Commit `ce7749abd0`

ce7749abd0114d836d116ecbeb001d0a3827be3b

parent: af67e996dc

Unsigned

cmc <hello@cleberg.net> · 2025-11-12 03:25 UTC

fix grammar in 2021 posts

Layout: unified · split

content/blog/2021-01-01-seum.org +6 −8

		@@ -5,12 +5,9 @@
5	5
6	6	* Game Description
7	7
8		[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/457210/SEUM_Speedrunners_from_Hell/][SEUM:
9		Speedrunners from Hell]] is an incredibly fast-paced mashup of a puzzle
10		game and a free-running game. Created by [[https://pinestudio.co][Pine
11		Studio]] in early 2016 and first released as a
12		[[https://gamejolt.com/games/seum-speedrunners-from-hell-demo/154868][demo
13		on GameJolt]], this game was successfully green-lit on Steam and has
	8	[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/457210/SEUM_Speedrunners_from_Hell/][SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell]] is an incredibly fast-paced mashup of a puzzle game
	9	and a free-running game. Created by [[https://pinestudio.co][Pine Studio]] in early 2016 and first released
	10	as a [[https://gamejolt.com/games/seum-speedrunners-from-hell-demo/154868][demo on GameJolt]], this game was successfully green-lit on Steam and has
14	11	amassed a cult following on multiple consoles.
15	12
16	13	Here's the game description straight from the developers:
		@@ -57,8 +54,9 @@ contains nine regular levels, one boss level, and one bonus level;
57	54	although you don't technically need to beat all levels to advance to the
58	55	next floor. # In-Game Screenshots
59	56
60		The main menu gives you plenty of options for tuning your system,
61		playing main levels, playing the DLC, or exploring the other game modes.
	57	The main menu gives you plenty of options for tuning your system, playing main
	58	levels, playing the downloadable content (DLC), or exploring the other game
	59	modes.
62	60
63	61	Once you enter a level, you can look around and strategize before
64	62	starting. Clicking any button will start the menu, and you'll have to

content/blog/2021-01-04-fediverse.org +41 −44

		@@ -5,53 +5,51 @@
5	5
6	6	* What is the Fediverse?
7	7
8		The fediverse is a federated universe of servers commonly used for
9		sharing content, like social media. So, instead of having to rely on a
10		single organization to run the server (e.g. Facebook), the fediverse is
11		a giant collection of servers across the world, owned by many people and
12		organizations.
13
14		Take a look at this depiction of a federated network. Each server in
15		this photo is owned and run by different administrators/owners.
16		Federated networks are best explained as email servers: you have an
17		email account that exists on a server (e.g. Outlook), your friend has an
18		account on a different server (e.g. GMail), and another friend has an
19		account on a third server (e.g. ProtonMail). All three of you can talk
20		and communicate back and forth without having to be on the same server.
21		However, responsible email admins are there to set rules and control the
	8	The fediverse is a federated universe of servers commonly used for sharing
	9	content, like social media. So, instead of having to rely on a single
	10	organization to run the server (e.g. Facebook), the fediverse is a giant
	11	collection of servers across the world, owned by many people and organizations.
	12
	13	Take a look at this depiction of a federated network. Each server in this photo
	14	is owned and run by different administrators/owners. Federated networks are best
	15	explained as email servers: you have an email account that exists on a server
	16	(e.g. Outlook), your friend has an account on a different server (e.g. GMail),
	17	and another friend has an account on a third server (e.g. ProtonMail). All three
	18	of you can talk and communicate back and forth without having to be on the same
	19	server. However, responsible email admins are there to set rules and control the
22	20	traffic going in/out of the server.
23	21
24		The main objective of this architecture is to decentralize the control
25		within the internet connections. For example, if you run your own
26		Mastodon instance, you and your users can't be censored or impacted in
27		any way by authorities of another Mastodon instance. Some users have
28		praised these features due to recent criticism of popular social media
29		websites that may be over-censoring their users.
	22	The main objective of this architecture is to decentralize the control within
	23	the internet connections. For example, if you run your own Mastodon instance,
	24	you and your users can't be censored or impacted in any way by authorities of
	25	another Mastodon instance. Some users have praised these features due to recent
	26	criticism of popular social media websites that may be over-censoring their
	27	users.
30	28
31	29	This strategy is great for making sure control of the social web isn't
32		controlled by a single organization, but it also has some downsides. If
33		I create a Mastodon instance and get a ton of users to sign up, I can
34		shut the server down at any time. That means you're at risk of losing
35		the content you've created unless you back it up, or the server backs it
36		up for you. Also, depending on the software used (e.g. Mastodon,
37		Pixelfed, etc.), censorship may still be an issue if the server admins
38		decide they want to censor their users. Now, censorship isn't always a
39		bad thing and can even benefit the community as a whole, but you'll want
40		to determine which servers align with your idea of proper censorship.
41
42		However, these are risks that we take when we sign up for any online
43		platform. Whatever your reason is for trying out federated social
44		networks, they are part of the future of the internet. However, the
45		popularity of these services is still yet to be determined, especially
46		with the increased difficulty understanding and signing up for these
47		platforms. Perhaps increased regulation and litigation against current
48		social media sites will push more users into the fediverse.
	30	controlled by a single organization, but it also has some downsides. If I create
	31	a Mastodon instance and get a ton of users to sign up, I can shut the server
	32	down at any time. That means you're at risk of losing the content you've created
	33	unless you back it up, or the server backs it up for you. Also, depending on the
	34	software used (e.g. Mastodon, Pixelfed, etc.), censorship may still be an issue
	35	if the server admins decide they want to censor their users. Now, censorship
	36	isn't always a bad thing and can even benefit the community as a whole, but
	37	you'll want to determine which servers align with your idea of proper
	38	censorship.
	39
	40	However, these are risks that we take when we sign up for any online platform.
	41	Whatever your reason is for trying out federated social networks, they are part
	42	of the future of the internet. However, the popularity of these services is
	43	still yet to be determined, especially with the increased difficulty
	44	understanding and signing up for these platforms. Perhaps increased regulation
	45	and litigation against current social media sites will push more users into the
	46	fediverse.
49	47
50	48	* Federated Alternatives to Popular Sites
51	49
52		The list below is a small guide that will show you federated
53		alternatives to current popular websites. There are many more out there,
54		so go and explore: you might just find the perfect home.
	50	The list below is a small guide that will show you federated alternatives to
	51	current popular websites. There are many more out there, so go and explore: you
	52	might just find the perfect home.
55	53
56	54	** Reddit
57	55
		@@ -91,10 +89,9 @@ so go and explore: you might just find the perfect home.
91	89
92	90	* Get Started
93	91
94		The best way to get started is to simply sign up and learn as you go. If
95		you're comfortable signing up through a Mastodon, Pleroma, or Friendica
96		server, here is [[https://fediverse.party/en/portal/servers][a list of
97		themed servers]] to choose from. If you're looking for something else,
	92	The best way to get started is to simply sign up and learn as you go. If you're
	93	comfortable signing up through a Mastodon, Pleroma, or Friendica server, here is
	94	[[https://fediverse.party/en/portal/servers][a list of themed servers]] to choose from. If you're looking for something else,
98	95	try a web search for a federated alternative to your favorite sites.
99	96
100	97	Find a server that focuses on your passions and start there!

content/blog/2021-01-07-ufw.org +49 −53

		@@ -5,22 +5,21 @@
5	5
6	6	* Uncomplicated Firewall
7	7
8		Uncomplicated Firewall, also known as ufw, is a convenient and
9		beginner-friendly way to enforce OS-level firewall rules. For those who
10		are hosting servers or any device that is accessible to the world (i.e.,
11		by public IP or domain name), it's critical that a firewall is properly
12		implemented and active.
13
14		Ufw is available by default in all Ubuntu installations after 8.04 LTS.
15		For other distributions, you can look to install ufw or check if there
16		are alternative firewalls installed already. There are usually
17		alternatives available, such as Fedora's =firewall= and the package
18		available on most distributions: =iptables=. Ufw is considered a
19		beginner-friendly front-end to iptables.
20
21		[[https://gufw.org][Gufw]] is available as a graphical user interface
22		(GUI) application for users who are uncomfortable setting up a firewall
23		through a terminal.
	8	Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) is a convenient and beginner-friendly
	9	way to enforce operating system (OS)-level firewall rules. For those who are
	10	hosting servers or any device that is accessible to the world (i.e., by public
	11	IP or domain name), it's critical that a firewall is properly implemented and
	12	active.
	13
	14	UFW is available by default in all Ubuntu installations after 8.04 LTS
	15	(long-term support). For other distributions, you can look to install UFW or
	16	check if there are alternative firewalls installed already. There are usually
	17	alternatives available, such as Fedora's =firewall= and the package available on
	18	most distributions: =iptables=. UFW is considered a beginner-friendly front-end
	19	to iptables.
	20
	21	[[https://gufw.org][Gufw]] is available as a graphical user interface (GUI) application for users who
	22	are uncomfortable setting up a firewall through a terminal.
24	23
25	24	* Getting Help
26	25
		@@ -33,20 +32,19 @@ sudo ufw --help
33	32
34	33	* Set Default State
35	34
36		The proper way to run a firewall is to set a strict default state and
37		slowly open up ports that you want to allow. This helps prevent anything
38		malicious from slipping through the cracks. The following command
39		prevents all incoming traffic (other than the rules we specify later),
40		but you can also set this for outgoing connections, if necessary.
	35	The proper way to run a firewall is to set a strict default state and slowly
	36	open up ports that you want to allow. This helps prevent anything malicious from
	37	slipping through the cracks. The following command prevents all incoming traffic
	38	(other than the rules we specify later), but you can also set this for outgoing
	39	connections, if necessary.
41	40
42	41	#+begin_src sh
43	42	sudo ufw default deny incoming
44	43	#+end_src
45	44
46		You should also allow outgoing traffic if you want to allow the device
47		to communicate back to you or other parties. For example, media servers
48		like Plex need to be able to send out data related to streaming the
49		media.
	45	You should also allow outgoing traffic if you want to allow the device to
	46	communicate back to you or other parties. For example, media servers like Plex
	47	need to be able to send out data related to streaming the media.
50	48
51	49	#+begin_src sh
52	50	sudo ufw default allow outgoing
		@@ -54,23 +52,23 @@ sudo ufw default allow outgoing
54	52
55	53	* Adding Port Rules
56	54
57		Now that we've disabled all incoming traffic by default, we need to open
58		up some ports (or else no traffic would be able to come in). If you need
59		to be able to =ssh= into the machine, you'll need to open up port 22.
	55	Now that we've disabled all incoming traffic by default, we need to open up some
	56	ports (or else no traffic would be able to come in). If you need to be able to
	57	=ssh= into the machine, you'll need to open up port 22.
60	58
61	59	#+begin_src sh
62	60	sudo ufw allow 22
63	61	#+end_src
64	62
65		You can also issue more restrictive rules. The following rule will allow
66		=ssh= connections only from machines on the local subnet.
	63	You can also issue more restrictive rules. The following rule will allow =ssh=
	64	(secure shell protocol) connections only from machines on the local subnet.
67	65
68	66	#+begin_src sh
69	67	sudo ufw allow proto tcp from 192.168.0.0/24 to any port 22
70	68	#+end_src
71	69
72		If you need to set a rule that isn't tcp, just append your connection
73		type to the end of the rule.
	70	If you need to set a rule that isn't TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) just
	71	append your connection type to the end of the rule.
74	72
75	73	#+begin_src sh
76	74	sudo ufw allow 1900/udp
		@@ -93,8 +91,7 @@ sudo reboot now
93	91
94	92	* Checking Status
95	93
96		Now that the firewall is enabled, let's check and see what the rules
97		look like.
	94	Now that the firewall is enabled, let's check and see what the rules look like.
98	95
99	96	#+begin_src sh
100	97	sudo ufw status numbered
		@@ -111,9 +108,9 @@ Status: active
111	108
112	109	* Deleting Rules
113	110
114		If you need to delete a rule, you need to know the number associated
115		with that rule. Let's delete the first rule in the table above. You'll
116		be asked to confirm the deletion as part of this process.
	111	If you need to delete a rule, you need to know the number associated with that
	112	rule. Let's delete the first rule in the table above. You'll be asked to confirm
	113	the deletion as part of this process.
117	114
118	115	#+begin_src sh
119	116	sudo ufw delete 1
		@@ -121,11 +118,10 @@ sudo ufw delete 1
121	118
122	119	* Managing App Rules
123	120
124		Luckily, there's a convenient way for installed applications to create
125		files that ufw can easily implement so that you don't have to search and
126		find which ports your application requires. To see if your device has
127		any applications with pre-installed ufw rules, execute the following
128		command:
	121	Luckily, there's a convenient way for installed applications to create files
	122	that ufw can easily implement so that you don't have to search and find which
	123	ports your application requires. To see if your device has any applications with
	124	pre-installed UFW rules, execute the following command:
129	125
130	126	#+begin_src sh
131	127	sudo ufw app list
		@@ -142,8 +138,8 @@ Available applications:
142	138	plexmediaserver-dlna
143	139	#+end_src
144	140
145		If you want to get more information on a specific app rule, use the
146		=info= command.
	141	If you want to get more information on a specific app rule, use the =info=
	142	command.
147	143
148	144	#+begin_src sh
149	145	sudo ufw app info plexmediaserver-dlna
		@@ -161,8 +157,8 @@ Ports:
161	157	32469/tcp
162	158	#+end_src
163	159
164		You can add or delete app rules the same way that you'd add or delete
165		specific port rules.
	160	You can add or delete app rules the same way that you'd add or delete specific
	161	port rules.
166	162
167	163	#+begin_src sh
168	164	sudo ufw allow plexmediaserver-dlna
		@@ -174,12 +170,12 @@ sudo ufw delete RULE\|NUM
174	170
175	171	* Creating App Rules
176	172
177		If you'd like to create you own app rule, you'll need to create a file
178		in the =/etc/ufw/applications.d= directory. Within the file you create,
179		you need to make sure the content is properly formatted.
	173	If you'd like to create you own app rule, you'll need to create a file in the
	174	=/etc/ufw/applications.d= directory. Within the file you create, you need to
	175	make sure the content is properly formatted.
180	176
181		For example, here are the contents my =plexmediaserver= file, which
182		creates three distinct app rules for ufw:
	177	For example, here are the contents my =plexmediaserver= file, which creates
	178	three distinct app rules for ufw:
183	179
184	180	#+begin_src config
185	181	[plexmediaserver]
		@@ -198,8 +194,8 @@ description=The Plex Media Server (with additional DLNA capability)
198	194	ports=32400/tcp\|3005/tcp\|5353/udp\|8324/tcp\|32410:32414/udp\|1900/udp\|32469/tcp
199	195	#+end_src
200	196
201		So, if I wanted to create a custom app rule called "mycustomrule," I'd
202		create a file and add my content like this:
	197	So, if I wanted to create a custom app rule called "mycustomrule," I'd create a
	198	file and add my content like this:
203	199
204	200	#+begin_src sh
205	201	sudo nano /etc/ufw/applications.d/mycustomrule

