I made a tool for trying our Arch Linux on real hardware
There are many Arch Linux based live distributions but they are all volatile. Most of them can be customized only by rebuilding them, which makes them less ideal for experimentation.
A few months ago I made [ALMA](https://github.com/r-darwish/alma/), a tool for automating the installation of Arch Linux on USB flash drives and SD cards, just as they were real hard drives, with a few optimizations to reduce writes. These bootable environments are mutable just like a real system, and can be updated using pacman itself.
This tool can only work on Arch Linux, so it wasn't relevant to people who did not have a running Arch Linux installation. Today I made a Docker image which allows using this tool on any operating system supporting Docker, even macOS and probably Windows as well.
You should define the following alias:
`alias alma='docker run --rm -it --privileged -v /dev:/dev -v /run:/run -v pacman-cache:/var/cache/pacman -v (pwd):/work darwish/alma alma'`
And then use the tool as intended in the README. I suggest you start by running `alma --help`
If you're using Linux then you can omit the device name and you'll be presented with a menu containing the connected USB drives. Otherwise you should use `--image 4G` to create a 4GB bootable image which you can flash using dd or [balenaEtcher](https://www.balena.io/etcher/).
By default, the tool will only install a basic Arch system. You can pass some toml files with `--preset example.toml`. Some example preset files can be found [here](https://github.com/r-darwish/alma/tree/master/presets).
The Docker hasn't been thoroughly tested and my documentation could use some more love. I'll try to assist with any questions here.
BTW you can use arch.
https://redd.it/ckmy4y
@r_linux
There are many Arch Linux based live distributions but they are all volatile. Most of them can be customized only by rebuilding them, which makes them less ideal for experimentation.
A few months ago I made [ALMA](https://github.com/r-darwish/alma/), a tool for automating the installation of Arch Linux on USB flash drives and SD cards, just as they were real hard drives, with a few optimizations to reduce writes. These bootable environments are mutable just like a real system, and can be updated using pacman itself.
This tool can only work on Arch Linux, so it wasn't relevant to people who did not have a running Arch Linux installation. Today I made a Docker image which allows using this tool on any operating system supporting Docker, even macOS and probably Windows as well.
You should define the following alias:
`alias alma='docker run --rm -it --privileged -v /dev:/dev -v /run:/run -v pacman-cache:/var/cache/pacman -v (pwd):/work darwish/alma alma'`
And then use the tool as intended in the README. I suggest you start by running `alma --help`
If you're using Linux then you can omit the device name and you'll be presented with a menu containing the connected USB drives. Otherwise you should use `--image 4G` to create a 4GB bootable image which you can flash using dd or [balenaEtcher](https://www.balena.io/etcher/).
By default, the tool will only install a basic Arch system. You can pass some toml files with `--preset example.toml`. Some example preset files can be found [here](https://github.com/r-darwish/alma/tree/master/presets).
The Docker hasn't been thoroughly tested and my documentation could use some more love. I'll try to assist with any questions here.
BTW you can use arch.
https://redd.it/ckmy4y
@r_linux
GitHub
GitHub - r-darwish/alma: Create Arch Linux based bootable USB drives
Create Arch Linux based bootable USB drives. Contribute to r-darwish/alma development by creating an account on GitHub.
A weird thing about WPS Office to make me uninstall it.
So, the new WPS now ships with a PDF program, which immediately made it the preferred application to open pdfs. I didn't like that, but okay, it's easily changeable back.
But then I noticed something. I also have pdf-shuffler on my system for pagination and merging pdfs. After WPS had its pdf program installed, shuffler never opened pdfs properly. it would act like it was opening a file, but then nothing would populate in the thumbnails.
Then I purged WPS and Shuffler was working and back to normal.
Kind of weird I thought.
https://redd.it/cknvct
@r_linux
So, the new WPS now ships with a PDF program, which immediately made it the preferred application to open pdfs. I didn't like that, but okay, it's easily changeable back.
