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1. Space Station Raven

Space Station Raven is a Linux workstation, running X11.

Space Station Raven is a £3 Internet shareware magazine (three UK pounds).

1.1 Space Station Raven - Intro

You want to set up a Linux box, and marvel at the delights of modern technology. To do so you must already be familiar with Unix system administration. To learn that you must have a working Unix box. Where do you start?

Issue-One - "Buying and Building a PC" (Intel 386, 486 or more).

Yes - you need to budget £1500 for the basic machine. If you have more, get a better machine, but don't under-estimate other costs. If that is too much for your budget, you should be able to buy a proportion of the components you need for about £800, and get the rest later. You may need assistence from a friend (or work) with a second machine.

Issue-Two - "Now what's this? Linux User's view"

So you've got Linux running, and want a quick start on various things. Such as? Issue-2 has several things that might be of interest to you. Most of them are available on CDROM, so you can do something, if you haven't yet got Internet access.

Issue-Three - "Internet Working"

Issue 3 gives you a 'drop-in and change the values' configuration for a SLIP connection to the Internet. It documents all the files you need to setup, by providing a 'live' example of a machine with a modem and an ethernet card.

1.2 Actual Contents

The above list is outline only. For the table of contents, go back to the actual index.

The rest of this section is about Raven's distribution, and not particularly interesting, until you have at least browsed around.

1.3 Download

If you are reading this on-line over the Internet, you may prefer to download the archive, uncompress it and read it off-line. Raven is intended to be download-able, so that you can fetch it. I also have text versions of the first issues, for access whilst your HTML browser is down.

If you have troubles downloading the files, please try different sites, and nag me with email if something stays broken. Your best bet is to get lucky and find trix online, or ask majordomo what files it has to send.

email me if it announces something it won't deliver. All this over-the-shoulder-preview openness is emabarassing!

        ftp trix.dircon.co.uk                   (use browser anyway!)
        http://trix.dircon.co.uk/               (dial-up)
        http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~trix/    (24 Hour limited to 512-k)

        [ YOUR URL HERE ] - but please ask first
        [ YOUR URL HERE ] - 

CD Access

If this is on a CD, you might find a directory of uncompressed files, and you can browse them directly.

If you don't have X11 running, try lynx or the text formatted versions. Issue-One has a useful overview on X11 configuration.

1.4 Try Before You Buy

This is £3 shareware, I hope you like it. I expect you to download it and read it before deciding!

Issues with themes.

Some issues have a theme, which makes it easier to select which issues you find relevent to you. So if you already have the hardware with Linux installed, you would probably skim and forget issue one.

Later issues may have a combination of themes. Hopefully it will still be clear to you, whether you want each issue or not.

Remember this is try-before-you-buy shareway, the only warrenty is that you decided it was worth the cover price!

Built with Linux!

Raven is produced using freely available tools running on Linux.

For more information on SGML production, see a later issue! For those who want to know more now, look in sunsite /cdrom/utils/text/linuxdoc-sgml-1.5.tar.gz

The technical document layout is a tad boring for a magazine, but helps to make the text have a consistent style. If you write "numbered paragraphs" style documents, it is worth investigating, but be aware that you have to adopt it's overall indexing style, rather than adapting it to you.

Browing Authors

If you produce your own WEB pages, you may have some opinion on the production. To properly show off Linux capabilities, I should be using a web oriented page editor, and producing dramatic looking documents.

If you use a really neat production system, gimme a call, I suspect that somewhere in the 'tk' archives, is a rock stable word processor and html page layout designer. I haven't found them yet.

For the time being, I'm happy with linuxdoc (and if not - why not). As for the graphics content, the eye_view .gif was generated by raven using xearth, then xpaint added the title lettering.

DOS Users

If you are a DOS user, you will want GZIP.EXE, GUNZIP.EXE and/or GTAR.EXE, or other UNIX-DOS utilities. But you knew that already.

You may have to convert the text files from unix LF to DOS CR LF.

The .txt files look strange with some browsers (HINT! use the .html files), If you see BBoolldd TTeexxtt (Bold Text), and think it's ugly, look again with a different tool.

FILENAME.EXT

DOS users may have problems with the long filenames. This is because the preview version includes a version number in the HTML filenames. If you put the files onto a nearby WWW server, they should be readable.

Remember to locate your resources, does your browser work ?

less filename.txt

If you don't have a browser running, the files are available as mildly formatted text files.

Bold Text is done as Letter BackSpace Letter, so that on plain printers, (dot matrix), each letter gets printed twice, and appears bold.

