Traditional Games of Indonesia

One of the most fascinating things about living in Indonesia is the discovery of bits of Indonesian culture which are actually not Indonesian at all, but originate in other lands. For centuries, the Indonesian archipelago has been visited by traders from many corners of the world who came to buy spices and other agricultural riches. Indonesian cultural diversity benefited by the many peoples who passed through the archipelago, due to Indonesia's location along the primary trade route between Europe and Asia.

Together with the items they brought to sell, these traders brought bits of their culture along with them as well. These included religion, language, foods and textile traditions. Less written about than spices, silks and ceramics, however, are the games brought to Indonesia by travelers over the centuries.

I've long been fascinated with Congklak, which I had thought of as a traditional Indonesian game since I first played it in Yogyakarta in the late 70s. Much to my surprise, my previously held belief in the Indonesian origins of this game was shattered when I saw a Congklak board in a cultural display organized by the African Women's Group in Jakarta some years ago. Upon seeing the game I said, "Oh, you play Congklak too ..." The women staffing the exhibit said " No, this is Wari, a traditional African game." Thus, my first inkling of the widespread nature of this game.

Origins of Congklak

Congklak has its origins in either Africa or the Arab world, depending on which scholar's theory you choose to believe. Some of the oldest evidence was found in National Geographic-sponsored archaeological diggings dating back to 7,000 to 5,000 BC in present-day Jordan. Excavations of a house uncovered a limestone slab with two parallel rows of circular depressions. The layout was easily recognizable to an archaeologist on the dig as the Congklak playing board. Murray, a noted scholar, traced the origins to ancient Egypt's Empire Age (about the 15th to 11th centuries BC). Many experts surmise that Congklak may in fact be the oldest board game ever.

The earliest recorded writings describing the game were found in references to mancala in Arab religious texts dating to the Middle Ages. Some scholars believe that the game originated in the Middle East and spread from there to Africa. Then, the game spread to Asia with Arab traders and came to the Caribbean around 1640 via the African slave trade. Other experts place the origins in Central Africa.

Today, the game is known by numerous names around the world. The names are taken from the local culture using words that reflect where the game is played, the manner of winning, the mode of play and the board or counters used. It is referred to in English as Count and Capture.

In Arab countries, the most common name is mancala (an Arabic word meaning in English "to move"). In some West African countries the depressions in the board are referred to as Warri or Awari, which means houses, thus giving it the name Wari. In Nigeria the game is known as Adi, which is also the name of the seeds used to play the game.

Due to its widespread popularity, enthusiasts have developed numerous web sites documenting various versions of the game. For a good link list to many of these sites, see http://www.cs.uu.nl/~hansb/d.gam/mancala.html. Another good web site, http://www.myriad-online.com/en/resources/awalink.htm, lists 279 names of the game found through their research. As you surf through these web sites, it's fascinating to see how each country or culture has its own customs relating to the making of the board, who can play, as well as how and when the game is played. Some sites feature on-line versions of the game as well, if you'd like to play with other enthusiasts around the world.

The game is so popular that the British Museum's Museum of Mankind featured an exhibition of mancala, Wari and other Congklak playing boards in 1997.

Congklak in Indonesia

Even within Indonesia, Congklak is known by different names from region to region. The most common name, Congklak, is taken from the cowrie shell, which is commonly used to play the game. In Malaysia, the game is known as congkak, a name that is used in many Sumatran provinces as well. In Java, the game is known as Congklak, dakon, dhakon or dhakonan. In Lampung, the game is called, dentuman lamban. In Sulawesi, the game is referred to as Mokaotan, Maggaleceng, Aggalacang and Nogarata.

Historical references to Congklak refer to the game played by young girls of Javanese nobility. It is most likely that foreign traders, due to their close contact with the upper classes, introduced Congklak to them. With the passage of time, Congkla' s popularity grew until its now widely played by the common people as well. In most regions, Congklak play is limited to young girls, teens and women in their leisure time and its seen as a 'girl's game'. In only a few regions is Congklak played by men and boys as well.

In Sulawesi, historically, the game was reserved for play only during grieving periods, after the death of a loved one. It was considered taboo to play the game at any other time. In Central Java, in pre-historic times, Congklak was used by farmers to calculate the seasons, to know when to plant and harvest, as well as to predict the future.