content/blog/2021-02-19-macos.org +87 −96

		@@ -5,74 +5,69 @@
5	5
6	6	* Diving into macOS
7	7
8		After spending nearly 15 years working with Windows and 8 years on
9		Linux, I have experienced macOS for the first time. By chance, my spouse
10		happened to buy a new MacBook and gifted me their 2013 model. Of course,
11		I still consider my Linux desktop to be my daily driver and keep Windows
12		around for gaming needs, but over the past week I've found myself using
13		the MacBook more and more for things that don't require gaming specs or
14		advanced dev tools.
	8	After spending nearly 15 years working with Windows and 8 years on Linux, I have
	9	experienced macOS for the first time. By chance, my spouse happened to buy a new
	10	MacBook and gifted me their 2013 model. Of course, I still consider my Linux
	11	desktop to be my daily driver and keep Windows around for gaming needs, but over
	12	the past week I've found myself using the MacBook more and more for things that
	13	don't require gaming specs or advanced developer tools.
15	14
16	15	* Initial Thoughts
17	16
18		Before I move on to the technical aspects of my set-up, I want to take
19		some time and express my thoughts on the overall OS.
20
21		As expected, the initial computer setup is a breeze with Mac's guided
22		GUI installer.
23
24		The desktop itself reminds me of GNOME more than anything else I've
25		seen: even Pantheon from [[https://elementary.io/][ElementaryOS]], which
26		people commonly refer to as the closest Linux distro to macOS. The
27		desktop toolbar is great and far surpasses the utility of the GNOME
28		toolbar due to the fact that the extensions and icons /actually work/. I
29		launch macOS and immediately see my shortcuts for Tresorit, Bitwarden,
30		and Mullvad pop up as the computer loads.
31
32		Even further, the app dock is very useful and will be yet another
33		familiarity for GNOME users. I know many people like panels instead of
34		docks, but I've always found docks to have a more pleasing UI. However,
35		I had to disable the "Show recent applications in Dock" preference; I
36		can't stand items taking up precious screen space if I'm not currently
37		using them. On that same note, it's taking me some time to get use to
38		the fact that I have to manually quit an app or else it will still stay
39		open/active in the dock, even if I've closed out all windows for that
40		app (e.g. Firefox).
41
42		Overall, I'm having a lot of fun and for users who spend a large
43		majority of their time performing basic tasks like web browsing,
44		writing, watching media, etc., macOS is a fantastic option.
45
46		The rest of this post explains the technicalities of how I set up my CLI
47		environment to make me feel more at-home, similar to the environments I
48		set up on Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.
	17	Before I move on to the technical aspects of my set-up, I want to take some time
	18	and express my thoughts on the overall operating system (OS).
	19
	20	As expected, the initial computer setup is a breeze with Mac's guided graphical
	21	user interface (GUI) installer.
	22
	23	The desktop itself reminds me of GNOME more than anything else I've seen: even
	24	Pantheon from [[https://elementary.io/][ElementaryOS]], which people commonly refer to as the closest Linux
	25	distro to macOS. The desktop toolbar is great and far surpasses the utility of
	26	the GNOME toolbar due to the fact that the extensions and icons /actually work/.
	27	I launch macOS and immediately see my shortcuts for Tresorit, Bitwarden, and
	28	Mullvad pop up as the computer loads.
	29
	30	Even further, the app dock is very useful and will be yet another familiarity
	31	for GNOME users. I know many people like panels instead of docks, but I've
	32	always found docks to have a more pleasing UI. However, I had to disable the
	33	"Show recent applications in Dock" preference; I can't stand items taking up
	34	precious screen space if I'm not currently using them. On that same note, it's
	35	taking me some time to get use to the fact that I have to manually quit an app
	36	or else it will still stay open/active in the dock, even if I've closed out all
	37	windows for that app (e.g. Firefox).
	38
	39	Overall, I'm having a lot of fun and for users who spend a large majority of
	40	their time performing basic tasks like web browsing, writing, watching media,
	41	etc., macOS is a fantastic option.
	42
	43	The rest of this post explains the technicalities of how I set up my command
	44	line interface (CLI) environment to make me feel more at-home, similar to the
	45	environments I set up on Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.
49	46
50	47	* Making it Feel Like Home
51	48
52		If you're someone who uses Linux primarily, no doubt your first thought
53		when booting macOS will be the same as mine was: "Where is the terminal
54		and how do I set up my favorite utilities?"
	49	If you're someone who uses Linux primarily, no doubt your first thought when
	50	booting macOS will be the same as mine was: "Where is the terminal and how do I
	51	set up my favorite utilities?"
55	52
56		Luckily, macOS hasn't completely hidden away the development tools from
57		the average user. You can easily find the Terminal app in the Launchpad
58		area, but it's probably not what you're used to. I was surprised (and
59		happy) to see that the default shell is =zsh=, the shell I use on all of
60		my Linux distros. However, the commands are not the same - even the ones
61		you may think are native to the shell. Commands like =dir= do not exist,
62		so other native commands like =ls -la= or =pwd= are more useful here.
	53	Luckily, macOS hasn't completely hidden away the development tools from the
	54	average user. You can easily find the Terminal app in the Launchpad area, but
	55	it's probably not what you're used to. I was surprised (and happy) to see that
	56	the default shell is =zsh=, the shell I use on all of my Linux distros. However,
	57	the commands are not the same - even the ones you may think are native to the
	58	shell. Commands like =dir= do not exist, so other native commands like =ls -la=
	59	or =pwd= are more useful here.
63	60
64		With only a few minutes of installing and tweaking a few packages, I was
65		able to recreate a terminal environment that I feel very comfortable
66		using. See the image below for a preview of the iTerm2 app with a split
67		view between my macOS desktop shell and an SSH session into my server.
	61	With only a few minutes of installing and tweaking a few packages, I was able to
	62	recreate a terminal environment that I feel very comfortable using. See the
	63	image below for a preview of the iTerm2 app with a split view between my macOS
	64	desktop shell and an SSH (secure shell protocol) session into my server.
68	65
69	66	* Xcode
70	67
71		My first step was to search the web for any hints on how to get =zsh=
72		back up to the state I like, with extensions, themes, etc. My first step
73		was to install the CLI tools for
74		[[https://developer.apple.com/xcode/][Xcode]], Apple's suite of
75		development tools.
	68	My first step was to search the web for any hints on how to get =zsh= back up to
	69	the state I like, with extensions, themes, etc. My first step was to install the
	70	CLI tools for [[https://developer.apple.com/xcode/][Xcode]], Apple's suite of development tools.
76	71
77	72	#+begin_src sh
78	73	sudo xcode-select -r
		@@ -84,25 +79,25 @@ sudo xcode-select --install
84	79
85	80	* Homebrew
86	81
87		Next up is to install [[https://brew.sh][Homebrew]], a nifty package
88		manager for macOS.
	82	Next up is to install [[https://brew.sh][Homebrew]], a nifty package manager for macOS.
89	83
90	84	#+begin_src sh
91		/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
	85	/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL
	86	https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
92	87	#+end_src
93	88
94	89	I ran into a permission error when installing Homebrew:
95	90
96	91	#+begin_src sh
97		Error: Failed to link all completions, docs and manpages:
98		Permission denied @ rb_file_s_symlink - (../../../Homebrew/completions/zsh/_brew, /usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions/_brew)
99		Failed during: /usr/local/bin/brew update --force --quiet
	92	Error: Failed to link all completions, docs and manpages: Permission denied @
	93	rb_file_s_symlink - (../../../Homebrew/completions/zsh/_brew,
	94	/usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions/_brew) Failed during:
	95	/usr/local/bin/brew update --force --quiet
100	96	#+end_src
101	97
102		I found that the following permission modification worked like a charm.
103		However, I noted that some users online discussed the fact that this
104		solution may not work if your system has multiple users who use
105		Homebrew.
	98	I found that the following permission modification worked like a charm. However,
	99	I noted that some users online discussed the fact that this solution may not
	100	work if your system has multiple users who use Homebrew.
106	101
107	102	#+begin_src sh
108	103	sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(brew --prefix)/*
		@@ -120,16 +115,16 @@ brew cleanup
120	115
121	116	* iTerm2
122	117
123		Now that I've installed the basic utilities for development, I moved
124		onto installing iTerm2, a much better terminal than the default.
	118	Now that I've installed the basic utilities for development, I moved onto
	119	installing iTerm2, a much better terminal than the default.
125	120
126	121	#+begin_src sh
127	122	brew install --cask iterm2
128	123	#+end_src
129	124
130		I also used the =Make iTerm2 Default Term= and
131		=Install Shell Integration= options in the iTerm2 application menu to
132		make sure I don't run into any issues later on with different terminals.
	125	I also used the =Make iTerm2 Default Term= and =Install Shell Integration=
	126	options in the iTerm2 application menu to make sure I don't run into any issues
	127	later on with different terminals.
133	128
134	129	We will also install =zsh= so we can use it in iTerm2.
135	130
		@@ -139,54 +134,50 @@ brew install zsh
139	134
140	135	* Oh-My-Zsh
141	136
142		I've shown the great aspects of [[https://ohmyz.sh][Oh My Zsh]] in other
143		blog posts, so I'll skip over that speech for now. Simply install it and
144		run an update.
	137	I've shown the great aspects of [[https://ohmyz.sh][Oh My Zsh]] in other blog posts, so I'll skip over
	138	that speech for now. Simply install it and run an update.
145	139
146	140	#+begin_src sh
147		sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/robbyrussell/oh-my-zsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
	141	sh -c "$(curl -fsSL
	142	https://raw.githubusercontent.com/robbyrussell/oh-my-zsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
148	143	#+end_src
149	144
150	145	#+begin_src sh
151	146	omz update
152	147	#+end_src
153	148
154		Finally, restart the iTerm2 application to ensure all changes go into
155		effect.
	149	Finally, restart the iTerm2 application to ensure all changes go into effect.
156	150
157	151	* Oh-My-Zsh Themes
158	152
159		Let's change the theme of the terminal to make it a little more
160		friendly.
	153	Let's change the theme of the terminal to make it a little more friendly.
161	154
162	155	#+begin_src sh
163	156	open ~/.zshrc
164	157	#+end_src
165	158
166		The third section of this file should contain a line like the code
167		below. Change that theme to
168		[[https://github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/wiki/Themes][any theme you want]],
169		save the file, and exit.
	159	The third section of this file should contain a line like the code below. Change
	160	that theme to [[https://github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/wiki/Themes][any theme you want]], save the file, and exit.
170	161
171	162	#+begin_src sh
172	163	ZSH_THEME="af-magic"
173	164	#+end_src
174	165
175		After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your terminal and
176		re-open it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new tab if you're
177		using iTerm2, and you'll see the new shell config.
	166	After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your terminal and re-open
	167	it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new tab if you're using iTerm2,
	168	and you'll see the new shell config.
178	169
179	170	* Oh-My-Zsh Plugins
180	171
181	172	Of course, my customization of =zsh= would not be complete without
182		[[https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions][zsh-autosuggestions]].
183		This will bring up commands you've run in the past as you type them. For
184		example, if you've run =ssh user@192.168.1.99= before, the terminal will
185		show this command as soon as you start typing it (e.g. =zsh u=), and you
186		can hit the right arrow to autocomplete the command.
	173	[[https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions][zsh-autosuggestions]]. This will bring up commands you've run in the past as you
	174	type them. For example, if you've run =ssh user@192.168.1.99= before, the
	175	terminal will show this command as soon as you start typing it (e.g. =zsh u=),
	176	and you can hit the right arrow to autocomplete the command.
187	177
188	178	#+begin_src sh
189		git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions
	179	git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions
	180	${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions
190	181	#+end_src
191	182
192	183	#+begin_src sh
		@@ -198,6 +189,6 @@ open ~/.zshrc
198	189	plugins=(git zsh-autosuggestions)
199	190	#+end_src
200	191
201		Remember: After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your
202		terminal and re-open it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new
203		tab if you're using iTerm2, and you'll see the new shell config.
		\ No newline at end of file
	192	Remember: After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your terminal
	193	and re-open it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new tab if you're
	194	using iTerm2, and you'll see the new shell config.

