- Announce-RedBrick - lists.redbrick.dcu.ie

RedBrick Back Online, Chairperson Resigns
by Andrew Harford 09 Jun '08

09 Jun '08

Hi, We are pleased to announce that RedBrick is back online following a disk failure in our primary storage array (minerva) on Tuesday evening. No data was lost, and the array was re-built sucessfully with a replacement disk. We are planning to schedule downtime this Saturday to that will allow us to reduce the number of disks in use on minerva, meaning there would be spare disks available and installed in the event of future failures. This work is dependant on re-installing severus, and creating a full backup of minerva in advance. More detailed notice will be given via boards/motd later in the week. I must also take this opportunity to announce the resignation of our chairperson, robby, and explain the circumtances leading up to this. On Friday May 16th robby told the committee over irc that he had received an email containing the root password that had been in use on minerva & murphy when RedBrick was hacked. Robby provided this password, but told us that he had deleted the email, which was received from 10minutemail.com. Myself and the other admins found it odd that someone would go to the relative trouble of sending mail via this service, and that robby would delete this potential evidence. The following Monday I emailed the committee, requesting that we hold an emergency meeting to dicuss this email. Robby replied, saying he would be unavailable for any meetings that week. Given that the semester was ending and people would be gone home by the next week it was decided to hold the meeting anyway, on the Thursday evening. This was the first meeting called by anyone since before the network had been compromised. At this meeting the committee decided that in robby's absence the only course of action was to discuss the issue further over the email. Late that night, cian, johan, werdz and I met robby in Fibbers. Cian, Johan and I expressed our discontent with the situation by telling robby he should resign. Whatever the circumstances, it was pretty unprofessional of us to have a go in public like that, and we apologise for our actions. The following afternoon dano mailed the committee outlining our conversation about the email, and asking robby for more information. Robby replied to this email with his resignation, citing the events of the previous night as his primary reason. An EGM will be held at the earliest oppertunity next semester to elect a new chairperson, however the committee have not decided how best to fill this position in the interim, and will be happy to take on board any suggestions from members. All the best, andrew. -- Andrew Harford System Administrator, DCU Networking Society Ordinary Member, Societies & Publications Committee

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SSH Host Key Changes
by Andrew Harford 14 May '08

14 May '08

Hi, Following an Ubuntu security update (http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-612-1) released yesterday we will be changing the SSH host keys later tonight. Putty users will be asked to confirm that they know the key has changed, when they next login, Linux/Unix/Mac users will have to remove the line from ~/.ssh/known_hosts before they will be able to ssh to redbrick again. We also strongly recommend that users with ssh keys generate new keys, and disable any previous ones. Re-installation work is progressing well - most major services are now operating as normal. Progress with databases has been slowed due to problems moving to MySQL 5, but we hope to have this resolved shortly. Once resolved websites dependant on databases (blogs, forums etc.) will return to normal. A more comprehensive list of service statuses, bugs etc. is avalable from http://status.redbrick.dcu.ie. Please report any bugs or problems via email to admins(a)redbrick.dcu.ie andrew. -- Andrew Harford System Administrator, DCU Networking Society

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RedBrick Network Downtime
by Andrew Harford 27 Apr '08

27 Apr '08

Hi, By now most of you will be aware that we have been forced to take the entire Redbrick network offline on Friday following a compromise in security. There has been no loss of user data, email, websites, pr0n etc. - it is all safely backed up. However, we are sure that the root access was gained on both murphy and minerva as well ldap, so we are re-installing all systems cleanly before they are going back online. At present, the only service active is email - email which is autoforwarded will be operating as normal, other email will be waiting when you login again. Mailing lists are operational also, but the web interface is offline. I am hopeful that we will be able to offer basic login services and chat by Tuesday evening, but we can't make any guarantees - we are working as fast as possible to get services back online safely. Progress with murphy has been very slow, and website and database access will take longer to get up again. As ldap has been accessed by the intruders, all users will be issued a new password in the near future. Please keep this password safe, you will need it to log back in. I would like to stress again that all your data and mail is safe and waiting for you. If you need urgent file access or mail forwarding drop me a reply and I'll do whatever I can. We'll be in touch shortly when we have more online. We will also be keeping the website error page on www.redbrick.dcu.ie updated with current info. Thanks to everyone who sent us advice, encouragement, and steak. It is much appreciated. All the best, andrew. -- Andrew Harford CA3 Class Rep System Administrator, DCU Networking Society Ordinary Member, Societies & Publications Committee

