Idea: make a GNU/Linux hybrid name

I think everyone is aware that 'GNU/Linux' ~~or 'GNU+Linux', as I have taken a like to calling it~~ as a term will never, ever, *ever* catch on. It's extremely clunky, it's long, it sounds complex and almost no one cares enough about giving GNU credit to push the idea. It's a lost battle that just raises the pressure of all parties involved.

Now, to the part people aren't all already aware of. Instead of debating whether to use that name or not, why not create and promote a new, simpler, hybrid name? I've thought of 'Ginux', but what it is really doesn't matter. The point is it'd solve everyone's issues.

So, thoughts on the idea? 😃

https://redd.it/byqu16
@r_linux

JBKempf on bug bounty programs and VLC 3.0.7 - the largest VLC security release ever
http://www.jbkempf.com/blog/post/2019/VLC-3.0.7-and-security

https://redd.it/bysnqo
@r_linux

Linux Experiences/Rants or Education/Certifications thread - June 10, 2019

Welcome to r/linux rants and experiences! This megathread is also to hear opinions from anyone just starting out with Linux or those that have used Linux (GNU or otherwise) for a long time.

Let us know what's annoying you, whats making you happy, or something that you want to get out to r/linux but didn't make the cut into a full post of it's own.

For those looking for certifications please use this megathread to ask about how to get certified whether it's for the business world or for your own satisfaction. Be sure to check out r/linuxadmin for more discussion in the SysAdmin world!

_Please keep questions in r/linuxquestions, r/linux4noobs, or the Wednesday automod thread._

https://redd.it/bytc2k
@r_linux

On Ubuntu Updates – Michael Catanzaro
https://blogs.gnome.org/mcatanzaro/2019/06/09/on-ubuntu-updates/

https://redd.it/byte97
@r_linux

Excellent Read - BTRFS vs ZFS vs mdadm
http://www.unixsheikh.com/articles/battle-testing-data-integrity-verification-with-zfs-btrfs-and-mdadm-dm-integrity.html

https://redd.it/bytul5
@r_linux

Why open source firmware is important for security
https://blog.jessfraz.com/post/why-open-source-firmware-is-important-for-security/

https://redd.it/bytrcv
@r_linux

off-the-shelf routers don't use BSDs (or OpenBSD)

why all the of the off-the-shelves router that I know (even Ubiquit/Microtik products) for prosumers/homeusers/smb are Linux based and not BSDs (or OpenBSD)?

I was just today reading about the openbsd advandtages in security (and how simple and easy is to install) so I'm really puzzled.

Thanks

https://redd.it/byum9v
@r_linux

From Docker Container to Bootable Linux Disk Image
https://micromind.me/en/posts/from-docker-container-to-bootable-linux-disk-image/?utm_medium=reddit&utm_source=r_docker

https://redd.it/byvb9l
@r_linux

Why Zorin OS 15 is my New Favorite Distro

Before a few days ago, I had never given Zorin OS a second thought. Yesterday, one of my friends wanted me to set up a Linux/MacOS dual boot on their MacBook Pro to match mine after being astonished at the performance I was getting with Linux on my 2015 MacBook Pro. While deciding between Ubuntu, Elementary and PopOS to get him setup with, I couldn’t overcome my curiosity of Zorin 15 and decided, if Zorin doesn’t work out, I can always just rewrite the partition with a different distro.

The installation began, and the menu looked like a modern refined version of the Ubuntu installation menu. After a quick and easy installation I was immediately impressed by the out of box UI on the free version of Zorin. I went into the settings to play around and noticed a few great things. The first thing I did was change to adaptive mode. This gives you the best or dark and light mode dependent on the time of day, a feature that I use in MacOS Mojave. The dark mode in Zorin is the only Linux dark mode that I’ve ever used where the dark mode actually looks good on my retina screen. Additionally, dock settings are built in so unlike Ubuntu, you don’t have to install an additional package (gnome tweaks).

I could talk about the great features I’ve seen so far in Zorin all night, but I’ll only mention a few more and tell you what it means to me. The attention to detail is incredible, I installed brave and the default UI that Zorin has for brave is unlike any other browser UI I’ve ever seen with a beautiful cyber/carbon theme, small tabs and a full page search bar (you have to see it to even comprehend what that means).