content/blog/2021-03-19-clone-github-repos.org +27 −27

		@@ -5,14 +5,14 @@
5	5
6	6	* Cloning from GitHub
7	7
8		If you're like me and use a lot of different devices (and sometimes
9		decide to just wipe your device and start with a new OS), you probably
10		know the pain of cloning all your old code repositories down to your
11		local file system.
	8	If you're like me and use a lot of different devices [and sometimes decide to
	9	just wipe your device and start with a new operating system (OS)], you probably know
	10	the pain of cloning all your old code repositories down to your local file
	11	system.
12	12
13		If you're using GitHub, you can easily clone all of your code back down
14		in just seconds. First, create a bash script. I do so by opening a new
15		file in =nano=, but you can use =gedit=, =vim=, or something else:
	13	If you're using GitHub, you can easily clone all of your code back down in just
	14	seconds. First, create a bash script. I do so by opening a new file in =nano=,
	15	but you can use =gedit=, =vim=, or something else:
16	16
17	17	#+begin_src sh
18	18	nano clone_github_repos.sh
		@@ -44,12 +44,12 @@ Now you can run the script and should see the cloning process begin.
44	44
45	45	* Cloning from Sourcehut
46	46
47		I haven't fully figured out how to directly incorporate Sourcehut's
48		GraphQL API into a bash script yet, so this one will take two steps.
	47	I haven't fully figured out how to directly incorporate Sourcehut's GraphQL
	48	application programming interface (API) into a bash script yet, so this one will
	49	take two steps.
49	50
50		First, log-in to Sourcehut and go to their
51		[[https://git.sr.ht/graphql][GraphQL playground for Git]]. Next, paste
52		the following query into the left box:
	51	First, log-in to Sourcehut and go to their [[https://git.sr.ht/graphql][GraphQL playground for Git]]. Next,
	52	paste the following query into the left box:
53	53
54	54	#+begin_src sh
55	55	query {
		@@ -65,10 +65,10 @@ query {
65	65	}
66	66	#+end_src
67	67
68		The output on the right side will give you an object of all your
69		repositories. Just grab that text and remove all the characters such as
70		quotation marks and curly brackets. You will need a single-line list of
71		space-separated values for the next step.
	68	The output on the right side will give you an object of all your repositories.
	69	Just grab that text and remove all the characters such as quotation marks and
	70	curly brackets. You will need a single-line list of space-separated values for
	71	the next step.
72	72
73	73	Now let's create the bash script:
74	74
		@@ -76,12 +76,12 @@ Now let's create the bash script:
76	76	nano clone_sourcehut_repos.sh
77	77	#+end_src
78	78
79		Next, paste the following bash script in with the list of repositories
80		you obtained above and replace =your-username= with your username.
	79	Next, paste the following bash script in with the list of repositories you
	80	obtained above and replace =your-username= with your username.
81	81
82		Note that this uses the SSH-based Git cloning method
83		(e.g. =git@git...=), so you'll need to ensure you have set up Sourcehut
84		with your SSH key.
	82	Note that this uses the secure shell protocol (SSH)-based Git cloning method
	83	(e.g. =git@git...=), so you'll need to ensure you have set up Sourcehut with
	84	your SSH key.
85	85
86	86	#+begin_src sh
87	87	repos=(repo1 repo2 repo3)
		@@ -108,17 +108,17 @@ Now you can run the script and should see the cloning process begin.
108	108
109	109	* Moving Repositories to a New Host
110	110
111		Now that you have all of your code repositories cloned to your local
112		computer, you may want to change the remote host (e.g., moving from
113		GitHub to GitLab). To do this, let's create another bash script:
	111	Now that you have all of your code repositories cloned to your local computer,
	112	you may want to change the remote host (e.g., moving from GitHub to GitLab). To
	113	do this, let's create another bash script:
114	114
115	115	#+begin_src sh
116	116	nano change_remote_urls.sh
117	117	#+end_src
118	118
119		Past the following information and be sure to change the URL information
120		to whichever host you are moving to. For this example, I am looping
121		through all of my cloned GitHub directories and changing them to
	119	Past the following information and be sure to change the URL (uniform resource
	120	locator) information to whichever host you are moving to. For this example, I am
	121	looping through all of my cloned GitHub directories and changing them to
122	122	Sourcehut (e.g. =<YOUR_NEW_REMOTE_URL>= -> =git@git.sr.ht:~myusername=).
123	123
124	124	#+begin_src sh

content/blog/2021-03-28-gemini-capsule.org +63 −73

		@@ -5,21 +5,17 @@
5	5
6	6	* What is Gemini?
7	7
8		[[https://gemini.circumlunar.space/][Gemini]] is an internet protocol
9		introduced in June 2019 as an alternative to HTTP(S) or Gopher. In
10		layman's terms, it's an alternative way to browse sites (called
11		capsules) that requires a special browser. Since Gemini is not
12		standardized as an internet standard, normal web browsers won't be able
13		to load a Gemini capsule. Instead, you'll need to use
14		[[https://gemini.circumlunar.space/clients.html][a Gemini-specific
15		browser]].
16
17		The content found within a Gemini page is called
18		[[https://gemini.circumlunar.space/docs/cheatsheet.gmi][Gemtext]] and is
19		/extremely/ basic (on purpose). Gemini only processes the text, no media
20		content like images. However, you're able to style 3 levels of headings,
21		regular text, links (which will display on their own line), quotes, and
22		an unordered list.
	8	[[https://gemini.circumlunar.space/][Gemini]] is an internet protocol introduced in June 2019 as an alternative to the
	9	Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Gopher. In layman's terms, it's an
	10	alternative way to browse sites (called capsules) that requires a special
	11	browser. Since Gemini is not standardized as an internet standard, normal web
	12	browsers won't be able to load a Gemini capsule. Instead, you'll need to use [[https://gemini.circumlunar.space/clients.html][a
	13	Gemini-specific browser]].
	14
	15	The content found within a Gemini page is called [[https://gemini.circumlunar.space/docs/cheatsheet.gmi][Gemtext]] and is /extremely/
	16	basic (on purpose). Gemini only processes the text, no media content like
	17	images. However, you're able to style 3 levels of headings, regular text, links
	18	(which will display on their own line), quotes, and an unordered list.
23	19
24	20	Here's a complete listing of valid Gemtext:
25	21
		@@ -44,78 +40,72 @@ My List:
44	40
45	41	*** Free Option
46	42
47		There are probably numerous websites that allow you to create your
48		personal Gemini capsule, but I'm going to focus on the two sites that I
49		have personally tested. The first option below, Midnight Pub, allows you
50		to create/edit any Gemini files you want in your account. This is
51		essentially a GUI option with a built-in text box for editing. The
52		second option below, Sourcehut, allows you to use a Git repository and
53		automatic build process to deploy your personal Gemini capsule every
54		time you push a commit.
	43	There are probably numerous websites that allow you to create your personal
	44	Gemini capsule, but I'm going to focus on the two sites that I have personally
	45	tested. The first option below, Midnight Pub, allows you to create/edit any
	46	Gemini files you want in your account. This is essentially a graphical option
	47	with a built-in text box for editing. The second option below, Sourcehut, allows
	48	you to use a Git repository and automatic build process to deploy your personal
	49	Gemini capsule every time you push a commit.
55	50
56	51	** Midnight Pub - Beginner Friendly
57	52
58		[[https://midnight.pub/][Midnight Pub]] is a small, virtual community
59		meant to reflect the atmosphere of wandering into a small alley pub. The
60		site is built in Gemtext and has a server-side process to convert
61		Gemtext to HTML if someone loads the site in an HTTP(S) browser.
	53	[[https://midnight.pub/][Midnight Pub]] is a small, virtual community meant to reflect the atmosphere of
	54	wandering into a small alley pub. The site is built in Gemtext and has a
	55	server-side process to convert Gemtext to HTML if someone loads the site in an
	56	HTTP(S) browser.
62	57
63		To create an account, you'll need to email the owner of the website to
64		obtain a key. You can find their email on the Midnight Pub homepage.
65		Once registered, head to [[https://midnight.pub/account][your account]]
66		and select [[https://midnight.pub/site][manage site]]. This is the
67		screen where you can upload or create any files to be displayed on the
68		internet.
	58	To create an account, you'll need to email the owner of the website to obtain a
	59	key. You can find their email on the Midnight Pub homepage. Once registered,
	60	head to [[https://midnight.pub/account][your account]] and select [[https://midnight.pub/site][manage site]]. This is the screen where you can
	61	upload or create any files to be displayed on the internet.
69	62
70		For example, I've created both an HTML file and a Gemini file. Remember
71		that Gemini is automatically converted to HTML on the Pub, so you don't
72		need an HTML version. For example, I created an HTML version to add in
73		some extra styling.
	63	For example, I've created both a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) file and a
	64	Gemini file. Remember that Gemini is automatically converted to HTML on the Pub,
	65	so you don't need an HTML version. For example, I created an HTML version to add
	66	in some extra styling.
74	67
75		All you need to do is create a page like =index.gmi= and use your Gemini
76		browser to head over to your-username.midnight.pub to see the result.
	68	All you need to do is create a page like =index.gmi= and use your Gemini browser
	69	to head over to your-username.midnight.pub to see the result.
77	70
78		That's all there is to it! Easy enough, right? Let's check out a more
79		advanced version in the next section.
	71	That's all there is to it! Easy enough, right? Let's check out a more advanced
	72	version in the next section.
80	73
81	74	* Paid Option
82	75
83		As of 2021, Sourcehut has decided to require users to have a paid
84		account in order to utilize their automated build system. For now, paid
85		accounts can be as low as $2/month.
	76	As of 2021, Sourcehut has decided to require users to have a paid account in
	77	order to utilize their automated build system. For now, paid accounts can be as
	78	low as $2/month.
86	79
87	80	** Sourcehut
88	81
89		[[https://sourcehut.org/][Sourcehut]] is a collection of software
90		development tools, but mostly surrounds their hosted Git repository
91		service. Simply put, it's a minimal and more private alternative to
92		services like GitHub.
	82	[[https://sourcehut.org/][Sourcehut]] is a collection of software development tools, but mostly surrounds
	83	their hosted Git repository service. Simply put, it's a minimal and more private
	84	alternative to services like GitHub.
93	85
94		This walkthrough is more advanced and involves things like Git, SSH, the
95		command line. If you don't think you know enough to do this, check out
96		my walkthrough on creating a Gemini capsule for the Midnight Pub
97		instead.
	86	This walkthrough is more advanced and involves things like Git, SSH, the command
	87	line. If you don't think you know enough to do this, check out my walkthrough on
	88	creating a Gemini capsule for the Midnight Pub instead.
98	89
99		The first thing you'll need to do is create an SSH key pair, if you
100		don't already have one on your system. Once created, grab the contents
101		of =id_rsa.pub= and add it to your Sourcehut account settings - this
102		will allow you to push and pull code changes without using a
103		username/password.
	90	The first thing you'll need to do is create an SSH key pair, if you don't
	91	already have one on your system. Once created, grab the contents of =id_rsa.pub=
	92	and add it to your Sourcehut account settings - this will allow you to push and
	93	pull code changes without using a username/password.
104	94
105	95	#+begin_src sh
106	96	ssh keygen
107	97	#+end_src
108	98
109		Next up, let's create a repository with the proper name so that the
110		Sourcehut build system will know we want them to host a website for us.
111		Use the following format exactly:
	99	Next up, let's create a repository with the proper name so that the Sourcehut
	100	build system will know we want them to host a website for us. Use the following
	101	format exactly:
112	102
113	103	#+begin_src sh
114	104	mkdir your-username.srht.site && cd your-username.srht.site
115	105	#+end_src
116	106
117		Now that we've created the repo, let's initialize Git and add the proper
118		remote URL.
	107	Now that we've created the repo, let's initialize Git and add the proper remote
	108	URL.
119	109
120	110	#+begin_src sh
121	111	git init
		@@ -125,14 +115,14 @@ git init
125	115	git remote add origin git@git.sr.ht:~your-username/your-username.srht.site
126	116	#+end_src
127	117
128		Now that our repository is set up and configured, we will need to create
129		at least two files:
	118	Now that our repository is set up and configured, we will need to create at
	119	least two files:
130	120
131	121	- =index.gmi=
132	122	- =.build.yml=
133	123
134		For your =.build.yml= file, use the following content and be sure to
135		update the =site= line with your username!
	124	For your =.build.yml= file, use the following content and be sure to update the
	125	=site= line with your username!
136	126
137	127	#+begin_src yaml
138	128	image: alpine/latest
		@@ -147,11 +137,11 @@ tasks:
147	137	acurl -f https://pages.sr.ht/publish/$site -Fcontent=@site.tar.gz -Fprotocol=GEMINI
148	138	#+end_src
149	139
150		For the =index.gmi= file, put whatever you want in there and save it.
151		You could even just copy and paste the Gemtext cheatsheet.
	140	For the =index.gmi= file, put whatever you want in there and save it. You could
	141	even just copy and paste the Gemtext cheatsheet.
152	142
153		If you want to serve both HTML and Gemini files from this repository,
154		just add a second command to the =upload= section:
	143	If you want to serve both HTML and Gemini files from this repository, just add a
	144	second command to the =upload= section:
155	145
156	146	#+begin_src yaml
157	147	- upload: \|
		@@ -165,9 +155,9 @@ Lastly, commit your changes and push them to the remote repo.
165	155	git add .; git commit -m "initial commit"; git push --set-upstream origin HEAD
166	156	#+end_src
167	157
168		If you've successfully created the files with the proper format, you'll
169		see the terminal print a message that lets you know where the automatic
170		build is taking place. For example, here's what the terminal tells me:
	158	If you've successfully created the files with the proper format, you'll see the
	159	terminal print a message that lets you know where the automatic build is taking
	160	place. For example, here's what the terminal tells me:
171	161
172	162	#+begin_src sh
173	163	remote: Build started:

