[H] Ubuntu DC Appliance -- alternative approach to Linux crunching/folding

tear

[H]ard|DCer of the Year 2011
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I'm proud to announce general availability of [H] Ubuntu DC Appliance.

Note: subscribe to this thread to receive updates/announcements et al.

Thanks go to #area51, esp. sc0tty8, the main instigator of this development.

Main objective of [H] Ubuntu DC Appliance is simplifying installation
and setup.

While [H] Ubuntu Installation Guide (which is, for the most part, automated)
shares same goals, there are few differences that make the appliance attractive
in certain scenarios.

As such, treat [H] Ubuntu DC Appliance as an alternative, not a competition
to [H] Ubuntu Installation Guide.

Notably, [H] Ubuntu DC Appliance:
  • is a device image (like linuxfah's folding appliance), not an ISO -- it can
    be easily transferred w/o resorting to SATA DVD drive or Virtual DVD
  • includes custom BOINC client, with optimizations for multisocket/dedicated machines
  • runs custom [H] kernel configuration, dedicated for high-output (2P/4P intel and AMD) machines
  • includes all necessary OS tweaks
  • comes with most common folding/OC-related utilities preinstalled: HFM, tpc, i7z,
    ocng-utils, langouste (not configured by default), Kraken
  • features spanking [H] desktop background ;)

For hackers --
Project is hosted at github -- https://github.com/team33/h-ubuntu
Kernel changes were made against ubuntu-precise kernel git tree, commit 2df0160076bee3aabb7cf2b6c4ac21e82bc34b41.
Diff is available at http://darkswarm.org/Ubuntu-3.2.0-47.72-2df0160076bee3aabb7cf2b6c4ac21e82bc34b41-h3-20130604.diff

Release comparison/history:
Code:
+---------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
|                     |      v6      |      v7      |      v8      |      v9      |     v9.1     | 
+---------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| build date          |    6/26/2013 |    6/28/2013 |     7/2/2013 |   10/24/2013 |     2/7/2014 |
| download size (MiB) |       773.94 |       771.72 |       765.39 |       770.18 |       758.33 |
| raw size (MiB)      |      7600.00 |      7600.00 |      7511.77 |      5120.00 |      5120.00 |
| usable swap (KiB)   |       462844 |       462844 |       356348 |       510972 |       510972 |
| Ubuntu              |      12.04.2 |      12.04.2 |      12.04.2 |      12.04.2 |      12.04.2 |
| BOINC               |           -  |           -  |           -  |           -  |    7.0.65~a3 |
| fahinstall*         |         2.15 |         2.16 |         2.16 |         2.21 |         2.28 |
| fahdiag*            |          0.4 |          0.4 |          0.4 |         0.15 |         0.17 |
| thekraken*          |    0.7-pre15 |    0.7-pre15 |    0.7-pre15 |    0.7-pre16 |    0.7-pre19 |
| Langouste3*         |         15.9 |         15.9 |         15.9 |        15.14 |        15.20 |
| HFM                 | 0.9.1.595-h5 | 0.9.1.595-h5 | 0.9.1.595-h5 | 0.9.1.595-h6 | 0.9.1.595-h6 |
| ocng-utils          |          4.3 |          4.3 |          4.3 |          4.5 |          4.5 |
| tpc                 |     0.44-rc2 |     0.44-rc2 |     0.44-rc2 |     0.44-rc2 |     0.44-rc2 |
| i7z                 |       0.27.2 |       0.27.2 |       0.27.2 |       0.27.2 |       0.27.2 |
+---------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
*) automatically updated when 'sudo fahinstall' is run, also see FAQ two posts down

v6:
- first public release

v7:
- resolves a bug that prevented Langouste from starting up
- automatically sets hostname to fah-ETHERNETMAC at first boot
- uses text mode in GRUB out of the box
- preconfigures HFM
- removes stock Ubuntu kernel [3.5.0-23-generic]
- [advanced] doesn't start GUI in runlevel 3 (courtesy of brilong)