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AGM Results
by Andrew Harford 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Hi guys, Just thought i'd let everyone know the results of tonight's AGM. Chairperson: Robby O'Reilly (robby) was elected with 16 votes. Kat Farrell (angelkat) received 14 votes. Secretary: Damien Rathigan (dano) was the only candidate, and was elected by a majority show of hands. Treasurer: Leah Doyle (bambi) was the only candidate, and was elected by a majority show of hands. Public Relations Officer: John Needham (colossus) was elected with 22 votes. Matt Fitzpatrick (snoogins) received 9 votes. Failchair received one vote :( Events Officer: Lotta Mikkonen (attol) was the only candidate, and was elected by a majority show of hands. Helpdesk: Sean Hand (revenant), Seaums Ronan (train) and Gavin Tubritt (gmblitis) were the only candidates and were elected by a majority show of hands. Webmaster: Andrew Martin (werdz) was the only candidate, and was elected by a majority show of hands. System Administrators: Andrew Harford (receive), Cian Brennan (lil_cain), Eoghan Cotter (johan) were the only candidates and were elected by a majority show of hands. Accounts: For people who requested to see the detailed accounts for the year as they currently stand they can currently be downloaded from: https://www.redbrick.dcu.ie/~receive/redbrick/accounts.xls I will be happy to answer any queries in relation to these accounts. I'd just like to wish the rest of the new committee the best for the year ahead. andrew. -- Andrew Harford CA3 Class Rep Chairperson, DCU Networking Society Ordinary Member, Societies & Publications Committee We all know that no women anywhere wants to have sex with anyone and to titillate us with any thoughts otherwise is just bogus. --Peter Griffin

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Redbrick Table Quiz and AGM details
by Kev 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Hi folks, == Redbrick Table Quiz == April 1st sees the return of the ever popular Redbrick Table Quiz. This year we have some amazing prizes, with the winning team walking away with four Western Digital Passport 160GB external hard drives and a raffle on the night for an Asus Eee PC! There'll also be prizes for the second place team and plenty of other spot prizes to be given away during the night too. On top of all that, Redbrick will also be opening up the DCU Old Bar for the night and as it's a Tuesday, all drinks will be just 3 euro! Registration for teams starts at 6.30pm and we hope to start the quiz at around 7pm, so we look forward to seeing you all there next week :) == AGM == This year's Redbrick AGM takes place on Thursday 3rd of April at 6.30pm in QG15. All committee positions will be up for grabs on the day so be sure to turn up and have your say. Anyone wishing to run for Admin, Webmaster or Helpdesk must pass a test before running at the AGM and we currently have tests scheduled at the following times: Admin test - 7pm Monday 31st of March. Helpdesk test - 2pm Wednesday 2nd of April. Webmaster test - 3pm Wednesday 2nd of April. Anyone taking the tests should meet up in the lobby of the computing building (the nicer one near LG25) at these times. If you have any questions or you want to take the tests but are unavailable at the set times, just let us know by emailing committee(a)redbrick.dcu.ie and we can sort something out. == Casino Ball == We've also been asked by the SU to include some info in our mail about the upcoming charity Casino Ball taking place in the Hub this week: Casino Ball 2008 - This Wednesday the 26th *DCUSU and Accounting & Finance Society present the 2nd Annual DCU Charity Casino Ball this coming *Wednesday, the 26th of March in The Hub, DCU*. This year's event has a 'swing' theme so all attendees are asked to dress accordingly (guys are expected to be suited and booted, cocktail dresses and feather boas for the ladies). There will be roulette tables and poker games operated by *DCU Poker Soc* and entertainment on the night will be provided by swing band 'The Roaring Forties', DCU Jazz Band, The Human Jukebox and more. A full bar extension is being secured for this year's event so attendees can expect to boogie on down right through the night. There will also be a raffle on the night in aid of the charities so please give generously and you could be in with a chance of winning an Easter Hamper with prizes courtesy of: **Matt Weldon's Pub, Ballymun Road *St. Michael's House *DCU Style Society *DCU Drama's 'Fame:The Musical' (www.famedcu.com) *Pharmhealth, On-Campus Chemist *DCU Sport* * Tickets are on sale from the Students' Union reception, priced at €10 for students and €12 for non-students, with all profits from the event going to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and St. Michael's House.* For more details about this event, please visit http://life.dcu.ie/forum/viewthread.php?tid=1408 See you all next week at the Table Quiz and AGM! Kev

