Hey, all you XBT fans, listen up! Folks have been asking for better command line performance from XBT and the ability to run it in script. Well, I have made it so. Running XBT from a cammnd line with the proper arguments will now cause it to do its thing and then return to the prompt. In the past, it would go to the main menu and wait for your input. The new version is on GitHub right now. Watch the short demo vid to see how it works!

https://github.com/EzeeLinux/xbt-external_backup_tool

We take a look at Ubuntu’s data collection and talk about how it effects you. I also comment on some goings on in the Linux YouTube community and look at the new EzeeLinux web server.

Some observations on Ubuntu 18.04 including what has changed under the hood and getting Unity to work. Also, I talk a bit about crossing the 50,000 subscriber mark and give some thoughts on 10 years on YouTube.

A philosophical look at the drama that exists in and around the Linux Community.

The long anticipated Ubuntu 18.04 “Bionic Beaver” Long Term Support (LTS) release has arrived… Let’s install it and take a look around. 🙂

For more about Ubuntu: https://www.ubuntu.com/

Ubuntu MATE 18.04 will be landing very soon and we take a look at the Beta 2 release. To find out more about Ubuntu MATE: https://ubuntu-mate.org/

Linux Mint has warped my brain and now I can’t use any other distribution of Linux.

SSD CARE AND FEEDING IN UBUNTU OR LINUX MINT

NOTES ON UPGRADING TO AN SSD:

It is tempting to use a utility like the dd command or CloneZilla to transfer all data from a HDD to a new SSD. DON’T DO IT! You should backup your personal data and re-install the OS to the new SSD. Gparted or the Ubiquity Installer will format SSD’s with the proper partition alignment and optimize the file system (ext4) for the best performance. You may get less than optimal performance if you just clone the old drive to the new SSD.

SSD CHECK:

cat /sys/block/sd(x)/queue/rotational

(x) = driver letter

ALIGNMENT CHECK:

parted /dev/sd(x)
align-check opt (n)

(x) = drive letter.
(n) = partition number.

Proper alignment avoids excessive read-modify-write cycles.

TRIM

The TRIM command enables an operating system to notify the SSD of pages which no longer contain valid data. This prevents unnecessary overwrite operations which can reduce SSD performance and increase wear. Ubuntu/Linux Mint do this automatically, once weekly. Once per week is enough! Running fstrim excessively can contribute to SSD wear. Let the system handle it for you. There is no need to add the “discard” option to any fstab entry. TRIM is applied to a swap partition on the SSD at boot time.

sudo fstrim -v –all

We talk a bit about Facebook’s latest controversy, talk about Kevin Gallagher’s “Time Out” show and take a look at where configuration files are stored on Linux systems.

“Time Out” is seen in the Danbury, Connecticut area and on YouTube.  🙂