v8:
- automatically adjusts fah-ETHERNETMAC hostname if the drive is moved
  to another machine

v9 (special thanks to bowlinra for feedback and suggestions):
- is much smaller, raw image size has been reduced to 5GB (from >7GB);
  this should enable use of any not-exactly-8GB drive
- features automatic partition and filesystem expansion (to completely
  fill the device)
- generates fresh swap and root-fs UUIDs at first boot
- generates fresh self-signed SSL certificate at first boot
- updates documentation on the Desktop (DOUBLE-CLICK ME)
- removes log files generated during setup (for cleanliness)

v9.1:
- quick respin of v9
- now includes BOINC client! (henceforth called DC Appliance --sic!)
- includes updated FAH utilities

Setup -- background

[H] Ubuntu DC Appliance, being an image, needs additional machine that's
used for transferring the appliance to target drive. We'll be calling it 'host machine'.

Naturally, you will also need a target drive which will have to be connected to the
host machine through the process of transferring the image to the target drive.

Target drive may be an USB drive, HDD, SSD, connected directly or indirectly
(via USB<->SATA adapter) to the host machine.

Size requirement is currently 5 GB or larger.


Linux instructions are available in the [post=1040001861]next post[/post].
For FAQ, [post=1040002108]click here[/post].

Setup [Windows] -- steps

  1. Round up a Windows PC (host machine) and make sure you have 7zip installed
    &#8194;
  2. Connect target drive (the one you want to install [H] Ubuntu Folding Appliance to) to the
    host machine, make sure it's at least 5 GB large
    &#8194;
  3. Download and install RMPrepUSB image write tool:
    http://darkswarm.org/dc-appliance/Install_RMPrepUSB_Full_v2.1.706.zip
    &#8194;
  4. Download the image.

    Use Torrent (preferred):
    Magnet link
    or HTTP (in case of issues):
    http://darkswarm.org/dc-appliance/team33-ubuntu-9.1-20140207.7z
    &#8194;
  5. Un7zip the image
    &#8194;
  6. Launch RMPrepUSB, you should see something along these lines:

    kcHIqe4.png


    RMPrepUSB is extremely flexible but we'll only use few of its features -- don't be alarmed.
    &#8194;
  7. If using HDD/SSD, go to Settings and make sure that 'List HARD DISKS option is checked', if not -- click it
    &#8194;
  8. Highlight target device in the drive list.
    IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE RIGHT DRIVE
    &#8194;
  9. Click File->Drive button
    &#8194;
  10. Select the file (extracted in step 5)
    &#8194;
  11. After you select the file, RMPrepUSB will present you three configuration screens (one at a time)
    -- accept default values by clicking 'OK' button.

    w1rKApL.png
    8qyqS7p.png
    p8cWqjY.png

    &#8194;
  12. Next, RMPrepUSB will display final confirmation screen.
    As this is last chance to cancel the operation, make sure appropriate drive is about to be written to!.
    Click 'OK' button to proceed with the write.

    xolRdpI.png

    &#8194;
  13. Writing is performed by external console program; you shall be notified of the success as well -- see below.

