One of the most fundamental yet little-known features of FreeBSD is its ability to be used in read-only mode very easily. By installing the system on a UFS file system, you just need to modify the fstab file, change "rw" to "ro," and reboot. On the next boot, the system will automatically create mount points in RAM for the main directories (/tmp, log, etc.), and it will run perfectly.
This was the main reason why, many years ago, I chose FreeBSD for almost all my embedded systems. Even today, on my Raspberry Pies, I keep the SD cards in read-only mode and use external storage in read-write mode. This ensures that, in case of an unexpected poweroff, the system will come back up, and there will be no wear on the memory card.
One of the most fundamental yet little-known features of FreeBSD is its ability to be used in read-only mode very easily. By installing the system on a UFS file system, you just need to modify the fstab file, change "rw" to "ro," and reboot. On the next boot, the system will automatically create mount points in RAM for the main directories (/tmp, log, etc.), and it will run perfectly.
Every book I've read by mwl has gifted me with smiles, laughter, knowledge, awareness, and a desire to experiment. Can't wait to dive into this new work!
Every book I've read by mwl has gifted me with smiles, laughter, knowledge, awareness, and a desire to experiment. Can't wait to dive into this new work!
Every morning, an instance administrator wakes up knowing they need to keep the infrastructure running smoothly for their users, ensuring a good and free social experience. Every morning, a Fediverse user wakes up knowing they will find many people eager to socialize and interact, who strive to keep the Internet a place for the free exchange of ideas and opinions, away from the dynamics of closed protocols and Big Tech monetization.
It doesn't matter if you are a server administrator or a Fediverse user, thank you for being here and for contributing every day with your efforts to keep the Internet a free place.
Every morning, an instance administrator wakes up knowing they need to keep the infrastructure running smoothly for their users, ensuring a good and free social experience. Every morning, a Fediverse user wakes up knowing they will find many people eager to socialize and interact, who strive to keep the Internet a place for the free exchange of ideas and opinions, away from the dynamics of closed protocols and Big Tech monetization.
Mental (and physical) rehab is the most challenging thing I ever done.
I thought I had it covered. I learned about technologies when no one had ever used them. I learned to fly the Airbus 320 and seaplanes in marginal weather. And yet, this is where I am now, my world upside-down, and sometimes struggling to do basic things.
My #ThankYouTuesday goes to those supporting me, my new community, and a dear friend with which I got back in touch.
Mental (and physical) rehab is the most challenging thing I ever done.
I thought I had it covered. I learned about technologies when no one had ever used them. I learned to fly the Airbus 320 and seaplanes in marginal weather. And yet, this is where I am now, my world upside-down, and sometimes struggling to do basic things.
Last night I was feeling down, but I knew it would be temporary. This morning I woke up remembering how, many years ago, I was bullied, penalized, and mocked because I didn't want to use the "mainstream" systems (Windows - I'll write more about this some future posts). "Because everyone does it" has never worked for me and will continue not to. I always believe that every problem needs its own solution; there is no "one size fits all" magic. I never exclude anything, and I avoid fanaticism, but I will continue on my path, as I always have.
One of my characteristics, since I was a child, has always been this. I listen to everyone, respect everyone, but I make my own decisions and take the responsibility.
Like the great Mama Cass said, "Make your own kind of music" is my motto.
Last night I was feeling down, but I knew it would be temporary. This morning I woke up remembering how, many years ago, I was bullied, penalized, and mocked because I didn't want to use the "mainstream" systems (Windows - I'll write more about this some future posts). "Because everyone does it" has never worked for me and will continue not to. I always believe that every problem needs its own solution; there is no "one size fits all" magic. I never exclude anything, and I avoid fanaticism, but I...
For this #ThankYouTuesday, I want to thank everyone who still wants to own their data. Those who aren't swayed by seemingly valid and effective technical solutions designed solely to entrap. To those who don't believe in the flashy pages created by web giants that promise better results than others and sometimes sabotage competitors to create this illusion. Or embrace and extinguish the competition.
When all our data and activities are chained to the servers and infrastructures of a few entities, what will we truly own?
For this #ThankYouTuesday, I want to thank everyone who still wants to own their data. Those who aren't swayed by seemingly valid and effective technical solutions designed solely to entrap. To those who don't believe in the flashy pages created by web giants that promise better results than others and sometimes sabotage competitors to create this illusion. Or embrace and extinguish the competition.
I remember this day well in 2012. I turned off the light at 1:15 of the night on May 20th after reading a book on my Kindle. I felt a slight tremor. It was said that it wasn't a seismic zone, so I thought it was just the tail end of a distant quake. I looked for information on my phone but found nothing. At 4:03 in the morning, I woke up to a strong quake. I heard objects falling and glass breaking (which I later found out were from my neighbor's house), everything was shaking, and suddenly, I started hearing the sounds of buildings collapsing. I was 10 km from the epicenter but only found out hours later. I immediately turned on the light, but the power went out. When the power came back, all phone lines were down, but my trusty 1mbit/sec ADSL was working. I was alone at home. I went outside and, having experience with earthquakes, urged my neighbors (still in disbelief) to run to the end of the street, to a parking lot away from all buildings. Roof tiles could fall. Strong aftershocks followed in the minutes after. They would continue for months, and occasionally, you can still feel them.
There were many collapses in the area. Together with a neighbor (a surveyor), we inspected the building and found no visible problems. It was a recent building, only a few years old. I went back inside to have breakfast around 5, much to the surprise of my neighbors who were urging me to leave. I turned on TV and news were still uncertain. They were just talking about a very strong earthquake in the norther part of Bologna). There were strong tremors all day long. It was a strange day. My friends wanted me to go to their place, far away. I decided to stay. My neighbors wanted me to go with them to the shopping center parking lot to sleep in the car. I stayed home. Some neighbors slept in tents in their gardens for months out of fear. That night, I just slept dressed on the couch.
There are many other details of that day that will stay in my mind forever.
I remember this day well in 2012. I turned off the light at 1:15 of the night on May 20th after reading a book on my Kindle. I felt a slight tremor. It was said that it wasn't a seismic zone, so I thought it was just the tail end of a distant quake. I looked for information on my phone but found nothing. At 4:03 in the morning, I woke up to a strong quake. I heard objects falling and glass breaking (which I later found out were from my neighbor's house), everything was shaking, and suddenly, I started...
The silence of the countryside, broken only by the songs of birds and the whisper of the wind through the trees, is the perfect setting for a #SilentSunday
Gregory's Server