Congklak Playing Board

The playing board is made from wood, with variations from island to island in the number of holes on each side, either 5, 6, 7 or 9 holes. All the boards have two 'store house' holes, one on each end. The design varies from simple, unadorned woods, to boat-shaped boards, to highly decorated playing boards. In Central Java, elaborate designs utilizing the Javanese naga (dragon) are common. Dragons face out from both ends, with their tails decorating the side of the boards and legs suspending the board up off the floor. Congklak boards can be elaborately carved and painted, with gold and red being popular colors. Most, however, are made of relatively plain wood.

As in the archaeological find in Jordan, diggings in Mojokerto, Lamongan and Bondowoso in East Java have unearthed Congklak 'boards' with holes carved into large stones. These were found along with the broken pieces of temple stones and other archaeological remains of earlier times.

In Lampung, village children often play without a board, but instead create their own playing area by scooping out holes in the ground and collecting stones or seeds each time they want to play.

Playing Pieces

Not much has changed since prehistoric times, when Congklak was played with stones or seeds. In Indonesia, stones, seeds and shells are used to play the game, whatever is close at hand. Near a beach shells may be used. Near rivers, the game may be played with smooth pebbles and in agricultural areas, seeds. Commonly used seeds are tamarind, kemiri, sawo and even corn kernels.

The widespread popularity of Congklak around the world can undoubtedly be attributed in part to the simplicity of the materials used to play the game. Congklak, in all its variations, continues to attract dedicated players as well as craftsmen, mathematicians, programmers and collectors of regional art and handicrafts.

Whatever version you play today, and by whatever name you call it, you'll find Congklak a challenging game of patience and skill.

taken from : http://www.expat.or.id/info/congklak.html

Title: "Observing Indonesian Customs and Courtesies " Observing Indonesian Customs and Courtesies

Every different country has their own customs and traditions, which must be observed and respected particularly by tourists who would not wish to be thought of as “rude.” Here are a few guidelines to follow when visiting Indonesia:

Greetings

1. The Indonesian culture is based on honor and respect for the individual. Letters begin with "Dengan Hormat", "with respect". Respect should always be remembered when greeting others.
2. Men and women usually shake hands and bow the head slightly when introduced for the first time.
3. Indonesians shake hands when congratulating someone or saying goodbye before a long trip.
4. When one is introduced to older people, a slight bow is appropriate.
5. Unless his own wife or fiancé, a man does not touch a woman in public, except to shake hands, even if he knows her well.
6. If a person has a prestigious title such as doctor or professor, it should be used in conversation.


Conversation

Conversational subjects which should be avoided in polite company:

1. Talking about sex in public is very inappropriate.
2. Disparaging religions and ethnic origins are not acceptable.
3. Asking someone's income and wealth is inappropriate.
4. Criticism should be avoided. If it must be given, it should be well disguised and very subtle. Criticism is never directed at the individual personally. It is never delivered in public or with an audience.
5. Discretion is a virtue.
6. Speak softly. Loud voices are impolite.


Public Manners

1. Kissing in public is inappropriate.
2. When traveling, a person is expected to give his or her seat to the elderly, and men are expected to give their seats to women.
3. Shoes should be removed before entering carpeted rooms, feasting places, places of funeral viewing, or holy places, especially mosques.
4. Gestures are not used for calling someone, except to a child. Waving one's hand with the palm facing down signals another person to come.
5. The left hand should not be used to shake hands, touch others, point, eat food, or give or receive objects.
6. Standing with hands in pocket or on hips is interpreted as defiance or arrogance and should be avoided.
7. Sunglasses should be removed when speaking to someone or when entering a home.
8. Feet should never be used as pointers, and should stay off desks and tables.
9. Yawning in public should be avoided, but if one must yawn or cough a hand should be placed over the mouth. Eating while standing or walking is inappropriate.


Dress and Clothing

1. Public dress is left up to the individual, provided it is modest. Some Indonesians are conservative dressers and slow to accept new styles.
2. Shorts, tank tops, and the like are not considered appropriate, except for picnic and similar occasions.
3. In the cities, people wear casual dress, and most of the people accept a new style of dress.
4. A shirt and tie are appropriate for males in most business occasions.
5. When invited to a dinner in private homes, people can wear informal or casual dress, most Indonesians wear traditional batik dress.
6. Formal wear should be worn if it is specified by the invitation.
7. In theatres, restaurants and operas, informal and casual wear are appropriate.


