The Linux Setup, Noah Lorang, 37signals

http://www.mylinuxrig.com/post/18755288267/the-linux-setup-noah-lorang-37signals

by jrgifford • 14 years ago

120 80 14 years ago

jdludlow3• 14 years ago

== The article itself

I wish that it went into more detail on the hardware choices that he used. I'm constantly toying with the idea of building a Linux box for dev work, but then get lost in the morass of hardware options. The high level description of his system sounds perfect (tons of RAM, fast drives, and triple monitors), but I'm not sure how to get there.

== My own dilemma

Every line of production code that I write is done in Linux - in a VM running on OS X. The killer app that keeps me on OS X is 1Password. It's too useful, and I haven't found a suitable Linux replacement. Any suggestions?

The other "killer" is that it's extremely simple to get a great computer by pulling up the Apple Store site and clicking "buy this thing." Building my own is something I would have done a decade ago, but I've since lost track of what all of the hardware lingo means, or which companies are making decent components.

larrik2• 14 years ago

Re: building your own:

I'm sure you know that building your own desktop would let you get a vastly superior machine (in terms of raw performance) than buying an Apple. What you may not know, being out of the game for so long, is how much EASIER it is now. I don't build machines that often (maybe 4 in the last 5 years?), but when I do, I do some research, buy the parts, and then put them together. Then it works! In the 90's and early 2000 years, this process was a real hassle.

Sometimes you run into weird issues (especially with weird on-board video configurations), but I've never had them bad enough to make the process longer than a weekend day. (In the 90's it could take a week or more).

Is it easier than buying a Mac off the internet? No. You may easily make up your cost in time with your newfound productivity, though.

(Or you can just install Linux on your Mac directly, instead of a VM).

jdludlow3• 14 years ago

It's mainly the inertia of not knowing where to begin. It's good to know that the process is easier now though.

At the risk of descending into total newbie-land, when you say "do some research" where do you start with that? Has the state of things really moved to the point where I can find a highly rated ATX motherboard, a power supply that won't catch fire, and start plugging in components? My general approach would be to read reviews to find potential compatibility issues, stick with good performance but not bleeding edge, and to stay away from anything in the bargain basement.

(To everyone else who is replying about the 1Password replacement, +1 to all. Thanks. I'll check out those suggestions.)

kylek• 14 years ago

This guide has saved me countless hours (people are always asking me which parts to buy). Price ranges/etc included, and it's updated fairly often...

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/Curre...

gtaylor• 14 years ago

LastPass, works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

dpeck• 14 years ago

Re: dilemma

Have you tried keepass (http://keepass.info/)? Certainly not as pretty as 1Password, but seems to be just as usable.

jacobr• 14 years ago

Keepass could be a decent replacement for 1Password, though I've never used the latter.

bryanlarsen3• 14 years ago

I use KeepassX on Linux. I'm not sure if it's missing features that 1Password has, but it works great for me.

For hardware, the Apple Store sells great laptops, but for desktops, it sucks. You can either get an underpowered mini for the price of a powerful Linux desktop or you can get an overpowered but out of date Mac Pro for the price of a small car. (OK, slight exaggeration).

I highly recommend the Anandtech buyer's guides for figuring out what you want in a desktop. http://www.anandtech.com/show/5184/holiday-midrange-system-b... seems like an excellent starting point.

Also, don't be afraid of overclocking. You can get a LOT of extra performance for little effort on an i5-2500k or i7-2600k. My box has been stable at 4.7GHz for months, and it's speeded up my compile times immensely. It'd probably also be stable at 4.8GHz, but I bumped it down one notch just to give myself some headroom.

jdludlow3• 14 years ago

I love my MBP, as it seems clearly designed to get some work done with minimal hassle.

Apple's desktop choices are very frustrating. I only buy Mini's as a computer to attach to the TV. It's great for a little, quiet computer that I don't have to pay any attention to. I couldn't do much work on it though. The Mac Pro's always seem way overpriced for what you get.

