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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!