content/blog/2021-03-28-vaporwave-vs-outrun.org +62 −74

		@@ -5,15 +5,14 @@
5	5
6	6	* Overview
7	7
8		When it comes to an aesthetic that originated primarily online, there
9		tends to be a lot of confusion around what falls into each specific
10		genre. This post discusses Vaporwave and Outrun, which have become
11		almost synonymous in the minds of those online who aren't hardcore into
12		these genres of media. More specifically, Outrun is largely an unknown
13		term while all aesthetics in these two genres are usually attributed to
14		Vaporwave. For example, take a look at the image search results for
15		Vaporwave: the results include a lot of Outrun-themed images. You'll
16		find a similar trend almost everywhere.
	8	When it comes to an aesthetic that originated primarily online, there tends to
	9	be a lot of confusion around what falls into each specific genre. This post
	10	discusses Vaporwave and Outrun, which have become almost synonymous in the minds
	11	of those online who aren't hardcore into these genres of media. More
	12	specifically, Outrun is largely an unknown term while all aesthetics in these
	13	two genres are usually attributed to Vaporwave. For example, take a look at the
	14	image search results for Vaporwave: the results include a lot of Outrun-themed
	15	images. You'll find a similar trend almost everywhere.
17	16
18	17	#+caption: Vaporwave Search Results
19	18	[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20210328-vaporwave-vs-outrun/vaporwave-search-results.webp]]
		@@ -23,102 +22,91 @@ find a similar trend almost everywhere.
23	22	#+caption: Macintosh Plus Album Cover
24	23	[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20210328-vaporwave-vs-outrun/macintosh-plus.webp]]
25	24
26		Okay, so what is Vaporwave? I'm going to just copy-and-paste some
27		general info from the Wikipedia article on
28		[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporwave][Vaporwave]], so that I'm not
29		repeating everything you can already search for online:
	25	Okay, so what is Vaporwave? I'm going to just copy-and-paste some general info
	26	from the Wikipedia article on [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporwave][Vaporwave]], so that I'm not repeating everything
	27	you can already search for online:
30	28
31	29	#+begin_quote
32		Vaporwave is a microgenre of electronic music, a visual art style, and
33		an Internet meme that emerged in the early 2010s. It is defined partly
34		by its slowed-down, chopped and screwed samples of smooth jazz,
35		elevator, R&B, and lounge music from the 1980s and 1990s. The
36		surrounding subculture is sometimes associated with an ambiguous or
37		satirical take on consumer capitalism and pop culture, and tends to be
38		characterized by a nostalgic or surrealist engagement with the popular
39		entertainment, technology and advertising of previous decades. Visually,
40		it incorporates early Internet imagery, late 1990s web design, glitch
41		art, anime, 3D-rendered objects, and cyberpunk tropes in its cover
42		artwork and music videos.
	30	Vaporwave is a microgenre of electronic music, a visual art style, and an
	31	Internet meme that emerged in the early 2010s. It is defined partly by its
	32	slowed-down, chopped and screwed samples of smooth jazz, elevator, R&B, and
	33	lounge music from the 1980s and 1990s. The surrounding subculture is sometimes
	34	associated with an ambiguous or satirical take on consumer capitalism and pop
	35	culture, and tends to be characterized by a nostalgic or surrealist engagement
	36	with the popular entertainment, technology and advertising of previous decades.
	37	Visually, it incorporates early Internet imagery, late 1990s web design, glitch
	38	art, anime, 3D-rendered objects, and cyberpunk tropes in its cover artwork and
	39	music videos.
43	40	#+end_quote
44	41
45		This is an excellent summary, and it helps address my point here: there
46		are specific aspects that make Vaporwave unique:
	42	This is an excellent summary, and it helps address my point here: there are
	43	specific aspects that make Vaporwave unique:
47	44
48	45	** Time Frame
49	46
50		The time frame for references, logos, etc. focuses mostly on the 1990s
51		in Vaporwave. You'll see old school Pepsi logos, Microsoft 95 screens,
52		tropical plants, classic marble sculptures, and many references from
53		Japan's influence in the 90s.
	47	The time frame for references, logos, etc. focuses mostly on the 1990s in
	48	Vaporwave. You'll see old school Pepsi logos, Microsoft 95 screens, tropical
	49	plants, classic marble sculptures, and many references from Japan's influence in
	50	the 90s.
54	51
55	52	** Art
56	53
57		The color scheme is generally a soft, light palette that uses pastel
58		colors. The backdrop will often be in a light-pink or teal blue.
	54	The color scheme is generally a soft, light palette that uses pastel colors. The
	55	backdrop will often be in a light-pink or teal blue.
59	56
60	57	** Music
61	58
62		The musical genre of Vaporwave incorporates soft tunes, lounge music,
63		and sound effects that will make the listener reminisce of the 90s. The
64		sounds of the genre are generally slower-paced and calming. The major
65		breakthrough artist for Vaporwave was
66		[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vektroid][Macintosh Plus]], who released
67		the album
68		[[https://archive.org/details/MACINTOSHPLUS-FLORALSHOPPE_complete][Floral
69		Shoppe]] in 2011. Another more recent example is the artist
70		[[https://sadbert.bandcamp.com/][sadbert]], whose latest album
71		incorporates the upbeat tones of the 1999 Dilbert TV series.
72
73		Notice that Vaporwave doesn't include things like racing cars,
74		futuristic technology, chrome, or the deep orange/purple color scheme.
75		Vaporwave is a focus on the idyllic state of the world when technology
76		was becoming common in households, a reality that we have already
77		experienced. Focus on the most aesthetically-pleasing parts of that past
78		is a large part of Vaporwave.
	59	The musical genre of Vaporwave incorporates soft tunes, lounge music, and sound
	60	effects that will make the listener reminisce of the 90s. The sounds of the
	61	genre are generally slower-paced and calming. The major breakthrough artist for
	62	Vaporwave was [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vektroid][Macintosh Plus]], who released the album [[https://archive.org/details/MACINTOSHPLUS-FLORALSHOPPE_complete][Floral Shoppe]] in 2011.
	63	Another more recent example is the artist [[https://sadbert.bandcamp.com/][sadbert]], whose latest album
	64	incorporates the upbeat tones of the 1999 Dilbert television series.
	65
	66	Notice that Vaporwave doesn't include things like racing cars, futuristic
	67	technology, chrome, or the deep orange/purple color scheme. Vaporwave is a focus
	68	on the idyllic state of the world when technology was becoming common in
	69	households, a reality that we have already experienced. Focus on the most
	70	aesthetically-pleasing parts of that past is a large part of Vaporwave.
79	71
80	72	* Outrun
81	73
82	74	#+caption: Outrun
83	75	[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20210328-vaporwave-vs-outrun/outrun.webp]]
84	76
85		Now, let's get to Outrun. This one is a little trickier since the genre
86		has largely been lumped under the Vaporwave title for so long. However,
87		it stems from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthwave][Synthwave]]
88		music genre and is likely named after the 1986 racer game,
	77	Now, let's get to Outrun. This one is a little trickier since the genre has
	78	largely been lumped under the Vaporwave title for so long. However, it stems
	79	from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthwave][Synthwave]] music genre and is likely named after the 1986 racer game,
89	80	[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out_Run][Out Run]].
90	81
91	82	** Time Frame
92	83
93		Outrun can be thought of as a retro-futuristic aesthetic born from the
94		1980s.
	84	Outrun can be thought of as a retro-futuristic aesthetic born from the 1980s.
95	85
96	86	** Art
97	87
98		The color scheme uses a very dark color palette with the main colors
99		being deep oranges, blues, and purples. Red edges are common around
100		objects in Outrun art. The background of the Outrun aesthetic is almost
101		always a neon grid like you'd expect to see in Tron or a 1980s arcade
102		machine.
	88	The color scheme uses a very dark color palette with the main colors being deep
	89	oranges, blues, and purples. Red edges are common around objects in Outrun art.
	90	The background of the Outrun aesthetic is almost always a neon grid like you'd
	91	expect to see in Tron or a 1980s arcade machine.
103	92
104		Classic sports cars, chrome robots, computer generated graphics and
105		fonts, and the occasional use of rain or palm trees can be found in
106		Outrun art.
	93	Classic sports cars, chrome robots, computer generated graphics and fonts, and
	94	the occasional use of rain or palm trees can be found in Outrun art.
107	95
108	96	** Music
109	97
110		This aesthetic has a more aggressive and fast-paced style of music,
111		which tends to match the subject of the art in this aesthetic.
	98	This aesthetic has a more aggressive and fast-paced style of music, which tends
	99	to match the subject of the art in this aesthetic.
112	100
113		Outrun enthusiasts love what people in the 1980s thought the future
114		would look like. Take a look at a common video game discussed in Outrun
115		circles, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon:
	101	Outrun enthusiasts love what people in the 1980s thought the future would look
	102	like. Take a look at a common video game discussed in Outrun circles, Far Cry 3:
	103	Blood Dragon:
116	104
117	105	#+caption: Fry Cry 3: Blood Dragon
118	106	[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20210328-vaporwave-vs-outrun/far-cry.webp]]
119	107
120		Another example that doesn't force the color scheme as hard as some
121		online art does is Kung Fury:
	108	Another example that doesn't force the color scheme as hard as some online art
	109	does is Kung Fury:
122	110
123	111	#+caption: Kung Fury
124	112	[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20210328-vaporwave-vs-outrun/kung-fury.webp]]
		@@ -128,7 +116,7 @@ online art does is Kung Fury:
128	116
129	117	* Conclusion
130	118
131		While Vaporwave and Outrun share similarities, they are two distinct
132		aesthetics with many important distinctions. Someone who enjoys one may
133		not necessarily enjoy the other, so it's important to make sure we
134		properly describe the aesthetic we're looking for.
	119	While Vaporwave and Outrun share similarities, they are two distinct aesthetics
	120	with many important distinctions. Someone who enjoys one may not necessarily
	121	enjoy the other, so it's important to make sure we properly describe the
	122	aesthetic we're looking for.

