Linux-Hardware Digest #395, Volume #14 Sat, 24 Feb 01 17:13:04 EST
Contents:
Scanner recommendations? (Jason Spaceman)
Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ? ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Re: Problem with Serial port if X is running (Sergey Gribov)
Sound blaster 16 ("schamrel")
Re: intel pro/100+ server network card ("Q")
Re: SUSE 7.0 / kernel 2.2.16 compaq proliant 1500 /RAM Problem ("Matthias Reis")
Re: Sound blaster 16 ("Matthias Reis")
Re: Sound Blaster 16 only works as root (Matthew Paterson)
Re: UDMA100 on VP6 (Jaimie Vandenbergh)
Re: Mount CDRW trouble (Matthew Paterson)
Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ? (Bob Hauck)
Re: Abit SA6R RAID & RedHat -> do you think it would work???? ("kuba p.")
phoneline network card supported? (". piet")
Re: kernel 2.2.18 + ide patch panics when trying to mount root fs ("Tim Van Holder")
Re: Scanner recommendations? (Drew Roedersheimer)
Re: Boot off Promise Ultra66 controller? ("Tim Van Holder")
Re: Anyone using a HP SCANJET 5200C ?????? ("John Christian Engelsen")
Two sound cards? ("Barry " <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>)
Re: Anyone using a HP SCANJET 5200C ?????? (Drew Roedersheimer)
Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ? ("g.montgomery")
Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ? ("g.montgomery")
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jason Spaceman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Scanner recommendations?
Reply-To: reply@usenet
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 19:12:49 GMT
I am thinking about buying a flatbed scanner for the computer. I don't
know much about scanning in Linux, what are some Linux-friendly scanners
out there? What sort of open source software exists for scanning?
Thanks.
J. Spaceman
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 12:26:28 -0800
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Crossposted-To: comp.os.linux.advocacy,comp.os.linux.misc
Subject: Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ?
Good answer, would like to add....
Jan Francsi wrote:
> Hello!
>
> I think, you need some kind of database.
> Read about sql and relational Databases.
> As a server you can use a Linux box with mysql.
There is also postgresql and msql....personally I use postgresql, but
msql might be better if its a small and simple database.
> On the client side, you can create
> - software in C with qt2 lib's for graphical GUI
You can use any interface library here...in fact there is gnome-db if you
can get it to work (I couldn't but YMMV) that offers some abstraction
with SQL databases....glade is supposed to have gnome-db soon (maybe
already).
> - html with java or php to make the Database accesable in any Browser.
> In that case you will need the Apache www server on your server.
Personally I would rate PHP over Java.
> For system-service use SSH, Telnet and webmin, a verry nice www
> (intranet) aplication.
Use SSH, not telnet ... only use telnet if you don't mind passwords being
sent in the clear :P
Also if your going to tie in Win2k (yuck!) then look into LDAP......you
might find it useful.
------------------------------
From: Sergey Gribov <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Crossposted-To: comp.os.linux.portable
Subject: Re: Problem with Serial port if X is running
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 19:39:17 GMT
> >I have Dell Inspiron 8000 with Debian linux, kernel 2.4.2.
> >I have the following strange problem:
> >If I trying to synchronize Pilot using serial port (using pilot-xfer)
> >without X running it's working just fine, but if I run X it failes
> >in the middle with timeout and 'weird packets' problem.
> >
> >It seems, that serial port working fine without X and having problems
> >when the X is running...
>
> Does X think you have a serial mouse? Check mouse settings in XF86Config.
No, the mouse is PS/2, plus there are build in touchpad & stick...
------------------------------
From: "schamrel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Sound blaster 16
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:43:39 -0800
I have installed Redhat6.2 and can't get my
Sound blaster16 sound to work.