Thanks for the heads-up on the buyer's guide.

mise• 14 years ago

Did you manage to get KeepassX to integrate with your browser to auto-fill forms?

I've switched to LasPass recently, but I'm still getting used to its browser-based management of passwords.

hollerith5• 14 years ago

>You can either get an underpowered mini for the price of a powerful Linux desktop

Have you considered the cost of electricity? Power consumption at idle on the average desktop is like 4 or 5 times that of the mini. Also the mini sleeps and wakes quickly and reliably, and probably draws less power sleeping that a normal desktop draws when powered off. (You have to either unplug the normal desktop or flip the switch on the back of the power supply to get zero power consumption.)

There's also the noise issue: an idling 2011 mini can be heard in a quiet room if you are very close to it, but you would not notice unless you are listening for it.

P.S. I am curious whether Linux on modern hardware sleeps and wakes quickly and reliably. When I ran Linux (on hardware made in the 1990s) I kept it powered on and "awake" (not sleeping) continuously because that was the only way I could always sit down and start typing. In contrast, I usually sleep my 2011 mini when I walk away from it.

obtu• 14 years ago

On hardware:

The segmentation of platforms makes the search space a bit complicated, but you can start from a list of prebuilt configurations (anandtech was mentioned), pick the one closest to your requirements, and swap/add/remove/adjust components a bit according to current functionality and price.

pwelch• 14 years ago

Another vote for KeepassX. Use it on both Mac and Linux (and the Windows version when I need to at work.) It's a great program.

yock• 14 years ago

Yeah, you could buy a Mac and be happy. I just bought a System76, and while the jury is still out they came highly reviewed and first impressions with the machine are positive. You do have options other than "build" and "buy a Mac."

jonursenbach• 14 years ago

I'm a LastPass fan myself. https://lastpass.com/

Works on every platform imaginable. And it does so flawlessly.

dkarl2• 14 years ago

Building my own is something I would have done a decade ago, but I've since lost track of what all of the hardware lingo means, or which companies are making decent components.

Desktop hardware hasn't changed much, so if you built a system ten years ago, you'll come up to speed pretty quickly. The main pieces are the same; they just have different features, performance characteristics, and different rules for figuring out which components interoperate. If you want a complete list of parts that will work together, Ars Technica still publishes their system guides regularly.

Compatibility between different parts can seem complicated, but it's simple once you figure out the rules. To be extra safe and avoid accidental incompatibilities between components that should, by spec, be compatible, I always pick components that are popular with builders (measured by the number of reviews on NewEgg) and search the web for mentions of incompatibility between them.

pagekalisedown• 14 years ago

My killer app is Time Machine. There's still nothing as simple anywhere else. It's a great shame.

sneak• 14 years ago

Time Machine is very poorly implemented, and is quite fragile as a result. Keep rsync backups in parallel (not of your time machine volume, those actually depend on inode numbers(!)).

sandGorgon• 14 years ago

Sorry for the OT - why not use something like Lastpass ? They have been honest and pre-emptive about data security in general.

silversmith2• 14 years ago

Honest question regarding the password managers: what would you do if you had to log into one of your accounts from a machine not owned by you?

Say, you are traveling. You know there's a map, or something like that in your secondary email box. Only internet connection - the hotel PC. Would you risk accessing the master keychain from there just to look up that password?

I simply can not phantom not keeping all my passwords in the only 24/7 available storage - my brain. Also, don't I find myself logging into that many services on daily basis, as I often use Google/Facebook/LDAP as the access manager.

samt• 14 years ago

The KyPass iOS app (over Dropbox) works nicely.

buro9• 14 years ago

I have a ridiculous system at home, and after years of building everything myself I now opt for base boxes that give me 90% of what I want.

What I'm using is a HP Z800.