Table Manners

1. Many westernized Indonesians eat with a spoon and fork, but more traditional families eat with their hands. If one is not offered eating utensils, it is appropriate to ask for a spoon and a fork (usually dinner knives are not used). Generally the fork used in the left hand and the spoon in the right.
2. It is impolite to eat or drink before invited to do so by one's host.
3. Both hands are kept on the table while eating.
4. Hostesses appreciate compliments on the food, but humorous remarks about the food are a serious breach of etiquette.
5. Paying for a meal is done by the one who issued the invitation to eat. Going "Dutch" is not common and considered poor form.
6. After the meal you should thank the host and the hostess, and the guests are not expected to help clear the dirty dishes from the table.


Gifts

1. Gift are generally not expected by traditional Indonesians. Gifts should be accepted graciously, it is impolite to refuse anything.
2. Indonesians do not generally open gifts in the presence of the giver.
3. When invited to a dinner, flowers are considered appropriate gifts.
4. When staying as a guest in a private home, you can bring a small gift that is typical of your country. Cookies, candies, fruits, flowers, etc are also okay.
5. Business gifts are not necessary, but sometimes are appreciated. The appropriate gifts for business are small items such as pens, watches, shirts, ties, ladies’ purses, etc.


Private Homes

1. Traditional visiting times are Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
2. In Indonesia, guests are welcomed very warmly and it is an honor for them if you can stay with them. Hosts mostly will serve drinks and foods, but one should not drink or eat until invited, and it is also impolite to refuse the drink and food that has been served for you.
3. It is polite but not necessary to remove one's shoes if the hostess is not wearing footwear.
4. It is polite but not necessary to offer your help to do household chores, because most of the middle class people in Indonesia have paid househelp.
5. Wear something decent if you are not in your bedroom. It is necessary to make a conversation to the hostess, do not lock yourself in the bedroom.
6. If it is time to go to bed, it is necessary to say good night to the host.
7. Do not over sleep, most of Indonesians prepare breakfast for the guests and expect to have breakfast together.
8. It is necessary to tell the host, whenever you go out.

taken from : http://visitasiaguide.com/visit-indonesia/indonesian-customs.htm

Javanese cuisine

Javanese cuisine refers to the food of the people of Java Island, Indonesia.

The island of Java is multiethnic. Not all Javanese islanders belong to the Javanese ethnic group. There are other prominent ethnic groups too: Sundanese in West Java, and Madurese on Madura Island off East Java. These ethnic groups have their own distinctive cuisines.

Javanese cuisine (not including Sundanese and Madurese) is largely divided into two major groups:

1. Central Javanese cuisine (masakan Jawa Tengah)

2. East Javanese cuisine (masakan Jawa Timur)

3. Common Javanese dishes

There are similarities in the two cuisines, but the main differences lie in the flavors. Central Javanese cuisine is sweeter and less spicy, while East Javanese cuisine uses less sugar and more chili, possibly influenced by Madurese cuisine.

Rice is the common staple food, and served with every meal. Gaplèk, or dried cassava, is sometimes mixed into rice or replaces rice. Bread and grains other than rice are uncommon, although noodles are often served as accompaniment to rice. Potatoes usually accompany rice too.

Almost 90% of Javanese are Muslim, and consequently, Javanese cuisine never contains pork. Only a few ethnic groups in Indonesia use pork in their cuisine, most prominently in Indonesian Chinese cuisine, Manado cuisine, and Balinese cuisine.

Central Javanese cuisine

The food in Central Java is largely influenced by the two ancient kingdoms of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (also commonly known as Solo). Many of Central Java-specific dishes contain the names of the area where the food first became popular. For example:

- Gudeg Yogya: Young jackfruit and hardboiled egg stew, very sweet. This is usually accompanied by a side of beef skin stew.

- Bakso Solo: Bakso literally means meatballs, made of beef, and served in boiling hot soup with mung bean-thread noodles, green vegetables, shredded cabbage, and various sauces (chili, tomato). This version from Solo has super-sized meatballs, the size of tennis balls. Also known as Bakso Tenis. Bakso is a Chinese-influenced dish, but has become a popular snack throughout Indonesia.

- Ayam Goreng Kalasan/Klaten: Local organic free-range chicken, stewed in spices (coriander, garlic, candlenut, and coconut water feature strongly) then deep-fried until crispy. Served with sambal and raw vegetable salad.

- Timlo Solo: A beef and vegetable soup.