content/blog/2021-03-30-vps-web-server.org +153 −178

		@@ -3,108 +3,93 @@
3	3	#+description: Instructional outline for setting up and maintaining a VPS environment configured for secure and scalable web hosting applications.
4	4	#+slug: vps-web-server
5	5
6		* Shared Hosting vs. VPS
7
8		Choosing a place to host a website is one of the most confusing
9		decisions for beginner web developers. Even for experienced web devs,
10		choosing between different forms of web hosting can be a daunting
11		choice.
12
13		First, let's take a look at
14		[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shared_web_hosting_service][shared web
15		hosting]]. Shared web hosting is a product where you are purchasing a
16		small piece of a web server that is being shared between many websites.
17		As a result, the cost of shared hosting is extremely low. You won't have
18		access to the server itself, which means you can't install your own
19		software on the server, such as Docker. Usually, you are simply allowed
20		to connect your domains to the server, set up domain security, and other
21		small utilities.
22
23		In contrast, a
24		[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_server][virtual private
25		server]] (VPS) is a virtual machine that replicates the environment of
26		having a dedicated server to yourself. You are able to control the
27		virtual server's host names, base file system, package manager, etc.
28		Another great upside of a VPS is that since it's virtual, the company
29		providing the VPS can dynamically increase the disk size, RAM size, or
30		number of CPUs at any time. However, the virtual server is still
31		physically located on a server that is shared between multiple virtual
32		servers.
33
34		The choice between shared hosting and VPS mostly depends on your skill
35		level with system administration. If you're comforting working on a
36		server that is mostly left up to you (or you're willing to learn), then
37		a VPS is usually a better option. However, shared hosting is a fantastic
38		option for people who don't want to have to learn how to manage their
39		server.
	6	* Shared Hosting vs. VPS (Virtual Private Server)
	7
	8	Choosing a place to host a website is one of the most confusing decisions for
	9	beginner web developers. Even for experienced web devs, choosing between
	10	different forms of web hosting can be a daunting choice.
	11
	12	First, let's take a look at [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shared_web_hosting_service][shared web hosting]]. Shared web hosting is a product
	13	where you are purchasing a small piece of a web server that is being shared
	14	between many websites. As a result, the cost of shared hosting is extremely low.
	15	You won't have access to the server itself, which means you can't install your
	16	own software on the server, such as Docker. Usually, you are simply allowed to
	17	connect your domains to the server, set up domain security, and other small
	18	utilities.
	19
	20	In contrast, a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_server][virtual private server]] (VPS) is a virtual machine that replicates
	21	the environment of having a dedicated server to yourself. You are able to
	22	control the virtual server's host names, base file system, package manager, etc.
	23	Another great upside of a VPS is that since it's virtual, the company providing
	24	the VPS can dynamically increase the disk size, RAM size, or number of CPUs at
	25	any time. However, the virtual server is still physically located on a server
	26	that is shared between multiple virtual servers.
	27
	28	The choice between shared hosting and VPS mostly depends on your skill level
	29	with system administration. If you're comforting working on a server that is
	30	mostly left up to you (or you're willing to learn), then a VPS is usually a
	31	better option. However, shared hosting is a fantastic option for people who
	32	don't want to have to learn how to manage their server.
40	33
41	34	* My Situation
42	35
43		I had used shared hosting for approximately 5 years before trying my
44		first VPS. I manage a homelab and have had success running a server and
45		performing typical sysadmin duties, but I was still hesitant to get a
46		VPS. One fear was that I always struggled to properly set up the
47		networking part of a server - DNS and hostname configurations were not
48		my friend.
49
50		As a little bit of background, I originally used
51		[[https://www.siteground.com][Siteground]] for my initially shared
52		hosting and stayed on that platform for at least a year. However, the UI
53		was clunky, and I didn't like how they handled certain technical
54		aspects, so I switched to [[https://www.namecheap.com][Namecheap]].
55		Namecheap was great because it is the service I primarily use for
56		purchasing domain names, which made it incredibly easy to link them to
57		my hosting service. However, it was still mediocre shared hosting, and
58		Namecheap is notorious for not letting you use
59		[[https://letsencrypt.org][Let's Encrypt]] to obtain free SSL/TLS
60		certificates; Namecheap wants to make you purchase certificates through
61		their store.
62
63		Finally, I settled down with [[https://www.iwebfusion.net][iWebFusion]]
64		for about the last year of my shared hosting. This service was pretty
65		great, came with free SSL/TLS, and I never had any complaints.
66
67		However, I finally grew tired of not being able to install software on
68		my own web server. I wanted to be able to try out things like
69		[[https://postmill.xyz][Postmill]] or [[https://matrix.org][Matrix]].
70		This is possible with a VPS, so I decided to grab a new domain name to
71		try it out.
	36	I had used shared hosting for approximately 5 years before trying my first VPS.
	37	I manage a homelab and have had success running a server and performing typical
	38	sysadmin duties, but I was still hesitant to get a VPS. One fear was that I
	39	always struggled to properly set up the networking part of a server - DNS and
	40	hostname configurations were not my friend.
	41
	42	As a little bit of background, I originally used [[https://www.siteground.com][Siteground]] for my initially
	43	shared hosting and stayed on that platform for at least a year. However, the
	44	user interface (UI) was clunky, and I didn't like how they handled certain
	45	technical aspects, so I switched to [[https://www.namecheap.com][Namecheap]]. Namecheap was great because it is
	46	the service I primarily use for purchasing domain names, which made it
	47	incredibly easy to link them to my hosting service. However, it was still
	48	mediocre shared hosting, and Namecheap is notorious for not letting you use
	49	[[https://letsencrypt.org][Let's Encrypt]] to obtain free SSL (Secure Socket Layer)/TLS (Transport Layer
	50	Security) certificates; Namecheap wants to make you purchase certificates
	51	through their store.
	52
	53	Finally, I settled down with [[https://www.iwebfusion.net][iWebFusion]] for about the last year of my shared
	54	hosting. This service was pretty great, came with free SSL/TLS, and I never had
	55	any complaints.
	56
	57	However, I finally grew tired of not being able to install software on my own
	58	web server. I wanted to be able to try out things like [[https://postmill.xyz][Postmill]] or [[https://matrix.org][Matrix]]. This
	59	is possible with a VPS, so I decided to grab a new domain name to try it out.
72	60
73	61	* Getting Started: Buying a VPS
74	62
75		The first step to moving over to a VPS is (you guessed it): finding a
76		VPS provider. For my VPSs, I use [[https://1984hosting.com][1984]] and
77		prefer their services much more than any alternative, due to their
78		location (Iceland), their [[https://1984hosting.com/GDPR/][privacy
79		policy]], their respect for GDPR, and the ability to remain anonymous if
80		you pay in Bitcoin or Monero.
	63	The first step to moving over to a VPS is (you guessed it): finding a VPS
	64	provider. For my VPSs, I use [[https://1984hosting.com][1984]] and prefer their services much more than any
	65	alternative, due to their location (Iceland), their [[https://1984hosting.com/GDPR/][privacy policy]], their
	66	respect for GDPR, and the ability to remain anonymous if you pay in Bitcoin or
	67	Monero.
81	68
82		[[https://njal.la][Njalla]] is another good, privacy-oriented option for
83		VPS services.
	69	[[https://njal.la][Njalla]] is another good, privacy-oriented option for VPS services.
84	70
85		You'll have to decide what specifications you want on your VPS. For me,
86		I only build and deploy low-resource HTML, PHP, and Python websites.
87		This means I can survive on the smallest VPS: 1 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and
88		25GB SSD for $5.00 per month.
	71	You'll have to decide what specifications you want on your VPS. For me, I only
	72	build and deploy low-resource HTML, PHP, and Python websites. This means I can
	73	survive on the smallest VPS: 1 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 25GB SSD for $5.00 per
	74	month.
89	75
90		As noted above, the great thing about a VPS is you can request your
91		provider to increase the resources at any time.
	76	As noted above, the great thing about a VPS is you can request your provider to
	77	increase the resources at any time.
92	78
93	79	* Configuring DNS Settings
94	80
95		Okay, so now let's get into some actual work that has to be done to get
96		content moved from a shared host to a VPS. At this point, I'm assuming
97		you have a shared host with website content that you can still access,
98		and you've purchased a new VPS and can SSH into that server.
	81	Okay, so now let's get into some actual work that has to be done to get content
	82	moved from a shared host to a VPS. At this point, I'm assuming you have a shared
	83	host with website content that you can still access, and you've purchased a new
	84	VPS and can SSH into that server.
99	85
100		The first change is minor, but it should be done immediately in order to
101		get things moving: DNS settings. Go to wherever your DNS settings are
102		handled. If your shared host also managed your DNS settings, you'll need
103		to first move that DNS over to your new VPS provider. For me, I route my
104		DNS through [[https://www.gandi.net][Gandi]].
	86	The first change is minor, but it should be done immediately in order to get
	87	things moving: DNS settings. Go to wherever your DNS settings are handled. If
	88	your shared host also managed your DNS settings, you'll need to first move that
	89	DNS over to your new VPS provider. For me, I route my DNS through [[https://www.gandi.net][Gandi]].
105	90
106		Once you know where your DNS settings are, go ahead and update the =A=
107		records to match the public IP address of your VPS. For example:
	91	Once you know where your DNS settings are, go ahead and update the =A= records
	92	to match the public IP address of your VPS. For example:
108	93
109	94	#+begin_src txt
110	95	A example.com xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
		@@ -112,36 +97,35 @@ A subdomain xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
112	97	CNAME www example.com.
113	98	#+end_src
114	99
115		If you have any other records that require updates, such as MX or TXT
116		records for a mail server, be sure to update those accordingly.
117		Personally, I don't host my own mail server. I route all mail on my
118		custom domains to [[https://www.migadu.com][Migadu]]. Hosting your own
119		email server can become complex quickly and is not for beginners.
	100	If you have any other records that require updates, such as MX or TXT records
	101	for a mail server, be sure to update those accordingly. Personally, I don't host
	102	my own mail server. I route all mail on my custom domains to [[https://www.migadu.com][Migadu]]. Hosting
	103	your own email server can become complex quickly and is not for beginners.
120	104
121		DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, so be sure to give it
122		some time before assuming you've made an error.
	105	DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, so be sure to give it some
	106	time before assuming you've made an error.
123	107
124	108	* Server Updates and Packages
125	109
126		Now that the DNS settings have been changed, let's set up our server
127		while we wait for the DNS to propagate. First up is to ssh into your
128		server. If you've signed up with a service like DigitalOcean, you can
129		add your SSH key to your account and to your VPS droplet so that you
130		don't need a password in order to SSH.
	110	Now that the DNS settings have been changed, let's set up our server while we
	111	wait for the DNS to propagate. First up is to ssh into your server. If you've
	112	signed up with a service like DigitalOcean, you can add your SSH key to your
	113	account and to your VPS droplet so that you don't need a password in order to
	114	SSH.
131	115
132	116	#+begin_src sh
133	117	ssh root@xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
134	118	#+end_src
135	119
136		The VPS that is used in this blog post runs Ubuntu 20.04 with an Apache
137		web server. If you're working on a different operating system (OS) or
138		want a different web server, such as Nginx, you'll have to use different
139		commands to set it up.
	120	The VPS that is used in this blog post runs Ubuntu 20.04 with an Apache web
	121	server. If you're working on a different operating system (OS) or want a
	122	different web server, such as Nginx, you'll have to use different commands to
	123	set it up.
140	124
141	125	First, let's update and upgrade our server.
142	126
143		NOTE: Since we have logged in to the server as =root= for now, we
144		don't need to use the =sudo= modifier before our commands.
	127	NOTE: Since we have logged in to the server as =root= for now, we don't need
	128	to use the =sudo= modifier before our commands.
145	129
146	130	#+begin_src sh
147	131	apt update && apt upgrade -y
		@@ -149,11 +133,11 @@ apt update && apt upgrade -y
149	133
150	134	* Create A User Account
151	135
152		While being able to use =root= can be beneficial at times, you shouldn't
153		use =root= unless you have to.
	136	While being able to use =root= can be beneficial at times, you shouldn't use
	137	=root= unless you have to.
154	138
155		So let's set up a new user in our system. The =-m= option below tells
156		the OS to create a home directory for the new user.
	139	So let's set up a new user in our system. The =-m= option below tells the OS to
	140	create a home directory for the new user.
157	141
158	142	#+begin_src sh
159	143	adduser USERNAME
		@@ -165,40 +149,40 @@ Now, create a password for that user.
165	149	passwd USERNAME
166	150	#+end_src
167	151
168		Finally, add the user to the sudoers file, so they can perform
169		priveleged commands.
	152	Finally, add the user to the sudoers file, so they can perform privileged
	153	commands.
170	154
171	155	#+begin_src sh
172	156	usermod -a -G sudo USERNAME
173	157	#+end_src
174	158
175		If you are using SSH keys and not passwords, you'll need to copy your
176		SSH key from your local machine to the VPS. If you haven't disabled
177		password-based SSH yet, the easiest way to do this is =ssh-copy-id= from
178		your local computer (not from the VPS):
	159	If you are using SSH (secure shell protocol) keys and not passwords, you'll need
	160	to copy your SSH key from your local machine to the VPS. If you haven't disabled
	161	password-based SSH yet, the easiest way to do this is =ssh-copy-id= from your
	162	local computer (not from the VPS):
179	163
180	164	#+begin_src sh
181	165	ssh-copy-id testuser@xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
182	166	#+end_src
183	167
184		If you've disabled password-based SSH, you'll need to manually copy your
185		SSH key into the =~/.ssh/authorized_keys= file.
	168	If you've disabled password-based SSH, you'll need to manually copy your SSH key
	169	into the =~/.ssh/authorized_keys= file.
186	170
187	171	* Install Software
188	172
189		Our goal here is to host a web server, so the next step is to install
190		the Apache web server and any other packages we need.
	173	Our goal here is to host a web server, so the next step is to install the Apache
	174	web server and any other packages we need.
191	175
192		From this point on, I will be logged in as a user (not =root=) and will
193		need to use the =sudo= modifier for most commands.
	176	From this point on, I will be logged in as a user (not =root=) and will need to
	177	use the =sudo= modifier for most commands.
194	178
195	179	#+begin_src sh
196	180	sudo apt update; sudo apt upgrade -y; sudo apt autoremove -y
197	181	sudo apt install apache2
198	182	#+end_src
199	183
200		If you need other language support, such as PHP, you'll need to install
201		that too.
	184	If you need other language support, such as PHP, you'll need to install that
	185	too.
202	186
203	187	#+begin_src sh
204	188	sudo apt install libapache2-mod-php php-dom
		@@ -208,19 +192,18 @@ sudo systemctl restart apache2
208	192
209	193	* Website Files & Folders
210	194
211		Next up is to create the directories for the domain(s) we want to be
212		hosted on this web server.
	195	Next up is to create the directories for the domain(s) we want to be hosted on
	196	this web server.
213	197
214	198	#+begin_src sh
215	199	cd /var/www
216	200	sudo mkdir example.com
217	201	#+end_src
218	202
219		We have a folder for =example.com= now, so let's add an =index.html=
220		file and put it within a specific =public_html= folder. You don't need
221		this =public_html= if you don't want it, but it helps with organizing
222		items related to =example.com= that you don't want to publish to the
223		internet.
	203	We have a folder for =example.com= now, so let's add an =index.html= file and
	204	put it within a specific =public_html= folder. You don't need this =public_html=
	205	if you don't want it, but it helps with organizing items related to
	206	=example.com= that you don't want to publish to the internet.
224	207
225	208	#+begin_src sh
226	209	cd example.com
		@@ -228,8 +211,8 @@ sudo mkdir public_html && cd public_html
228	211	sudo nano index.html
229	212	#+end_src
230	213
231		You can put anything you want in this =index.html= file. If you can't
232		think of anything, paste this in there:
	214	You can put anything you want in this =index.html= file. If you can't think of
	215	anything, paste this in there:
233	216
234	217	#+begin_src html
235	218	<!DOCTYPE html>
		@@ -245,9 +228,8 @@ think of anything, paste this in there:
245	228	</html>
246	229	#+end_src
247	230
248		If you want something to be served at =example.com/page01/file.txt=,
249		you'll have to create the =page01= directory under the =example.com=
250		directory. For example:
	231	If you want something to be served at =example.com/page01/file.txt=, you'll have
	232	to create the =page01= directory under the =example.com= directory. For example:
251	233
252	234	#+begin_src sh
253	235	cd /var/www/example.com/public_html
		@@ -257,9 +239,9 @@ sudo nano file.txt
257	239
258	240	* Apache Configuration
259	241
260		Now, let's set up the files that will tell the server where to find the
261		files for =example.com=. We will copy the default configuration file and
262		create our own.
	242	Now, let's set up the files that will tell the server where to find the files
	243	for =example.com=. We will copy the default configuration file and create our
	244	own.
263	245
264	246	#+begin_src sh
265	247	cd /etc/apache2/sites-available
		@@ -267,9 +249,8 @@ sudo cp 000-default.conf example.com.conf
267	249	sudo nano example.com.conf
268	250	#+end_src
269	251
270		This configuration file will have a few default lines, but you'll need
271		to edit it to look similar to this (settings may change based on your
272		personal needs):
	252	This configuration file will have a few default lines, but you'll need to edit
	253	it to look similar to this (settings may change based on your personal needs):
273	254
274	255	#+begin_src config
275	256	<VirtualHost *:80>
		@@ -291,31 +272,30 @@ sudo a2dissite 000-default.conf
291	272	sudo systemctl reload apache2
292	273	#+end_src
293	274
294		You can always run a test to make sure no errors or warnings are found
295		in your configuration files.
	275	You can always run a test to make sure no errors or warnings are found in your
	276	configuration files.
296	277
297	278	#+begin_src sh
298	279	sudo apache2ctl configtest
299	280	#+end_src
300	281
301		Now, restart the web server entirely. After this, you should be able to
302		browse to =http://example.com= and see the HTML content you provided
303		earlier. Note that SSL/TLS has not been enabled yet, so you won't be
	282	Now, restart the web server entirely. After this, you should be able to browse
	283	to =http://example.com= and see the HTML (hypertext markup language) content you
	284	provided earlier. Note that SSL/TLS has not been enabled yet, so you won't be
304	285	able to use the secure version yet (=https://example.com=).
305	286
306	287	#+begin_src sh
307	288	sudo systemctl restart apache2
308	289	#+end_src
309	290
310		You can repeat this for as many websites as you need. Just create the
311		domain folders in =/var/www/=, add the configuration file, enable the
312		configuration, and restart =apache2=.
	291	You can repeat this for as many websites as you need. Just create the domain
	292	folders in =/var/www/=, add the configuration file, enable the configuration,
	293	and restart =apache2=.
313	294
314	295	* SSL/TLS Certificates: Serve Websites Over HTTPS
315	296
316		In order to serve secure content, you'll need to obtain SSL/TLS
317		certificates. Luckily, there's a free tool called
318		[[https://certbot.eff.org][Certbot]] that helps us with the process.
	297	In order to serve secure content, you'll need to obtain SSL/TLS certificates.
	298	Luckily, there's a free tool called [[https://certbot.eff.org][Certbot]] that helps us with the process.
319	299
320	300	The first step is to install =snapd= and =core= for Ubuntu.
321	301
		@@ -340,10 +320,10 @@ sudo ln -s /snap/bin/certbot /usr/bin/certbot
340	320
341	321	Finally, you can run =certbot= one of two ways:
342	322
343		1. run it and let it alter your Apache configuration files automatically
344		to enable HTTPS redirects.
345		2. run it and only allow it to create certificates. You'll need to
346		manually alter the config files to enable HTTPS redirects.
	323	1. run it and let it alter your Apache configuration files automatically to
	324	enable HTTPS (Hypertext Transport Protocol) redirects.
	325	2. run it and only allow it to create certificates. You'll need to manually
	326	alter the config files to enable HTTPS redirects.
347	327
348	328	Run certbot and allow automatic config changes:
349	329
		@@ -358,11 +338,10 @@ files:
358	338	sudo certbot certonly --apache
359	339	#+end_src
360	340
361		The Certbot packages on your system come with a cron job or systemd
362		timer that will renew your certificates automatically before they
363		expire. You will not need to run Certbot again unless you change your
364		configuration. You can test automatic renewal for your certificates by
365		running this command:
	341	The Certbot packages on your system come with a =cron= job or =systemd= timer
	342	that will renew your certificates automatically before they expire. You will not
	343	need to run Certbot again unless you change your configuration. You can test
	344	automatic renewal for your certificates by running this command:
366	345
367	346	#+begin_src sh
368	347	sudo certbot renew --dry-run
		@@ -373,13 +352,11 @@ Now, test your domains by going to =https://example.com=.
373	352	* Firewall Security
374	353
375	354	To enable better security on your server, you'll need to enable a basic
376		firewall. For Ubuntu, we'll use
377		[[../secure-your-network-with-the-uncomplicated-firewall/][the
378		uncomplicated firewall]].
	355	firewall. For Ubuntu, we'll use [[https://cleberg.net/blog/ufw.html][the uncomplicated firewall]].
379	356
380		Now, add the following rules to the firewall allow SSH, Apache, and
381		HTTP(S) connections. If you need to, you can enable different ports for
382		specifics applications, SFTP, etc.
	357	Now, add the following rules to the firewall allow SSH, Apache, and HTTP(S)
	358	connections. If you need to, you can enable different ports for specific
	359	applications.
383	360
384	361	#+begin_src sh
385	362	sudo ufw default deny incoming
		@@ -397,15 +374,13 @@ sudo ufw enable
397	374
398	375	* Troubleshooting
399	376
400		If you run into any issues during your VPS set-up, be sure to walk back
401		through your actions and make sure you didn't miss any steps.
	377	If you run into any issues during your VPS set-up, be sure to walk back through
	378	your actions and make sure you didn't miss any steps.
402	379
403		Many websites have fantastic guides to setting up various web servers.
404		This is one of the areas
405		[[https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials][where DigitalOcean
406		shines]]. For simpler or more Linux-oriented questions, I suggest using
407		[Linuxize] ([[https://linuxize.com]]).
	380	Many websites have fantastic guides to setting up various web servers. This is
	381	one of the areas [[https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials][where DigitalOcean shines]]. For simpler or more Linux-oriented
	382	questions, I suggest using [Linuxize] ([[https://linuxize.com]]).
408	383
409		If you're getting certain errors (e.g. =500 Internal Server Error=) and
410		need to debug locally, you can view the =access.log= and =error.log=
411		files in the =/var/log/apache/= directory.
	384	If you're getting certain errors (e.g. =500 Internal Server Error=) and need to
	385	debug locally, you can view the =access.log= and =error.log= files in the
	386	=/var/log/apache/= directory.