It can take 192GB RAM in 12 slots (and mine does, I started on 24GB made up of very cheap 2GB sticks and upgraded later), and I also put in 2 Intel X5560 Xeon CPUs (they were new at the time and 4-core, if I did it again I'd be tempted by the X7550 which are 8-core).

The Z800 chassis is one of those zero tools systems, and best of all it is virtually silent (quiet enough that you don't hear it even when the work environment is silent).

Note: This stuff costs a bomb.

Topping out the RAM is expensive, but if you go for the smaller sticks in many slots you really get a lot of value for money.

The CPUs can cost a bomb too. But... if you're running many virtual machines (VirtualBox and Vagrant) then you shouldn't max out RAM and neglect CPU.

On motherboards, unless you're going for a server or workstation motherboard you won't get the best out of the rest of the components. You want tons of bandwidth to and from the RAM and CPU.

What else? Just use it. This type of hardware is incredible, but if it's just running Facebook then buy an iPad instead. I have nothing against people spending lots and not using it, but there's something really nice about great hardware being pushed at times.

It sounds like I've a very similar setup to the one in the article, the only differences would be that I haven't yet put an SSD in (though I do have a 3 HDD RAID for data), and I prefer 1 very high quality large monitor over several large monitors (I like a desk that isn't dominated by the computer).

codedivine• 14 years ago

For Linux buying options, I would recommend System76: a variety of systems (desktops, laptops, servers) with Ubuntu preloaded. They are a Linux-only vendor and so are serious about making sure their hardware choices are Linux compatible. Thus, you don't have to worry about compatibility issues or driver hunting etc. https://www.system76.com/

gabriele• 14 years ago

you just can use Vim with blowfish encryption [1]. that's easy, secure and portable.

[1] http://vim.wikia.com/wiki/Encryption

chrismsnz2• 14 years ago

I use KeePass (keepass 2 which runs under mono).

I use a key file and a long passphrase to encrypt the database and store the encrypted password db on dropbox which handles the syncing across all my machines and phone.

Cymen• 14 years ago

You're the ideal candidate for http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc which will typically recommend something like this:

* Intel i5-2500k * Crucial M4 SSD etc

It is getting easier and easier to build a desktop. If you want to, it is certainly within reach.

dazzla• 14 years ago

As an alternative to 1Password you can try Keeper (https://keepersecurity.com/). It has Linux, Windows, OSX, iPhone/iPad, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry clients. With sync between all of them.

(I work for Keeper Security)

RexRollman• 14 years ago

I love reading stuff like this. But then again, I also enjoy viewing screenshots and reading about people's uptime.

kayoone3• 14 years ago

same here, thought i might be weird ;)

tristan_juricek• 14 years ago

The fact he rarely uses a notebook fits my own experience. How many developers actually develop out in cafes, or do so many presentations that you'd need a mobile computer? Probably better to customize a workstation like this then sweat about mobility. (For that, we have phones.)

honopu• 14 years ago

I simply can't work to the same productivity on a laptop as I can with my desktop. I would absolutely love to, and I am envious of those that are (or believe they are) just as productive on a macbook air as they would be on say a 27" iMac with another monitor.

I really hope to attain that level of productivity and mobility, and I understand that some output is better than no output--When I am working I want to be using the best tools I can reasonably afford, and that for me is a desktop with a few monitors and plenty of space to spread things out.

Now when they release a high-res macbook pro I might get one, but for now I am sticking to a desktop.

dasil0032• 14 years ago

Thunderbolt pretty much gives you the best possible compromise these days. Granted, no laptop will give you the power of a desktop, but if you can get by with less power, Thunderbolt lets turn your MBP or Air into a high screen real-estate workstation with mouse/keyboard/speakers/fast storage by plugging a single cable.