After running sndconfig I get the following error
The following error occurred running the mod probe prog
/lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0:int-module:Device or resource busy
/lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0:insmod
/lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0 failed
/lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0:insmod sound-slot-0 failed
Please help
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
From: "Q" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: intel pro/100+ server network card
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 19:53:37 GMT
I haven't used the cards in linux, but we had some at work. I think the way
they work is that essentially you have one MAC & IP for one NIC, and the
other one really doesn't have one. One NIC only does a Tx from server to
the switch, so really it shouldn't need a MAC or an IP. Only one NIC will
be bidirectional. There is more on this on some page on intel's site I
remember. I think if you use an intel switch than both can be bidirectional
becuase they use some propriatary protocol but I am not certain. You say
something about a hub and not a switch. This will do absolutely no good
with a hub, and if you want to see any improvement you will have to get a
switch. As I understand the load balancing is done all in the driver, so
the linux driver would have to support this. I really don't have a lot of
detailed info on the NICs themselves, but this is how I see it working from
a logical standpoint.
"bluto" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
Just got an intel pro 100/+ server card for my Suse linux.
was wondering if any body had any experience with using it??
can I load balance the two output streams to my hub?
I am trying to avoid the bottleneck at the hub by having more input.
etho from cable modem to server
eth1 server to hub
eth2???? server to hub
is it possible to load balance eth1 and eth2?
or will both ports on the nic card be putting out as eth1?
any help or pointing me in the right direction will
be appreciated..
a7v thunderbird 850
rage 32 meg video
intel nic cards
trying to use the sb82558b chipset
sb live 5.1
adaptec 2940 u2w
promise ata 100
thanks
Tim
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
From: "Matthias Reis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: SUSE 7.0 / kernel 2.2.16 compaq proliant 1500 /RAM Problem
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:12:32 +0100
Im Artikel <978q5n$o3sa6$[EMAIL PROTECTED]> schrieb "Julian J�ris"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
> Hi, habe SUSE 7.0 (kernel 2.2.16) auf compaq proliant 1500 server
> istalliert, irgendwie frist der vom Yast verpasste kernel nur 16 MB von
> den vorhandenen 196 MB RAM. Das BIOS hat den Speicher(SIMM) erkannt.
> kennt jemand das Problem, und was kann ich machen?
>
> Danke
>
> Julian
>
> Julian J�ris email [EMAIL PROTECTED] internet www.xenicon.com
>
Hallo,
du musst dem Kernel beim Booten als Argument mem=196m geben, dann geht
das meistens. Dieser Fehler kommt h�ufig vor. Wenn Du lilo verwendest
f�gst du in der /etc/lilo.conf zu deinem Linux Eintrag einfach
append=mem=196m hinzu. Verwende in Zukunft aber bitte f�r deutsche Anfragen die
deutschen Linux Newsgroups; sowas wird von manchen nicht gern gesehen...
Matthias
------------------------------
From: "Matthias Reis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Sound blaster 16
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:13:59 +0100
Im Artikel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> schrieb "schamrel"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
> I have installed Redhat6.2 and can't get my Sound blaster16 sound to
> work. After running sndconfig I get the following error
>
> The following error occurred running the mod probe prog
> /lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0:int-module:Device or resource busy
> /lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0:insmod
> /lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0 failed
> /lib/modules/2.2.14-15.0/misc/sb.0:insmod sound-slot-0 failed
>
> Please help [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Seems like you used wrong irq,io or dma parameters...
Matthias
------------------------------
From: Matthew Paterson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Sound Blaster 16 only works as root
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 20:24:16 +0000
chmod 766 /dev/dsp (sometimes, /dev/dsp0 as well)
chown *username* /dev/dsp (sometimes /dev/dsp0 as well)
chgrp users /dev/dsp (sometimes /dev/dsp0 as well)
where *username* is the user name you use..(obviously :)
Matt
Eric Ho wrote:
> Hi, I have just reinstalled Slackware 7.1, everything is mostly ok,
> but my sound blaster 16 card only works as root. There must be some
> simple way to fix it ..... please help guys.
> I am using 2.2.18 kernel.
>
> Thanks very much.
>
> Best Regards,
> Eric Ho
------------------------------
From: Jaimie Vandenbergh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Crossposted-To: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.abit
Subject: Re: UDMA100 on VP6
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 20:23:48 GMT
On Fri, 23 Feb 2001 08:49:25 +0100, "Martin Eriksson"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>Primarily use the VIA interface... because I STILL think the HPT is flaky.