content/blog/2021-04-17-gemini-server.org +33 −38

		@@ -5,28 +5,26 @@
5	5
6	6	* Similar Article Available
7	7
8		To read more about Gemini and ways to test out this new protocol without
9		your own server, see my previous post
10		[[../launching-a-gemini-capsule/][Launching a Gemini Capsule]].
	8	To read more about Gemini and ways to test out this new protocol without your
	9	own server, see my previous post [[../launching-a-gemini-capsule/][Launching a Gemini Capsule]].
11	10
12	11	* Preparation
13	12
14		This guide assumes you have access to a server accessible to the world
15		through a public IP address and that you own a domain name used for this
16		Gemini capsule.
	13	This guide assumes you have access to a server accessible to the world through a
	14	public IP (internet protocol) address and that you own a domain name used for
	15	this Gemini capsule.
17	16
18	17	* Getting Started with Agate
19	18
20		We are going to use [[https://github.com/mbrubeck/agate][Agate]] for
21		this tutorial. This is a basic Gemini server written in Rust. It takes
22		very little time and maintenance to get it running.
	19	We are going to use [[https://github.com/mbrubeck/agate][Agate]] for this tutorial. This is a basic Gemini server
	20	written in Rust. It takes very little time and maintenance to get it running.
23	21
24	22	* Install Dependencies
25	23
26		First, you will need to install the Rust package for your system. On
27		Ubuntu, use the following commands (remember to use =sudo= if you are
28		not the root user). The Rust installation will give you options to
29		customize the installation; I used the default installation options.
	24	First, you will need to install the Rust package for your system. On Ubuntu, use
	25	the following commands (remember to use =sudo= if you are not the root user).
	26	The Rust installation will give you options to customize the installation; I
	27	used the default installation options.
30	28
31	29	#+begin_src sh
32	30	sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
		@@ -54,8 +52,8 @@ cargo install agate
54	52
55	53	* Create Symlinks
56	54
57		Once Cargo has finished installing all the required packages, symlink
58		the executable to your $PATH.
	55	Once Cargo has finished installing all the required packages, create a symbolic
	56	link to the executable to your $PATH.
59	57
60	58	#+begin_src sh
61	59	sudo ln -s $HOME/.cargo/bin/agate /usr/local/bin/agate
		@@ -63,8 +61,8 @@ sudo ln -s $HOME/.cargo/bin/agate /usr/local/bin/agate
63	61
64	62	* Using Agate's Built-In Installation Tool
65	63
66		If you're running Ubuntu or Debian, use the Debian installation script
67		found in Agate's GitHub repository, under the =tools/debian= folder.
	64	If you're running Ubuntu or Debian, use the Debian installation script found in
	65	Agate's GitHub repository, under the =tools/debian= folder.
68	66
69	67	#+begin_src sh
70	68	git clone https://github.com/mbrubeck/agate
		@@ -74,11 +72,11 @@ sudo ./install.sh
74	72
75	73	* Configure the Gemini Service
76	74
77		We have a little more to do, but since this script tries to immediately
78		run the service, it will likely fail with an exit code. Let's add our
79		finishing touches. Edit the following file and replace the hostname with
80		your desired URL. You can also change the directory where content will
81		be served.
	75	We have a little more to do, but since this script tries to immediately run the
	76	service, it will likely fail with an exit code. Let's add our finishing touches.
	77	Edit the following file and replace the hostname with your desired URL (uniform
	78	resource locator). You can also change the directory where content will be
	79	served.
82	80
83	81	#+begin_src sh
84	82	sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/gemini.service
		@@ -97,8 +95,8 @@ WorkingDirectory=/var/gemini/
97	95	ExecStart=agate --hostname gemini.example.com --lang en
98	96	#+end_src
99	97
100		Since we've altered the systemd configuration files, we have to reload
101		the daemon. Let's do that, restart our service, and check its status.
	98	Since we've altered the systemd configuration files, we have to reload the
	99	daemon. Let's do that, restart our service, and check its status.
102	100
103	101	#+begin_src sh
104	102	sudo systemctl daemon-reload
		@@ -108,8 +106,8 @@ sudo systemctl status gemini.service
108	106
109	107	* Fixing Systemd Errors
110	108
111		If you're still getting errors, the installation process may not have
112		properly enabled the gemini service. Fix it with the following commands.
	109	If you're still getting errors, the installation process may not have properly
	110	enabled the gemini service. Fix it with the following commands.
113	111
114	112	#+begin_src sh
115	113	sudo systemctl enable gemini.service
		@@ -119,9 +117,9 @@ sudo systemctl status gemini.service
119	117
120	118	* Firewall Rules
121	119
122		Great! Our server is now functional and running. The first consideration
123		now is that you need to be able to access port 1965 on the server. If
124		you have a firewall enabled, you'll need to open that port up.
	120	Great! Our server is now functional and running. The first consideration now is
	121	that you need to be able to access port 1965 on the server. If you have a
	122	firewall enabled, you'll need to open that port up.
125	123
126	124	#+begin_src sh
127	125	sudo ufw allow 1965
		@@ -131,21 +129,18 @@ sudo ufw reload
131	129	* Creating Content
132	130
133	131	Let's create the Gemini capsule. Note that wherever you set the
134		WorkingDirectory variable to earlier, Agate will expect you to put your
135		Gemini capsule contents in a sub-folder called "content." So, I place my
136		files in "/var/gmi/content." I'm going to create that folder now and put
137		a file in there.
	132	=WorkingDirectory= variable to earlier, Agate will expect you to put your Gemini
	133	capsule contents in a sub-folder called =content=. So, I place my files in
	134	=/var/gmi/content=. I'm going to create that folder now and put a file in there.
138	135
139	136	#+begin_src sh
140	137	sudo mkdir /var/gemini/content
141	138	sudo nano /var/gemini/content/index.gmi
142	139	#+end_src
143	140
144		You can put whatever you want in the "index.gmi" file, just make sure
145		it's valid Gemtext.
	141	You can put whatever you want in the =index.gmi= file, just make sure it's valid
	142	Gemtext.
146	143
147	144	* The Results
148	145
149		To view the results, you can use a Gemini browser, such as
150		[[https://gmi.skyjake.fi/lagrange/][Lagrange]] or
151		[[https://github.com/makeworld-the-better-one/amfora][amfora]].
	146	To view the results, you can use a Gemini browser, such as [[https://gmi.skyjake.fi/lagrange/][Lagrange]] or [[https://github.com/makeworld-the-better-one/amfora][amfora]].

