September 21, 2022
Using Gnome/GDM with large HiDPI displays (like a television) is great, except GDM is by default scaled at 1.0. It’s possible to change the scaling of GDM through modification of /var/lib/gdm/.config/monitors.xml. This file may not exist, so you can modify your display via the Gnome GUI, then copy that configuration over (assuming Fedora Silverblue, you’re going to want to target /var so it persists):
sudo cp /var/home//.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/gdm/.config/
The main thing you’re looking for in the configuration file is the expression of scale: <scale>2</scale>.
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August 21, 2022
Baseboard Management Controller is implemented on “enterprise” systems and along with several satellite controllers facilitates access via a platform management system. IPMI is a set of specifications for interacting with these systems. Typically the BMC provides a web interface, but there is also ipmitool which facilitates access over an ssh server running on the BMC.
There are “taps” in place to allow for serial based interaction between the BMC and the primary host metal.
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September 24, 2019
I’d written [about using the t470s]({{ref 2017-04-14-linux-on-the-t470s}}) a while back, since then jumping to a T480s, T480, and most recently an X1 Yoga Gen4 and X1 Carbon Gen7. These two machines are extremely small and have good manufacturing feel to them. The major downside to them is the limited memory (16G) and the thermal dissipation. Ultimately I’ve become more comfortable with the X1CG7 as there wasn’t a need for me to use the touchscreen/stylus with the X1YG4.
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November 2, 2017
Originally in the archlinux metal to desktop guide I advised using the powertop --auto-tune via a systemd unit, however this can be obnoxious if you’ve got peripherals (like usb based keyboards or mice) that you don’t want powering off constantly. For this laptop (T470s) I unplugged from the docking station and on battery ran the following:
powertop --calibrate
powertop --html=powerreport.html
awk -F '</?td ?>' '/tune/ { print $4 }' powerreport.html
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April 19, 2017
It has been a personal desire to have mobile broadband connectivity with a laptop and not have a requirement for peripherals like MiFi or PAM, for half a decade. When I first experienced using a Panasonic Toughbook it had a Qualcomm Gobi that was an insane challenge to get working in Linux. In every incantation of laptop acquisition I’ve made sure to option for LTE modem connectivity, however its typically marginalized by most manufactures as an edge requirement.
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April 17, 2017
With Linux as my primary environment daily, I need to be able to consume CIFS shares in a variety of different environments. Systemd has some amenities that allow you to continue using the conventional file system table but with helpful coordination that doesn’t require user intervention. Some assumptions:
You are running ArchLinux, or some distribution that is consuming systemd without mucking to deeply in the internals You understand how to manage mount points via the fstab You understand the basics of networking You understand the basics of user identification As I move around to different networks I prefer to be able to dynamically mount/un-mount CIFS targets transparently without manual intervention.
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February 7, 2017
In this I’ll outline a simplified install procedture that will allow you to go from metal to a machine that has a graphical desktop environment. Arch has several principles, the one your should be the most aware of is versatility. Versatility is user choice to build and use systems how they want. In following this guide you’re allowing me to make a significant amount of choices for you. For many folks a first time through the ArchLinux wiki on install procedure is too much to feel like you’re comfortable to make headway.
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February 7, 2017
In this I’ll outline a simplified install procedture that will allow you to go from metal to a machine that is managed over ssh and has ZFS. Arch has several principles, the one your should be the most aware of is versatility. Versatility is user choice to build and use systems how they want. In following this guide you’re allowing me to make a significant amount of choices for you. For many folks a first time through the ArchLinux wiki on install procedure is too much to feel like you’re comfortable to make headway.
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