131116407?pwd=OFkwZzZWMVhDdlhMTU91K2lOVkQvZz09
Meeting ID: 131 116 407
Passcode: 117647
The in-person location is at the North Bellevue Community Center:
North Bellevue Community Center
4063 148th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA. 98007
Please come early to help set up the room.
I would like to thank Jerry and Kevin for hosting the December meeting.
A zoom summary is attached.
I would also like to thank Ethan, Dave C., and others in the home
intenet server group for converting the belug.us web site to a markdown
based system. It should be easier to work on in the future. Contact me
if you are interested in making changes to the web site.
The belug meeting will follow this format:
introductions all around
collect technical questions to answer later
a review of the previous meeting topics
our best answers to your technical questions.
We cover a wide range of topics for new and old linux users.
I hope you can attend this meeting.
A summary of the December meeting is below the signature line.
Thank you,
Steve Herber her...@herber.us cell: 425-281-0355
Software Engineer, UW Medicine, IT Services
The report from last month:
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Meeting assets for BELUG are ready!
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:13:57 +0000 (UTC)
From: Zoom <no-r...@zoom.us>
To: ko...@univention.com
Meeting assets for BELUG are ready!
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting began with introductions and casual discussions about Linux
experiences and security tools before transitioning into a detailed
conversation about computer hardware, software, and security measures.
The group explored various programming languages, operating systems, and
internet technologies while sharing personal experiences with different
devices and platforms. The conversation ended with discussions about AI
development, email security practices, and social media platforms, with
participants exchanging insights about current technology trends and tools.
Next steps
Next steps were not generated due to insufficient transcript.
Summary
Linux Updates and Seagal Planning
The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about the weather
in Seattle and Eastern Oregon. Kevin mentioned trying out Ventoy and
working with Randy on updates for his Linux laptops. Ethan reported
switching from WPA supplicant to IWD for his server, but might go back
to WPA supplicant due to ongoing issues. The conversation ended with Sam
introducing himself and mentioning his involvement in organizing Seagal
this year.
Linux Security Tools Discussion
The meeting focused on Linux security topics, where Kevin led a
discussion about Secure Linux, VPNs, antivirus software, firewalls, and
backup solutions. Participants shared their experiences with various
security tools, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, OpenConnect, ClamAV, and
different firewall configurations. The group also discussed spam
filtering methods, with Kevin mentioning Google's built-in spam filters
and Ethan mentioning using Spam Killer. The conversation ended with a
brief historical discussion about the origins of the word "spam" and its
popularity in Hawaii and China.
Computers and Programming Language Discussion
Bill discussed his plans to purchase a new computer with improved
specifications for his photo editing and slide scanning needs. The group
engaged in a conversation about programming languages, with Kevin and
Marty sharing their experiences with various languages like Python, C++,
Go, and Rust. Bill mentioned his limited exposure to programming,
primarily using macros and spreadsheet-specific languages in the past.
Computer Hardware and Software Insights
The group discussed computer hardware and software, focusing on assembly
language, binary code, and RAID configurations. Kevin shared his
experience with a RAID 1 setup and mentioned working on a Rig 1. The
conversation then shifted to a casual discussion about the number of
computers each participant owned, ranging from 2 to 12 devices per
person. Bill shared his experience with Apple products and Microsoft
support, detailing a challenging situation with a hacker and Microsoft's
technical support.
Tech Support and Device Stability
Bill shared his experience with Executive Customer Relations and
discussed the challenges of finding tech support with good English
language skills. Kevin mentioned his multiple operating systems and
devices, and the group discussed the stability of Chromebooks. They also
talked about RAID 1 setup and Kevin inquired about the recent seagull
event, which Tom attended and described as successful.
Computing Magazines and OS Discussions
The group discussed various computer magazines and operating systems.
Bill mentioned subscribing to the Raspberry Pi magazine on iPad. Kevin
asked about information sources, and members mentioned Google, man
pages, podcasts, and YouTube. Bill shared his experience with RISC OS on
Raspberry Pis. The conversation also touched on GEM, Puppy Linux, and
Solaris operating systems. Rod mentioned buying a new router.
Home Networking and Server Setup
The group discussed various internet service providers and modems, with
Bill sharing his experience with a Bluetooth device called Jack that
allows using a cell line with a home phone. They also talked about
router setups, with Marty explaining he uses his own router and modem
from Netgear and provides his own router operation. Kevin mentioned he
runs a home server using Univention's GCS operating system, which is
designed for large companies, and he uses it to run a school version
with classroom management features.