>
>24MB /sec sounds OK... depends where you read from on the hard disk.
I'm not too impressed - that's what I get from my sub-100quid Samsung 30gig
ATA66 drive on a BX board, DMA33! Rate varies from 25meg/sec down to 14 or
so.
There's probably more speed you can squeeze out of it.
Cheers - J
--
"Ah! _Thinking_ meat!"
*chew*
"Pfwa! Too salty!" - Lexx, The Dark Zone
------------------------------
From: Matthew Paterson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Mount CDRW trouble
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 20:29:26 +0000
Have a look at your /etc/fstab file, if this points to /dev/cdrom, then create
a link from /dev/scd* to /dev/cdrom (you will have to rm -f /dev/cdrom first)
then all should be cool, or read the Cd-Writing HOWTO
(/usr/doc/Linux-HOWTOs/Cd-Writing-HOWTO)
Matt
holcomb wrote:
> I bought a Sony CDRW drive that is detected on boot. With my old CD drive
> I could read data or play audio cds with no trouble and no need to mount.
> Now with my new CDRW the drive does not mount at boot. I can mount it
> manually using ISO9660 file type and read data CDs. How do I mount the
> CDRW to read audio CDs? How can I auto mount at boot time so that audio
> and data CDS can both be read? Thank you for your help. Jh
>
> --
> Posted via CNET Help.com
> http://www.help.com/
------------------------------
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Bob Hauck)
Crossposted-To: comp.os.linux.advocacy,comp.os.linux.misc
Subject: Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ?
Reply-To: bobh = haucks dot org
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 20:43:49 GMT
On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 17:40:48 GMT, peter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Is there any "open source" software that can help me with the
> inventory and tracking ? or
You will probably want to use a real database rather than inventing some
file format of your own. The best-known open databases are MySQL and
PostreSQL.
> Would I have to write a program from scratch or could I modify some
> existing software ? or
My suggestion would be to design a database schema that is suitable for
your project. Set up the database back end. Then build a web-based
front end using PHP that handles the UI and business rules. If the
customer already has a database for other functions that you'd like to
use, it is likely that PHP has a driver for it.
The reason I'd do it this way is that it is generally faster to design
form-based UI's with html plus some scripting than it is to write a
custom client program. Plus, it is easier to update because you don't
need to go around to all the client machines (I'm presuming that the
customer already has some Windows clients) and install software.
The web-based approach does have limitations though, so you need to
think through what functions your sofware will need.
> Would it make more sense to just buy the software (for linux) ?
That would be an alternative. There are a number of full-featured
business accounting packages for Linux, some of them include job
tracking and inventory modules. The one I've used a bit in the past is
AppGen.
Here's a web site with some pointers:
<http://vip.hex.net/~cbbrowne/financeproprietary.html>
--
-| Bob Hauck
-| To Whom You Are Speaking
-| http://www.haucks.org/
------------------------------
From: "kuba p." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Abit SA6R RAID & RedHat -> do you think it would work????
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:54:18 +0100
Thanks a lot for all advices - now i know it won't work (at the moment).
Best,
Kuba
------------------------------
From: ". piet" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Crossposted-To: comp.os.linux.networking
Subject: phoneline network card supported?
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:06:54 GMT
i am planning on buying 10 mb phoneline network cards?
which cards are supported by linux?
------------------------------
From: "Tim Van Holder" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: kernel 2.2.18 + ide patch panics when trying to mount root fs
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:08:51 GMT
"Rinaldi J. Montessi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> Maybe the last few lines of your boot log or dmesg (if it got written)
> might help.
Hmm - I can't seem to reproduce the 'unsupported feature' message...
But I did see the exact problem (though the cause evades me):
at bootup, not all partitions are shown:
hda1 hda2 hda3 < hda5 >
hdg1 < hdg5 hdg6 hdg7 hdg8 hdg9 >
hda 6 to 10 are missing; my root filesystem is on hda7... so no wonder
the kernel panics :-)
Any idea as to what option to change to get the kernel to see the missing
partitions?
