[website_subgeniuskitty.com] / data / notes / debian_7.md

# Overview #

These are my notes for installation of Debian Linux on my personal workstation. They are intended as a high level checklist rather than a step by step installation guide. I tend to start from a minimal, text-only Debian install.

# Installation #

## Hardware ##

### ASUS P8H77-I ###

Linux has poor support for the Realtek 8168F ethernet chip. If possible, buy a motherboard with an Intel ethernet chip instead. Firmware files for the Realtek are available from the Debian `firmware-nonfree` repository and must be supplied on a USB stick if using the netinst CD.

### SSD Hard Drive ###

Use a TRIM enabled filesystem such as ext4. 

Locate partitions so they match the SSD block size. To check under Windows, execute `msinfo32` and check under Components -> Storage -> Disks, looking for "Partition Starting Offset". If it is divisible by 4096, all is well. If not, use the GParted Live CD and follow the [instructions](http://lifehacker.com/5837769/make-sure-your-partitions-are-correctly-aligned-for-optimal-solid-state-drive-performance lifehacker).

Set AHCI mode in the BIOS.

Install package `hdparm` and check for TRIM support with

    hdparm -I /dev/<your device>

under "Data Set Management TRIM supported".

Create daily TRIM cronjob by creating the following file in `/etc/cron.daily/fstrim` (remember to make it executable)

    #!/bin/sh
    # Perform manual filesystem TRIM
    #
    LOG=/var/log/trim.log
    echo "*** $(date -R) ***" >> $LOG
    fstrim -v / >> $LOG

To reduce disk writes, mount the SSD filesystems with the relatime option in `/etc/fstab` to reduce file and directory access time updates.

### USB Automounting ###

Install package `usbmount` and add "ntfs" to valid partition types in `/etc/usbmount/usbmount.conf` so the line reads

    FILESYSTEMS="ntfs vfat ext2 ext3 ext4 hfsplus

### Graphics Drivers ###

Add the `contrib` and `non-free` repositories to `/etc/apt/sources.list` and then install the `fglrx-driver` and `fglrx-control` packages. 

As root, execute `aticonfig --initial` to generate an initial Xorg config file.

For my dual head configuration (30" 2560x1600 in landscape and 24" 1920x1200 in portrait) create new file `~/.xinitrc` with the following contents:

    #!/bin/sh
    xrandr --output DFP10 --mode 2560x1600 --pos 0x0 --output DFP11 --rotate left --mode 1920x1200 --pos -1200x-150
    . /etc/X11/Xsession

### Audio ###

Install relevant packages and then use `alsamixer` to set audio levels. Later, after fluxbox is installed, can add key bindings for volume control.

    apt-get install libasound2 libasound2-doc alsa-base alsa-utils alsa-oss alsamixergui

### Printer ###

Install packages `cups` and `cups-client`.

    /etc/init.d/cups start
    usermod -a -G lpadmin ataylor

In a browser, visit [http://localhost:631](http://localhost:631) and add printer via this interface (autodetects the networked HP LJ4). Go to "Printers" tab, then click printer name. From "Administration" dropdown, make this printer the default for this server. From "Maintenance" dropdown, print a test page.

### Scanner ###

Install relevant packages:

    apt-get install xsane sane sane-utils xsltproc libtiff-tools

Download Epson ImageScan software and install

    dpkg -i iscan-data_1.22.0-1_all.deb
    dpkg -i iscan_2.29.1-5~usb0.1.ltdl7_amd64.deb
    dpkg -i iscan-plugin-gt-x770_2.1.2-1_amd64.deb

## Basic Services ##

### Package Repositories ###

Add the following line to `/etc/apt/sources.list` to enable the backports repository. 

    deb http://backports.debian.org/debian-backports squeeze-backports main

### Install basic packages ###

    apt-get install openssh-server bzip2 zip

### Email Forwarding ###

The minimal OS install includes `exim4`. Execute `dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config` and select "mail sent by smarthost; no local mail" unless you intend to host a mail server on this machine.