content/blog/2021-04-23-php-comment-system.org +83 −94

		@@ -5,84 +5,79 @@
5	5
6	6	* The Terrible-ness of Commenting Systems
7	7
8		The current state of affairs regarding interactive comment systems is,
9		well, terrible. It is especially awful if you're a privacy conscious
10		person who does not generally load third-party scripts or frames on the
11		websites you visit.
	8	The current state of affairs regarding interactive comment systems is, well,
	9	terrible. It is especially awful if you're a privacy conscious person who does
	10	not generally load third-party scripts or frames on the websites you visit.
12	11
13		Even further, many comment systems are charging exorbitant fees for
14		something that should be standard.
	12	Even further, many comment systems are charging exorbitant fees for something
	13	that should be standard.
15	14
16	15	Of course, there are some really terrible options:
17	16
18	17	- Facebook Comments
19	18	- Discourse
20	19
21		There are some options that are better but still use too many scripts,
22		frames, or social integrations on your web page that could impact some
23		users:
	20	There are some options that are better but still use too many scripts, frames,
	21	or social integrations on your web page that could impact some users:
24	22
25	23	- Disqus
26	24	- Isso
27	25	- Remark42
28	26
29		Lastly, I looked into a few unique ways of generating blog comments,
30		such as using Twitter threads or GitHub issues to automatically post
31		issues. However, these both rely on external third-party sites that I
32		don't currently use.
	27	Lastly, I looked into a few unique ways of generating blog comments, such as
	28	using Twitter threads or GitHub issues to automatically post issues. However,
	29	these both rely on external third-party sites that I don't currently use.
33	30
34	31	* Stay Static with Server-Side Comments
35	32
36		The main issue for my personal use-case is that my blog is completely,
37		100% static. I use PHP on the back-end but website visitors only see
38		HTML and a single CSS file. No external javascript and no embedded
39		frames.
	33	The main issue for my personal use-case is that my blog is completely, 100%
	34	static. I use PHP on the back-end but website visitors only see HTML (Hypertext
	35	Markup Language) and a single CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file. No external
	36	JavaScript and no embedded frames.
40	37
41		So, how do we keep a site static and still allow users to interact with
42		blog posts? The key actually pretty simple - I'm already using PHP, so
43		why not rely on the classic HTML =<form>= and a PHP script to save the
44		comments somewhere? As it turns out, this was a perfect solution for me.
	38	So, how do we keep a site static and still allow users to interact with blog
	39	posts? The key actually pretty simple - I'm already using PHP, so why not rely
	40	on the classic HTML =<form>= and a PHP script to save the comments somewhere? As
	41	it turns out, this was a perfect solution for me.
45	42
46		The second issue for my personal use-case is that I am trying to keep
47		the contents of my website accessible over time, as described by
48		[cite/t:@brandur], in his post entitled
49		[[https://brandur.org/fragments/graceful-degradation-time][Blog with
50		Markdown + Git, and degrade gracefully through time]] .
	43	The second issue for my personal use-case is that I am trying to keep the
	44	contents of my website accessible over time, as described by [cite/t:@brandur],
	45	in his post entitled [[https://brandur.org/fragments/graceful-degradation-time][Blog with Markdown + Git, and degrade gracefully through
	46	time]] .
51	47
52		This means I cannot rely on a database for comments, since I do not rely
53		on a database for any other part of my websites.
	48	This means I cannot rely on a database for comments, since I do not rely on a
	49	database for any other part of my websites.
54	50
55		I blog in plain Markdown files, commit all articles to Git, and ensure
56		that future readers will be able to see the source data long after I'm
57		gone, or the website has gone offline. However, I still haven't
58		committed any images served on my blog to Git, as I'm not entirely sold
59		on Git LFS yet - for now, images can be found at
60		[[https://img.cleberg.net][img.cleberg.net]].
	51	I blog in plain Markdown files, commit all articles to Git, and ensure that
	52	future readers will be able to see the source data long after I'm gone, or the
	53	website has gone offline. However, I still haven't committed any images served
	54	on my blog to Git, as I'm not entirely sold on Git LFS (large file storage)
	55	yet - for now, images can be found at [[https://img.cleberg.net][img.cleberg.net]].
61	56
62		Saving my comments back to the Git repository ensures that another
63		aspect of my site will degrade gracefully.
	57	Saving my comments back to the Git repository ensures that another aspect of my
	58	site will degrade gracefully.
64	59
65	60	* Create a Comment Form
66	61
67		Okay, let's get started. The first step is to create an HTML form that
68		users can see and utilize to submit comments. This is fairly easy and
69		can be changed depending on your personal preferences.
	62	Okay, let's get started. The first step is to create an HTML form that users can
	63	see and utilize to submit comments. This is fairly easy and can be changed
	64	depending on your personal preferences.
70	65
71		Take a look at the code block below for the form I currently use. Note
72		that =<current-url>= is replaced automatically in PHP with the current
73		post's URL, so that my PHP script used later will know which blog post
74		the comment is related to.
	66	Take a look at the code block below for the form I currently use. Note that
	67	=<current-url>= is replaced automatically in PHP with the current post's URL
	68	(uniform resource locator), so that my PHP script used later will know which
	69	blog post the comment is related to.
75	70
76	71	The form contains the following structure:
77	72
78		1. =<form>= - This is the form and will determine which PHP script to
79		send the comment to.
80		2. =<section hidden>= - This section is hidden from the user and is used
81		to ensure that we know which blog post sent the comment.
82		3. =<section>= Display Name (Optional) - Used to accept a display name,
83		if entered.
84		4. =<section>= Comment (Required) - Used to accept the user's full
85		comment. Markdown is allowed.
	73	1. =<form>= - This is the form and will determine which PHP script to send the
	74	comment to.
	75	2. =<section hidden>= - This section is hidden from the user and is used to
	76	ensure that we know which blog post sent the comment.
	77	3. =<section>= Display Name (Optional) - Used to accept a display name, if
	78	entered.
	79	4. =<section>= Comment (Required) - Used to accept the user's full comment.
	80	Markdown is allowed.
86	81	5. =<button>= - A button to submit the form.
87	82
88	83	#+begin_src html
		@@ -129,25 +124,25 @@ The form contains the following structure:
129	124
130	125	* Handle Comments via POST
131	126
132		Now that we have a form and can submit comments, we need to create a PHP
133		script so that the server can fetch the comment data and save it. Make
134		sure your PHP script name matches the name you entered in the =action=
135		field in your form.
	127	Now that we have a form and can submit comments, we need to create a PHP script
	128	so that the server can fetch the comment data and save it. Make sure your PHP
	129	script name matches the name you entered in the =action= field in your form.
136	130
137		See the code block below for the contents of my =comment.php= script. We
138		perform the following tasks in this script:
	131	See the code block below for the contents of my =comment.php= script. We perform
	132	the following tasks in this script:
139	133
140	134	1. Grab the POST data from the HTML form.
141	135	2. Sanitize the comment data with =htmlentities=.
142	136	3. Set the display name to =Anonymous= if it was left blank.
143	137	4. Create a PHP object that combines all of this data.
144	138	5. Check if our destination file =comments.json= exists.
145		6. If so, convert the PHP object to JSON and save it to the file.
146		7. If the =comments.json= file does not exist, the script will exit with
147		an error. You can alter this to ensure it creates the script, but my
148		source code includes the file by default, so it will always exist.
149		8. Finally, send the user back to the =#comments= section of the blog
150		post they just read.
	139	6. If so, convert the PHP object to JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and save
	140	it to the file.
	141	7. If the =comments.json= file does not exist, the script will exit with an
	142	error. You can alter this to ensure it creates the script, but my source code
	143	includes the file by default, so it will always exist.
	144	8. Finally, send the user back to the =#comments= section of the blog post they
	145	just read.
151	146
152	147	#+begin_src php
153	148	// Get the content sent from the comment form
		@@ -186,9 +181,9 @@ if (file_exists($file_name)) {
186	181	header('Location: ' . $post_url . '#comments');
187	182	#+end_src
188	183
189		If you're using Apache, make sure the =www-data= user on your server has
190		the correct permissions to your website directory or else it will not be
191		able to write to =comments.json=.
	184	If you're using Apache, make sure the =www-data= user on your server has the
	185	correct permissions to your website directory or else it will not be able to
	186	write to =comments.json=.
192	187
193	188	#+begin_src sh
194	189	chgrp -R www-data /path/to/website/
		@@ -197,18 +192,15 @@ chmod -R g+w comments.json
197	192
198	193	* Display User Comments
199	194
200		Now that we can submit comments, and they are saved to the
201		=comments.json= file, let's make sure we can show those comments in each
202		blog post.
	195	Now that we can submit comments, and they are saved to the =comments.json= file,
	196	let's make sure we can show those comments in each blog post.
203	197
204		The code block below shows the function I use to decode my
205		=comments.json= file, check if the comments apply to the current post,
206		and then display them.
	198	The code block below shows the function I use to decode my =comments.json= file,
	199	check if the comments apply to the current post, and then display them.
207	200
208		This piece of code should really be inside a function (or at least in
209		an organized PHP workflow). Don't just copy-and-paste and expect it to
210		work. You need to at least supply a =$query= variable depending on the
211		page visited.
	201	This piece of code should really be inside a function (or at least in an
	202	organized PHP workflow). Don't just copy-and-paste and expect it to work. You
	203	need to at least supply a =$query= variable depending on the page visited.
212	204
213	205	#+begin_src php
214	206	$query = 'your-blog-post.html';
		@@ -246,27 +238,24 @@ echo $comment_section;
246	238
247	239	* Bonus: Create a 'Recent Comments' Page
248	240
249		Finally, the last part of my current system is to create a Recent
250		Comments page so that I can easily check-in on my blog and moderate any
251		spam. As an alternative, you could use PHP's =mail()= function to email
252		you for each blog comment.
	241	Finally, the last part of my current system is to create a Recent Comments page
	242	so that I can easily check-in on my blog and moderate any spam. As an
	243	alternative, you could use PHP's =mail()= function to email you for each blog
	244	comment.
253	245
254		The code to do this is literally the same code as the previous section,
255		I just make sure it is printed when someone visits
256		=https://example.com/comments/=.
	246	The code to do this is literally the same code as the previous section, I just
	247	make sure it is printed when someone visits =https://example.com/comments/=.
257	248
258	249	* Possible Enhancements
259	250
260		This comment system is by no means a fully-developed system. I have
261		noted a few possible enhancements here that I may implement in the
262		future:
	251	This comment system is by no means a fully-developed system. I have noted a few
	252	possible enhancements here that I may implement in the future:
263	253
264	254	- Create a secure moderator page with user authentication at
265		=https://blog.example.com/mod/=. This page could have the option to
266		edit or delete any comment found in =comments.json=.
267		- Create a temporary file, such as =pending_comments.json=, that will
268		store newly-submitted comments and won't display on blog posts until
269		approved by a moderator.
270		- Create a =/modlog/= page with a chronological log, showing which
271		moderator approved which comments and why certain comments were
272		rejected.
	255	=https://blog.example.com/mod/=. This page could have the option to edit or
	256	delete any comment found in =comments.json=.
	257	- Create a temporary file, such as =pending_comments.json=, that will store
	258	newly-submitted comments and won't display on blog posts until approved by a
	259	moderator.
	260	- Create a =/modlog/= page with a chronological log, showing which moderator
	261	approved which comments and why certain comments were rejected.

content/blog/2021-04-28-photography.org +39 −47

		@@ -6,66 +6,58 @@
6	6	* Why Photography?
7	7
8	8	I've often wondered why photography is as enticing as it is. You can see
9		billions of people around the world taking photographs every single
10		moment of the day. New technology often boasts about their photographic
11		capabilities, especially smartphones. I would even assume that we live
12		in a world where there is never a moment in which a photograph is not
13		being taken somewhere on Earth.
	9	billions of people around the world taking photographs every single moment of
	10	the day. New technology often boasts about their photographic capabilities,
	11	especially smartphones. I would even assume that we live in a world where there
	12	is never a moment in which a photograph is not being taken somewhere on Earth.
14	13
15		As for myself, I would simply say that I enjoy preserving a memory in
16		physical (or digital) form. I've never had the best memory when it comes
17		to recalling details of places and people gone by, so it helps to have a
18		frame of reference lying around.
	14	As for myself, I would simply say that I enjoy preserving a memory in physical
	15	(or digital) form. I've never had the best memory when it comes to recalling
	16	details of places and people gone by, so it helps to have a frame of reference
	17	lying around.
19	18
20		Regardless of the reason, I think most people would agree that you
21		simply cannot have too many hobbies.
	19	Regardless of the reason, I think most people would agree that you simply cannot
	20	have too many hobbies.
22	21
23	22	* Older Cameras
24	23
25		I started playing around with the idea of photography when my family
26		purchased a Fujifilm camera for family-specific events. I don't recall
27		the specific model, but I do recall it was a point-and-shoot camera
28		without an interchangeable lens. However, it was of great value to
29		someone, like myself, who couldn't afford any other camera. I took about
30		10,000 shots with that camera over a 3-5 year span. Most notably, all of
31		my trips to California were documented through this camera.
	24	I started playing around with the idea of photography when my family purchased a
	25	Fujifilm camera for family-specific events. I don't recall the specific model,
	26	but I do recall it was a point-and-shoot camera without an interchangeable lens.
	27	However, it was of great value to someone, like myself, who couldn't afford any
	28	other camera. I took about 10,000 shots with that camera over a 3-5 year span.
	29	Most notably, all of my trips to California were documented through this camera.
32	30
33		When possible, I would borrow my sister's camera, which is a Sony
34		SLT-A58. This camera was great and allowed for some of my best early
35		shots, especially those taken in Utah's and Nevada's parks.
	31	When possible, I would borrow my sister's camera, which is a Sony SLT-A58. This
	32	camera was great and allowed for some of my best early shots, especially those
	33	taken in Utah's and Nevada's parks.
36	34
37	35	* My Current Kit
38	36
39		I've finally come to a point in my life where I have the disposable
40		income to invest in a solid photography kit. I played around with the
41		idea of a lot of different cameras, different types, new vs used, etc.
42		Finally, I settled on the
43		[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_%CE%B17_III][Sony α7 III]]. This
44		camera is mirror-less and uses a full-frame image sensor at 24
45		megapixels. I don't create large prints, and I am mostly focused on
46		preserving memories in high quality for the next 5-10 years with this
47		camera, so the specifications here are just perfect for me.
	37	I've finally come to a point in my life where I have the disposable income to
	38	invest in a solid photography kit. I played around with the idea of a lot of
	39	different cameras, different types, new vs used, etc. Finally, I settled on the
	40	[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_%CE%B17_III][Sony α7 III]]. This camera is mirror-less and uses a full-frame image sensor at 24
	41	megapixels. I don't create large prints, and I am mostly focused on preserving
	42	memories in high quality for the next 5-10 years with this camera, so the
	43	specifications here are just perfect for me.
48	44
49	45	For lenses, I decided to buy two lenses that could carry me through most
50	46	situations:
51	47
52		- [[https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/full-frame-e-mount/p/sel2470z][Vario-Tessar
53		T** FE 24-70 mm F4 ZA OSS]]
54		- [[https://www.tamron-usa.com/product/lenses/a047.html][Tamron 70-300mm
55		f4.5-6.3 Di III RXD]]
	48	- [[https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/full-frame-e-mount/p/sel2470z][Vario-Tessar T** FE 24-70 mm F4 ZA OSS]]
	49	- [[https://www.tamron-usa.com/product/lenses/a047.html][Tamron 70-300mm f4.5-6.3 Di III RXD]]
56	50
57		In addition, I grabbed a couple
58		[[https://www.promaster.com/Product/6725][HGX Prime 67mm]] protection
59		filters for the lenses.
	51	In addition, I grabbed a couple [[https://www.promaster.com/Product/6725][HGX Prime 67mm]] protection filters for the
	52	lenses.
60	53
61		As I delve further into photography and pick up more skills, I will most
62		likely go back and grab a lens with a higher f-stop value, such as
63		f/1.8. I toyed with the idea of grabbing a 50 mm at =f/1.8=, but decided
64		to keep things in a reasonable price range instead.
	54	As I delve further into photography and pick up more skills, I will most likely
	55	go back and grab a lens with a higher f-stop value, such as f/1.8. I toyed with
	56	the idea of grabbing a 50 mm at =f/1.8=, but decided to keep things in a
	57	reasonable price range instead.
65	58
66		Finally, I made sure to buy a photography-specific backpack with a rain
67		guard, and the zipper on the back panel, to protect the equipment while
68		wearing the bag. If you've ever had to haul around a DSLR (or camera of
69		similar heft) in a bag that only has a shoulder strap, you'll know the
70		pain it can cause. Putting all my equipment in a backpack was an easy
71		decision.
	59	Finally, I made sure to buy a photography-specific backpack with a rain guard,
	60	and the zipper on the back panel, to protect the equipment while wearing the
	61	bag. If you've ever had to haul around a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex)
	62	camera in a bag that only has a shoulder strap, you'll know the pain it can
	63	cause. Putting all my equipment in a backpack was an easy decision.