------------------------------
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Drew Roedersheimer)
Subject: Re: Scanner recommendations?
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:10:09 GMT
On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 19:12:49 GMT, Jason Spaceman wrote:
>I am thinking about buying a flatbed scanner for the computer. I don't
>know much about scanning in Linux, what are some Linux-friendly scanners
>out there? What sort of open source software exists for scanning?
>Thanks.
>
>
>J. Spaceman
>
>
Although it's a rather expensive scanner (at least it used to be), my HP
scanjet 6200c works flawlessly using USB under linux. If you want a USB
scanner that works, I'd suggest trying http://www.linux-usb.org/ You can
find a list of supported USB devices there.
As far as open source software, I use sane and xscanimage. I'm sure there
are other packages (probably something from KDE or gnome - although these may
use the sane backend), but I can't think of any of the top of my head. I'd try
searching http://freshmeat.net.
HTH
-DR
------------------------------
From: "Tim Van Holder" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Boot off Promise Ultra66 controller?
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:18:22 GMT
> Does anyone know what options (in lilo.conf) I can use to get this
> to boot?
For lilo, this should simply be the same as always; you just need to
use the correct drive names:
hda -> MB Primary Master
hdb -> MB Primary Slave
hdc -> MB Secondary Master
hdd -> MB Secondary Slave
hde -> Promise Primary Master
hdf -> Promise Primary Slave
hdg -> Promise Secondary Master
hdh -> Promise Secondary Slave
You can also set some option in the kernel to put off-board controllers
first; this will give the Promise controller hda-hdd and the motherboard's
controller hde-hdh. Of course, you kernel will need to have Promise support
built in, and that's only available in 2.4.x, or 2.2.16-2.2.18 with the IDE
patches applied.
------------------------------
From: "John Christian Engelsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Anyone using a HP SCANJET 5200C ??????
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 22:21:35 +0100
"Drew Roedersheimer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 00:52:59 +0100, John Christian Engelsen wrote:
> >HI !
> >
> >I have a HP scanjet 5200C, which I wanna uswe with linux, but I don' know
if
> >its worth all the trouble trying to fix....
> >I've tried once before and then i gave up.......
> >
> >Is there for instance any good software available ??
> >
> >Mvh
> >
> >John Christian Engelsen
> >
> >
>
> I have a HP scanjet 6200c - using USB with no troubles at all. Try
sane...
> AFAIK, the real question is the interface that the scanner uses. If it's
> a USB scanner (like mine), try checking out http://www.linux-usb.org/
>
>
> HTH
> -DR
Yes It is a USB scanner!
Mvh
John Christian Engelsen
------------------------------
From: "Barry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Two sound cards?
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:10:26 +0000
I would like to use two sound cards together.
I have an onboard Via Apollo Super AC97/Audio and a Sound blaster
live. Hardrake gets things really wrong and plays samples out one or other
of then unpredictably and regardless of the one you have chosen to
configure! So I could try configuring the sound blaster and it will play
the sample on the Via. The audio mixer has three sound cards and the one
it uses is a Trident something or other which I don't have! The other two
that *are* in the system are a SB Live and the via which comes up as
unknown. All the mixers have worked at some stage but never at the same
time.
I have used sndconfig and that only finds the Via which it says is not
supported. It seems to me that it's supported fine. It's in the hardrake
list and I can get it working.
After all this messing around with things I can no longer log into any
window manager as root! The system just hangs and I am forced to hit the
power! Is this related?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Barry
System:
Mandrake 7.2
Kernel 2.2.17
Duron 700
128Mb Ram PC133 CAS 2
MSI K7T pro II (a bit too new?)
Maxtor 15G ata100
------------------------------
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Drew Roedersheimer)
Subject: Re: Anyone using a HP SCANJET 5200C ??????
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:27:38 GMT
On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 22:21:35 +0100, John Christian Engelsen wrote:
>
>"Drew Roedersheimer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
>news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
>> On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 00:52:59 +0100, John Christian Engelsen wrote:
>> >HI !