But then I noticed something. I also have pdf-shuffler on my system for pagination and merging pdfs. After WPS had its pdf program installed, shuffler never opened pdfs properly. it would act like it was opening a file, but then nothing would populate in the thumbnails.
Then I purged WPS and Shuffler was working and back to normal.
Kind of weird I thought.
https://redd.it/cknvct
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - A weird thing about WPS Office to make me uninstall it.
0 votes and 6 comments so far on Reddit
Is Android Really Better Than iOS?
https://learnworthy.net/is-android-really-better-than-ios/
https://redd.it/cktph2
@r_linux
https://learnworthy.net/is-android-really-better-than-ios/
https://redd.it/cktph2
@r_linux
Learn Worthy
Is Android Really Better Than iOS? - Learn Worthy
There are at lof reasons why Android is better than iOS. The Android has an open source, and is very easily editable. You can modify it to fit you best
Small pack of wallpapers 1920 x 1080 with Tux and Ubuntu
​
https://i.redd.it/9gj4vz7jlwd31.png
​
[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UO71z3sYHE1aAIX2FMJpOcl-byvinPCC?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UO71z3sYHE1aAIX2FMJpOcl-byvinPCC?usp=sharing)
https://redd.it/ckugdb
@r_linux
​
https://i.redd.it/9gj4vz7jlwd31.png
​
[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UO71z3sYHE1aAIX2FMJpOcl-byvinPCC?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UO71z3sYHE1aAIX2FMJpOcl-byvinPCC?usp=sharing)
https://redd.it/ckugdb
@r_linux
Netflix seems broken again with Firefox on Linux
Netflix on Linux with Firefox has been working fine for months without issue, and today started throwing the F7121-1331 error code. The "technical" page on this error simply recommends upgrading or trying another browser.
Thinking that Netflix might want to know that some of their customers were experiencing problems, I tried the live chat. I'm accustomed to Linux not being widely supported, but the exchange was exceptionally sub-par.
-----------------------------------------------------
Netflix Customer Service
Your issue is: Unable to watch anything with Firefox on Linux. Thinking the problem was that my version became too old, I updated to Firefox 68.0.1 and problem persists after logging out, clearing cookies and cache, and retrying.
You are now chatting with: Andrie
Netflix Andrie
Hey this is Andrie from Netflix i will be helping you today, What is the "Email" you used to registered with Netflix?
You
<redacted>
Netflix Andrie
Thank you and just so we dont get disconnected, DO NOT click the "BACK" button on your device nor close or exit the browser, alright?
You
okay
Netflix Andrie
Due to the customizable nature of Linux, we do not have solutions available for streaming problems on this operating system.
Netflix Andrie
Customers who use Linux may be able to successfully stream on these machines through our HTML5 player for the Chrome or Firefox browsers but we cannot guarantee that it will be successful.
You
It was working up until yesterday without issue
You
This is something that has changed on the Netflix side as nothing changed on my side.
Netflix Andrie
Its not guaranteed to work
Netflix Andrie
Linux is not as simple as a Mac or a windows based computer
You
I am reporting a defect on your side. I am a paying customer lodging a complaint, and I am very experienced administering Linux systems. If this is the new state of normal, I'll have to reconsider my subnoscription to Netflix, but "It is not guaranteed to work" is not an appropriate customer service answer.
Netflix Andrie
I can understand you have your own preference when it comes to devices that you would like to use
Netflix Andrie
However not all devices are certified to run with netflix
You
What I expect, is for you to say that you're sorry I'm experiencing problems and that you will log the incident to your engineering team as I'm probably not the only one having the problem.
Netflix Andrie
We always log in and track why our customers contact us, its automatic
Netflix Andrie
Its thru that and customers feedback that we get ideas on how to improve the service
Netflix Andrie
Im sorry if i sounded like i was brushing you off, it was not my intention
You
Can you tell me what version of Firefox is officially supported by Netflix on Linux?
