The old messages are still around, but they aren't linked from anywhere off of the main page. I'll summarize the current state of things here, so hopefully we can get started soon bringing TPU back to life.

Most members have shown interest in starting learning projects here. These would be group software development projects planned to allow members to learn about aspects of programming while benefitting from the camaraderie of working together to create something. Each project would have a customizable category on this site, meaning dynamic web page templates could be created to do various necessary things through the web admin interface.

It seems like a can't-go-wrong sort of first project would involve making some sort of game. Please post any suggestions about this sort of project or any other possibilities here. We'll need some people to serve as mentors and as administrators for each project.

The idea of giving members shell access on a server was also raised. I don't think it would work out to give everyone accounts on this server, but if someone offered this service elsewhere, that could work out quite nicely. We could even potentially have multiple volunteer providers, linked through some sort of network file system. Any takers?

I have some opinions on this... but I'm on a small farm in New Zealand... cows, sheep hhheheheheh. I'll say more on monday.

PS. Why aren't the messages linked?

What about using SourceForge (http://sourceforge.net) to host the projects? Everyone can get ssh shell access and all development related tools (CVS, bugs, patches, etc.) for free.

CC, but that doesn't have the down home, country, morale boosting feel to it! :-D

Psion, you can get the sourcecode for SourceForge and customize it (just a thought). Whatever you decide to do I'll help out in any way I can.

I do think it is a good idea to make use of existing resources. I like having lists of new threads in project forums, news posted in project categories, etc., all collected in one place on the front TPU page, but having the nitty gritty on SourceForge might just be the perfect idea.

I realize this thread is a little old... but oh well time for it to live again! Anywho... my point is that I was around with TPU when it was once fairly active and I'm glad to see it returning that way. I hope that it becomes as useful as it was before... Oh, and I haven't been around in a while to do too many personal reasons... but I make a return now! muahahahhaha *cough cough* arrhhmmm. Yes...

What happened to this idea? The whole learning shell thing?

I still have the server sitting around... but I haven't had time to work on getting it back up, and I'm not sure where I can hook it up at the moment. I don't feel I can keep it on my cable modem at home anymore because of the security risk.

Security risk?

to the other Windows computers here

Oh :-)

Couldn't you just block all outgoing packets with destinations within your internal network?

Yes, I did set that up, but I'm still not confident that opening up the server with shell accounts would keep iptables entirely secure.

- taubz