>> >
>> >I have a HP scanjet 5200C, which I wanna uswe with linux, but I don' know
>if
>> >its worth all the trouble trying to fix....
>> >I've tried once before and then i gave up.......
>> >
>> >Is there for instance any good software available ??
>> >
>> >Mvh
>> >
>> >John Christian Engelsen
>> >
>> >
>>
>> I have a HP scanjet 6200c - using USB with no troubles at all. Try
>sane...
>> AFAIK, the real question is the interface that the scanner uses. If it's
>> a USB scanner (like mine), try checking out http://www.linux-usb.org/
>>
>>
>> HTH
>> -DR
>
>
>Yes It is a USB scanner!
>
>Mvh
>
>John Christian Engelsen
>
>
So check out the link that I referenced. It looks to me like it's supported.
There's even a HP link that you might want to look at. Check out the "Working
devices list" link...
best of luck
-DR
------------------------------
From: "g.montgomery" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ?
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:33:12 GMT
peter wrote:
> Could Linux be used in this factory environment ?
>
> What I'm trying to do, is design a factory inventory system. To keep
> cost down I want to use Linux. The model I'm using, is a furniture
> factory. I want to design a system that will allow the factory to
> keep track of their "work in progress" and finished goods. I'm
> guessing that this will be a little more complicated than your
> average inventory system?
>
Furniture factory - probably not as complicated as most.
>
> Of course the workers would have to access the system to enter data,
> etc, so the user interfaces can't be too complicated (GUI?).
Think bar coding - the way it's done in many factories - bar coding
on everything from office doors to capital equipment, to parts
trays, workers badges, etc. Then all they need to do run a
sensor by the bar code.
>
> SOFTWARE
>
> Is there any "open source" software that can help me with the
> inventory and tracking ? or
>
Check out http://freshmeat.net I just did a quick search there
looking for inventory, and had 23 hits. One is called fphdb and
it is at version 1.0. The caption says "Priting Business Job,
Ordering, and Inventory Management Application". It's GPL.
I haven't checked further down the list, but you get the idea -
there are lots of barcode, inventory control, and factory
management type applications that folks have thrown into
the open source world - it all depends on how much you
are willing to bend in your requirements and how much
you really want to do this from scratch.d
>
> Would I have to write a program from scratch or could I modify some
> existing software ? or
Buying anything for such an application doesn't make any
sense until you understand the process, the environment,
constraints, etc. Unless this is just an exercise for class or
something, you would be well served to interview those
involved in the process and understand and document that
first. Then you can work the issue of designing a system
which supports (and hopefully improves) the process.
I don't know much about the ISO standards (9000/9001),
but there is a lot of todo over them in todays factories, in
the U.S. and in Europe (could be in Asia as well). I suspect
that software systems which address elements of the
modern factory would need to be "in tune" with the ISO
thingee. I say that, but I'm really too lazy to check it out.
Again, if this is just a class project, it probably wouldn't
matter much.
>
> Would it make more sense to just buy the software (for linux) ?
Sure, if someone has the package which fits exactly - but
that seem highly unlikely unless you are willing to bend
your "factory model" a lot.
>
> HARDWARE
>
> This is an easy (well easier) one for me, first I would make sure the
> hardware (I'm buying) is linux compatible. I would go out and buy B/W
> 9" monitors, those cool small cases (with the 810e chipset, if the
> 810e is linux compatible), and celeron cpus, etc. I would pick up
> some retractable keyboard and mouse holders and set up several rack
> mount style data centers throughout the factory (I would love to set
> this up!!!)
> On the server side, things get a little tricky, maybe (just maybe) tie
> into a win 2000 server (A lot depends on what existing system they
> already have, and we all know that many of the existing systems will
> be win98, etc). I guess the management would need to access the data
> entered by the factory workers to check progress, productivity, etc.
> A linux server could be used and we could somehow give the management
> access to this server though their existing win boxes (secure CRT ?).
> Or we could design a simple way to access and read the data in linux
> (write a small reporting program or use some simple database program)
> and also have the forms printed automatically at the end of the day.