To me the ability to pull up my laptop and go work somewhere else for a few hours, or have my main workstation with me at conferences, etc is well worth sacrificing some power. Sure I can make use of multiple large displays, but I can do a lot of work without them without losing much efficiency. For stuff like design where I really need it, I can wait til I get home.

leftnode• 14 years ago

I'm the exact opposite. I used custom built Linux desktops for years. Switched to a Linux laptop and never looked back.

virtualeyes• 14 years ago

Same deal, but I left my iMac 2 years ago for a Linux laptop. In the same way that I had that warm glow of the post-Windoze-to-Mac conversion experience 5 years ago, I had the same feeling when I left OSX for Fedora, like coming home again ;-)

Sony Vaio F12: quad core, 8GB, SSD, 23" LG travel monitor (5.5 lbs, nice!), iRizer laptop stand. Cost: 1/2 MBP. Code warrior: I be

The only thing I miss from OSX is Finder; well, the window manager as well; let's not forget the spinning beach ball either ;-) People, Linux is a gift from above. OSX is great for consumers, and is de facto the best OS on the planet, but Linux is the best OS in the universe -- big difference...

silversmith2• 14 years ago

My main development machine is a 13" Air. Before that, it was 15" MBP. Have developed from university. Done great work in a bus. Fixed production quirks from a conference.

When I'm at my desk, the laptop is closed and connected to a beast of a monitor, external keyboard and mouse. It becomes a workstation. But when I want the mobility, it's there. Even if only to scurry off to a unoccupied conference room for bit of silence, it's very valuable for me. It's easily worth the ~700$ above the cost of a immobile box every two years.

As for performance, I've yet to feel constrained by the Air. But then again, I code mainly web apps in ruby, so no fiddling of thumbs while things compile - the most of time is lost waiting on database server. And my brain to come up with a solution.

dkarl2• 14 years ago

It's ironic that because Linux is still harder to install on laptops than on desktops, people often end up using an OS X laptop and a Linux desktop. The drastically smaller screen space of a laptop makes it so much more important to be able to choose the perfect window manager for your tastes and configure it for maximum productivity. Also, the inferiority of laptop pointing devices compared to using a mouse shifts the balance towards using the keyboard for many common tasks, which once again favors a highly configurable window manager. OS X is trying to make up for it with multitouch swipes and Mission Control, but it isn't configurable enough, and probably never will be. As a result, working inside a small screen is a bigger tax on my productivity under OS X than it was under Linux.

Granted, I only ever used my Linux laptop for programming and light web usage. I never tried to set it up for anything else, but it was perfect for that one purpose.

mhd• 14 years ago

I've had it both ways, hopping over the Atlantic a few times, working from both office, hotel, apartments and actual home plus the occasional conference or weekend at friends. Eternally grateful for my laptop back then, actually bought one a bit bigger than what the company had me use (and, well, a Mac instead of a Vaio).

Now, I'm a sessile work-at-home startup guy who's really happy with a Linux tower and several displays connected. I've gone so far as to miss the ubiquitous color beige of ages past.

jff• 14 years ago

I too miss the ubiquitous beige--frankly, I think today's glossy black plastic and brushed metal (real or simulated) looks like crap compared to the good old beige of an early 90's PC (or Mac!)

zerostar07• 14 years ago

I do the opposite: I should be able to take my main computer everywhere and never have to copy stuff from pc->laptop. So i use a lenovo X220 in 2 workplaces, both with a docking station (it has a terrible screen). Ideally i d like to live in a world where desktops are replaced by universal docking stations ready to serve any employee and her laptop.

jonstjohn2• 14 years ago

On the keyboard front - wasn't realy aware of the differences between mechanical and non-mechanical, although I've been using a Kinesis Advantage Pro for several years now and love it. It appears to use the Cherry MX brown switches (http://www.elitekeyboards.com/support.php) also used by the Filco keyboard mentioned in the article. Does anybody else have experience w/ Filco keyboards? I switched to the Kinesis primarily for the form factor.

neotorama• 14 years ago

I think almost every mechanical keyboard feels the same. What makes the difference is the switches under the key cap.