Create file `~/.forward` containing destination email address.

Check `/etc/aliases` to make sure system/daemon users are routed the way you want.

### NTP Configuration ###

Install package `ntp` and check servers with `ntpq -p`. Default configuration should cause daemon to start at boot and sync automatically.

### ZFS File Archive ###

Obtain latest .deb package for ZFSonLinux and install.

    wget http://archive.zfsonlinux.org/debian/pool/main/z/zfsonlinux/zfsonlinux_2%7Ewheezy_all.deb
    dpkg -i zfsonlinux_2~wheezy_all.deb
    apt-get update
    apt-get install debian-zfs

Do `modprobe zfs` and add "zfs" to `/etc/modules` so it loads on boot. 

Can now use normal ZFS commands to manage existing, or create new zpools. 

Remember to add zpool scrubs and status update to cron with delivery to email so you know if a drive develops problems.

### Data Partitions ###

Partition with `cfdisk /dev/sda`

Use NTFS format for drives that will be shared. If needed, install package `ntfs-3g`.

Entries in `/etc/fstab` should be of the form:

    UUID=4A0E269F181DD6BB  /mnt/int_share  ntfs    uid=1000,gid=1000,dmask=027,fmask=137,utf8            0       0

UUID can be determined with `blkid /dev/sda1`.

Use option "noauto" in `/etc/fstab` for external USB drives otherwise they will give timeout errors as they spin up. The usb automounting will put them in the right place if they have an entry in `/etc/fstab`.

### Dropbox ###

Download .deb from [dropbox.com](dropbox.com) rather than using the `nautilus-dropbox` package. After package installation, install the daemon with `dropbox start -i`. Create the following init script as `/etc/init.d/dropbox` and install with `update-rc.d dropbox defaults`

    #!/bin/sh
    ### BEGIN INIT INFO
    # Provides: dropbox
    # Required-Start: $local_fs $remote_fs $network $syslog $named
    # Required-Stop: $local_fs $remote_fs $network $syslog $named
    # Default-Start: 2 3 4 5
    # Default-Stop: 0 1 6
    # X-Interactive: false
    # Short-Description: dropbox service
    ### END INIT INFO
    DROPBOX_USERS="ataylor"
    DAEMON=.dropbox-dist/dropbox
    start() {
       echo "Starting dropbox..."
       for dbuser in $DROPBOX_USERS; do
           HOMEDIR=`getent passwd $dbuser | cut -d: -f6`
           if [ -x $HOMEDIR/$DAEMON ]; then
               HOME="$HOMEDIR" start-stop-daemon -b -o -c $dbuser -S -u $dbuser -x $HOMEDIR/$DAEMON
           fi
       done
    }
    stop() {
       echo "Stopping dropbox..."
       for dbuser in $DROPBOX_USERS; do
           HOMEDIR=`getent passwd $dbuser | cut -d: -f6`
           if [ -x $HOMEDIR/$DAEMON ]; then
               start-stop-daemon -o -c $dbuser -K -u $dbuser -x $HOMEDIR/$DAEMON
           fi
       done
    }
    status() {
       for dbuser in $DROPBOX_USERS; do
           dbpid=`pgrep -u $dbuser dropbox`
           if [ -z $dbpid ] ; then
               echo "dropboxd for USER $dbuser: not running."
           else
               echo "dropboxd for USER $dbuser: running (pid $dbpid)"
           fi
       done
    }
    case "$1" in
       start)
           start
           ;;
       stop)
           stop
           ;;
       restart|reload|force-reload)
           stop
           start
           ;;
       status)
           status
           ;;
       *)
           echo "Usage: /etc/init.d/dropbox {start|stop|reload|force-reload|restart|status}"
           exit 1
    esac
    exit 0

### NFS Server/Client ###

Server: install `portmap` and `nfs-kernel-server`

Client: install `portmap` and `nfs-common`

Configure `/etc/exports` on the server. For example:

    /example 192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0(rw,no_root_squash,subtree_check)

Configure `/etc/fstab` for any filesystems you want to automount at boot.