Netflix Andrie
Its just the way that Linux is, you can set it up on so many ways
Netflix Andrie
There is none
Netflix Andrie
Which is why i was telling that since its uncertified, it may or it may not run properly
You
Okay, so I guess we're done. I'll give it a day or two and if the problem persists I'll cancel the account and stick with services that do support Linux like Amazon Priime.
Netflix Andrie
Im truly sorry
Netflix Andrie
You can request a trannoscript of our conversation once we end this chat. In that way, you can always go back to it in the future if you have forgotten some of the things we have talked about to save you time from contacting us back
Netflix Andrie
Was i able to Address the Reason of you reaching Netflix?, Is there anything else i can assist you with today?
You
No, you were not able to address the reason I contacted you, but I'm not sure you can be of additional help.
You
Are you able to elaborate on what F7121-1331 actually means from a technical perspective?
Netflix Andrie
Click Here
Netflix Andrie
I also sent the article to your email
You
I'm on that page. It doesn't provide any technical details that would let me know why it doesn't let me play the video
You
And since I'm on the latest version of firefox, telling
Netflix on Linux with Firefox has been working fine for months without issue, and today started throwing the F7121-1331 error code. The "technical" page on this error simply recommends upgrading or trying another browser.
Thinking that Netflix might want to know that some of their customers were experiencing problems, I tried the live chat. I'm accustomed to Linux not being widely supported, but the exchange was exceptionally sub-par.
-----------------------------------------------------
Netflix Customer Service
Your issue is: Unable to watch anything with Firefox on Linux. Thinking the problem was that my version became too old, I updated to Firefox 68.0.1 and problem persists after logging out, clearing cookies and cache, and retrying.
You are now chatting with: Andrie
Netflix Andrie
Hey this is Andrie from Netflix i will be helping you today, What is the "Email" you used to registered with Netflix?
You
<redacted>
Netflix Andrie
Thank you and just so we dont get disconnected, DO NOT click the "BACK" button on your device nor close or exit the browser, alright?
You
okay
Netflix Andrie
Due to the customizable nature of Linux, we do not have solutions available for streaming problems on this operating system.
Netflix Andrie
Customers who use Linux may be able to successfully stream on these machines through our HTML5 player for the Chrome or Firefox browsers but we cannot guarantee that it will be successful.
You
It was working up until yesterday without issue
You
This is something that has changed on the Netflix side as nothing changed on my side.
Netflix Andrie
Its not guaranteed to work
Netflix Andrie
Linux is not as simple as a Mac or a windows based computer
You
I am reporting a defect on your side. I am a paying customer lodging a complaint, and I am very experienced administering Linux systems. If this is the new state of normal, I'll have to reconsider my subnoscription to Netflix, but "It is not guaranteed to work" is not an appropriate customer service answer.
Netflix Andrie
I can understand you have your own preference when it comes to devices that you would like to use
Netflix Andrie
However not all devices are certified to run with netflix
You
What I expect, is for you to say that you're sorry I'm experiencing problems and that you will log the incident to your engineering team as I'm probably not the only one having the problem.
Netflix Andrie
We always log in and track why our customers contact us, its automatic
Netflix Andrie
Its thru that and customers feedback that we get ideas on how to improve the service
Netflix Andrie
Im sorry if i sounded like i was brushing you off, it was not my intention
You
Can you tell me what version of Firefox is officially supported by Netflix on Linux?
Netflix Andrie
Its just the way that Linux is, you can set it up on so many ways
Netflix Andrie
There is none
Netflix Andrie
Which is why i was telling that since its uncertified, it may or it may not run properly
You
Okay, so I guess we're done. I'll give it a day or two and if the problem persists I'll cancel the account and stick with services that do support Linux like Amazon Priime.
Netflix Andrie
Im truly sorry
Netflix Andrie
You can request a trannoscript of our conversation once we end this chat. In that way, you can always go back to it in the future if you have forgotten some of the things we have talked about to save you time from contacting us back
Netflix Andrie
Was i able to Address the Reason of you reaching Netflix?, Is there anything else i can assist you with today?