    JQCdGRt.png


    0nimN1m.png

    &#8194;
  14. Power the host machine down, move the drive to target machine and power it on.
    The machine will boot the OS, perform several first-boot tasks and reboot again -- don't
    be alarmed.
    &#8194;
  15. Once the target machine boots, log in.
    user: horde
    pass: team33ftw
    &#8194;
  16. Configure the time zone:
    (a) click on the Dash Icon (top-left), then
    (b) type: 'time' (remove quotes) and press Enter
    (c) select your location/time zone on the map
    (d) close the window -- use (X) icon in top-left corner of the window
    &#8194;
  17. BOINC is preinstalled and starts at boot-time. If you wish to BOINC:
    (a) click the Dash Icon (top-left), then
    (b) type: 'boinc' and press Enter
    &#8194;
  18. Due to terms of Folding@Home EULA, you need to install the client
    yourself. Automated setup script is available. Proceed according
    to following steps to complete the installation.
    &#8194;
  19. Open a terminal:
    (a) click on the Dash Icon (top-left), then
    (b) type: 'terminal' and press Enter
    &#8194;
  20. In the terminal window, type: 'sudo fahinstall' (remove quotes) and press Enter.
    &#8194;
  21. After few moments, fahinstall will ask if you accept Folding@Home EULA.
    If you accept the EULA, press Enter.
    &#8194;
  22. Fahinstall will then download and run the client in -configonly mode which will ask you
    for your donor name, team number and passkey.
    Enter the values as requested.
    &#8194;
    If you don't have a passkey, request one at:
    http://fah-web.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/getpasskey.py
    &#8194;
    Add'l passkey info is available at:
    http://folding.stanford.edu/English/FAQ-passkey
    &#8194;
  23. You may leave remaining items at their defaults (Press Enter to accept each value).
    If you wish to use Langouste answer 'yes' to 'Use proxy' question.
    &#8194;
    NOTE: client is preconfigured for your hardware configuration;
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;however, if you have a 24-thread machine that won't meet
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;bigadv deadlines (ask us, if you're not sure), you will
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;have to answer 'yes' to 'Change advanced options' question
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;and remove '-bigadv' parameter from 'Additional client
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;parameters' list.
    &#8194;
  24. Upon completing the installation, fahinstall will print your host name and IP address
    and will ask you to reboot the machine.
    &#8194;
  25. Optionally, you may now change host name to your liking. To do so, type:

    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;sudo hostname-persistent <hostname>

    Replace <hostname> with desired name and press Enter.

    For instance, to set your hostname to 'neptune' type:

    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;sudo hostname-persistent neptune

    and press Enter.
    &#8194;
  26. Reboot the machine: type 'sudo reboot' (remove quotes) and press Enter
    &#8194;
  27. Once the machine reboots, log back in.
    &#8194;
  28. To start folding, open a terminal and type (press Enter after each line):

    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;cd ~/fah/
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;./fah6
 
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Setup [Linux] -- steps

  1. Round up a Linux PC (host machine) and make sure you have 7z (7za or 7zr are fine, too) installed.
    We'll use 7zr in this example; usage of other tools is exactly the same as far as our operation is concerned.

    To install 7zr (on Ubuntu 12.04), run:
    Code:
    sudo apt-get install p7zip
    &#8194;
  2. Download the image

    Use Torrent (preferred):
    Magnet link
    or HTTP (in case of issues):
    Code:
    wget -O team33-ubuntu-9.1-20140207.7z  http://darkswarm.org/dc-appliance/team33-ubuntu-9.1-20140207.7z
    &#8194;
  3. Connect target drive (the one you want to install [H] Ubuntu Folding Appliance to) to the
    host machine, make sure it's at least 8 GB large
    &#8194;
  4. If your Linux distribution automatically displays contents of the drive or presents
    any related contents -- close the recently popped-up window
    &#8194;
  5. Now we need to determine the mount point and device name of the target drive, run:
    Code:
    df -h
    and examine its output. Nowdays, removable media get mounted in /media/.
    Find your drive in there and note device name (drop any trailing digits) and mount point.

