PSA: For those of you that, like me, have a newer Lenovo laptop and the touchpad and brightness controls weren't working, they have been fixed on Kernel 5.11, guide below.

I'm posting this because I am not a technical user and it's taken me a long time to figure out how to update the kernel (sad I know). So for others like me I wanted to post this, hope that's ok.

For any noobs like me that are on Ubuntu this is the guide that I followed to upgrade to kernel 5.11 and everything works perfectly for me, both the touchpad and the brightness controls. (I have a new Lenovo Legion and until recently the touchpad and brightness controls weren't working)

Upgrade kernel by going to the terminal and copying and pasting these instructions:

Change current directory to /tmp
cd /tmp

Download the latest mainline kernel from 5.11.x branch by copying and pasting this:

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.11-rc2/amd64/linux-headers-5.11.0-051100rc2_5.11.0-051100rc2.202101032030_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.11-rc2/amd64/linux-headers-5.11.0-051100rc2-generic_5.11.0-051100rc2.202101032030_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.11-rc2/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-5.11.0-051100rc2-generic_5.11.0-051100rc2.202101032030_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.11-rc2/amd64/linux-modules-5.11.0-051100rc2-generic_5.11.0-051100rc2.202101032030_amd64.deb

Install new kernel
sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Reboot the system
sudo shutdown -r now

Update packages list
sudo apt-get update

Upgrade packages
sudo apt-get upgrade

Reboot the system if needed
sudo shutdown -r now

Check the OS distro
lsb_release -a

Check kernel version
uname -r

That's it, now you should be running on the Linux Kernel 5.11rc2

Guide taken from this wonderful page:
https://sypalo.com/how-to-upgrade-ubuntu

Thanks to everyone for their hard work over on the launchpad thread (https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1887190?comments=all) sorry for posting this noob guide here but it took me weeks to figure out an easy way to do it (patching was beyond my abilities). Hope this helps someone!

https://redd.it/kr0uzs
@r_linux

LTS versions of Qt going closed-source

The Qt Company are making LTS releases commercial only and thus closed-source. "The problem is that these releases are in effect no longer maintained. If there is a security issue, or a fix needed to support some change in one of the target operating systems, open-source users will not get that fix other than in the not-ready version 6.0."

https://redd.it/kr0j1h
@r_linux

Advancing in the Bash Shell
https://samrowe.com/wordpress/advancing-in-the-bash-shell/

https://redd.it/kqzehz
@r_linux

Did you know? Tor and firejail

As you already know, Tor is a browser that helps you stay anonymous on the internet.

Whenever you download a file, Tor warns you about opening the file after it is downloaded.( you should open files offline if they come from unknown/untrusted sources)

The best way is to open the file in a VM. But there is also firejail (sandboxing) that allows you to open files as safe as in a VM with right parameters.

Example : reading pdf's from unknown/untrusted sources in okular offline

firejail --net=none --seccomp okular

You can also use it to sandbox other apps like firefox/tor for more security

firejail firefox

It is not much, but i thought you should know this.

Further reading :

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Firejail

In cmd : man firejail

https://redd.it/kr4r24
@r_linux

Firefox GTK CSD

https://redd.it/kr6186
@r_linux

Asahi Linux
https://asahilinux.org/

https://redd.it/kr7r6u
@r_linux

Reclaiming the word Hacking

OK, I'm sick and tired of seeing people dance around the word "Hacking", usually by placing qualifiers such as "ethical" or "white hat" etc.

In my time the word hacking had nothing but a positive meaning. The word we used for the meaning that is the cause of everyone's fear of hacking was the word "Cracking". Maybe it's my age, but I will always happily use the words hack/hacker/hacking without shame. I hope this younger generation will join me in reclaiming this awesome word.

https://redd.it/krcrtn
@r_linux

What's your opinion about paid advertisement for non-profit Linux Open-source projects?

This is something I've been wondering about.

In this post I'm talking mainly about non-profit organizations like Gnome or KDE, and also community made distros and other OSS software. Keep in mind I'm not talking about Linux projects owned by companies.