You
No, you were not able to address the reason I contacted you, but I'm not sure you can be of additional help.
You
Are you able to elaborate on what F7121-1331 actually means from a technical perspective?
Netflix Andrie
Click Here
Netflix Andrie
I also sent the article to your email
You
I'm on that page. It doesn't provide any technical details that would let me know why it doesn't let me play the video
You
And since I'm on the latest version of firefox, telling
me to download the latest version of firefox is not useful.
You
Nor is telling me to use an alternate browser, because I like my privacy.
Netflix Andrie
That is the only information that we have
You
Also, Firefox is listed as a supported browser
You
on https://help.netflix.com/en/node/30081
Netflix Andrie
As i mentioned earlier we dont have a multitude of options for troubleshooting Linux machines
You
Is that error specific to Linux? What would you do if that error occurred on a Windows machine?
You
and the person was using the latest Firefox?
Netflix Andrie
You are looking at troubleshooting steps for Windows based computers
Netflix Andrie
We dont have steps for linux
You
Okay. I'd suggest raising a suggestion that you should document those procedures, because you're essentially telling me that I'm not valued as a customer because I choose to use Linux.
Netflix Andrie
I did not say that you are not valued
You
And since these pages are Windows specific, this problem would seem to not be specific to Linux
Netflix Andrie
Im just stating that we dont have steps for linux machines
Netflix Andrie
We cannot assume that
You
So I feel like you are using Linux as a get out of jail free card to not actually address the technical problem.
Netflix Andrie
I told you this on the onset
You
Yes, and I didn't accept that as an answer then either.
You
But we don't seem to be making any progress, so I guess this chat has run its course?
Netflix Andrie
Because there is no progress to be made when using Linux machines
You
wow...I have no words.
Netflix Andrie
I already mentioned that we cannot troubleshoot linux
You
So if I click end chat, I'll get a copy of the trannoscript?
Netflix Andrie
After we end the conversation you will be presented with a survey and at the bottom will be an option to save the trannoscript for your reference
You
Okay
Netflix Andrie
Do you have any other questions or clarifications for me?
You
No
https://redd.it/ckx4pr
@r_linux
You
Nor is telling me to use an alternate browser, because I like my privacy.
Netflix Andrie
That is the only information that we have
You
Also, Firefox is listed as a supported browser
You
on https://help.netflix.com/en/node/30081
Netflix Andrie
As i mentioned earlier we dont have a multitude of options for troubleshooting Linux machines
You
Is that error specific to Linux? What would you do if that error occurred on a Windows machine?
You
and the person was using the latest Firefox?
Netflix Andrie
You are looking at troubleshooting steps for Windows based computers
Netflix Andrie
We dont have steps for linux
You
Okay. I'd suggest raising a suggestion that you should document those procedures, because you're essentially telling me that I'm not valued as a customer because I choose to use Linux.
Netflix Andrie
I did not say that you are not valued
You
And since these pages are Windows specific, this problem would seem to not be specific to Linux
Netflix Andrie
Im just stating that we dont have steps for linux machines
Netflix Andrie
We cannot assume that
You
So I feel like you are using Linux as a get out of jail free card to not actually address the technical problem.
Netflix Andrie
I told you this on the onset
You
Yes, and I didn't accept that as an answer then either.
You
But we don't seem to be making any progress, so I guess this chat has run its course?
Netflix Andrie
Because there is no progress to be made when using Linux machines
You
wow...I have no words.
Netflix Andrie
I already mentioned that we cannot troubleshoot linux
You
So if I click end chat, I'll get a copy of the trannoscript?
Netflix Andrie
After we end the conversation you will be presented with a survey and at the bottom will be an option to save the trannoscript for your reference
You
Okay
Netflix Andrie
Do you have any other questions or clarifications for me?
You
No
https://redd.it/ckx4pr
@r_linux
Help Center
Netflix supported browsers and system requirements
You can use Netflix on computers with Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.15.5 or later, or Chrome OS version 76 or later. You can also watch on iPads with iPadOS 14 or later using Safari and some Linux computers.