    For instance:
    Code:
    alice@wonderland:~$ df -h
    Filesystem      Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on
    /dev/sda1        17G   16G  599M  97% /
    udev            741M  4.0K  741M   1% /dev
    tmpfs           300M  908K  299M   1% /run
    none            5.0M     0  5.0M   0% /run/lock
    none            750M  200K  750M   1% /run/shm
    tmpfs           750M   19M  731M   3% /home/folding/fah
    [b]/dev/sdb1        8.0G  705M  7.2G   9% /media/20C8-9A83[/b]
    alice@wonderland:~$
    In this case, mount point is: /media/20C8-9A83 and device name is: /dev/sdb (note dropped '1').
    &#8194;
  6. Unmount the target drive:
    Code:
    sudo umount <mount point from previous step>
    In our example, it is:
    Code:
    sudo umount /media/20C8-9A83
    &#8194;
  7. Extract the image onto target drive:
    Code:
    sudo -s
    7zr x -so team33-ubuntu-9.1-20140207.7z | dd bs=1M of=<device name>
    exit
    In our example, it is:
    Code:
    sudo -s
    7zr x -so team33-ubuntu-9.1-20140207.7z | dd bs=1M of=/dev/sdb
    exit
    &#8194;
  8. Wait for the command prompt to return
    &#8194;
  9. Eject the drive to make sure all data have reached the medium:
    Code:
    sudo eject -s <device name>
    In our example, it is:
    Code:
    sudo eject -s /dev/sdb
    &#8194;
  10. Power the host machine down, move the drive to target machine and power it on.
    The machine will boot the OS, perform several first-boot tasks and reboot again -- don't
    be alarmed.
    &#8194;
  11. Once the target machine boots, log in.
    user: horde
    pass: team33ftw
    &#8194;
  12. Configure the time zone:
    (a) click on the Dash Icon (top-left), then
    (b) type: 'time' (remove quotes) and press Enter
    (c) select your location/time zone on the map
    (d) close the window -- use (X) icon in top-left corner of the window
    &#8194;
  13. Open a terminal:
    (a) click on the Dash Icon (top-left), then
    (b) type: 'terminal' and press Enter
    &#8194;
  14. In the terminal window, type: 'sudo fahinstall' (remove quotes) and press Enter.
    &#8194;
  15. After few moments, fahinstall will ask if you accept Folding@Home EULA.
    If you accept the EULA, press Enter.
    &#8194;
  16. Fahinstall will then download and run the client in -configonly mode which will ask you
    for your donor name, team number and passkey.
    Enter the values as requested.
    &#8194;
    If you don't have a passkey, request one at:
    http://fah-web.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/getpasskey.py
    &#8194;
    Add'l passkey info is available at:
    http://folding.stanford.edu/English/FAQ-passkey
    &#8194;
  17. You may leave remaining items at their defaults (Press Enter to accept each value).
    If you wish to use Langouste answer 'yes' to 'Use proxy' question.
    &#8194;
    NOTE: client is preconfigured for your hardware configuration;
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;however, if you have a 24-thread machine that won't meet
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;bigadv deadlines (ask us, if you're not sure), you will
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;have to answer 'yes' to 'Change advanced options' question
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;and remove '-bigadv' parameter from 'Additional client
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;parameters' list.
    &#8194;
  18. Upon completing the installation, fahinstall will print your host name and IP address
    and will ask you to reboot the machine.
    &#8194;
  19. Optionally, you may now change host name to your liking. To do so, type:

    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;sudo hostname-persistent <hostname>

    Replace <hostname> with desired name and press Enter.

    For instance, to set your hostname to 'neptune' type:

    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;sudo hostname-persistent neptune

    and press Enter.
    &#8194;
  20. Reboot the machine: type 'sudo reboot' (remove quotes) and press Enter
    &#8194;
  21. Once the machine reboots, log back in.
    &#8194;
  22. To start folding, open a terminal and type (press Enter after each line):

    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;cd ~/fah/
    &#8194;&#8194;&#8194;&#8196;./fah6
 
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To answer some questions:

1. Installation/initial setup

Q1.1: Can I use the appliance on a hard drive instead of USB drive?

A: Yes, you can -- see step 7 here.


Q1.2: Any downsides to using a USB drive?

A: Yes and no. Yes -- boot up and shutdowns will take slightly longer with
&#8194;&#8194;cheap/slow USB drive. No -- USB drives cost less, easier to come by, less
&#8194;&#8194;mess for those of us who are OCD, and draw slightly less power.