My go to is Ubuntu with some extensions to change the dock, PopOS to change the UI, snap support, and a few others. I don’t mind the configuration required with most Linux distros, but when switching family and friends over I’m very cautious about using extensions. The more moving parts, the more things that can go wrong. Zorin simplifies and refined everything out of the box, while being identical to Ubuntu in its use as for a software development distro. Plus it uses software center, so when an Elementary user downloads software center anyway because of the limited selection in app center, they won’t corrupt app center.

Zorin provides the simplicity and beauty of Elementary with the capability of Ubuntu. I would recommend Zorin to anyone using Ubuntu as well as to any new users or family and friends that you’re planning on getting started with Linux.

https://redd.it/byuf85
@r_linux

Change desktop environment

I've been using GNOME for the last 5 years and, even if I love it, I want to change DE. GNOME is very slow and I always have some issues with it. I tried with KDE and Budgie but I don't find them really useful for me, mostly because I rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts, like Alt+tab+q for closing stuff or Start+1,2,3,4... to open stuff in my dock and on KDE/Budgie those shortcuts don't work very well. Obviously on linux there is always a way but the ways I found are pretty bad and not that practical.

What do you guys suggest? I'm also open to try different window manager like i3 (even if I do a lot of graphical work with Gimp/Figma and I think i3 won't be the best solution)

https://redd.it/byw767
@r_linux

I need some help. Trying to install freenas on my server and keep getting a dracut error anyone seen this before?
https://redd.it/bywuar
@r_linux

Mozilla will reportedly launch a paid version of Firefox this fall
https://thenextweb.com/apps/2019/06/10/mozilla-will-reportedly-launch-a-paid-version-of-firefox-this-fall/

https://redd.it/byxrye
@r_linux

Linux will still be used in 2077 (cyberpunk 2077 trailer)
https://redd.it/byy1lo
@r_linux

Potential candidate for open source bootloaders? Complete removal of Intel ME firmware possible on certain Intel HEDT/Server platforms

(Also posted on [r/Intel](https://www.reddit.com/r/Intel/), [r/hardware](https://www.reddit.com/r/hardware/), [r/privacy](https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/), r/libreboot and [r/coreboot](https://www.reddit.com/r/coreboot/))

​

**Introduction**

​

Recently, Github user nkht has reported success in removing the entire Intel ME firmware from his/her Asus Rampage IV Extreme motherboard. Apparently, the Intel ME Watchdog is **not active** in some/all of the existing X79 PCH and hence the system does not turn off every 30 minutes as expected. I then attempted this on my Asus Rampage IV Gene motherboard and also obtained similar results.

The findings can be found on the following links:

[https://github.com/corna/me\_cleaner/issues/278](https://github.com/corna/me_cleaner/issues/278)

[https://github.com/nkht/me\_removal](https://github.com/nkht/me_removal)

​

**What has been removed**

​

Basically, the entire "ME region" in the BIOS image has been cleared by replacing the region with "FF" using a Hex Editor/UEFITool. Additionally, the MEI controller initialization can be halted by flipping a bit in the MEPlatformPEI module found in the BIOS Region.

​

**What still remains**

​

Intel CPU Microcode update, OEM BIOS implementation, OEM EC Firmware and Intel FSP(if applicable) are still largely untouched. This modification is not meant to be a complete/comprehensive open-source firmware replacement, although it can be easily integrated into said solutions for applicable platforms/systems in the future.

​

**Comparison with ME\_Cleaner**

​

ME\_Cleaner generally performs the following, depending on which flags are used, and the ME version:

* For Intel ME 6.x to 10.x, most modules are removed except ROMP and BUP. Optionally or alternatively, the undocumented AltMeDisable bit can be activated to neutralize Intel ME.
* For Intel ME 11.x, most modules are removed except `RBE`, `Kernel`, `Syslib` and `BUP`. Optionally or alternatively, the undocumented HAP bit can be set to neutralize Intel ME.