ZSH she’ll, where have you been all my life??
Just installed ZSH and configured with Oh My ZSH. What a difference!
I can now easily change the feel of the terminal, and easily access shortcuts I hadn’t even imagined with various plugins.
If you haven’t given it a try, go for it. Huge difference in quality of life!
https://redd.it/ckxkz1
@r_linux
Just installed ZSH and configured with Oh My ZSH. What a difference!
I can now easily change the feel of the terminal, and easily access shortcuts I hadn’t even imagined with various plugins.
If you haven’t given it a try, go for it. Huge difference in quality of life!
https://redd.it/ckxkz1
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - ZSH she’ll, where have you been all my life??
0 votes and 2 comments so far on Reddit
Digital Painting. Krita for beginners [Krita launches official youtube channel]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRY5bGsJ0f0
https://redd.it/ckz5qp
@r_linux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRY5bGsJ0f0
https://redd.it/ckz5qp
@r_linux
YouTube
Digital Painting. Krita for beginners
Hello everybody! and welcome to the world of Krita. This is the first video for the first contact with Krita, or people who are beginning with digital painting. It is very condensed and you can get important info to avoid a bad experience with the software.…
Offline USB Pendrive for Writing a Book Distribution Recommendations
All I need is the ability to run Libre offline so that I can write without worry. I plan on using a 32 Gig 3.0 USB drive.
I was thinking about using Tiny Core, getting Libre set up, and then making sure it can't log back online. Are there any other distros that might be better recommended?
https://redd.it/ckymlr
@r_linux
All I need is the ability to run Libre offline so that I can write without worry. I plan on using a 32 Gig 3.0 USB drive.
I was thinking about using Tiny Core, getting Libre set up, and then making sure it can't log back online. Are there any other distros that might be better recommended?
https://redd.it/ckymlr
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - Offline USB Pendrive for Writing a Book Distribution Recommendations
6 votes and 4 comments so far on Reddit
Grease Monkey uses Linux
Just visited my local Grease Monkey autoshop to get my oil changed. Noticed their whole POS and database system was Linux running LXDE. Looked to maybe be Lubuntu.
https://redd.it/cl0hng
@r_linux
Just visited my local Grease Monkey autoshop to get my oil changed. Noticed their whole POS and database system was Linux running LXDE. Looked to maybe be Lubuntu.
https://redd.it/cl0hng
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - Grease Monkey uses Linux
0 votes and 0 comments so far on Reddit
Linux is spreading
My dad wanted to reset his windows 7 machine, so we grapped the install disc.
Everything went smoothly until drivers were to be installed, we tinkered for maybe 2 hours until we just gave up.
He asked if I had one of those like windows but not he could try.
We started with ubuntu, no dice, to foreign.
We tried lubuntu, he liked the likeness to windows, but to old school.
We went with kubuntu, the immortal words.
'This is it'
https://redd.it/cl19oj
@r_linux
My dad wanted to reset his windows 7 machine, so we grapped the install disc.
Everything went smoothly until drivers were to be installed, we tinkered for maybe 2 hours until we just gave up.
He asked if I had one of those like windows but not he could try.
We started with ubuntu, no dice, to foreign.
We tried lubuntu, he liked the likeness to windows, but to old school.
We went with kubuntu, the immortal words.
'This is it'
https://redd.it/cl19oj
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - Linux is spreading
0 votes and 2 comments so far on Reddit
Discussion, gaming pc coming home to Linux, what distro do you choose and why.
https://redd.it/ckyp8l
@r_linux
https://redd.it/ckyp8l
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - Discussion, gaming pc coming home to Linux, what distro do you choose and why.