Q1.3: What thumb drives do you recommend?

A: Any quality drive should work. Personally, I am using the Patriot drives at the bottom of my post.


Q1.4: What's up with the host name? It's something weird, like fah-002590582fd0.

A: Host name is auto-generated from MAC address of your Ethernet interface.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;If you wish to change it, run:
Code:
sudo hostname-persistent newfancyname
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;and follow on-screen instructions.


Q1.5: I don't like the password, can I change it?

A: Sure, run
Code:
passwd
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;and follow on-screen instructions.


Q1.6: I don't like horde username, can I change it?

A: Yes. But instead of changing, we recommend creating new user named to
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;your liking, stopping fah client (if running), logging in as the new
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;user and running
Code:
sudo fahinstall
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Note: if you made fah start automatically (also see Q1.8) you will
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;also need to edit rc.local and change the user name accordingly.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Note: migrating client directory to another user, while possible,
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;is not supported.


Q1.7: I really like SSH, can I run fahinstall when logged in via SSH?

A: Yes. Just log in the way you normally do and fire away.


Q1.8: Help! I made a mistake while configuring fah, what do I do?

A: Re-run fahinstall indicating you wish to reconfigure the client:
Code:
sudo fahinstall --fah-reconfigure


Q1.9: How do I autostart the fah client upon boot?
A: Follow 'Start FAH on boot' at http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1037125478&postcount=6


Q1.10: I don't want the GUI. Can I disable and remove it?
A: Disabling the GUI is covered by 'Boot to CLI' at http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1037125478&postcount=6.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Removal does not improve performance and is outside the scope of this FAQ.


2. Using the appliance


Q2.1: I need to reboot or power-off the machine, what's the recommended procedure not to lose any
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;folding progress?

A: Simply reboot, or shutdown from the GUI.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;To reboot from command line, type:
Code:
sudo reboot
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;To shutdown, type:
Code:
sudo poweroff
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Stopping the client is not recommended and is discouraged. Client backup
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;is automatically taken as the OS shuts down.



3. Troubleshooting

Q3.1: I rebooted the box and the fah client didn't resume at the last checkpoint.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Is this expected?

A: Not if you followed the process from the answer to Q2.1.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Let us know shall you encounter it.


Q3.2: My client isn't uploading any units! What's wrong?

A: Most likely, you have enabled Langouste. If so, everything is running correctly.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Upload failures and messages like:
Code:
[19:28:06] - Error: Could not get length of results file work/wuresults_03.dat
[19:28:06] - Error: Could not read unit 03 file. Removing from queue.
[19:28:06] + Sent 0 of 1 completed units to the server
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;indicate normal Langouste operation (WU uploads are performed in the
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;background). Just make sure you're getting credit for the work!
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;For more information, see http://darkswarm.org/langouste3/langouste3-released/README.txt.


Q3.3: GUI is reporting 'low graphics mode', what do I do?

A: It may be that your graphics chip is not supported (Q5.1);
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;this has also been known to happen on supported graphics chips
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;during first boot. Reboot the machine by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;let us know if the issue persists.


Q3.4: I'm having a problem, what information should I provide to get help?

A: Post a new thread with detailed description of the problem and output of the following command:
Code:
fahdiag | pastebinit



4. Upgrading the appliance

Q4.1: How can I tell the appliance version I'm running?

A: Run
Code:
cat /etc/h-ubuntu-version
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;This works on version 9 and above. Previous releases have not explicitly
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;been versioned.


Q4.2: How do I upgrade the appliance?

A: All folding-related configuration and utilities can be upgraded by
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;running
Code:
sudo fahinstall
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Note that fah client does NOT need to be stopped to perform an upgrade.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Machine-related utilities (ocng-utils, tpc, i7z) currently need to be
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;upgraded manually per respective instructions.


Q4.3: Can I just load the new image from scratch to upgrade everything instead?

