I can volunteer to talk about the following topics if anyone wants me to:

* hacking with phidgets (http://www.phidgets.c...) and arduino (http://www.arduino.cc...)
* HTPC build + choices of software
* shell scripting
* C programming
* intro to auto-tools (automake / autoconf / libtools)
* simple audit, hardening
* basic SSH tutorial
* boring server stuff (php, sql, apache, etc.)
* basic encryption with device-mapper / whole-disk encryption
* build your own inexpensive RAID-5 filer

Suggestions?

Puddles:

Thanks on this. I appreciate the fact that others will "step up to the plate" and help provide topics. There are several items in your list that I'd love to hear about. I think #1 for me at this time is the encryption topic. I'd like to explore the ways to encrypt various items: drives, email, files, etc. However, I'd also like to see if others will post here what they'd like before we make a decision...

Thanks, let's stay tuned...

Bob

I would like to second Bob's suggestion. There are several other topics that I'm interested in, but encryption is a good place to start. So, I'll vote for encryption.

I gather from some of the comments made at the meetup, that HTPCs would be another topic of interest for some. I've built a couple, using MythTV, but I'm always looking for new information and suggestions. So, that's my second choice.

I just wanted to say hi. I am a rookie with Linux but I support it and love to promote it. One of these days I will make a meeting.
Just letting Bob know that I read all the emails that come my way, not a "ghost" member, but one that is watching off to the side.
thanks

Encryption sounds great to me, as well. Also, using the "auto" tools is an intriguing idea..especially since I am "still" wanting to build my own distro someday...remember, Bob? :-). Something for the future might be setting up wireless - resources for certain kernels and machines, as well as walkthroughs..especially since laptop support is still "iffy"...

Thanks!

Chana

If anyone knows anything on getting wireless to work using SLAX 6.0.9 (I believe is the latest) would be a hero to me ^_^

Ben et. al:

Bring it to the next meetup. I'm closing this discussion, based upon the current input. Encryption and related subjects will be the topic at the May 2009 Linux Meetup.

Bob