- Soto Kudus: Soto is a common Indonesian soup infused with turmeric, and can be made with chicken, beef, or mutton. This version from Kudus, a Central Javanese town, is made of chicken.

- Jenang Kudus: A sweetmeat made from rice flour, palm sugar and coconut milk.

- Lumpia Semarang: Fried or steamed spring rolls. The filling varies, but it is mostly meat and bamboo shoots. It is served with sweet fermented soybean sauce (tauco).

- Sate Blora: Chicken satay

- Swikee Purwodadi: Frogs' legs in fermented soybean (tauco) soup.

- Srabi Solo[1]: A pancake made of mostly coconut milk, mixed with a little rice flour as thickener. Srabi can be served plain, or with toppings such as sliced banana, chopped jackfruit, chocolate sprinkle (muisjes), or cheese.

- Teh poci Tegal: Tea brewed in a clay teapot, served with rock sugar. Tegal, a Central Java town, is a major producer of high-quality tea.

Other dishes that are said to have originated from Central Java are:

- Wingko babat: A cake made largely of glutinous rice and desiccated coconut, toasted and sold warm.

- Madu mongso: A sweetmeat made from fermented black glutinous rice, cooked in coconut milk and sugar. It is sticky and very sweet, and comes wrapped in corn husk.

- Bakpia: A sweet pastry filled with sugared mung bean paste.

- Tongseng: A strongly-spiced curry of bone-in mutton, which is quickly stir-fried at the point of sale with vegetables added.

East Javanese cuisine

The East Javanese cuisine is largely influenced by Madurese cuisine - Madura being a major producer of salt, hence the omission of sugar in many dishes. Many of the East Javanese dishes are also typically Madurese, such as Soto Madura and Sate Madura, usually sold by Madurese settlers.

Although there are many dishes with town names attached to them, these dishes are commonly available in every town and there is usually a local version of the dish. The most popular town-associated dishes are:

- Pecel Madiun: A salad of boiled vegetables, dressed in a peanut-based spicy sauce. It is usually served as an accompaniment to rice. A peanut or dried fish/shrimp cracker (rempeyek) is served on the side. Not to be confused with pecel lele, which is deep-fried local catfish served with sambal.

- Soto Madura: A turmeric-based beef and offal soup, served with boiled egg, and sambal.

- Sate Madura: Chicken satay.

- Soto Lamongan: Chicken soto (food) originated from the town of Lamongan.

Other dishes that are not location-specific:

- Rawon: A dark beef soup, served with mung bean sprouts and the ubiquitous sambal. The dark (almost black) color comes from the kluwak (Pangium edule) nuts.

- Rujak Cingur: A mixture of boiled and raw vegetable salad, with a special twist that is the boiled beef snout (cingur) mixed in. It is then dressed in a sauce made of caramelized fermented shrimp paste (petis), peanuts, chili, and spices. It is usually served with lontong, a boiled rice cake.

- Semanggi is a salad made of boiled semanggi (M. crenata) leaves that grow in paddy fields. It is dressed in a spicy peanut sauce.

- Lontong balap literally means "racing rice cake", which is a dish of rice cakes, fried tofu, and beansprouts, doused in kecap manis and sambal sauce. In the past, lontong balap hawkers carried their wares in a large, heavy metal urn. The heaviness caused them to have to walk really quickly while carrying it, so they looked like they were "racing".

- Tahu campur: A beef meat and offal soup, mixed with fresh vegetables, potatoes, rice cake, and tofu. The secret ingredient is the caramelized fermented shrimp pasted (petis) which is mixed in just before serving.

- Tahu tek is a dish containing cut-up fried tofu, boiled vegetables (mostly beansprouts), potatoes, drenched in a peanut-based sauce. The sauce has caramelized fermented shrimp pasted (petis), chili, and garlic.

- Gado-gado is similar to pecel, but includes different vegetables as well as boiled egg slices and a garnish of fish/shrimp crackers and emping (Gnetum gnemon L. nut, flattened, dried, and fried into small thin crackers).

- Ronde (aka wedang ronde) is a hot Javanese dessert containing glutinous rice balls stuffed with peanut paste, floating in a hot ginger and sugar soup.

- Angsle (aka wedang angsle) is a hot soupy dessert of sago pearls, pre-cooked glutinous rice and mung beans, putu mayang (brightly-colored, noodle-shaped flour cakes), fried peanuts all drowned in hot, sweet coconut milk.