2 votes and 16 comments so far on Reddit
RPCS3 - Linux & Windows - Pop OS 19.04 Emulation Gaming Performance!
https://youtu.be/gx1WAiwjTCU
https://redd.it/cl1xkp
@r_linux
https://youtu.be/gx1WAiwjTCU
https://redd.it/cl1xkp
@r_linux
YouTube
RPCS3 - Linux Vs Windows - Pop OS 19.04 Emulation Gaming Performance! | AMD Ryzen
RPCS3 is natively supported in Linux but does it provide better emulation gaming performance than Windows? Using Pop OS 19.04 as the operating system we will find out!
► https://system76.com/pop
► https://rpcs3.net/
► https://www.patreon.com/Nekotekina…
► https://system76.com/pop
► https://rpcs3.net/
► https://www.patreon.com/Nekotekina…
Linux Mint 19.2 “Tina” Cinnamon released with more performant Cinnamon, improved software & update manager, better theming and more
https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_tina_cinnamon_whatsnew.php
https://redd.it/cl2sg3
@r_linux
https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_tina_cinnamon_whatsnew.php
https://redd.it/cl2sg3
@r_linux
Linuxmint
New Features in Linux Mint 19.2 'Tina' Cinnamon Edition - Linux Mint
Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.
I'm building a custom Kubuntu ISO with Cubic and would like suggestions for software/packages to include.
I'm looking for suggestions about packages I can add to it that would improve overall functionality of the system and/or useful software.
Some of my own examples about what to include are fish, exFAT support, gparted, and git. If there is anything you immediately install frequently on a fresh copy of ubuntu/kubuntu, please post.
https://redd.it/cl31cj
@r_linux
I'm looking for suggestions about packages I can add to it that would improve overall functionality of the system and/or useful software.
Some of my own examples about what to include are fish, exFAT support, gparted, and git. If there is anything you immediately install frequently on a fresh copy of ubuntu/kubuntu, please post.
https://redd.it/cl31cj
@r_linux
reddit
r/linux - I'm building a custom Kubuntu ISO with Cubic and would like suggestions for software/packages to include.
0 votes and 3 comments so far on Reddit
KDE And GNOME Are Joining Hands To Build A New-Age Linux Desktop
https://fossbytes.com/kde-gnome-joining-hands-build-linux-desktop/
https://redd.it/cl43e4
@r_linux
https://fossbytes.com/kde-gnome-joining-hands-build-linux-desktop/
https://redd.it/cl43e4
@r_linux
Fossbytes
KDE And GNOME Are Joining Hands To Build A New-Age Linux Desktop
The statements issued by GNOME and KDE ahead of the event indicate that this time, we could see some concrete decisions regarding a Linux desktop. By working together, they want to bring a unified approach in the Linux community and look past the variety…
UPDATE: Manjaro plan to make office suite selectable during installation
"If you like more a spartan version shipping only the desktop environment and systemd tools, please choose our Minimal-ISOs. **On the final release we plan to make the office suite selectable during installation.** Learn more about FreeOffice here"
[\[ Stable Update\] 2019-08-01](https://forum.manjaro.org/t/stable-update-2019-08-01-kernels-fpakman-firmware-kde-git-browsers-java-xfce-4-14-pre3-haskell/97075)
https://redd.it/cl4hjt
@r_linux
"If you like more a spartan version shipping only the desktop environment and systemd tools, please choose our Minimal-ISOs. **On the final release we plan to make the office suite selectable during installation.** Learn more about FreeOffice here"
[\[ Stable Update\] 2019-08-01](https://forum.manjaro.org/t/stable-update-2019-08-01-kernels-fpakman-firmware-kde-git-browsers-java-xfce-4-14-pre3-haskell/97075)
https://redd.it/cl4hjt
@r_linux
Manjaro Linux Forum
[Stable Update] 2019-08-01 - Kernels, fpakman, Firmware, KDE-Git, Browsers, Java, XFCE 4.14-pre3, Haskell
Hello community, I am happy to announce another Stable Update. Mostly we have XFCE, Kernels and Haskell updates with this one. Addition of FreeOffice On Manjaro 18.1-rc6 ISOs we ship FreeOffice by default. This is possible since we partnered up with…