## GUI ##

### X, Fluxbox ###

Install the following packages:

    apt-get install xorg fluxbox

Modify `~/.fluxbox/keys` file to change Mouse[4,5] when On[Desktop,Toolbar] to [Prev,Next]Window instead of [Prev,Next]Workspace. Also, add the following key shortcuts:

    # open a terminal
    Mod1 F1 :Exec xterm
    # open a dialog to run programs
    Mod1 F2 :Exec fbrun
    # Open file manager
    Mod1 F3 :Exec nautilus
    # Take a screenshot
    107 :Exec /home/ataylor/bin/take_screenshot.sh
    # volume settings, using common keycodes
    # if these don't work, use xev to find out your real keycodes
    123 :Exec amixer sset Master,0 1+
    122 :Exec amixer sset Master,0 1-
    121 :Exec amixer sset Master,0 toggle
    # Start screensaver, lock screen
    127 :Exec xscreensaver-command -lock
    # current window commands
    Mod1 F4 :Close
    Mod1 F5 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1200 950} {Moveto 0 0 UpperLeft}
    Mod1 F6 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1200 950} {Moveto 0 0 LowerLeft}
    Mod1 F7 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1250 1600} {Moveto 0 0 UpperLeft}
    Mod1 F8 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1250 1600} {Moveto 0 0 UpperRight}
    Mod1 F9 :Minimize
    Mod1 F10 :Maximize
    Mod1 F11 :Fullscreen
    # Window sizing commands
    136 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1200 950} {Moveto 0 0 UpperLeft}
    137 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1200 950} {Moveto 0 0 LowerLeft}
    138 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1250 1600} {Moveto 0 0 UpperLeft}
    139 :MacroCmd {ResizeTo 1250 1600} {Moveto 0 0 UpperRight}
    140 :Maximize
    141 :Minimize
    142 :Fullscreen

Use "meta" style in fluxbox

Install `numlockx` package and add `numlockx &` to `~/.fluxbox/startup`

Ensure `~/.xinitrc` ends in `. /etc/X11/Xsession` if the file doesn't already exist.

Add any apps that I want to autostart in `~/.fluxbox/startup` (pidgin, deluge-gtk, etc)

Set "focus on mouse" and NOT "raise on focus" in the right-click menu.

### Screensaver ###

Install the following packages:

    xscreensaver xscreensaver-gl xscreensaver-gl-extra xscreensaver-screensaver-bsod xscreensaver-screensaver-webcollage

Execute `xscreensaver-demo` to configure the screensaver.

Add `xscreensaver -nosplash &` to `~/.xinitrc`.

### Wallpaper Rotation ###

Install `nitrogen` package. Execute `nitrogen` once and set wallpaper manually to create initial config files.

Create file `~/bin/wallpaper_rotation.sh` as shown below and add to `~/.xinitrc` as `sh /home/ataylor/bin/wallpaper_rotation.sh &`

    #!/bin/sh
    # 
    # Automatic wallpaper rotation, multi-monitor aware
    
    CONFIG="$HOME/.config/nitrogen/bg-saved.cfg"
    
    while true; do
    
    rm ${CONFIG}
    
    cat <<CREATECONFIG > ${CONFIG}
    [xin_0]
    file=$(find  ~/documents/wallpaper/ratio_16_10 -type f | sort -R | tail -1)
    mode=0
    bgcolor=#000000
    [xin_1]
    file=$(find  ~/documents/wallpaper/ratio_10_16 -type f | sort -R | tail -1)
    mode=0
    bgcolor=#000000
    CREATECONFIG
    
    nitrogen --restore
    sleep 1m
    done

### Screenshots ###

Create screenshot directory `~/screenshots`.

