LINUX LITE 7.2 FINAL RELEASED - SEE RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS SECTION FOR DETAILS


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fstab and noatime parameter
#1
I'm running Linux Lite 4.2 test-uefi upgraded to 4.8. I noticed fstab doesn't use the noatime parameter. I don't know how common that is. I've seen a couple distros that default to using that parm. I was wondering if that wouldn't make more sense for this distro which emphasize lightness?

Do people really use access time for anything? I don't. Sometimes it's informative when I view a file's properties, and reminice about the day I last viewed that file months ago. (wink). But, for all the constant write activity that goes along with that.. I always add noatime to any non-swap, non-efi partitions. It seems like that would be a sensible default for a light distro(?).

Also, I tripped over Linux Lite's default use of a software firewall. I don't think I've seen a Linux distro default to that being enabled. Yesterday I replaced my torrent-seeding, file-serving laptop with one loaded with Linux Lite. I was setting up NFS server (for remote file-manager access) and Teamviewer (for remote desktop access). I spent 30 minutes before I thought... "it's almost like this box is behind a firewall...." That caused me to look and see it actually was. Smile

I can see how Linux Lite's target audience being Windows refugees it could make sense. I haven't played with Windows for 6 years. I assume it defaults to a personal firewall, idiot-proof, etc. But, I think Linux enthusiasts will trip over that. I wish there were an elegant way to make that feature more visible. Like, if it were in the task tray? I don't know if that's possible. But, to me it was a surprise to find a firewall enabled. (IMO, that could be contrary to being light. But, if Windows defaults to a software firewall, I can see why it's good to do the same with Linux Lite.).
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#2
I use the noatime parameter on my SSD - have done for years. Some distros do it automatically. I think LL takes the correct approach by not messing with fstab.
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#3
It's worth noting that there are drawbacks to using noatime, many that would effect new and inexperienced users, such as browser performance with certain web extensions, sometimes proxy caching, and sometimes PPA updating, to mention a few. A beginner distro should not send new users to fstab right off the bat.

Also, for the same new user reasons, a simple firewall is included with the base system. Other Linux distros, which are not for beginners, like Debian, RHEL, Suse, etc. make a firewall optional because users usually configure iptables, or nftables, etc. to protect and connect their systems. I use UFW on some of my Debian systems because it's convenient for some of the networking I do. I'm not ashamed of being non-geeky by using it, maybe a little lazy or in a hurry, but not ashamed.

Both the things you mention should remain default in Linux Lite.

Nothing in Windows is idiot proof, but in fact it's generally idiot friendly until it needs fixing.

TC 
All opinions expressed and all advice given by Trinidad Cruz on this forum are his responsibility alone and do not necessarily reflect the views or methods of the developers of Linux Lite. He is a citizen of the United States where it is acceptable to occasionally be uninformed and inept as long as you pay your taxes.
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#4
Quote:I'm not ashamed of being non-geeky by using it, maybe a little lazy or in a hurry, but not ashamed.

Why should you? Or anyone else? I use UFW too since it is very easy to use. I'm a teacher and always tell my students to use every tool at their disposal if it eases their job/task at hand; i.e, using their smatphones in the classroom to solve something and/or do some search about some topic we're discusing. I don't see a problem with that but many of my fellow teachers do, they say that's "no ethical" that kids "won't learn anything that way" I think's quite the opposite and in fact they do learn, don't feel intimidated and always participate; their confidence boosts!  So, if a tool can help you do your job in an easier way, why won't you use it? You should, that's what they are for.  Smile

Quote:Nothing in Windows is idiot proof, but in fact it's generally idiot friendly until it needs fixing.

haha. Never said better.
Without each others help there ain't no hope for us Smile
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#5
(03-04-2020, 12:08 PM)trinidad link Wrote: I'm not ashamed of being non-geeky by using it, maybe a little lazy or in a hurry, but not ashamed.

I apologize for making you feel shame was involved in my topic.
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#6
Out of interest, it seems that Mutt has issues with noatime.
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#7
[member=7362]robinc[/member]    I'm not saying by the way that noatime is not a good performance option for SS cards and drives. I'm not sure whether or not mounting everything with noatime would cause problems for Timeshift, and BTRFS installs, and maybe even VB writes in LL. I just consider the mount everything noatime option overkill. Knowing one's usage patterns I would expect it could be used selectively on the file system and accomplish nearly the same level of performance improvement on this little DE without any random risks.

TC 
All opinions expressed and all advice given by Trinidad Cruz on this forum are his responsibility alone and do not necessarily reflect the views or methods of the developers of Linux Lite. He is a citizen of the United States where it is acceptable to occasionally be uninformed and inept as long as you pay your taxes.
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