>
You sound pretty eager to deal with the hardware - a classical
bum move when setting up a system. Many is the software
engineer who has been faced with working around the deficient
hardware selection done by the project engineer or the systems
engineer who doesn't understand software needs. Better to step
slowly with the hardware until you have the requirements,
system design (including your data model), some notion of
the software needs and how you plan to satisfy them (e.g., by
re-using existing, adapting existing, or by totally inventing the
wheel from scratch). Software needs should drive the train,
because the development of software is where the money will
need to be spent. Put another way: The Software is the System.
Hardware is cheap. And by the time you get the software
done, there will be a better version of the hardware out there.
You need enough hardware to develop/integrate the software,
but you should adopt a "just-in-time-delivery" concept for hardware,
so that you get the latest and greatest model.
>
> SUPPORT
>
> Depending on the size of the factory, in-house linux/windows support
> would be smart, But if it's a small company, then they could call on
> the systems/software provider (me) for support. From what I read
> about linux, if I design the system right, there won't be to many
> problems. I would probably set up a service contract where I would
> come in every month and check things out.
>
The expression "linux/windows" makes me shudder. Go with one
or the other. As a worst case compromise, I, for example would
only mix M$ office by running it under Win4Lin or some package
like that (after a thorough testing period), to minimize my
exposure to M$ stuff.
Sry for the tirade - you can tell I'm a religious zealot - I like
my operating system to protect itself - applications may
abend, but the OS shouldn't, even if it is a desktop.
>
> SECURITY
>
> This system would not be accessible from the outside, This is a lone
> factory (pretty rare in today's world, but let's keep things simple :)
> Managers would have internet access, so normal virus protection, and
> other precautions would be in place.
>
> FORGET LINUX
>
> If, for some strange reason it would be better to do this on some
> other platform, like freeBSD, or windows 2000, please tell me. Let's
> assume that the factory is a midsize factory (40-60 factory workers,
> 10-12 manager/sales/etc, and that they will need about 10 data entry
> terminals, and every manager already has a windows 98 box.
>
Stay with Linux. As with any system, however, you need to
have or to gain development skills. Even a linux-based system
can be poorly designed.
>
> NOTE
>
> I know I've left out a lot a details, I've never worked in a factory
> and I'm trying to understand how this can all work together. I think
> if we let are imaginations loose we can all have some fun with this;
> and a lot of the newbies to Linux and IT can learn a little.
Don't feel bad about your lack of experience in the factory setting.
I have been there full-time 1962-1998 and now half-time only,
and I have never seen two operations managers run their "factories"
in the same manner. After all the big bucks onY2K fixes, some are
still using PRIME computers, COBOL/RPG, and other relics of the
past. Each VP or Ops has his people use what they trust. And that
may have its roots in twenty-thirty year old software. They keep
the old PRIME and the SysAdmin and the software analyst around
not because of the hardware - they'd love to throw that away,
as it is almost unmaintainable. They keep the machine around
to run the software which they are afraid to dispense with. They
have built careers reading the xyz report put out by the PRIME,
and that is the way they want to continue until they retire.
Which sort of brings me back to where I was earlier on - embedded
in the software and the reports and the information gathering
means is a PROCESS - one which is known to work by the
VP-ops who has been in the saddle or working up to it for
the last 20 years. Decoding, documenting, and the re-instrumenting
that process is the real job when installing a new software system,
unless one simply says - I'm chucking the old system and
outsourcing the Information Systems stuff to "BigTimeSoftware,Inc.".
Anyway, have fun - don't let the old fogeys (like me) dissuade you
from that, by all means.
Gene Montgomery
(semi-)retired systems engineer.
------------------------------
From: "g.montgomery" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Could Linux be used in this factory environment ?
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 21:41:36 GMT
peter wrote:
> ...
<snipped>
> SOFTWARE
>
> Is there any "open source" software that can help me with the
> inventory and tracking ? or
>
> Would I have to write a program from scratch or could I modify some
> existing software ? or
>
I forgot to mention soureforge ( http://sourceforge.net/search ).
I just did an "inventory" search there and came up with some packages
I didn't see on freshmeat.
Gene.
------------------------------
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