-----

It's not everyone, but many Linux users would really love to see open-source software and also Linux distros become mainstream options, however, only relying on organic growth and word of the mouth marketing is a veeeeery slow process. A way to improve awareness about Linux/OSS projects could be using paid advertisements. The money would come from existing donations for those projects.

Pros:

-Getting people to know about Linux/OSS could help improve the quality of these projects, attract volunteers and also donations to pay for more full-time developers.

-Paid advertising by non-profit distros/projects could really help increase awareness about Linux and open-source software in general.

-Making the OSS philosophy more known could really inspire people to care more about computers and not put up with abusive practices by technology companies.

Cons:

-Paid advertising most of the time also implies user targeting/tracking. Not using any kind of user targeting means wasting money on ads shown to the wrong people. And usually Linux/open-source advocates are really concerned about user freedom and privacy.

-Having projects that openly defend user freedom and privacy use advertising tools like Google/Facebook Ads could be seen as hypocritical and also damage the image of those projects. Even alternative tools like Matomo still need to know user details to provide ads, even though they claim respecting user privacy.

-Money spent on ads could be used for other things instead.

------

Paid ads like those you see on websites are not the only options, other marketing tools like sponsored posts on more mainstream technology related websites and influencer marketing could also be used. Usually companies that use those tactics still use tools for monitoring performance, however, that's not really required.

So... What's your opinion about ads/digital marketing for Linux open-source projects? Should Linux and OSS projects strive to become mainstream for everyday users or are things good the way they are now? Feel free to discuss and point out new ideas that could make Linux/OSS more popular.

https://redd.it/kraskr
@r_linux

I have Linux Mint with only my /home folder encrypted. Is this safe?

Hello!

I recently got Linux Mint. In the past I had Ubuntu and Kali. Kali for fun, not actually an expert! Hence why I have Linux Mint now

They are all Debian based tho

During installation with Linux Mint, you get an option to encrypt the /home folder which I checked of course.

However, is it safe to only have the /home folder encrypted? What about SWAP?

Also, in your opinion. What is the most safest Linux distribution?

Thank you for reading and weighting in your input

https://redd.it/krjn42
@r_linux

Color all in one network laser printer/scanner recommendations

What printers can you recommend with good Linux compatibility (including scanning)? I can't get scanning working under on my current HP all in one, and I'm tired of having to grab my old mac book every time I want to scan something. Budget is anything that has good bang for the buck (IE under 500 euros).

https://redd.it/krkzsy
@r_linux

Color profiles on wayland

I have been using XOrg for years in my production machines.
Thus, considering to give Wayland a spin, one thing that is a must in my case is to use ICC color profiles.
How can I install my ICC color profiles (per monitor) on Wayland?

https://redd.it/krii27
@r_linux

I wrote this little app to simply searching for files
https://cache.getlazarus.org/videos/filesearch.mp4

https://redd.it/krhkuu
@r_linux

dd, bs= and why you should use conv=fsync
https://abbbi.github.io/dd/

https://redd.it/krpjp3
@r_linux

Handwriting Recognition on linux

Hi Guys! IM currently rocking an x201t, and while its one of the much better supported tablets/wacom tablets, there doesnt seem to be much information out there regarding handwriting recognition and support on linux. Does anyone have any good programs to have handwriting input to text fields such as in the web browser? Am currently running arch linux with i3 WM

https://redd.it/krpv8g
@r_linux

Program works and respond, but has process status "Interruptible sleep"?

I have a program running and it is working fine, but it is not "Running", it is in "Interruptible sleep", how can that be? how does it run at the same time as it sleeps?


​

screenshot of \\"glances\\"

https://redd.it/krmdfq
@r_linux

Multiple Distros?

I know dual-booting with Windows or MacOS and Linux is a thing, but is common/possible to have multiple distros on a single machine? I'm interested in learning how to work with a more minimal setup, but I'm also new to Linux so I'm starting with a better supported distro.

https://redd.it/krsj2p
@r_linux

theme.sh - A multi terminal theme selection noscript.
https://redd.it/kqtq5p
@r_linux

Why linux can bring frustration

I am not a linux new user.