A: Sure. Though note that client migration, while possible, is currently not
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;supported.



5. Other questions

Q5.1: Are there any limitations of the image?

A: GUI is currently not supported on AST2000-based boards.
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;Drives larger than 2 TB are currently not supported.


Q5.2: What additional tweaks, if any, can be done to further improve performance?

A: We know none.


Q5.3: The background is pimp, can I get it for my smart phone?

A: Source: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1586271
&#8194;&#8194;&#8194;PNG: https://github.com/team33/h-ubuntu/raw/master/h.png


Q5.4: What are some advantages of running this appliance?

A: You can move this from machine to machine, so say you'd like to stress test a machine. You will need to properly power down the machine, from gui use the shutdown menu, from cli, issue "sudo poweroff". You may then resume from checkpoint.


Q5.5: Any issues with running this image?

A: Like everything else, we do an extensive amount of testing prior to release. This has been in "testing & development" for quite some time. As issues or enhancements have been discovered, these have been updated, and latest posted. Development and improvements are very actively taking place.




Device benchmarks:

PEF8GSBUSB-USB2TEST.png

Patriot Memory Supersonic Boost XT USB 3.0 8GB Flash Drive (PEF8GSBUSB) on USB2 port
PEF8GSBUSB-USB3TEST.png

Patriot Memory Supersonic Boost XT USB 3.0 8GB Flash Drive (PEF8GSBUSB) on USB3 port

Product link: http://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Memory-Supersonic-Boost-PEF8GSBUSB/dp/B007JPVT8G/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I used this last night and it works very well! Great job!!
 
I've used this on two systems so far. It was great. One system has mirrored SAS drives and I just overwrote the existing CentOS installation with this 8GB image, rebooted, configured it and Fold!
 
Using this folding appliance will get you to pretty much the same place as following the Ubuntu install guide. So, why do we have both? I will point out some use cases and which option will be better for you to use. They both have their time and place.

1. You are building a new folding box from scratch - use the folding appliance to prep your hdd/ssd prior to installing it.

2. You have an existing fully assembled machine that you want to convert to Ubuntu for folding - use the install guide so you do not have to tear down the machine.

3. You have temporary access to one or more machines for folding - put the folding appliance on a USB drive (or on multiple USB drives if you have access to multiple machines) and set the machines to boot to your USB drives.

4. Scenario 1, but you only have access to a laptop and do not have a USB to SATA adapter - use the install guide.

Having an SATA to USB converter/docking station is very useful if you want to use the folding appliance - you can basically hot plug an SATA drive into a Windows or Linux machine without having to take anything apart.

You can use either option for any situation. These are just recommendations that would get you up and running in the shortest time or with the least amount of effort.
 
I was able to create a new setup in half the time! Thanks for all your guys [H]ard work!

I wanted to add a couple of things, like start folding on boot. Is there anything different with the Ramdisk? Can I just add this to /etc/rc.local
Code:
# Add FAH to start on boot
cd /home/horde/fah && sudo -u horde screen -d -m ./fah6

or do I need to use fahrestore before? or how does that work now?
 
Thank you for your kind words! We've put a lot of time and effort into it and we're happy to hear it's worked well for you :)

You bring up a good point. Let me check if this will work as expected (I'm sensing it may not
and we may need to do a small tune-up) and get back with you.
 
I'll test it right now on my spare machine.

Edit: On this machine here, I am able to have:
# Add FAH to start on boot
cd /home/horde/fah && sudo -u horde screen -d -m ./fah6

Run at boot time and resume from checkpoint. Do note: I did a reboot and command executed, I'll test further on another machine.
 
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I was worried that rc.local-based startup could race with fahrestore (which runs outside of rc.local).

Upon analysis and testing, it turns out everything will happen the way we expect; that is, fahrestore
will be completed before rc.local is run.

Bottom-line: you sure can incorporate quoted line into your rc.local and things should work smoothly.
 
