Category: Ubuntu/Debian

Stuff about Ubuntu and Debian GNU/Linux

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Why I prefer Debian GNU/Linux for my web server…

Though I’ve used Ubuntu since 2005 and it has been my Linux distro of choice, I prefer to use Debian GNU/Linux for running web server on my VPS or a server at work. Why? because:

  • Debian is quicker to install
  • Debian is lightweight / uses less memory / feels faster
  • Debian doesn’t install XWindows by default
  • Debian feels more ‘hands-on’
  • Debian has the largest software repository

Although I recognize the *BSD is the best open source operating system for setting up a php/mysql web server, I still prefer Debian as my server operating system for its simplicity, besides… *BSD hates me… :)

p/s: I’m getting annoyed with Ubuntu Unity and GNOME Shell which I perceive as not only counter-productive, but also hogs the RAM and processor power. my netbook battery lasts 20minutes longer with Debian on LXDE.

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Ubuntu: How to create a lot of entropy for GPG key generation from command line

Desktop Ubuntu users may have several ways to generate entropy relatively secure GPG keys (=>2048 bits), usually by moving the mouse and by typing random words. However this creates certain problem, for command-line user (especially those who are connecting through remote VPS connection).

Here’s a tip on how to produce enough entropy for GPG key generation:

  • apt-get install rng-tools
  • rngd -r /dev/urandom
  • then, proceed to generate GPG keys as usual: gpg –gen-key

Hopefully this tips will help you get by generating GPS keys over those VPS connections!

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Early look on Ubuntu Friendly – Ensure the hardware you buy would supports Ubuntu!

Ubuntu Friendly is an initiative by Ubuntu community to ensure that desktops, laptops, netbooks are compatible with Ubuntu, hence “Ubuntu-friendly”. Ubuntu-Friendly depends on community participation to verify whether the hardware fully or partially supports Ubuntu, and rate its usability based on the core components tested.

When will it be available?
Ubuntu-Friendly will be available and integrated right into Ubuntu 11.10. Early adopters and testers can have access to it by Ubuntu 11.10 Oneric Beta 2 due to be released in mid-September.

The tool used for hardware testing is “Checkbox” which is accessible from the Live CD, under System Testing menu.

p/s: Visit Ubuntu Friendly page on Ubuntu Wiki, for more information.

Kudos to the Ubuntu community for coming up with this project, it’ll make life more easier in finding computers that fully support Ubuntu hardware!

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Ubuntu Loco Team News Feed Aggregator

The Ubuntu Local Community (LoCo) Team Directory portal has added Ubuntu Loco news feed aggregator support. The aim of feed agregator is to make it easier for Loco to discuss and publicize their activities which may include:

  • Loco Events (which the team managed or joined)
  • Future project goals and achievements.
  • New LoCo team assets (such as websites, flyers, stickers).
  • Photos of team activities, events, and more.
  • Reporting experiences, ideas, and concerns about your team and the wider LoCo community.

Read Ubuntu Wiki (Portal Feeds Page) to find out how to put your loco team feeds on the directory!