- Ayam penyet is fried chicken (see ayam goreng), lightly smashed using a pestle in a mortar laced with sambal.

- Bebek goreng is a variation of ayam goreng which uses duck instead of chicken.

- Gule kambing is mutton cooked in a curry-like coconut milk soup.

- Klepon: A glutinous rice ball stuffed with palm sugar, colored green using pandanus leaf, and rolled in fresh desiccated coconut.

- Jajan pasar: Several types of shaped and colored flour, rice flour, and glutinous rice flour cakes, sprinkled with desiccated coconut and drizzled with melted palm sugar. Jajan literally means snack, and pasar means market, as this snack is usually only found in traditional markets.

- Cwie mie: A Chinese-influenced noodle dish, containing boiled and seasoned noodles, topped with pre-cooked minced meat (usually pork) and boiled wonton. Similar to the Chinese zhajiang mian.

- Nasi rames or nasi campur: Rice with accompaniments, usually some curried vegetable stew (sayur lodeh), a selection of cooked fish or chicken or meat and offal pieces, and a dollop of spicy sambal. (See similar dish Rijstaffel)

- Nasi kuning is similar to nasi rames or nasi campur, but the rice is cooked in coconut milk and colored bright yellow using turmeric.

- Sop buntut: Oxtail soup.

- Kripik tempe: Tempeh chips, made from thinly-sliced, deep-fried tempeh (soybean cake).

Common Javanese dishes

These are the common Javanese dishes, which can be found throughout Java regardless of the location.

- Sayur asem: Vegetables in tamarind-flavored soup. Can be served hot or cold.

- Pepes: Meat, chicken, or freshwater fish/seafood mixed with a spice paste, wrapped in banana leaf, then steamed or grilled.

- Tumis sayuran: Stir-fried vegetables, usually mixed with chili and a spice paste.

- Sayur lodeh: Curried vegetable stew.

HISTORY OF KEDIRI - EAST JAVA - INDONESIA

Some people believe that the word Kediri comes from 'kedil' which means sterile or woman who cannot give birth. According to typical Javanese dictionary by Wojo Wasito, the word 'Kedi' means short people, nurse or rural traditional doctor. In traditional performance of puppet, the name Kedi has popularized by the Arjuna actor who was acting as a dance instructor named Kedi Wrakatnolo.
It we refer to the popular name of Dewi Kilisuci who meditated in Selomangleng cave, 'Kedi' means pure or clean. Beside, the word ' Kediri' could comes from 'diri' which means in (inherited Javanesess Jumenengan language), adeg, angdhiri, magdhiri or to become a Lord. Because of that reason, this story could be read in Wanua instription in 830 inherited Saka year which says: "Ing Saka 706 cetra masa danami sakla pa ka sa wara, angdhri rake penaraban: which means in the year of 706 Saka year or 784 AD Pake Panaraban was sitting in his crown.
The word Kediri could also be found in many inherited literature written in inherited Javanese language such Samaradhana, Pararaton, Negarakertagama and Calon Arang. The were many inscription which said the word Kediri such as: 1.Ceber inscription written in 1107 Saka year, located at Ceker village, now it is known as village Sukoanyar in Mojo Sub-district. It was written in that inscription that the people of Ceker has a great contribution to their Lord and as return they received a gift in form of land. It was written that; Sri Maharaja Mansuk ri siminairing bhumi kediri which means the Lord has gained bac k his charisma and hopes at Kadiri land.
2.Kamulan inscription at Kamolan village, in Trenggalek District, written in 1116 Saka year or August 31, 1194 AD. In this inscription the word kediri was also written, the region which was attacked by the Lord from the east. Aka ni satru wadwa kala sangke 'purnowo' that why the Lord left his royal palace in Katangkatang (tatkalanin kentar sangke kedetwan ring Katangkatang deni nkin malr yatik keprabun sri maharaja siniwi ring bhumi kadiri). According to MM Sukarto Kartoatmojo, the 'birth day of Kadiri' was firstly based on three inscription harinjing A-B-C, but he believed that the name Kediri was firstly use from the third inscription. The reason was that Harinjing. A inscription dated March 25, 804 AD, was believed older than other two inscription B and C, both dated on September 19, 921 AD and June 7, 1015 AD. Based on dates in those three inscription, Kediri was believed first stated in March 25, 804 AD and it was precisely still order than that since Bagawanta Bari received the land gift from the Lord Rake Layang Dyah Tulodong, as written in those three Harinjing inscription. Kediri was firstly a small name and it extended into the kingdom name Panjalu, a big kingdom which is wellknown until present time. Finally through the Decree of Kediri Regent dated January 22, 1985 number 82 year 1985, birthday of Kediri was decided on March 25.

