The Fedora Build System

Overview:

Fedora, like any Linux distribution, is made up of packages, and with
each new release there seems to be more new packages added to the
distribution. It would be next to impossible to keep track of all
these packages by hand. Yet, every 6 months Fedora’s new version is
released. To keep up with this rapid release cycle the Fedora Project
has created powerful tooling to reduce the burden on the packagers for
creating each release.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of how Fedora
packagers create RPMs for each release, concentrating more on the
tooling used, such as Koji and Mock, and less on RPMs in general.

Video Encoding

Overview:

Video encoding on Linux and the state of free video encoding libraries has
evolved over the past few years, mostly due to the adoption of h264 and
specifically the x264 project.

In this presentation we will go over the basics of encoding progressive video
using the x264 command line program. Both 1 and 2 pass rate control methods
will be discussed for variable framerate sources.

We will also discuss how to include DVD chapter information as well as
subtitles in the final Matroska file.

Introduction To The Command Line

The slides in PDF format are shown below:

Download (PDF, 752.18KB)

Overview:

For many new Linux users, the idea of using the command line can be daunting. Indeed, there is a steep learning curve to gain proficiency with the command line, but this presentation sets out to simplify all the concepts involved. Starting with the very simple, and moving up to more complex and powerful, the attendee will leave with an understanding of how powerful and versatile the command line can be, and more importantly, where and how to look for reference and tips. Concepts and topics covered will include basic commands and directory navigation, environment variables, basic regular expressions and batch operations, output redirection, an introduction to powerful scripting tools, code compilation, editing, and execution tools, and a handful of case studies where complex tasks are performed using simple tools. This presentation is aimed at the new Linux user who wants to know how to use the command line powerfully and elegantly but does not know where to begin; however, seasoned Linux users might learn a thing or two too.

Installfest 45

Curious about Linux? Want to learn how to use a Unix environment on your own computer for class, for fun, or for your résumé? Attend InstallFest 45!



InstallFest 45 will be on Saturday, September 18, 2010, in Skiles room 257 from 11 AM to 5 PM.

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Music Tagging

The slides in PDF format are shown below:

Download (PDF, 575.26KB)

Overview:

Tagging music is for many a tedious task filled with repetition (especially for Windows users). However, all sorts of more powerful and capable open source music taggers are available. This presentation will discuss the different types of tags present in audio files (ID3, APE, and others), standardization of tags, the usage of powerful batch tagging software such as Ex Falso, Easytag, eyeD3, and Picard, as well as automatic tagging software which uses audio fingerprinting in conjunction with online resources such as MusicBrainz. Additionally, a quick overview of music similarity measures (which are used in things like playlist generation) and their applications in open-source software will be given.

BitTorrent

The presentation slides are shown below:

Download (PDF, 1.33MB)

Overview:

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer protocol designed for distributing large files efficiently across the Internet. Originally intended to distribute Linux ISOs, BitTorrent now accounts for anywhere from a fourth to a half of all web traffic. This week we will cover the basics of the BitTorrent protocol, compare various popular Linux torrent clients, and take an in-depth look at the RTorrent client.

Introduction to Linux

The presentation slides are shown below:

Download (PDF, 237.85KB)

Overview:
So you’ve heard the word Linux a couple of times, and you think you might know what it is. Or, maybe you’ve put a LiveCD in your system, or you might even run Linux as your main operating system. This presentation aims to quell the curiosity of those who feel that they don’t really know much about Linux, but would like to learn more. The presentation will cover what Linux is, why you should be using Linux, a run-down of important Linux-related concepts to bring you from just “user” to “power user”, and software that allows you to do things you never thought you could with Windows.
While this presentation is aimed at beginners, it will cover useful Linux applications and utilities, so it is likely that everyone can learn something useful from this.
Also, after the presentation, we can help you troubleshoot any Linux-related problems you might be having.

Meeting Lite

There is no presentation this week. However, we will still get together and
answer any Linux-related questions, then go out to get some food. Everyone is
welcome to come (as always).

Meeting Lite

There is no presentation this week. However, we will still get together and
answer any Linux-related questions, then go out to get some food. Everyone is
welcome to come (as always).