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Table Quiz & AGM
by Andrew Harford 20 Mar '08

20 Mar '08

Hi, Table Quiz: Tuesday April 1st, 6.30pm AGM: Thursday April 3rd, 6.30pm == Table Quiz == The annual RedBrick Table Quiz will be held in the Old Bar on Tuesday April 1st. The bar will be open from 6pm, and the quiz will get going from about 6.30. As in previous years, entry will be €4 per person to cover the cost of the fantastic prizes. We'll also be raffling off a brand new laptop :) == AGM == Redbrick's Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday April 3rd, at 6.30pm (venue tbc). All the committee positions will be up for grabs: * Chairperson * Secretary * Treasurer * Public Relations Officer * Events Officer * 3 Education Officers (Helpdesk) * Webmaster * 3 Systems Administrators All candidates for the positions of System Administrator, Webmaster, and Helpdesk will be required to sit and pass a test prior to the AGM. These tests will be held on the week of the AGM - in order to find a time that suits as many people as possible, interested candidates should email the relevant committee members (admins(a)redbrick.dcu.ie, helpdesk(a)redbrick.dcu.ie, webmaster(a)redbrick.dcu.ie) before times for the tests are chosen early next week. == Wavehunt == We're currently thinking about holding a wavehunt later this year. If you're interested in taking part, join up to the wavehunt list http://lists.redbrick.dcu.ie/mailman/listinfo/wavehunt Have a good weekend o/ andrew. -- Andrew Harford CA3 Class Rep Chairperson, DCU Networking Society Ordinary Member, Societies & Publications Committee I'm not drunk, all right. I just have a speech impediment ... and a stomach virus ... and an inner ear infection. --Brian Griffin

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Linux Workshop, Cinema Trip, Treasurer position and Football!
by Kev 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Howdy, == Linux Workshop == Following on from the highly successful Linux Install Workshop ran during Tech Week, Redbrick Helpdesk will be running a followup workshop this week. At the workshop they'll be going over basic stuff like setting up your internet connection and installing new programs as well as some more advanced things too. The workshop takes place in the Seminar room upstairs in the Hub at 6pm on Tuesday. On a side note, there was a laptop bag lost at the first workshop, so if anyone found it, please let us know by emailing receive(a)redbrick.dcu.ie. == Cinema Trip == This Thursday at 8.40pm, we'll be going to see Semi-Pro in Cineworld. We'll be meeting at 7.30 in the Hub beforehand and Redbrick will be paying for everyone's tickets, so be sure to join us :) == Treasurer Position == Redbrick's Treasurer was deemed to have resigned this week in accordance with the constitution after not attending the last 4+ committee meetings. Treasurering duties will be handled by the rest of the committee for the remainder of this semester. == Football == Monday night football is on as always tonight at 6pm and we'll be meeting in the Hub before if you'd like to take part. Please do, football is fun! That's all for this week o/ Kev Redbrick Secretary

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Tech Week 2008 and Limerick Trip
by Kev 25 Feb '08

25 Feb '08

Hi folks, Tech Week is upon us once again, and we'll be finishing the week by going to Limerick for the weekend too. Remember that Monday night football is still on every week, we meet in the Hub at 6pm. == Tech Week 2008 == Redbrick's Tech Week 2008 is taking place this week and we'll be kicking it off in style by reopening the Old Bar with a live band, Futurism, plus a DJ playing afterwards. It starts at 8pm on Monday and we'll have some Guitar Hero and other games in the bar courtesy of Games Soc too. Entry is 3 euro and profits will be going to RAG Week charities. The first event of the week will be taking place beforehand at 12 on Monday, when Allan Dixon will be giving a Video Editing workshop in the Seminar Room, upstairs in the Hub. On Tuesday, the Students' Union will be running a Star Trek table quiz in the New Bar at 4pm, followed by a Linux workshop (with free pizza!) from Redbrick in the Seminar Room at 6. Then at 7.30, Film Soc will be showing the awesome Die Hard 4, also in the Seminar Room. On Wednesday at 3pm Games Soc will be bringing out a speaker from Irish game developers Demonware, who have contributed to games like Call of Duty 4 and Splinter Cell. This will be followed by a PC Building workshop at 4pm, where you can learn how to build your own PC. At 5pm, Colm MacCarthaigh of Joost and Digital Rights Ireland will be giving a talk. Then on Thursday, Eimear Fitzmaurice of Style Soc will be giving a Photoshop workshop at 4pm, with a Redbrick Web Design workshop following at 5. Afterwards, we'll be heading out to play some Q-Zar, which will be followed by a night of heavy drinking! Be sure to check out http://techweek.dcu.ie for full details of times and places and more info on the events. == Limerick Trip == Redbrick will be heading down to Limerick this Friday for a weekend of events held by Skynet, UL's netsoc. The list of activities includes Paintball and Go-Karting, as well as some networking and key signing events and of course, lots of drinking. Costs for travel and accommodation will be at the discounted price of 30 (students members only, unforunately!) and anyone interested should send an email to receive(a)redbrick.dcu.ie before 10am on Wednesday. See you all during the week! Kev Redbrick Secretary