Server Cooling and GitHub Review
The group discussed server hardware and cooling systems, with Kevin
explaining modern liquid cooling techniques used in computers and
smartphones. They then reviewed a GitHub repository related to D-Log
site conversion to Markdown, though Steve had some reservations about
using GitHub. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about
meeting schedules, noting that SACLAB meets on the third Tuesday of each
month.
Markdown Website Project Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing a project involving a website built
using Markdown and a Python web server, with Kevin explaining the
process of updating pages and highlighting the need to update outdated
information. Bob shared his experience with resolving internet
connectivity issues by resetting his system. The conversation also
touched on the evolution of computer systems, from hardware-focused
meetings to modern software solutions, and Kevin mentioned his work on
emulating old games on a Steam Deck running Arch Linux.
Gaming Hardware and Linux Solutions
The group discussed gaming hardware, including a 7-inch diagonal
touchpad with a 1280x800 display and AMD quad-core processor, which
Kevin mentioned was currently non-functional due to a dead battery. They
explored various Linux-based gaming solutions, with Kevin explaining
that Portmaster serves as a translation layer for running games on
different architectures. The conversation then shifted to graphics
cards, where Kevin shared that he uses high-end NVIDIA cards for AI
work, while others discussed their experiences with AMD and Intel
graphics solutions, particularly regarding virtual GPU capabilities and
enterprise requirements.
AI Development and Technology Trends
The group discussed various AI and technology topics, including the use
of small and large language models for tasks like email generation and
mentoring. Kevin explained their current AI testing and development
efforts, emphasizing the importance of in-house training and the
distinction between small and large language models. The conversation
also touched on social media platforms like WeChat, LinkedIn, and
Mastodon, as well as email clients such as Alpine and Thunderbird.
Participants shared their experiences with different technologies and
discussed the benefits and limitations of various tools.
Email Security and Social Media
The group discussed email security practices, with Bill sharing advice
from a New York security expert about avoiding email clients and using
two-step verification. They explored various social media platforms,
including True Social, which Kevin identified as an old version of
Mastodon, and discussed Trump's involvement with it. The conversation
concluded with Marty mentioning he uses Thunderbird for email and the
group sharing their experiences with language learning apps,
particularly Duolingo.
AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.
Thank you,
Zoom Support Team
The next BELUG meeting is Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30pm.
The Zoom link, with password, is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/131116407?pwd=OFkwZzZWMVhDdlhMTU91K2lOVkQvZz09
Meeting ID: 131 116 407
Passcode: 117647
The in-person location is at the North Bellevue Community Center:
North Bellevue Community Center
4063 148th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA. 98007
Please come early to help set up the room.
I would like to thank Jerry and Kevin for hosting the December meeting.
A zoom summary is attached.
I would also like to thank Ethan, Dave C., and others in the home
intenet server group for converting the belug.us web site to a markdown
based system. It should be easier to work on in the future. Contact me
if you are interested in making changes to the web site.
The belug meeting will follow this format:
introductions all around
collect technical questions to answer later
a review of the previous meeting topics
our best answers to your technical questions.
We cover a wide range of topics for new and old linux users.
I hope you can attend this meeting.
A summary of the December meeting is below the signature line.
Thank you,
Steve Herber her...@herber.us cell: 425-281-0355
Software Engineer, UW Medicine, IT Services
The report from last month:
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Meeting assets for BELUG are ready!
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:13:57 +0000 (UTC)
From: Zoom <no-r...@zoom.us>
To: ko...@univention.com
Meeting assets for BELUG are ready!
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting began with introductions and casual discussions about Linux
experiences and security tools before transitioning into a detailed
conversation about computer hardware, software, and security measures.
The group explored various programming languages, operating systems, and
internet technologies while sharing personal experiences with different
devices and platforms. The conversation ended with discussions about AI
development, email security practices, and social media platforms, with
participants exchanging insights about current technology trends and tools.
Next steps
Next steps were not generated due to insufficient transcript.
Summary
Linux Updates and Seagal Planning
The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about the weather
in Seattle and Eastern Oregon. Kevin mentioned trying out Ventoy and
working with Randy on updates for his Linux laptops. Ethan reported
switching from WPA supplicant to IWD for his server, but might go back
to WPA supplicant due to ongoing issues. The conversation ended with Sam
introducing himself and mentioning his involvement in organizing Seagal
this year.
