By Dave Mawdsley
July Meeting at the DACS Resource Center
Tonight’s meeting included two presentations: 1. “Getting SSH to Work Between Computers,” a how-to presentation; and 2. “A Look at Fritzing,” a presentation showing off the latest features of simple wiring displays with Fritzing.
1. “Getting SSH to Work Between Computers”
(establishing permissions for SSH so that file transfers can be made)
SSH (Secure SHell) is a private/public authentication system for two computers to share files via SCP (Secure Copy), SFTP (Secure FTP) or RSYNC (Secure Synchronization). Linux is very secure on individual computers and that strictness of authentication extends when computers need to connect.
The SSH discussion was about solving the authentication requirements so that computer A can transfer files with computer B and vice versa. The primary issues are: 1. generating the private and public RSA keys on the source computer, and 2. importing the public key into the destination computer. SSH can be established without having to complete a password query when the only file transfers are within an intranet. Otherwise, if the Internet is to be used between the computers, a strong password should be used. Details of the differences between the keys were discussed.
Also mentioned were the issues of using terminal in an iMac to generate the RSA keys (2048-bit encryption). Those procedures are basically the same with SSH already default installed on the iMac. However, on a Linux computer an administrator usually has to first install the open-source openssh-server and openssh-client packages before generating the keys. Each computer using the public key needs to have openssh-server and openssh-client installed as well.
For those interested in viewing the OpenOffice/LibreOffice presentation, visit http://madmod.com/sshstart.odp.
2. “A Look at Fritzing”
(showing off the latest features of Fritzing)
The Fritzing presentation showed off the open-source application which is available for free download at fritzing.org. (optional donation requested at their site) In particular, the application showed an expanded selection of boards such as Arduino Uno and Raspberry Pi that can be used with a breadboard on the pictorial view.
Simultaneously, the pictorial view, when completed with all the components and wiring, automatically generates a schematic view and a PC board view for those needing one. Changes on one view affect the other two views. Thus for those people experimenting with controller boards and electronic circuits, Fritzing is a terrific tool to have.
We then turned our attention to the attendees interested in putting Linux on their computers. Dual booting with Windows was also discussed.
Next Linux SIG Meeting (no meeting in August)
At the September 17th meeting, no new presentations are scheduled as of the moment. However, attendees can certainly raise topics and issues as they feel the need to do so. We will continue to help with individuals migrating their older Windows computers to Linux. This typically is the Linux community’s normal way of sharing which we mirror at our SIG.
Join us at our next meeting in the DACS Resource Center at Ives Manor. Bring your laptop, Arduino or Raspberry Pi and show us a thing or two. Our meetings are for the beginner, intermediate or advanced user, so topics vary considerably depending upon the needs of the attendees. Linux topics cover software and hardware along with the joys and sorrows of those using it. Check the DACS Forum (Linux) for updates.