THE BASIC COMMANDS OF IRC ( Internet Relay Chatt )

1 · How to register your nick

The command for registering your nick is as follows:

/nickserv register password email address

Example:

/nickserv register PeanuttyButteryPass12 janet@peanutbutter.ca

Where PeanuttyButtery12 would be the password and janet@peanutbutter.ca would be the working email address.

There are many things you should keep in mind when chosing a password. Please see the DALnet's Password Guide at http://docs.dal.net/docs/passwords.html for further information on this subject.

You will be required to confirm your nickname registration before you have access to all the features available with services. Therefore it's very important for you to use a valid email address. Please see section 3 for more information.

2 · How to identify to your nick

You will be required to identify to your nickname before being able to use a number of commands. There are actually many ways to identify, the two most popular being:

/msg nickserv@services.dal.net identify nick password
/nickserv identify nick password

It is possible to identify to a nickname that you are not using at the time. If you solely wish to identify to your current nickname, then the nick parameter can be excluded. Examples:

/msg nickserv@services.dal.net identify PeanuttyButteryPass12
/msg nickserv@services.dal.net identify PeanutButterLover PeanuttyButteryPass12
/nickserv identify PeanuttyButteryPass12
/nickserv identify PeanutButterLover PeanuttyButteryPass12

Other methods of identifying to NickServ include:

/quote nickserv identify nick password
/identify nick password
/services identify nick password

As with the previous commands, the nick parameter is optional if you only intend to identify to the nick that you are currently using.

NOTE: It is a good idea to type all services commands in the status window (or, if your IRC client does not have a status window, another place which is not a channel or message window) to avoid accidentally showing your password. For example, sending your password to an open channel if you forget the slash (/) in the command.

Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to identify to anyone other than NickServ or ChanServ. So, if you meet people with nicks of MickServ, NickSrv, etc. be distrustful. You could lose your nickname and any privileges associated with it, should the password fall into the hands of someone else. Keep in mind that you and you alone are responsible for protecting your password. You can find a comprehensive guide on Services or IRC Operator impersonators at http://docs.dal.net/docs/ircimps.html.

If you cannot identify to your nick, please remember that passwords are case sensitive. That means that NickServ recognizes upper- and lower-case letters separately, for example "apple", "APPLE" and "aPPLe" would all be different passwords. Be sure you are typing your password correctly. If you continue to get an error message, try the SENDPASS command described at http://docs.dal.net/docs/nickserv.html. If that doesn't work, try looking for an IRC Operator. Instructions on finding one can be obtained at http://docs.dal.net/docs/findoper.html.

3 · How to confirm your registration

Within an hour or so, you will receive email from "DALnet User Registration" sent to the address you have set. In this mail you will be told your authorization (AUTH) code and how to use it, to complete your nickname registration.

If your email client supports it, the easiest way to authorize is to click on the Web address (beginning with "http://users.dal.net/cgi-bin/verify.cgi?") in the email. However, if this is not possible for you, then do the following:

1. The email you were sent contains a command you can use to send the authorization code. If possible, copy this command into the computer's paste-buffer. If you can't do that, write it down carefully on a piece of paper.

2. Connect to DALnet (irc.dal.net 7000).

3. If you copied the command, paste it in to your IRC client. If you wrote it down, type it in.

4. Send the command. You should receive confirmation from NickServ that you have been authorized. (On some IRC clients, this will appear in your status window.)

   -NickServ- Mission accomplished! The nick YourNick is fully
   -NickServ- registered. You now have access to change your nick
   -NickServ- settings, send memos to other users and use DALnet's
   -NickServ- registered user web site at http://users.dal.net
   

If you need to use "/quote nickserv" or "/msg nickserv@services.dal.net", simply copy/paste the rest of the command from your email following the "/nickserv" part of the command.

Should you try to set an AUTH code for a nick which is already fully registered, NickServ will respond that

-NickServ- This nick is already fully registered.

4 · Changing Your Email Address

You may want to change the address associated with your nick.