Linux Security Tools Discussion
The meeting focused on Linux security topics, where Kevin led a
discussion about Secure Linux, VPNs, antivirus software, firewalls, and
backup solutions. Participants shared their experiences with various
security tools, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, OpenConnect, ClamAV, and
different firewall configurations. The group also discussed spam
filtering methods, with Kevin mentioning Google's built-in spam filters
and Ethan mentioning using Spam Killer. The conversation ended with a
brief historical discussion about the origins of the word "spam" and its
popularity in Hawaii and China.
Computers and Programming Language Discussion
Bill discussed his plans to purchase a new computer with improved
specifications for his photo editing and slide scanning needs. The group
engaged in a conversation about programming languages, with Kevin and
Marty sharing their experiences with various languages like Python, C++,
Go, and Rust. Bill mentioned his limited exposure to programming,
primarily using macros and spreadsheet-specific languages in the past.
Computer Hardware and Software Insights
The group discussed computer hardware and software, focusing on assembly
language, binary code, and RAID configurations. Kevin shared his
experience with a RAID 1 setup and mentioned working on a Rig 1. The
conversation then shifted to a casual discussion about the number of
computers each participant owned, ranging from 2 to 12 devices per
person. Bill shared his experience with Apple products and Microsoft
support, detailing a challenging situation with a hacker and Microsoft's
technical support.
Tech Support and Device Stability
Bill shared his experience with Executive Customer Relations and
discussed the challenges of finding tech support with good English
language skills. Kevin mentioned his multiple operating systems and
devices, and the group discussed the stability of Chromebooks. They also
talked about RAID 1 setup and Kevin inquired about the recent seagull
event, which Tom attended and described as successful.
Computing Magazines and OS Discussions
The group discussed various computer magazines and operating systems.
Bill mentioned subscribing to the Raspberry Pi magazine on iPad. Kevin
asked about information sources, and members mentioned Google, man
pages, podcasts, and YouTube. Bill shared his experience with RISC OS on
Raspberry Pis. The conversation also touched on GEM, Puppy Linux, and
Solaris operating systems. Rod mentioned buying a new router.
Home Networking and Server Setup
The group discussed various internet service providers and modems, with
Bill sharing his experience with a Bluetooth device called Jack that
allows using a cell line with a home phone. They also talked about
router setups, with Marty explaining he uses his own router and modem
from Netgear and provides his own router operation. Kevin mentioned he
runs a home server using Univention's GCS operating system, which is
designed for large companies, and he uses it to run a school version
with classroom management features.
Server Cooling and GitHub Review
The group discussed server hardware and cooling systems, with Kevin
explaining modern liquid cooling techniques used in computers and
smartphones. They then reviewed a GitHub repository related to D-Log
site conversion to Markdown, though Steve had some reservations about
using GitHub. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about
meeting schedules, noting that SACLAB meets on the third Tuesday of each
month.
Markdown Website Project Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing a project involving a website built
using Markdown and a Python web server, with Kevin explaining the
process of updating pages and highlighting the need to update outdated
information. Bob shared his experience with resolving internet
connectivity issues by resetting his system. The conversation also
touched on the evolution of computer systems, from hardware-focused
meetings to modern software solutions, and Kevin mentioned his work on
emulating old games on a Steam Deck running Arch Linux.
Gaming Hardware and Linux Solutions
The group discussed gaming hardware, including a 7-inch diagonal
touchpad with a 1280x800 display and AMD quad-core processor, which
Kevin mentioned was currently non-functional due to a dead battery. They
explored various Linux-based gaming solutions, with Kevin explaining
that Portmaster serves as a translation layer for running games on
different architectures. The conversation then shifted to graphics
cards, where Kevin shared that he uses high-end NVIDIA cards for AI
work, while others discussed their experiences with AMD and Intel
graphics solutions, particularly regarding virtual GPU capabilities and
enterprise requirements.
AI Development and Technology Trends
The group discussed various AI and technology topics, including the use
of small and large language models for tasks like email generation and
mentoring. Kevin explained their current AI testing and development
efforts, emphasizing the importance of in-house training and the
distinction between small and large language models. The conversation
also touched on social media platforms like WeChat, LinkedIn, and
Mastodon, as well as email clients such as Alpine and Thunderbird.
Participants shared their experiences with different technologies and
discussed the benefits and limitations of various tools.
Email Security and Social Media
The group discussed email security practices, with Bill sharing advice
from a New York security expert about avoiding email clients and using
two-step verification. They explored various social media platforms,
including True Social, which Kevin identified as an old version of
Mastodon, and discussed Trump's involvement with it. The conversation
concluded with Marty mentioning he uses Thunderbird for email and the
group sharing their experiences with language learning apps,
particularly Duolingo.
AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.
Thank you,
Zoom Support Team
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