Write the following to `~/bin/take_screenshot.sh`

    #!/bin/bash
    
    SAVEDIR="$HOME/documents/screenshots"
    DATE=`date +%Y%m%d-%T`
    
    if [! -d ${SAVEDIR} ]
    then
    mkdir -p {$SAVEDIR}
    fi
    
    xwd | xwdtopnm | pnmtopng > "${SAVEDIR}"/"${DATE}".png

Update `~/.fluxbox/keys` with line `107 :Exec /home/ataylor/documents/screenshots/take_screenshot.sh` or use `xev` to select a different key.

### xterm ###

Set xterm fonts by creating `~/.Xresources` with contents shown below. Afterward, restart X or run `xrdb -merge ~/.Xresources`.

    xterm*faceName: Liberaqtion Mono:size=12:antialias=true
    xterm*font: 7x13 

## Desktop Applications ##

### Web Browser ###

Download Chrome .deb directly from Google. Then, `dpkg -i chrome.file.deb` and `apt-get -f install` to clear up dependencies. Create symlink in `~/bin` for `chrome`->`google-chrome`.

Install `iceweasel` package with plugins: Adblock Plus, NoScript, Image Zoom, Save Image in Folder, Thumbnail Zoom Plus, Enhanced Steam.

Install `icedtea-plugin`.

### Email ###

Install package `mutt-patched` since it includes the sidebar-folder-path.

Configure `~/.muttrc`

    # .muttrc configuration file
    
    # General Configuration
    set editor='vim'
    set imap_check_subscribed=yes
    set print_cmd="muttprint"
    set print_split
    set certificate_file=".mutt_certs"
    
    # Sidebar
    set sidebar_width=20
    set sidebar_visible=yes
    set sidebar_sort=yes
    
    # View URLs inside mutt
    macro index \cd "|urlview\n"
    macro pager \cd "|urlview\n"
    
    # Handle HTML emails
    auto_view text/html
    alternative_order text/plain text/enriched text/html
    
    ### Account: ataylor@subgeniuskitty.com
    source "~/.mutt/ataylor_subgeniuskitty_com"
    folder-hook 'imaps://ataylor\@subgeniuskitty.com@mail.subgeniuskitty.com:993' 'source ~/.mutt/ataylor_subgeniuskitty_com'
    
    # Macros to handle multiple accounts
    macro index <f2> '<sync-mailbox><enter-command>source ~/.mutt/ataylor_subgeniuskitty_com<enter><change-folder>!<enter>'

Configure `~/.mutt/ataylor_subgeniuskitty_com`

    # Read from IMAP server 
    set imap_user="ataylor@subgeniuskitty.com"
    set imap_pass="pass"
    set folder="imaps://ataylor\@subgeniuskitty.com@mail.subgeniuskitty.com:993"
    set spoolfile="+INBOX"
    
    # Send through SMTP server
    set smtp_url="smtps://ataylor\@subgeniuskitty.com@mail.subgeniuskitty.com:465"
    set smtp_pass="pass"
    set from="ataylor@subgeniuskitty.com"
    set realname="Aaron Taylor"
    set postponed="=Drafts"
    set record="=Sent"
    
    # Account Hook -- Important
    account-hook $folder "set imap_user=ataylor@subgeniuskitty.com imap_pass=pass"

Install package `elinks` and add following line to `~/.mailcap`.

    text/html; elinks -dump %s ; copiousoutput

Install packages `muttprint` and `ospics`, and create `~/.muttprintrc` file with contents shown below.

    # Muttprint Configuration File
    
    PRINT_COMMAND="lp"
    PENGUIN=/usr/share/ospics/Debian_color.eps

Install package `urlview`

### IRC ###

Install package `irssi` and add relevant nick/pass/channel/server for autostart with

    /server add -auto -network freenode chat.freenode.net 6667 <password>
    /network add -nick <nickname> freenode
    /channel add -auto #hoggit freenode

Cut down on the chatter

    /ignore * JOINS QUITS PARTS

Enable autologging and quasi-rotation by making log dir and setting ownership. Then, in irssi,

