* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass helps a reader find a working copy of the GNU compiler for Java on a Mac * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter offers advice on connecting a garage to a LAN
* Finding a working copy of the GNU compiler
By Steve Blass
Q: I want to use the GNU compiler for Java on my Mac but the GNU compiler in the Apple XCode package does not include it. I installed all the developer tools, the X-Windows environment package and downloaded the source code for the latest GCC release but I keep getting linker errors when I try to build the compiler from source. How can I get a working copy of the GNU compiler for Java for my Mac OS X?
A: There are at least two open source porting projects for the Mac that provide versions of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) that include the GNU Compiler for Java features you are looking for.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* Connecting a garage to a LAN
By Ron Nutter
Q: We want to connect our bus garage to our LAN as they are currently using dial-up. The garage is a steel building about 800 feet from our main building. I am thinking wireless is our best solution. Do you have any recommendations as to how to proceed?
A: Wireless is certainly an option. You will want to use a different type of wireless access device called a wireless bridge, which is specifically made for a point to point connection. You will want to look at some type of directional antenna so that you focus the signal between bridges to where you want to it to be. You don’t need a highly directional antenna because the more directional it is, the more you may have to occasionally realign the antenna to keep them directly pointing at each other. Even with a directional antenna, you will still want to use the highest level of encryption (use WPA2 if at all possible). Go to www.grc.com/passwords for help in generating an encryption key that will be just about impossible to break.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