In the case of a complete ME firmware removal, the `ROMP` and `BUP` modules are also removed in place of 'FF's, halting any ME functions even earlier than what ME\_Cleaner is capable of achieving.

​

**Potentially compatible sockets/systems**

​

LGA2011-0, LGA2011-1, LGA1356: Motherboards using the X79/C600 series chipset

​

**Untested/unknown sockets/systems**

​

LGA1366: Motherboards using the X58/5000 series chipset

LGA1567: Motherboards using the 7500 chipsets

LGA2011-3: Motherboards using the X99/C612 chipset

​

**Likely incompatible sockets/systems**

​

Any system running Skylake or newer CPUs, as their ME mechanism have changed substantially

Most mainstream LGA115X platforms and mobile platforms, especially for those using iGPU

All systems with Intel Boot Guard enabled by the manufacturer

​

**Potential downsides of removing Intel ME completely**

​

Of course, there can be downsides if you wish to remove Intel ME completely. First of all, if your PCH has an active watchdog timer, your system will turn off after 30 minutes, or stop booting altogether and you will need to re-flash your backup BIOS. Intel vPro capabilities found on server motherboards for example will no longer be available after applying this modification. Like all tests/mods, you may also experience instability or broken features as a result. For example, the LAN port may not function after a cold boot and requires re-initialization or a reboot. POST timings might also be impacted as a result of this modification.

​

**To test this yourself**

​

If you would like to attempt this modification yourself, you may proceed to the links above to give it a try. Do keep in mind that you might require a CH341a flasher in case the BIOS flash fails. This is especially the case since we are attempting to

write on the Intel ME region which is often write-protected from the OS. It will also be a good idea to backup your **current** BIOS (not just download from vendors website), which includes the motherboard UUID, Serial Number and MAC address using various tools such as FTK8/FTK9, or dumping via the SPI flasher. For Asus motherboards with USB Flashback, you may rename the modified .CAP file to `ERALL.CAP` and flash using a USB Drive. Do keep in mind to add your motherboard UUID, Serial Number and MAC address to `ERALL.CAP` using FD44, otherwise those information may be permanently lost.

​

**Conclusion**

​

It seems like some Intel chipsets (more likely those with ME 6.x to 10.x, in other words Nehalem to Broadwell) could be shipped with deactivated ME watchdog timers. In this case, it is possible to remove the Intel ME firmware entirely which can be desirable for users seeking for open source firmware, or for privacy conscious users who suspect that the ME region may contain malicious code. However, the exact chipsets which do not have the active timer are still relatively unknown, and are more likely applicable to server/HEDT platforms.

https://redd.it/byyxow
@r_linux

Android now forces apps to include proprietary code for push notifications
https://old.reddit.com/r/freesoftware/comments/by4ipr/android_now_forces_apps_to_include_proprietary/

https://redd.it/byyhng
@r_linux

Screenshots from developers & Unix people (2002)
https://anders.unix.se/2015/10/28/screenshots-from-developers--unix-people-2002/

https://redd.it/byxv9k
@r_linux

Podman Version 1.4.0 Released!
https://github.com/containers/libpod/releases/tag/v1.4.0

https://redd.it/byzpn5
@r_linux

When will "Tech/Linux youtubers" stop spout uneducated opinions?

This video really grinds my gears. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OMTucIt-uo&feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OMTucIt-uo&feature=youtu.be)

​

I wrote up a reply rebuking most of his points with links and sources. In doing this I am attempting to rebuke a video that I see as incorrect, poorly researched, and damaging to clear linux and the linux community as a whole.

​

My goal is not to be negative or rude, but to correct some of the mistakes in the video with a well organized comment. If you have a minute could you read over it and give me any feedback? Do you agree with my points? Do you agree with the points he is making in the video? Why/why not?

​

>A lot of what you said in the video is wrong. I have sources for most of my points the bottom. Clear Linux will be called CL from now on.