    /set autolog_path /path/to/logdir/$tag/$0.%Y%m%d.log
    /set autolog on
    /save

Add the following scripts to `~/.irssi/scripts` and symlink to `~/.irssi/scripts/autostart`:

    adv_windowlist
    nickcolor
    trackbar

Add to `~/.xinitrc` but for some reason, must manually specify xterm colors otherwise they default to black text on white background rather than system defaults.

    xterm -fg AliceBlue -bg Black irssi &

### Sage ###

Might want to install `mpmath` package first. I had problems with Bessel functions when I installed it after Sage. Also, install PDF viewer and LaTeX environment before compiling Sage.

    useradd sage
    mkdir /home/sage /usr/local/sage /var/log/sage
    chown -R sage:sage /home/sage /usr/local/sage /var/log/sage
    su sage
    cd /usr/local/sage
    (download the sage source)
    (untar source)
    export MAKE="make -j4" (or whatever is appropriate for current machine)
    make ("apt-get install build-essential" if necessary)
    ./sage -upgrade 
    ./sage
    sage: optional_packages()
    sage: install_package('openmpi-xxx')   (if needed)
    sage: install_package('mpi4py-xxx')    (if needed)
    sage: quit
    ./sage -notebook   (answer onscreen prompts)

Create script `/etc/init.d/SGKsage` with contents:

    #!/bin/bash
    
    ### BEGIN INIT INFO
    # Provides:          sage
    # Required-Start:    $remote_fs $syslog
    # Required-Stop:     $remote_fs $syslog
    # Default-Start:     2 3 4 5
    # Default-Stop:      0 1 6
    # Short-Description: Start daemon at boot time
    # Description:       Enable service provided by daemon.
    ### END INIT INFO
    
    # Aaron Taylor
    # Start/Stop init script for sage mathematics program
    # Stop method is hacky
    
    # Configuration
    SAGE_HOME="/usr/local/sage"
    SAGE_OPTS="-notebook"
    SAGE_LOG="/var/log/sage"
    USER="sage"
    NAME="sage"
    
    sage_start() {
            echo "Starting Sage..."
            start-stop-daemon --start --background --chuid "$USER" --chdir "$SAGE_HOME" --exec $SAGE_HOME/sage -- $SAGE_OPTS
    }
    
    sage_stop() {
            echo "Stopping Sage..."
            kill `cat "/home/$USER/.sage/sage_notebook.sagenb/sagenb.pid"`
    }
    
    case $1 in
            start)
                    sage_start
                    ;;
            stop)
                    sage_stop
                    ;;
            restart)
                    sage_stop
                    sleep 5
                    sage_start
                    ;;
            *)
                    echo "Usage: $0 {start|stop|restart}"
                    exit 1
                    ;;
    esac
    exit 0

Then install with an appropriate priority.

    chmod +x /etc/init.d/SGKsage
    update-rc.d SGKsage defaults 95
    /etc/init.d/SGKsage start

### Programming IDE ###

Can use Netbeans from Debian repository but it only works with specific JDK versions. Prefer to install directly from Oracle with Oracle JDK.

### Torrent ###

Install package `deluge-gtk`.

Set to autorun in `~/.fluxbox/startup`.

Configure to autostart torrents from `/mnt/downloads/torrent/torrents` and to use relevant directories for in-progress and finished torrents.

Install the scheduler plugin and set reasonable limits.

### Misc Software ###

A list of misc packages in the Debian repository to install.