It looks good when viewed with the less or zless utiltity, but dreadful when looked at in an editor, or most HTML browsers. You can convert the files using sed or vi. These may also be available on DOS - CICA or elsewhere.

        sed 's/.^H//g'  # substitute /Any-Letter BackSpace/nothing/g-flag
If you have trouble typing CTRL-H to the command line, prefix it with CTRL-V to tell bash that the next character (key) is to be taken as data.

If typing this command is difficult, put it into a script and run it. Remember to tell it to read from the input file and pipe it to less. You can also use a supprisingly similar syntax with vi

        : 1,$  s/.^H//g
The quotes are optional (elvis allows them), and you still need the CTRL-V key. If you put
map #1 : 1,$  s/.^H//g
into your $HOME/.exrc it might make the F1 key do it (if it isn't already busy).

1.5 mkdir Raven

After down-loading the .tgz file(s), untar it and browse the files. This will create a directory called Raven and the files in it.

        cd $HOME
        tar -zxf Raven01.tgz 
        cd Raven
        ls
        cd ssr01
        mosaic ssr01-00f.html &
        # or lynx or netscape
#
#       you should now be browsing Raven Locally
#

As new issues arrive, install in the same way, creating Raven/ssr02, ssr03 ... If it is a different version, you may wish to delete or move the old files first.

        cd Raven
        mv ssr01 ssr01-old

1.6 Issue-One PRE-RELEASE

OOPS! Actually Issue-1 is STILL 'under-construction'.

This is an early-release, so that you can get the hardware. I am still working on several issues such as:

Early version may have been posted to BBS's, please check this version against those on:

1.7 Step-by-Step

Many readers will already be Unix aware, many will be complete beginners. There is no easy answer. If you don't know how to do something you'll have to find out. I don't want to give baby-step instructions, but I'll try to sequence what you have to do, so that you can focus on the next step.

Although I find system administration interesting (yawn) maybe you don't, and you just want Linux running with TeX and 'Net facilities, anything else is not being a tool, but eating up drinking time.

However, load-and-go is not always so simple, especially if you've got the 'wrong' distribution, (there isn't one, but on that day you might think so).

It should be possible to be independent. (it is - but it takes ages). Building your own machine is part of that. Building your own distribution from materials available on CD and the NET is equally relevent. Deciding which distribution to pick, will effect your luck. Some distributions will build out of the box, others are "some assembly required".

A minimum 'system' is a BOOT+ROOT floppy disk pair. That is an integral Linux system, capable of accessing WIN.311 shares over the net! Above that, any distribution adds huge volumes of files, arranged in packages.

Issue-One: Some assembly required

Issue-One is just about getting the hardware together. The X11_SVGA section is here, because it is an unfair obstruction. These box shifters that sell us the hardware should contribute timings for typical monitors sold in 1992, '95, at typical clock rates found in the majority of cards ... (LIST).

Issue-Two is Intro Information, for people who have never seen X11 before, and people that don't know what to do with a .dvi file. It gets you started by giving you a few simple projects to install, and a few tips on this and that. It is behind schedule, so read it if you are interested, and try again later. Advanced users who don't want to buy it, would skim it for a list of things that everybody else is doing, and try it themselves (It's easy!).

Issue-Three is pre-release, and needs some testing, but I'm happy with it. There is no PPP, but a SLIP connection is documented, as is an ethernet LAN. This preview will get you up on ethernet as fast as the X11 section got your monitor going (please don't get burned!).

The sample files are real tangible examples, you simply have to substitute YOUR values for mine. Obvious really.

The files have been carefully prepared, taking into account the way different utilities use them (eg /etc/hosts). They avoid many problems that new-sys-admins find, and may begin to explain why things go wrong. Having a working TCL/IP network helps the terminology in the LDP + NAG make sense. The Linux TCP/IP is a full implementation.

Issue-3 also gets sendmail configured, and the Apache WWW server, so you can create your own WEB pages, and see them running on your own machine.

If you are in a hurry to get Internet access, the preview of Issue-3 will get you there. If you have PPP instead of SLIP, you will need your CHAT script instead of DIP, and you will need your secrets if CHAP -or- PAP is used. Your ISP will tell you what to do for Linux if you ask them.

Issue-MORE is taking a back seat whilst Issue-Two gets sorted. It may use a different layout.

1.8 Target Reader

You tell me who you are, my guess is one of ...

My 'typical hardware configuration' is what USED to be called a big PC, but is now quite affordable, and fits in one small box (+monitor+keyboard).

If you only have a 386/sx, 4Mb RAM and 40 MB disk, you can still proceed, but life won't be easy. If you have it as a second machine - you will see a lot more of the Unix world. Rebuilding small machines and putting them to good use, is part of the fun of Linux - which supports a large range of hardware devices, but you should have a large machine to see it all running properly first, and to assist the smaller machine.