I was worried that rc.local-based startup could race with fahrestore (which runs outside of rc.local).

THis was my concern as well especially on slower USB drive.
 
I noticed the time zone set to Denver. Any thoughts to prompting for the time zone?

I also really liked having the clockspeed displaying, when you SSH into the box, I can't remember where to you set that up. I could use a little help on that one.
 
Thanks for the feedback, bowlinra :)

Good idea about the time zone. Will need to figure how to do it nicely. In the mean time we'll
make sure to update the documentation.

Re clockspeed
Disclaimer: currently clockspeed only works on AMD systems -- until it's updated to support
intel we can't integrate such feature w/the image (to use for everyone)

If you want to set it up, you can do either of two things that I can think of:
  1. Run clockspeed once, at startup (e.g. rc.local) and feed its output to, say, /etc/motd.tail
    Code:
    clockspeed | grep MHz > /etc/motd.tail
  2. Run clockspeed at each login -- create a file (bash script which gets sourced by the OS) that calls clockspeed and place it in /etc/profile.d, e.g.
    Code:
    echo 'clockspeed | grep MHz' | sudo dd of=/etc/profile.d/clockspeed.sh
    Doing so will also require clockspeed to be setuid-root (one-time setup):
    Code:
    sudo chmod 4755 /usr/bin/clockspeed
 
Re: Clockspeed on ssh or login (using MotD)

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1038451761&postcount=3

Click the "Spoiler about a Cool Tip" button.

Similar to tear's instructions, it uses a different way to append the current clock speed to the MotD. I believe this way is easier, though. It works on Ubuntu, and probably only works on Debian-based distros. It will work on this folding appliance since it is Ubuntu-based.
 
"Cool Tip" qualifies better for option #2, too.

Downside of option #2 (no matter if going by my #2 or cool tip) is that every login is delayed by ~2 seconds.
 
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The Cool Tip is what I'm remembering, just couldn't find it. Thanks Musky!

Going to try sc0tty8 thumb drive setup next. I think it will help with air flow thru the rack without the hard drive mounting and cables..
 
Yup. Scheduled to be included in ocng-utils-4.4 which will be included in either version 9 or 10 of the image.
 
I take back what I said about you never doing any guides brah. Looking good.
 
Post 3 :)

The smallest drive needs to have 7.3gb free.
 
Patriot Autobahn 8gb...another false advertisement of 8GB...7.2GiB rather than the 7.45GiB min specs ...
 
psf8glsabusb
Patriot Autobahn "8GB" usb 2.0
 
Thanks for the part numbers guys. If someone is board and wants to bench the working drives....:)
 
Does this have any advantages in performance over the older more manual install process?
 
AFAIK , no there isnt. It is just automating everything. However id wait for one of the more knowledgeable guys to chime in.
 
There is no benefit over the Ubuntu install guide using fahinstall. If you already did that, you do not need to change over to this.
 
Notable difference is [H]-optimized kernel configuration.
We may release it independently for fahinstall installations.
 
Yes. Use it and be happy. All the whizbang go fast shit is in this.

There is no benefit over the Ubuntu install guide using fahinstall. If you already did that, you do not need to change over to this.

Notable difference is [H]-optimized kernel configuration.
We may release it independently for fahinstall installations.


This is a product made by a Greek God. Use it with no remorse, for not using it will result in a lack of holiness.
 
Truly great work and a perfect example of how you guys put the "Hard" in H. So many Folders (across many teams) have taken advantage of the collective ingenuity that you bring to the Folding table with tools like this. What you have done for all of us is well beyond expectations and so damn useful too!!! :D

Thank-you to all that develop, test and bring these great tools to us. :cool:
 
Say whaaaat?

lol.

That was meant towards sc0tty8 :p

Please forgive me o great one.

On topic: Used this application on my new 4p. Worked flawless. Made things even easier than the old one.
 
This setup doesn't put you in any team by default. YOU specify team, name, and passkey...
 
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