    Text Editor      - vim vim-gtk vim-addon-manager
    Science/Data     - texlive texlive-science texlive-math-extra gnuplot scilab octave dx python-scitools paraview
    Document Viewers - okular okular-extra-backends
    Communication    - pidgin
    Office Suite     - libreoffice gnumeric abiword scribus
    System Tools     - dvd+rw-tools nautilus virtualbox-ose cellwriter wine
    Graphics         - gimp rawtherapee inkscape geeqie
    Media            - vlc browser-plugin-vlc quodlibet ffmpeg
    Programming      - valgrind libgmp-dev libplot-dev plotutils glade libncurses5-dev libmysqlclient-dev
    Misc             - kicad golly

Note: After installing `pidgin`, do the following to add Steam chat support:

* Install the build dependencies via `apt-get build-dep pidgin`. This should grab all the required dependencies. If it doesn't grab `libnss3-dev`, `libnspr4-dev` and `libjson-glib-dev`, manually install those packages. 
* Manually install `libgnome-keyring-dev` package.
* Download the [pidgin-opensteamworks plugin source](http://code.google.com/p/pidgin-opensteamworks/). Compile with `make libsteam.so`.
* Copy the library to `~/.purple/plugins` (create if necessary).
* Download the pixmaps and place in `/usr/share/pixmaps/pidgin/protocols`
* Files:
  * [pixmaps](debian_7.files/Pidgin-opensteamworks_pixmaps.zip)
  * [source code](debian_7.files/Steam-mobile-1.4.tar.gz)

# Misc #

## Sun Microsystems Keyboard Codes ##

    name               sun code    sun name                usb code    usb name           alternative    alt USB code    alt windows vkey
    
    help               0x76        lf(16)                  0x75        help               f13            0x68            124
    stop               0x01        buckybits+systembit     0x78        stop               f14            0x69            125
    again              0x03        lf(2)                   0x79        again              f15            0x6A            126
    props              0x19        lf(3)                   0x76        keyboard menu      f16            0x6B            127
    undo               0x1A        lf(4)                   0x7A        undo               f17            0x6C            128    
    front              0x31        lf(5)                   0x77        select             f18            0x6D            129
    copy               0x33        lf(6)                   0x7C        copy               f19            0x6E            130
    open               0x48        lf(7)                   0x74        execute            f20            0x6F            131
    paste              0x49        lf(8)                   0x7D        paste              f21            0x70            132
    find               0x5F        lf(9)                   0x7E        find               f22            0x71            133
    cut                0x61        lf(10)                  0x7B        cut                f23            0x72            134
    
    mute               0x2D        rf(4)                   0x7F        mute               f24            0x73            135
    vol down           0x02        -                       0x81        volume down        intl'1         0x87            193    
    vol up             0x04        -                       0x80        volume up          intl'6         0x8C            234
    power              0x30        bf(13)                  0x66        keyboard power*    -              -               -
    
    compose            0x43        COMPOSE                 0x65        app                right gui
    left meta          0x78        BUCKYBITS+METABIT       0xE3        left gui           left alt
    right meta         0x7A        BUCKYBITS+METABIT       0xE7        right gui          right alt
    escape**           0x1D        ESC                     0x29        escape             tilde
    tilde**            0x2A        `                       0x35        tilde              escape
    caps lock**        0x77        SHIFTKEYS+CAPSLOCK      0x39        caps lock          control
    control**          0x4C        SHIFTKEYS+LEFTCTRL      0xE0        control            caps lock
    alt                0x13        SHIFTKEYS+ALT           0xE2        left alt           left gui
    alt graph          0x0D        -                       0xE6        right alt          right control

## Keyboard Shortcuts: mutt ##

    D ~A     - Delete all in folder
    $        - Purge
    c        - Change folder
    T ~A     - Tag all in folder
    ;s       - Save all tagged messages
    Ctrl-B   - Show URLs

## Burning CD/DVD ##

Create ISO from filesystem(maximizing compatiblity with long filenames):

    genisoimage -r -J -l -d -joliet-long -allow-multidot -V undergrad_files -o target.iso /path/to/source/directory

For DVD ISO burning:

    growisofs -dvd-compat -Z /dev/sro=name.of.iso

For CD ISO burning:

    wodim -v -sao dev=/dev/sr0 name.of.iso

## Multipage PDFs ##

First scan and get everything ready as TIFFs

    tiffcp scan_???.tiff multipage.tiff
    tiff2pdf -j -o output.pdf multipage.tiff