1.9 Why Slackware ?

What is the best distribution? Why is Raven based around Slackware, not Red Hat or FT or debian ?

No reason at all. I just happened that way.

My first Linux was a SLS set of floppies, I loaded them, played with them, and did other more interesting things. Eventually I decided to upgrade my system to a CDROM, and see if any real apps made it worth double-geeking my life.

I dumped the diskettes on a friend and got a Yddgrasil CD, a CDROM, a modem and (err ...) a phone line and Internet account. I resigned.

The Yggdrasil came as a CDROM and a boot floppy, and they both worked, with ZERO installation. The hard disk wasn't even needed, until my 8M and X11 reminded me to create a swap disk. Everything ran from the CDROM. To get the extra apps I subscribed to InfoMagic's Linux Developers Resource, (it certainly has been), and saved a lot of time on the modem.

As a gesture to work, I demonstrated a triple boot trix, with Internet and ethernet. It had WIN311 in 150 M, SVR4 in 280 M and Linux on an 80M syquest cartridge (I took out the system and handed it to them). It had all TCP apps working, but regrettably I only had the screen at 640x480 (Gas Plasma display). Whilst tooling up I got a second machine (raven), and stopped having hassles when cold building trix.

Eventually, the postage system got my resignation through to my boss, so I started on the Raven project in ernest. Then the house became un-inhabitable, rescheduling my sanity as well as Raven. A twisty turny path later, I'm still using Slackware (and still looking for somewhere to live).

Slackware doesn't run off the CD, or have the extra support that Distributor-XYZ can offer. I don't like the way packages don't have a version number, and I quickly realised I had to take a later kernel version from elsewhere: disc3/kernel/funet/linux/v1.3/linux-1.3.41.tar.gz (1.3.42 was broken).

Infomagic LDR doesn't come with support, but InfoMagic had already fixed the bug I sent them (seemd fair, they sent it to me). And they sent that response quickly.

Other than that Slackware works.

1.10 Different Distributions

Every body has their own distribution. Some offer 'instant installation', others offer FSF support, or come with a specific application. (here is our application and the base it runs on).

I think that supporting multiple package formats is now necessary, but I quite like the original package-0.55 formats found on sunsite. Many of which build out of the box.

RedHat 'rpm' packages, are intended to install immediately, which makes it a lot easier to install packages to see if they're worth installing. You can install rpm packages on the Slackware base, and system mis-matches are rare.

Maybe the individual packages should be passed back to their special interest groups, who would support the various distribution formats.

For example, the AUIS packages will be much the same for all distributions. Having spent so much effort doing the hard work, friends of the developers may add the packaging wrappers that convert AUIS into RedHat or Debian format.

Then distributors who wish to add extra bug-fixes, facilities or pre-configured examples, would be encouraged to feed those back, for all to enjoy, as well as applying their controlled standards, to integrate packages into their system.

Then the standards people, who want a stable environment, will only have one main plug in module to test (with various increments), not several for several distributions. I.E. when they want to test component 3D-graphics-lib-XYZ, they have one special interest group to get it from.

Slackware offers a general base installation and broad set of packages that you can then load RedHat, debian, or sunsite packages onto. If you are lucky, and everybody has conformed to the FSSTND.

1.11 Copyright

All material in "Space Station Raven" is copyright of the author(s), who expect payment.

Shareware: Try-Before-You-Buy

The selected distribution medium is a shareware magazine, so you can down-load it, read it and use it - before deciding if you want to buy it.

£3 Payment - Three UK Pounds - No discounts.

Payment details are currently vague - this is a pre-release, and my postal address is currently being forwarded to my temporary address.

Hopefully any number of distributors will offer payment facilities to their customers. In the mean time get connected and email me.

After payment do not expect anything else. You get the right to print the text (if you want to), and a 'user license'.

Keep a record of all payments, and which Issue you paid for. Every new issue that you enjoy, update the list.

From time to time, I may issue updates, where the text has been reformatted to a new layout, or even changed. If you liked and paid for the previous version, the updated version is already yours. (Please Note: it is up to you to decide whether the newer version is better or worse than the version you chose. Don't simply delete the old!) There is no implied 'updated' version in the pipeline.

CHANGE: With the current need for page-hit counters, and as general feedback, you should also register by email. What do you think?

Printed copies may be available in future, but at present I don't have the facilities. I'd prefer not to cut trees, or generate plastic wrappings for incinerators, but these are options, especially when volumes will make this more efficient. Hopefully you can read this on your workstation, but I do realise that people _buiding_ their box might not be happy with that.

Box-shifters out there, wishing to offer their customers the facility of accessing Raven on paper, should contact me by email.

