The Red Cross IT folks are really, really picky about what is used on their networks and what is used in their name. The Red Cross has a procedure in place to bring internet connectivity to a shelter, HQ or service center and it doesn't include linux. I spent three weeks as a "RTT" member in the Gulf Coast, they use Windows for everything and either bring in a T1 or use in-house VSAT equipment (either an ECRV or a fly-away kit) for network connectivity.
While FEMA website access works great, the ARC proxy server blocks out all webmail access. Nothing like thousands of volunteers and clients being unable to ping family about how they're doing.
And an off-topic note - the ARC is doing some amazing innovation in the field of emergency IT.
The cell phone is a luxury right now; a dry place to sleep is the real need.
The Red Cross is bringing in telcom equipment to not only provide an outside link to those affected by the disaster, but to also coordinate the RC's response to this disaster.
Each service center and shelter needs comms back to their assigned HQ which also needs comms to other HQ's and to the National HQ in Washington D.C. How do you do that in areas which have had their infrastructure wiped out? You bring it with you.
That is why the Red Cross is deploying their ECRVs (mentioned in the article) and "Fly Away Kits" which provide stationary sat comms.
This is not about giving people cell service (something the Red Cross isn't equipped for), this is about creating a lifeline to the rest of the world using satellite links and VoIP.
The article mentions the Emergency Communications Response Vehicles (ECRV) and as someone who has been trained how to operate the systems and vehicle, lemme tell ya, it rocks.
The Excursions were donated by Ford and the labor unions and all the equipment was donated by the manufactures, which means no money donated to the Red Cross via the website or phone bank was used.
The operation is really simple. Pull up to any location that needs external communications, point the dish (all 9 ECRV's and stand alone sat systems share 1 T1's worth a bandwidth - although I'm sure more has been allocated during this disaster). Each ECRV has 10 VoIP phones and 10 laptops with 2 WAPs available to deploy (one is permanently mounted in the truck, the other can be run into a building).
There is also a JPS ACU-1000 cross-connect machine installed that ties all the amateur, FEMA and Red Cross radios together (HF, low band, VHF and UHF are all covered).
(the number of clients referring only to simultaneous file sharing clients)
To further refine this explanation, the licensing is based on the number of AFP (Apple's filesharing protocol) connections. Unlimited web, ftp, and in previous versions unlimited windows SMB connections. I haven't noticed if this changes with 10.4.
Text based networks still have a place in ham radio. Even with the internet, packet has not gone away and has morphed into other uses (APRS).
In Minnesota, there's a guy on a crusade to completely cover the state with two separate text chat only networks (no mailboxes).
Fire in the BWCA? Amateur radio won't be replacing overloaded or destroyed infrastructure - there's none to begin with. Fire up a portable packet station and type in real time to the state EOC in St. Paul.
It's amazing how many guys on these online games link self-worth to game performance.
Maybe it's bravado spurred by anonymity. Maybe it's the only way the guy can feel superior to someone else. Maybe the guy (or kid) is just immature.
I've been cussed out and ripped a few times by folks playing SOCOM on PS2. Great, you're better than me in a video game. Make sure you put that on your resume.
Personally, I don't get taxes. I sure as hell never agreed to be under the rule of the Gov't. (so what, you were born here, you have to pay the taxes). So f*ing what. Nothing gives them the right to take my money to spend on things that I disagree with and then rape me by passing legislation that makes it illegal for me to do anything.
The good news is "they" (the Gov't) can't make you stay in this apparently repressive country. Vote with your feet.
A friend of mine was let go last week. During the meeting they informed her she could stay until the end of the week (3 more days), but she would not have access to anything.
Her access was removed during the meeting. She elected to head home immediately afterwards.
My college had a low power AM station that for whatever reason, went off the air (transmitter problems). They were already simulcasting over the college's cable TV network (channel 3 with scrolling news announcements).
They decided nobody was listening over the airways anyway and just stuck with the cable feed.
How is this group going to be different from organizations we already have dedicated to emergency responses, such as the Red Cross, Amateur Radio and the Salvation Army?
Seems like if the government is short on cash, providing redundant services would be a waste.
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The Red Cross IT folks are really, really picky about what is used on their networks and what is used in their name. The Red Cross has a procedure in place to bring internet connectivity to a shelter, HQ or service center and it doesn't include linux. I spent three weeks as a "RTT" member in the Gulf Coast, they use Windows for everything and either bring in a T1 or use in-house VSAT equipment (either an ECRV or a fly-away kit) for network connectivity.