My first kernel compilation was still last century, on a RedHat 4.2. I've used debian/arch based distros as my daily OS for years. I have linux in my home lab, on my main machine, on my raspberry pi(s) and on my servers on the cloud. It suits my needs well and I can say linux knowledge saved me many and many times.

Linux is the base of many complex solutions we adopt every day.

Yet, it is still a source of frustration when it come to the simplest things, at least for me. Let me explain why.

I was driving a X1 Carbon 6th gen, running a artisanal tailored Funtoo linux install. It would run fast as a bolt, I was happy, it was my little perfect world.

I now understand I lived in a bubble - my requirements were fully satisfied, no need for distro hopping or experimenting with the latest and greatest.

Well, COVID-19 arrives and suddenly kids need a computer for schooling, at least a laptop to access their homework, attend to classes and so on.

I figured out I could just wipe this laptop, install one of the mainstream distros, hand it over to the kids to use and life would go on.

I hopped in a few days between Pop OS, Open Suse, Manjaro and Fedora - and was utterly frustrated.

On all the latest versions of any of those I have the same problems - at least on this machine:

* Bluetooth Mouse Lag;
* USB Keyboard Lag;
* Screen Tearing on external display;

I've done my research and found workarounds. Those may work sometimes, or just don't.

I have a machine, plagued by those annoying bugs. I figure those are a mix of gnome/kernel problems. To sum it up: I cannot just give a machine randomly bugged like this to my kids.

Those specific bugs are all documented on the web, from the distro forums to reddit. I am sure they can be fixed and will be fixed. But when? Why does it take so long? The screen, the keyboard and the mouse are the basis for a good end user experience. Don't those distros care about a more mainstream audience to their product ( looking at you System 76).

Yes, it is really frustrating. I can see why some people that are not techy savy will stay away from Linux. It would be so nice to just install any distro, create the kids users and be done with it.

I will now install older versions of those distros, since seems that those issues are not present. I may go with a Pop OS! LTS version and hope that 2021 bring us all a better experience.

Sorry for the rant, I had to vent.

Edit: I've today tried the latest Fedora 33 Spins with KDE Plasma and Cinnamon. No luck. The solution indeed was Pop 20.04, all the issues are now gone. So the issues were probably introduced on an upstream configuration shared by all the latest version of all those distros. Kernel, usb, bluetooth stack or even power management may be the culprit - and I wish all gets fixed in time. I will hand over the laptop to the kids now, and i hope all keeps working as intended. Thank you all for the civilized discussion!

​

https://redd.it/kr3zkj
@r_linux

Mobile NixOS December 2020 round-up
https://mobile.nixos.org/news/2021-01-05-december-2020-round-up.html

https://redd.it/kqtmmi
@r_linux

Why are many developer tools available natively for Linux, but needs work to get on Windows (like git and Docker)?

We know that argument *many apps are available for Windows, because it's popular.* But, what about some of the most popular projects? Like git, bash, Docker, nginx requires workarounds. They aren't available *natively* for Windows, but requires little extra work. If Windows is popular, why are these projects not available *natively* for Windows, but does so for Linux?

nginx
> and it runs on Linux, BSD variants, Mac OS X, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, as well as on other *nix flavours. It also has a proof of concept port for Microsoft Windows.

https://redd.it/kqzku6
@r_linux

Use Debian & Tor? You may enjoy: https://onion.debian.org/

If you're a user of Debian and Tor, you should check out, "a list of onion services run by the Debian project." at https://onion.debian.org/

-------------------

And "once you have the apt-transport-tor package installed", you can install and update packages for Debian via Tor! See the bottom of the page for more info.

--------------------

But, that's not all, there's another good page here: https://onion.torproject.org/

--------------------

Tor Q&A Mailing List: https://lists.torproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tor-talk

Other Tor Mailing Lists: https://lists.torproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo

https://redd.it/krz4ko
@r_linux