£3 + costs - No discounts

The £3 price is already discounted. Any individual gets the benefit of this bulk sale (none sold yet!). User groups may support their members by making it easy for them to obtain Raven sooner, in better shape.

If further discount is appropriate, it will come in the form of content.

International transfers

In addition to the £3, you must pay any extra costs (such as printing, import duties and money transfers).

I can accept UK cheques to "Graham Swallow", to the address below. If you have friends in the UK you should get in touch. It is not a good idea to post cash, or even travellers cheques.

You are responsible for any local import duty or taxation. In the UK imported goods VAT tax gets collected by the postman.

If you require an invoice (either by post or by fax) that is an extra £2 handling charge (admin overheads-P+P).

User groups may also choose to retain a list of those they made payment for, and which issues (just in case there is any benefit from it). This is optional. I'd like to get a list of email addresses, if this is practical.

Hopefully, I will get a postal address. (When! Where!)

Re-selling Raven

I want to encourage resellers to reduce my admin. overhead, but you must apply (by email) to sell Raven.

Distributers may re-sell Raven at profit, but there are no discounts for volume. If Raven is being distributed, and not being sold, it should be clear that this is so.

Site License

There is no such thing as a site license for Raven, but you may wish to purchase 20, and let people sign up for them, either as their job role, or as private individuals.

Licence to print Raven

If you sell a customer an issue of Raven, the customer gets the right to print it. You may assist the customer, providing a double sided bound copy. You should not change Raven, or add your logo except for Printed By:

This license is granted to any shop who print less than 100 in 1996, and expires at the end of 1996. If you print more, or after that date you must request permission to do so. This is to protect the customer.

(You must still apply to sell Raven).

Every issue, is release on an 'as-is' basis.

You read it, you decide.

No Future Issues - ? - (Delete this section)

I hope to develop Raven, with new issues, but who knows. Although "Raven" refers to itself as a magazine or ezine, there are no definite plans.

If someone offers you a "subscription" to future issues, report them to the police. If you send money in advance, there is no re-payment. This is shareware:- try BEFORE you buy.

1.12 Distribution

Raven can be distributed as shareware.

You should be able to find Raven on sunsite and tsx-11 (I shall upload it ...). If you want to make Raven available on your BBS or WWW server - ask me to add your site to the list. You must apply by email for licence to do so, this is for the benefit of the customer. The current policy is that you have to agree to maintain the layout of files - as this is still changing. You will be expected to roll-over old versions to archive, and minor gardening. Mirrors of sunsite (etc) don't have to apply at all. Remember to delete the files or rename them to .old after a year!

If you mirror a registered distribution, do so! No problem.

After 1 year you MUST either delete the files or move them to ./old-Raven/. (Or as requested).

Better still keep up to date, and follow the correct layout. The package must remain intact, you can un-tar all the files for use, you can export the files over ftp or www, you must not modify them, you must make it clear that it is shareware, and that you don't (or do!) arrange payment for it (implicit to most ftp servers).

(A cover page link might help here?).

put Raven123.tgz on your BBS or CD

You can make these files publicly available on the Internet or other BBS systems. It may be included on CD's. Ask first!

install HTML files on your WWW server

If you wish to offer your users access to the HTML pages within the file, you may do so by installing the file on your system, probably into a directory like:

1.13 no - printing

You may NOT print out the magazine unless you have paid for it.

1.14 DISCLAIMERS - NO WARRANTIES

There are risks such as losing data, losing hardware, and there is a risk of injury or even electrocution.

The authors and publishers of Raven cannot be held in any way responsible for your actions after reading it.

This magazine is for people who want to build their own workstation from scratch. There are risks, and they're all yours.

Recommendations made in Raven MUST be taken as sweeping generalisations, for you to think out. Remember, you are the system administrator - not me.

You can minimise the risks and costs, by not depending on a system that you have not tested to YOUR satisfaction. You build up a new system to your own specification, test it, then depend on it according to your own judgment. When happy, you bring the new system into use.

Be prepared to start again from scratch, or not be able to do everything you used to. With the old system to depend on, you have only lost time and progress.

To allow a more 'direct' style, which is less verbose and more likely to be remembered and understood, Raven will tell you what to do in the tersest way. You are expected to question every instruction, and make changes to suit your system. Above all you should locate the proper documentation, and use that in preference to Raven. Hopefully there will be only mild confusion.

Unix systems is a complex subject, and easy to get wrong. Any errors in Raven are errors. You should not use suggestions taken from Raven before testing them on a test system, and making your own mind up. See the unix.horrors faq.

1.15 Phew!

Nuff said.

1.16 Postal Address

        Graham Swallow
        87 Burley Road
        Bransgore
        BH23  8BA


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