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Tech Week!
by Kev 20 Feb '08

20 Feb '08

Hey all, Tech Week 2008 is taking place next week in DCU and here's the schedule: == Monday == 5pm - Video Design & Editing workshop with Allan Dixon - venue TBC. 8pm - Tech Week Launch Party in the Old Bar with live band, Futurism and DJ afterwards. It's 3 euro in, with proceeds going to charity and there'll be pizza and Console Gaming with Games Soc too (drunken Guitar Hero?). == Tuesday == 6pm - Linux Install workshop in the Seminar Room with free pizza. 7.30pm - Film Soc showing Die Hard 4.0 in the Seminar Room. == Wednesday == 3pm - Demonware Game Development Talk with Games Soc. 4pm - PC building workshop with Games Soc. 5pm - Talk from Colm MacCarthaigh of Joost and Digital Rights Ireland (and Redbrick). == Thursday == Photoshop Workshop with Eimear Fitzmaurice of Style Soc - C107, time to be confirmed. Web Design Workshop - venue/time to be confirmed. 8pm - Q-Zar, followed by drinks in Fibbers! Then, at the weekend, we'll be heading on a trip to Limerick to meet up with folks from other Irish netsocs, for several days of activities and heavy drinking hosted by Skynet, UL's netsoc. We'll have full details on Tech Week and the intersocs weekend in Limerick in a few days, so expect another mail soon. Enjoy the rest of your RAG Week! Kev Redbrick Secretary

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EGM, Login Server Changeover, Monday Night Football and Tech Week 2008
by Kev 01 Feb '08

01 Feb '08

Hi all, Hope everyone had a good Christmas/New Year and all that, and that the exams didn't go too badly for you :) Here's a brief summary of this week's mail: * EGM - 6pm Thursday 7th in QG13 * Login server to change from Murphy to Minerva on the 15th * Football starts up again on Monday * Tech Week coming in Week 4 == EGM == We will be holding an EGM in QG13 at 6pm next Thursday 7th of February to fill the vacant admin position on the committee, and to vote on a new constitutional change. Anyone wishing to run for admin must pass a test beforehand in order to prove their worthiness, those willing to face the trials should head to the lobby of the computing building (the main, shiny new one attached to LG25, not the crappy old one attached to LG01) at 7pm on Tuesday. The proposed constitutional change is to reduce the number of Helpdesk members on the committee from 3 to 2. == Login Server Changeover == The main Redbrick login server will be changing from Murphy to the new server, Minerva, on the 15th of February. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the changeover, email admins(a)redbrick.dcu.ie. == Monday Night Football == Redbrick Football will be starting up again this Monday on the DCU Astroturf pitches. We'll be meeting up in the Hub at 6pm so join us for game if you can. As before, Redbrick will be covering the cost of the pitch so we hope to see you there. == Tech Week == Tech Week 2008 will be happening in Week 4 and promises to be even better than last year, with many different societies participating. We have plenty of events planned for the week, including talks and demonstrations, as well as the return of the ever popular Wavehunt competition. Of course if anyone has a suggestion for an event they'd like to see run during Tech Week, please let us know by sending an email to committee(a)redbrick.dcu.ie. That's all for now, keep an eye on committee.redbrick.dcu.ie for more updates! Kev Redbrick Secretary

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