Linux

I need a little help.

I need some Linux know-how too.  I want to run this command from a shell:

gpsbabel -t -i garmin -f usb: -o gpx -F tracks2.txt

The trouble is, I have to run it as root.  Is there a way to run it as a normal user?  Not using 'sudo' that is.  The command is accessing the USB port and downloading an XML data file on my GPS.

No, I'm just downloading a file from the eTrex that contains the track data.  Then I am applying some post processing magic to visualize the data.  Eventually, I can take the data and super impose it on a map or satelite picture to see where I've been.  I have part of it working.  I need to delve into a little Java code  to access Yahoo maps or Google.  I also need to access the device as as a normal user not root.

As for updating the maps....check out gpsbabel.  That will let you translate file into the proper format.  I bought National Georaphic maps for $5 off a clearance rack.  I think I can put those on my box after translation.

Yeah, that's basically what I am doing.  I use PERL to download the tracks from my GPS, then do a little pre-processing, submit it to google (or yahoo) and make a nice map.  Really the whole point is me learning PERL more than anything.  I have a couple of projects way in theback of my head and PERL seems like the way to go.

hm, perl sounds a bit of yesterday to me. probably python is the way to go, if.

in general you should care about the tools that the whole gps community uses, much can be found in the openstreetmaps wiki, it seems as if quiet some java is in the mix.

I knew someone would would criticise me for using PERL.  It has one over riding benefit that trumps all other considerations:  I like it.  Plus, I am thorougly impressed with CPAN and the amout of well documented modules available.

Since I just fool around with programming, I really have no motivation to stay up to date with the latestest and greatest programming language du jour.

you need to be in the group the file is owned by, and it needs to be group executable

Sun Jul 05 2009 12:45:09 PM EDT from Ragnar Danneskjold @ Uncensored

It's still about applications..... Where's Photoshop? Office? Visio? And don't tell me GIMP and OpenOffice are just as good. They aren't. Where's AutoCAD? There's nothing even close.

Applications?  OpenOffice works over 95% as well as MS Office 2003.  Gimp - about 90% that of Photoshop.  Scribus is a solid publishing solution.

As for AutoCAD, they USED to write Unix and Windows versions.  I imagine they were properly threatened and/or paid off to be exclusive M$ partners.  While WINE under Linux is not perfect, but will allow you many Windows apps.

Mi Jun 09 2010 23:10:18 EDT von jclambert1 @ Uncensored Betreff: Applications?

As for AutoCAD, they USED to write Unix and Windows versions.  I imagine they were properly threatened and/or paid off to be exclusive M$ partners.  While WINE under Linux is not perfect, but will allow you many Windows apps.

there only was a solaris version of autocad, since autodesk does its animation software for linux too, they know how to do it. they just don't want.

There is a distinction between the "real user id" and the "effective user id" -- and that's not something new, either.

I don't know what "+s" does, I usually just do "chmod 4755 <filename>"

Keep in mind that you have to change the owner first -- on many/most systems if you make the program setuid and then change the owner, it clears the setuid bit.