Black: linear, hard, no sound. Brown: tactile, no sound. Blue: tactile, clicky sound

I use KBC Poker with red Cherry. Light, linear and no sound.

tikhonj• 14 years ago

I have a keyboard with brown switches and while they are quieter than blue ones, saying they produce "no sound" is quite an exaggeration. They still have a nice clicky sound and are much louder than normal keys. I actually like this, but it is something to keep in mind.

jaryd• 14 years ago

I use a filco majestouch tenkeyless with brown switches. I love it but it is pretty clicky. drives my girlfriend nuts. I have a bt apple chiclet keyboard hanging around for when she gets extra annoyed.

jonstjohn2• 14 years ago

The Kinesis I have with brown switches is fairly loud - people always know when I'm typing on a conference call! I need a stealth keyboard for when I'm on the phone.

loungin• 14 years ago

At home I use a Filco Majestouch (Tenkeyless) with Blue Cherry MX's. I LOVE it. Works with USB and PS/2 (N key rollover with PS/2, but it's rare you'll actually care about it). Built like a rock, I'm pretty sure I could hit a punching bag with it and it'd be okay.

On the downside like many say they can be quite loud, but most of the noise actually comes from people 'bottoming out' the keys. That need not be the case with mechanicals. Once you hear the click, your keypress is registered. So after a time with some practice, even blues can be fine around spouses.

A GREAT resource for all things related to mechanical keyboards (and a cool community in general, yes I am a member there) is http://geekhack.org.

kmfrk• 14 years ago

There's a new-ish community at /r/keyboards on reddit for anyone interested in mechanical keyboards - and others.

chrismsnz2• 14 years ago

I have a Das keyboard (with Tux keycaps for the windows keys!) and you can pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Not cheap, but a seriously nice piece of kit.

jamiepenney• 14 years ago

I have a Filco Majestouch with browns at work, and one with blues at home. I mostly prefer the blues, but they are obscenely loud so just aren't that practical for an office environment. The browns are not much louder than a normal keyboard unless you are really pounding away on them.

If you are already using a Kinesis, you won't get much out of a Majestouch - They're as straight as an arrow.

shareme• 14 years ago

I am in the same boat as I do not want to use Mac equipment.

Laptops: I have good experience with Toshiba both AMd and Intel cpus..my next laptop will be an i7 Toshiba.

As far as build desktop I might not have to as there are some basic HP desktop PCs on sale that with 1 gig dedicated graphics that you could install SSD into and than supply two LCDs and a network NAS for under $2500.

That is of course you have choice between 2nd generation i7 and the AMD FX series cpus

And of course if you need to add a graphics tablet it will bring it up to $3000..but still not bad..

cmsj• 14 years ago

Terminator \o/

th0ma5• 14 years ago

I was looking for a netbook or laptop, and i ought to dig more, but I gave up that afternoon because the M$ tax started to piss me off. Anyone have much luck not having to pay for windows outside of a pieced-together system?

ohgodthecat• 14 years ago

There used to be offers here: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/thinkpad-laptops-with-dos.shtml looks to be nonexistant now though.

https://www.system76.com/ is pretty popular in some circles

zalew• 14 years ago

It bothers me that s76 decided to stick nvidia in there, like to make sure that if you drop Ubuntu in favor of Debian or some other distro, you'll get annoyed with all the driver mess.

mkramlich• 14 years ago

That reminded me of the 2 shotgun no-brainers I recommend to anyone wanting to beef up their computer: SSD and ridiculous amounts of RAM.

jbarham• 14 years ago

"I’m using a pretty basic home-assembled machine — Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB RAM, SSD for applications and 3x 1TB HDs in a RAID for data..."

Clearly his definition of a "basic" machine is different from mine. Or maybe I'm just getting old...

The Linux Setup, Noah Lorang, 37signals

Related Stories