The actual command for changing an email address is:

/nickserv set email nickpass email address

For example:

/nickserv set email mypass123 janice@delightful.net

Please note that the un-complete nickname are also able to change the emaill address. Changing an email address is a two-stage process. When an email address change is requested, an email will first be sent to the current address. This email will explain that an address change was requested and give you the opportunity to abort the change within 72 hours. If the change is not aborted after 72 hours, a confirmation email will be sent to the new address, allowing the user to complete the change.

You can use the SET EMAIL command without any parameters to view the email address that you currently have set for your nickname:

/nickserv set email

5 · Why setting the email address is important

5.1 Privileges of a Completely Registered Nickname

As of 31st October 2000, DALnet required that every registered nickname had a valid email address set. Nicknames without an associated email address were expired at that date.

Some of the privileges you have before the nickname is authorized include the following:

• You can use the identify command

• You can use the set email command

• You can use the drop command

• You can log into http://users.dal.net

Privileges not available to a partially registered nickname include the following:

• You cannot use MemoServ to send or receive memos

• You cannot use the NickServ access list feature (the access command)

• These NickServ commands are not available to you: set enforce, set url, set mailblock, set noop, ghost, recover and release

For additional information on these commands, please visit http://docs.dal.net/docs/nickserv.html, type /nickserv help while on DALnet, or visit http://www.dal.net/services.

5.2 Sending passwords through email

The whole purpose of setting an email address for your nick is so that a forgotten password may be sent to you through email. This is a more secure means of obtaining lost passwords than trying to convince a CSop that you are the true owner of the nick. Whenever a password is requested for a nick, it is sent to the email address currently associated with that nick.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to maintain good access security for your email. If your email account is password-protected, using the same password for your email as you used for the nick is not a good idea. Should one password be discovered, chances are other things associated with the same password could also be compromised.

How does this password process work? As of 12th July 2001, DALnet allows its users to have their passwords sent to them through the SENDPASS command. You must have the email address for the nickname when requesting a nickname SENDPASS and the email address for the founder's nickname when requesting a channel sendpass. Only one SENDPASS per email address is allowed every 72 hours. Thus, if someone forgets both their nickname and channel password, they will have to wait.

The security of the password is further protected by a second restriction. Only a certain number of SENDPASSes may be requested by the same IP or host in a certain amount of time.

The syntax of the SENDPASS command is explained at http://docs.dal.net/docs/nickserv.html.

CSops are still available for password or ownership questions that the user cannot solve on their own. Your email address is not revealed to the IRCop during a sendpass. NickServ handles the sending of the email automatically.

Once again, instructions on how to find an IRCop can be found at http://docs.dal.net/docs/findoper.html.

6 · Email address privacy

DALnet's email privacy statement is available at http://www.dal.net/emailinfo.html. It describes the firm policy DALnet has on protecting your email address. Under no circumstances will DALnet provide the list of email addresses to anyone. If you are concerned about your email address' privacy, please read the statement.

Once again, IRC operators asking NickServ to send passwords to users do not see the email address, since this is an automated process.

Other users will not be able to see your email address, unless you want them to. If you do not do anything about your email address after you have set it, no one will be able to see it. If you do want to show your email address in your visible NickServ information (available with /nickserv info yournick), you can set that up as follows. After identifying for your nickname, type this command:

/nickserv set showemail on

Should you change your mind and want to remove your email from your visible information, the command is:

/nickserv set showemail off

As mentioned previously, your email security is your responsibility. DALnet is not responsible for spam messages or stolen passwords due to the negligence of the owner. Although using SHOWEMAIL has its advantages if you have forgotten the email and the password and you want to use SENDPASS, people can see your email address and may send you spam mail. If you share your email account with someone else, that someone can get your nick password. Strictly speaking, passwords are confidential and should not be shared.

If you do not want to use your actual email address, please use one of the many free accounts available on the web. However, it is safe not to use these free accounts due to the security threat that may arise. Also, please keep your email address setting current. DALnet cannot be responsible for nicknames which have an invalid email address set.

6.1 "I don't want to give my email address to you!"

That is certainly your right. However, we would like to point out that DALnet is a free service. There are lots of other free services out there that may ask you for your email address in order to serve you better. DALnet does not oblige you to register your nick in order to log on to our servers.

For those who are really sensitive about their email address privacy, we recommend that you get a free email service to complete the registration of your nick. Once that is done, you can forget all about this email account if you'd like. However, keep in mind that if you do this, you will forfeit all rights to password assistance in the future.

7 · Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Question: NickServ tells me that the AUTH code is incorrect. What should I do?