1. Telemetry is DISABLED by default\[1\] (the package is not even downloaded on to the os) it is OPT IN, not opt out.1.1) Both sides of the telemetry, client and host, are open source. You can set up the telemetry host on your own serverand get all of the telemetry that would be sent to intel (if you OPT IN) to your own server NOT theirs for debugging1.2) "You can disable telemetry, but it is still running." False. If you disable it it does NOT RUN. You can evenuninstall the package.\[2\] "sudo swupd bundle-remove telemetrics"

>2) Yes autoupdate is on by default ALL you have to do is type "sudo swupd autoupdate --disable" ONCE to disable it forever...The point of clear linux is to be secure. The biggest security issue is people not updating their software. BecauseCL controls all of their updates they test the entire OS and all of the dependencies before each release to make surethere are no regressions. Yes sometimes things break. Ever tried apt-get installing a new lib on a Ubuntu box?Does that work 100% of the time?
>
>4) "It is UEFI only." False "Clear Linux\* OS can run on any Intel® 64bit processors which support UEFI\* and SSE\* v4.1streaming SIMD\* instructions."\[3\] It says nothing about you have to have UEFI... In fact most cloud VM's do nothave UEFI interfaces when installing an OS. To install clear on a desktop without a UEFI just download the serverversion, install it, then do "sudo swupd bundle-add desktop". Desktop UI no UEFI.\[4\]
>
>5) "It needs newer intel hardware" "The following processor families have been verified to run Clear Linux OS:""2nd Generation, or later, Intel® Core™ processor family." Those were released in 2011... Not sure if you want olderhardware than that. If you do CL only says those are the oldest processors they have verified.\[3\] Bellow thatthere is a list of the minimum instruction sets that are supported and a link to see if your processor has thoseinstruction sets.
>
>6) swupd is a new package manager because no other package manager can do what it does. swupd should be compared tosnap/flatpak/appimage/nix/docker not apt/yum. When a package (bundle) is installed on CL it is isolated and all ofits dependencies, code, and config is completely separated from any other package on the system. So if on packageneeds ssl 2 and another 2.1 it works.
>
>6.1) You can use flatpak or appimage if you want to... Flatpak is builtin. Use it if you don't like swupd or in additionto swupd.
>
>7) "I can't believe they couldn't just use an existing package manager and just change the repos to intel" They neverchanged the repos to intel... They are still pulling from standard rpm repos.
>
>7.1) You continue to say people should "delta updates... Take that and put it in other distributions". The reason theybuild swupd is because no other package manager COULD do that. You would have to fundamentally change how most if notall other package managers work for them to do delta updates.
>
>8) "Intel optimization" While yes CL is fastest on Intel hardware it is still REALLY fast on AMD CPU's\[5\] And there isno downside to running it on AMD. Not how it is not "Intel clear linux".

It is "Clear linux. Optimized for intel"
>
>8.1) "You can take and look at how they are doing those optimizations and transplant them". Why? Intel already upstreamssome of their optimizations to the linux kernel!! Other distros just have to update to the latest kernels! For thelast 3 years intel has been one of the top contributes to the linux kernel because of this. Please don't say theydon't share what they are doing and that they are only working on CL and not helping everyone.
>
>Thank you for sharing linux on youtube! If you disagree with any of my points made above I would love to discuss it.

>
>\[1\] [https://community.clearlinux.org/t/is-there-telemetry-in-this/724](https://community.clearlinux.org/t/is-there-telemetry-in-this/724)\[2\] [https://clearlinux.org/documentation/clear-linux/guides/maintenance/telemetry-enable](https://clearlinux.org/documentation/clear-linux/guides/maintenance/telemetry-enable)\[3\] [https://clearlinux.org/documentation/clear-linux/reference/system-requirements#system-requirements](https://clearlinux.org/documentation/clear-linux/reference/system-requirements#system-requirements)\[4\] [https://github.com/clearlinux/distribution/issues/274](https://github.com/clearlinux/distribution/issues/274)\[5\] [https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news\_item&px=Clear-Linux-On-AMD-Ryzen](https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Clear-Linux-On-AMD-Ryzen)

https://redd.it/bz1n52
@r_linux

duration: Shows how long a process is already running
https://github.com/mstruebing/duration

https://redd.it/byympf
@r_linux