While FEMA website access works great, the ARC proxy server blocks out all webmail access. Nothing like thousands of volunteers and clients being unable to ping family about how they're doing.
And an off-topic note - the ARC is doing some amazing innovation in the field of emergency IT.
The cell phone is a luxury right now; a dry place to sleep is the real need.
The Red Cross is bringing in telcom equipment to not only provide an outside link to those affected by the disaster, but to also coordinate the RC's response to this disaster.
Each service center and shelter needs comms back to their assigned HQ which also needs comms to other HQ's and to the National HQ in Washington D.C. How do you do that in areas which have had their infrastructure wiped out? You bring it with you.
That is why the Red Cross is deploying their ECRVs (mentioned in the article) and "Fly Away Kits" which provide stationary sat comms.
This is not about giving people cell service (something the Red Cross isn't equipped for), this is about creating a lifeline to the rest of the world using satellite links and VoIP.
The article mentions the Emergency Communications Response Vehicles (ECRV) and as someone who has been trained how to operate the systems and vehicle, lemme tell ya, it rocks.
The Excursions were donated by Ford and the labor unions and all the equipment was donated by the manufactures, which means no money donated to the Red Cross via the website or phone bank was used.
The operation is really simple. Pull up to any location that needs external communications, point the dish (all 9 ECRV's and stand alone sat systems share 1 T1's worth a bandwidth - although I'm sure more has been allocated during this disaster). Each ECRV has 10 VoIP phones and 10 laptops with 2 WAPs available to deploy (one is permanently mounted in the truck, the other can be run into a building).
There is also a JPS ACU-1000 cross-connect machine installed that ties all the amateur, FEMA and Red Cross radios together (HF, low band, VHF and UHF are all covered).
Here's some more info on the truck (be kind, they have no idea you're coming).
Looks like it would be handy during rush hour...
To further refine this explanation, the licensing is based on the number of AFP (Apple's filesharing protocol) connections. Unlimited web, ftp, and in previous versions unlimited windows SMB connections. I haven't noticed if this changes with 10.4.
In Minnesota, there's a guy on a crusade to completely cover the state with two separate text chat only networks (no mailboxes).
Fire in the BWCA? Amateur radio won't be replacing overloaded or destroyed infrastructure - there's none to begin with. Fire up a portable packet station and type in real time to the state EOC in St. Paul.
The project can be found here: http://14567.org/
> It's most likely the only AP that was designed for portability (correct me if I'm wrong)
Heck, this is Slashdot - people correct you when you're right.
It's amazing how many guys on these online games link self-worth to game performance.
Maybe it's bravado spurred by anonymity. Maybe it's the only way the guy can feel superior to someone else. Maybe the guy (or kid) is just immature.
I've been cussed out and ripped a few times by folks playing SOCOM on PS2. Great, you're better than me in a video game. Make sure you put that on your resume.
It shows signal strength, MAC address and if WEP is enabled.
The good news is "they" (the Gov't) can't make you stay in this apparently repressive country. Vote with your feet.
Way to promote the value.
Mr. Hearn seems to like Safari - if you visit his history of ClarisWorks with Safari you get the Safari logo with text that says "Welcome Safari User"
I'd probably want to use 802.11g though ... lots of data, this is.
Thank you Yoda.
A friend of mine was let go last week. During the meeting they informed her she could stay until the end of the week (3 more days), but she would not have access to anything.
Her access was removed during the meeting. She elected to head home immediately afterwards.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple start shipping iPods with 'special tracks' from artists.
I bet the RIAA wold love that.
Beste calls his site the "USS Clueless" - complete with view screen.
'Sex and Broadcasting: A Handbook on Starting a Radio Station for the Community' (sex is in the title because the author was told any book with the word sex in it sold better). It was this book that convinced me that I didn't want to even try starting a radio station.
My college had a low power AM station that for whatever reason, went off the air (transmitter problems). They were already simulcasting over the college's cable TV network (channel 3 with scrolling news announcements).
They decided nobody was listening over the airways anyway and just stuck with the cable feed.
How is this group going to be different from organizations we already have dedicated to emergency responses, such as the Red Cross, Amateur Radio and the Salvation Army?
Seems like if the government is short on cash, providing redundant services would be a waste.
> And yes, I know Forth.
Yeah, he was Third's brother, right?
> 2. How many people live in places where the weather is neither too warm or too cold to spend the time outside?
Unless this thing comes with snow tires, folks in the midwest can only use it about 6 months a year, depending on when the seasons change.
The great movie Sneakers. [imdb]
You might be giving the school more credit than they deserve.
http://www.connectix.com/products/dt.html
It's $99 a copy.