Answer: You should first be sure that the number you have entered is correct. This is why copy and paste is recommended whenever possible. It may also be possible that you have changed your email address and are entering the number for the former address. Please read the entire email you receive to be sure that the number you are entering is the AUTH code for that nickname. In setting emails for several nicks, confusion like this could easily happen.

In addition, if you have changed your email address since the last registration, a new authorization code would have been sent to the second email account. Only this new authorization code will work to complete your nickname registration.

You can also request another authorization code from services by resetting your email address with the SET EMAIL command (section 4). If NickServ tells you that you have already set the email address then you can get around it by specifying a bogus email address before setting it back to your real email.

Question: When I tried to set my email address, I made a typo. What should I do?

Answer: As long as it is within 24 hours of the time you registered your nick you can change it. You first identify to your nickname. Then you can use the SET EMAIL command (section 4) to set the correct email address.

Please remember that if the original address was not correct, you will not get the first AUTH code from Services. When you receive the email message at the correct address, go ahead and enter the AUTH code as described above.

Question: Someone is using my half-registered nick. How can I get it back if I can't use the RECOVER or GHOST commands?

Answer: Check your email for the authorization code and enter it in order to complete the registration of your nickname. Once this is done, the RECOVER and GHOST commands will become available to you.

Question: I didn't get my AUTH code by email. What should I do now?

Answer: There are several reasons why this might happen. The first one is that there was a typo in the email address. You can verify what NickServ thinks the address should be by using:

/nickserv set email

If the email address is incorrect, you can use the following to set the correct email address:

/nickserv set email nickpass email address

Another reason may be that there is lag in the email message being sent out. If many people have set their email addresses for their nicknames, the queue of messages to be sent may be long. Please wait at least six hours before asking for help.

You may not be setting a valid email address. You must use an email address that actually works. If you do not want to use your official address, please find a free email account on the web. Remember, it is up to you to keep this address active, since that is where any passwords may be sent in the event of you forgetting the password. Also, a DALnet email address is not a valid address for this purpose. See section 6.1 for further information.

Question: I think someone has hacked my password to my nick and my email.

Answer: Password security is your responsibility.

Try to have your password sent to you using the SENDPASS command described at http://docs.dal.net/docs/nickserv.html. If this doesn't work, please go to #operhelp and wait to be voiced by someone who is opped in the channel. Do not respond to any messages from anyone but an op. There is a help document that deals with how to find to an IRC operator while on DALnet. You can access it from http://docs.dal.net/docs/findoper.html.

Here are some instructions for good password security:

• Choose a password that is at least seven characters long and contains both upper- and lower-case letters as well as some numbers.

• Never type in Services commands in a channel window, instead use another window (for example, the status window if your IRC client has one).

• Do not script passwords on your computer, since others may gain access with or without your knowledge. You should also be careful of the scripts that you are using. Some of them allow other people to not only steal your passwords, but to also control your computer.

• If you identify to your nickname while in a cybercafe, library or any other public domain Internet service, be sure that no one else can see your password and that no password stealing scripts are loaded. It might also be prudent to make sure that "logging" has not been turned on.

• Never share passwords with anyone and be aware that no one from DALnet will message you for your password. The only time you may be asked about a password is by a CSop you have approached for password help.

10 Essential Health Tips

1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

Linux Terminal Server Project

Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP) is an add-on package for Linux that allows many people to simultaneously use the same computer. Applications run on the server with a terminal known as a thin client handling input and output. These thin clients are also known as X terminals. Generally, they are low-powered, lack a hard disk and are quieter than desktop computers because they do not have any moving parts. LTSP is distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License^[1] and is thus free software.

This technology is becoming popular in schools as it allows the school to provide pupils access to computers without purchasing or upgrading expensive desktop machines. If the school does not have enough computers, new thin client machines are less costly than standard computers. If the school does have enough computers but they are a few years old, they may be able to extend the useful life of obsolescent computers by converting them into thin clients, since even a relatively slow CPU can deliver excellent performance as a thin client. Some examples of distributions using LTSP are AbulÉdu, the Cutter project, Deworks, Edubuntu, K12LTSP and Skolelinux.

In addition to the possibility of getting more performance for less money by getting one high-end server and turning their existing computers into thin clients, an educational institution may also gain more control over how their students are using computing resources by switching to a thin client configuration.

The founder and project leader of LTSP is Jim McQuillan.