RE: Must Have apps for the next BDI

["John Guenther" <j.guenther-at-verizon.net>]

For my $.02 worth on this subject, I think for a machine controller we need
a minimal desktop and minimal services.  I am sorry, I just can't see the
value in having email, web browsing or games on a computer that is
controlling a potentially dangerous machine.  Even in my small home shop,
the shop computer serves one and only one purpose, that is to make parts on
the mill or lathe.  It does not do email, web browsing, cad/cam or anything
else.  In fact, the only network it currently has is floppy net but that may
change as my g-code files grow in size and complexity.

I can see the vultures lining up now just waiting for someone's home shop
CNC machine to have a run-a-way while the owner/operator is using the
control computer to surf the web or read email while making parts.

John Guenther
'Ye Olde Pen Maker'
Sterling, Virginia

> -----Original Message-----
> From: emc-at-nist.gov [emc-at-nist.gov]On Behalf Of Robin Szemeti
> Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 11:28 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: Re: Must Have apps for the next BDI
>
>
>
> On Monday 19 May 2003 00:54, Paul wrote:
> > Hi Folks
> >
> > Busy working on the next BDI disk - A major departure from previous
> > versions, as it will be based on Debian not Red Hat. With over 12,000
> > packages to choose from, and nearly 1Gig of space left, I'm looking for
> > some suggestions. Two categories - Must Have apps, and Would be Nice.
> >
> > KDE and Gnome desktops will be left out in favour of a light and fast
> > desktop. The support libraries will still be included so some KDE/Gnome
> > apps should still run.
>
> must have:
> ssh-server
> ssh-client  (for remote access)
> perl (for post processors)
> samba
> smbfs options in kernel
> vi
> ftpd
> pppd
>
> nice:
> gnome
> qcad
>
> would-rather-not-have:
> mail readers
> news readers
> games
> KDE
> star office
> graphics apps (eg gimp)
> a million and one desk top applications not wanted on a machine controller
>
> after all, people who want all that can just apt-get it anyway. actually,
> having a 'basic machine controller' and 'with desktop additions'
> profiles
> would probably satisfy both camps. IMHO, the BDI should only include by
> default stuff directly connected with running a machine
> controller and helper
> apps (such as samba and ftpd) for getting files onto it from
> outside sources.
> the basic installation should not include stuff more related to a general
> purpose linux workstation.
>
> ssh is *extremely* useful for when a client has problems with a
> machine. by
> forwardign a local port onto a remote machine, it means I can get
> a shell on
> the problem machine and work on it remotely.
>
> --
> Robin Szemeti
>
> Redpoint Consulting Limited
> Real Solutions For A Virtual World
>
>