content/blog/2021-05-30-changing-git-authors.org +8 −8

		@@ -5,12 +5,12 @@
5	5
6	6	* Changing Git Author/Email Based on Previously Committed Email
7	7
8		Here's the dilemma: You've been committing changes to your git
9		repository with an incorrect name or email (or multiple repositories),
10		and now you want to fix it. Luckily, there's a semi-reliable way to fix
11		that. While I have never experienced issues with this method, some
12		people have warned that it can mess with historical hashes and integrity
13		of commits, so use this method only if you're okay accepting that risk.
	8	Here's the dilemma: You've been committing changes to your Git repository with
	9	an incorrect name or email (or multiple repositories), and now you want to fix
	10	it. Luckily, there's a semi-reliable way to fix that. While I have never
	11	experienced issues with this method, some people have warned that it can mess
	12	with historical hashes and integrity of commits, so use this method only if
	13	you're okay accepting that risk.
14	14
15	15	Okay, let's create the bash script:
16	16
		@@ -18,8 +18,8 @@ Okay, let's create the bash script:
18	18	nano change_git_authors.sh
19	19	#+end_src
20	20
21		The following information can be pasted directly into your bash script.
22		The only changes you need to make are to the following variables:
	21	The following information can be pasted directly into your bash script. The only
	22	changes you need to make are to the following variables:
23	23
24	24	- =OLD_EMAIL=
25	25	- =CORRECT_NAME=

content/blog/2021-07-15-delete-gitlab-repos.org +19 −22

		@@ -5,31 +5,29 @@
5	5
6	6	* Background
7	7
8		Have you ever used GitLab to host your source code, moved to a different
9		host, and wanted to delete everything from your GitLab account? Well,
10		this post covers any scenario where you would want to delete all
11		repositories from your GitLab account.
	8	Have you ever used GitLab to host your source code, moved to a different host,
	9	and wanted to delete everything from your GitLab account? Well, this post covers
	10	any scenario where you would want to delete all repositories from your GitLab
	11	account.
12	12
13		For me, I currently maintain around 30 repositories and don't like to
14		manually delete them whenever I switch host. GitHub has a few different
15		tools online to delete all repositories for you, but I have not found
16		anything similar for GitLab, so I needed an alternative solution.
	13	For me, I currently maintain around 30 repositories and don't like to manually
	14	delete them whenever I switch host. GitHub has a few different tools online to
	15	delete all repositories for you, but I have not found anything similar for
	16	GitLab, so I needed an alternative solution.
17	17
18	18	* Use a Python Script
19	19
20	20	** Requirements
21	21
22		Before we look at the script, make sure you know your GitLab username.
23		Next, [[https://gitlab.com/-/profile/personal_access_tokens][create an
24		authorization token]] so that the Python script can delete your
25		repositories. Don't lose this token or else you'll need to create a new
26		one.
	22	Before we look at the script, make sure you know your GitLab username. Next,
	23	[[https://gitlab.com/-/profile/personal_access_tokens][create an authorization token]] so that the Python script can delete your
	24	repositories. Don't lose this token or else you'll need to create a new one.
27	25
28	26	** Create the Script
29	27
30		To run a Python script, you must first create it. Open a terminal and
31		enter the following commands in whichever directory you prefer to store
32		the script. You can do the same things in a file manager if you prefer.
	28	To run a Python script, you must first create it. Open a terminal and enter the
	29	following commands in whichever directory you prefer to store the script. You
	30	can do the same things in a file manager if you prefer.
33	31
34	32	#+begin_src sh
35	33	mkdir delete-gitlab
		@@ -101,13 +99,12 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
101	99	main()
102	100	#+end_src
103	101
104		Now that you have the proper information, replace ={user-id}= with your
105		GitLab username and ={auth-token}= with the authorization token you
106		created earlier.
	102	Now that you have the proper information, replace ={user-id}= with your GitLab
	103	username and ={auth-token}= with the authorization token you created earlier.
107	104
108		Finally, simply run the script and watch the output. You can also use
109		PyCharm Community Edition to edit and run the Python script if you don't
110		want to work in a terminal.
	105	Finally, simply run the script and watch the output. You can also use PyCharm
	106	Community Edition to edit and run the Python script if you don't want to work in
	107	a terminal.
111	108
112	109	#+begin_src sh
113	110	python3 main.py

content/blog/2021-08-25-audit-sampling.org +98 −101

		@@ -6,44 +6,40 @@
6	6	* Introduction
7	7
8	8	For anyone who is familiar with internal auditing, external auditing, or
9		consulting, you will understand how tedious audit testing can become
10		when you are required to test large swaths of data. When we cannot
11		establish an automated means of testing an entire population, we
12		generate samples to represent the population of data. This helps ensure
13		we can have a small enough data pool to test and that our results still
14		represent the population.
15
16		However, sampling data within the world of audit still seems to confuse
17		quite a lot of people. While some audit-focused tools have introduced
18		sampling functionality (e.g. Wdesk), many audit departments and firms
19		cannot use software like this due to certain constraints, such as the
20		team's budget or knowledge. Here is where this article comes in: we're
21		going to use [[https://www.python.org][Python]], a free and open-source
22		programming language, to generate random samples from a dataset in order
23		to suffice numerous audit situations.
	9	consulting, you will understand how tedious audit testing can become when you
	10	are required to test large swaths of data. When we cannot establish an automated
	11	means of testing an entire population, we generate samples to represent the
	12	population of data. This helps ensure we can have a small enough data pool to
	13	test and that our results still represent the population.
	14
	15	However, sampling data within the world of audit still seems to confuse quite a
	16	lot of people. While some audit-focused tools have introduced sampling
	17	functionality (e.g. Wdesk), many audit departments and firms cannot use software
	18	like this due to certain constraints, such as the team's budget or knowledge.
	19	Here is where this article comes in: we're going to use [[https://www.python.org][Python]], a free and
	20	open-source programming language, to generate random samples from a dataset in
	21	order to suffice numerous audit situations.
24	22
25	23	* Audit Requirements for Sampling
26	24
27		Before we get into the details of how to sample with Python, I want to
28		make sure I discuss the different requirements that auditors may have of
29		samples used within their projects.
	25	Before we get into the details of how to sample with Python, I want to make sure
	26	I discuss the different requirements that auditors may have of samples used
	27	within their projects.
30	28
31	29	** Randomness
32	30
33		First, let's discuss randomness. When testing out new technology to help
34		assist with audit sampling, you need to understand exactly how your
35		samples are being generated. For example, if the underlying function is
36		just picking every 57th element from a list, that's not truly random;
37		it's a systematic form of sampling. Luckily, since Python is
38		open-source, we have access to its codebase. Through this blog post, I
39		will be using the [[https://pandas.pydata.org][pandas]] module in order
40		to generate the random samples. More specifically, I will be using the
41		[[https://pandas.pydata.org/pandas-docs/stable/reference/api/pandas.DataFrame.sample.html][pandas.DataFrame.sample]]
42		function provided by Pandas.
43
44		Now that you know what you're using, you can always check out the code
45		behind =pandas.DataFrame.sample=. This function does a lot of work, but
46		we really only care about the following snippets of code:
	31	First, let's discuss randomness. When testing out new technology to help assist
	32	with audit sampling, you need to understand exactly how your samples are being
	33	generated. For example, if the underlying function is just picking every 57th
	34	element from a list, that's not truly random; it's a systematic form of
	35	sampling. Luckily, since Python is open-source, we have access to its codebase.
	36	Through this blog post, I will be using the [[https://pandas.pydata.org][pandas]] module in order to generate
	37	the random samples. More specifically, I will be using the
	38	[[https://pandas.pydata.org/pandas-docs/stable/reference/api/pandas.DataFrame.sample.html][pandas.DataFrame.sample]] function provided by Pandas.
	39
	40	Now that you know what you're using, you can always check out the code behind
	41	=pandas.DataFrame.sample=. This function does a lot of work, but we really only
	42	care about the following snippets of code:
47	43
48	44	#+begin_src python
49	45	# Process random_state argument
		@@ -59,61 +55,62 @@ result.index = ibase.default_index(len(result))
59	55	return result
60	56	#+end_src
61	57
62		The block of code above shows you that if you assign a =random_state=
63		argument when you run the function, that will be used as a seed number
64		in the random generation and will allow you to reproduce a sample, given
65		that nothing else changes. This is critical to the posterity of audit
66		work. After all, how can you say your audit process is adequately
67		documented if the next person can't run the code and get the same
68		sample? The final piece here on randomness is to look at the
69		[[https://docs.python.org/3/library/random.html#random.choice][choice]]
70		function used above. This is the crux of the generation and can also be
71		examined for more detailed analysis on its reliability. As far as
72		auditing goes, we will trust that these functions are mathematically
73		random.
	58	The block of code above shows you that if you assign a =random_state= argument
	59	when you run the function, that will be used as a seed number in the random
	60	generation and will allow you to reproduce a sample, given that nothing else
	61	changes. This is critical to the posterity of audit work. After all, how can you
	62	say your audit process is adequately documented if the next person can't run the
	63	code and get the same sample? The final piece here on randomness is to look at
	64	the [[https://docs.python.org/3/library/random.html#random.choice][choice]] function used above. This is the crux of the generation and can also
	65	be examined for more detailed analysis on its reliability. As far as auditing
	66	goes, we will trust that these functions are mathematically random.
74	67
75	68	** Sample Sizes
76	69
77		As mentioned in the intro, sampling is only an effective method of
78		auditing when it truly represents the entire population. While some
79		audit departments or firms may consider certain judgmental sample sizes
80		to be adequate, you may need to rely on statistically-significant
81		confidence levels of sample testing at certain points. I will
82		demonstrate both here. For statistically-significant confidence levels,
83		most people will assume a 90% - 99% confidence level. In order to
84		actually calculate the correct sample size, it is best to use
85		statistical tools due to the tedious math work required. For example,
86		for a population of 1000, and a 90% confidence level that no more than
87		5% of the items are nonconforming, you would sample 45 items.
88
89		However, in my personal experience, many audit departments and firms do
90		not use statistical sampling. Most people use a predetermined, often
91		proprietary, table that will instruct auditors which sample sizes to
92		choose. This allows for uniform testing and reduces overall workload.
93		See the table below for a common implementation of sample sizes:
94
95		Control Frequency Sample Size - High Risk Sample Size - Low Risk
96
97		--------------
98
99		More Than Daily 40 25 Daily 40 25 Weekly 12 5 Monthly 5 3 Quarterly 2 2
100		Semi-Annually 1 1 Annually 1 1 Ad-hoc 1 1
	70	As mentioned in the intro, sampling is only an effective method of auditing when
	71	it truly represents the entire population. While some audit departments or firms
	72	pmay consider certain judgmental sample sizes to be adequate, you may need to
	73	rely on statistically-significant confidence levels of sample testing at certain
	74
	75	points. I will demonstrate both here. For statistically-significant confidence
	76	levels, most people will assume a 90% - 99% confidence level. In order to
	77	actually calculate the correct sample size, it is best to use statistical tools
	78	due to the tedious math work required. For example, for a population of 1000,
	79	and a 90% confidence level that no more than 5% of the items are nonconforming,
	80	you would sample 45 items.
	81
	82	However, in my personal experience, many audit departments and firms do not use
	83	statistical sampling. Most people use a predetermined, often proprietary, table
	84	that will instruct auditors which sample sizes to choose. This allows for
	85	uniform testing and reduces overall workload. See the table below for a common
	86	implementation of sample sizes:
	87
	88	\| Control Frequency \| Sample Size (High Risk) \| Sample Size (Low Risk) \|
	89	\|-------------------+-------------------------+------------------------\|
	90	\| More Than Daily \| 40 \| 25 \|
	91	\| Daily \| 40 \| 25 \|
	92	\| Weekly \| 12 \| 5 \|
	93	\| Monthly \| 5 \| 3 \|
	94	\| Quarterly \| 2 \| 2 \|
	95	\| Semi-Annually \| 1 \| 1 \|
	96	\| Annually \| 1 \| 1 \|
	97	\| Ad-hoc \| 1 \| 1 \|
101	98
102	99	*** Sampling with Python & Pandas
103	100
104		In this section, I am going to cover a few basic audit situations that
105		require sampling. While some situations may require more effort, the
106		syntax, organization, and intellect used remain largely the same. If
107		you've never used Python before, note that lines starting with a '=#='
108		symbol are called comments, and they will be skipped by Python. I highly
109		recommend taking a quick tutorial online to understand the basics of
110		Python if any of the code below is confusing to you.
	101	In this section, I am going to cover a few basic audit situations that require
	102	sampling. While some situations may require more effort, the syntax,
	103	organization, and intellect used remain largely the same. If you've never used
	104	Python before, note that lines starting with a '=#=' symbol are called comments,
	105	and they will be skipped by Python. I highly recommend taking a quick tutorial
	106	online to understand the basics of Python if any of the code below is confusing
	107	to you.
111	108
112	109	** Simple Random Sample
113	110
114		First, let's look at a simple, random sample. The code block below will
115		import the =pandas= module, load a data file, sample the data, and
116		export the sample to a file.
	111	First, let's look at a simple, random sample. The code block below will import
	112	the =pandas= module, load a data file, sample the data, and export the sample to
	113	a file.
117	114
118	115	#+begin_src python
119	116	# Import the Pandas module
		@@ -137,8 +134,8 @@ sample.to_excel(file_output)
137	134
138	135	** Simple Random Sample: Using Multiple Input Files
139	136
140		Now that we've created a simple sample, let's create a sample from
141		multiple files.
	137	Now that we've created a simple sample, let's create a sample from multiple
	138	files.
142	139
143	140	#+begin_src python
144	141	# Import the Pandas module
		@@ -171,9 +168,9 @@ sample.to_excel(file_output)
171	168
172	169	** Stratified Random Sample
173	170
174		Well, what if you need to sample distinct parts of a single file? For
175		example, let's write some code to separate our data by "Region" and
176		sample those regions independently.
	171	Well, what if you need to sample distinct parts of a single file? For example,
	172	let's write some code to separate our data by "Region" and sample those regions
	173	independently.
177	174
178	175	#+begin_src python
179	176	# Import the Pandas module
		@@ -205,10 +202,10 @@ sample.to_excel(file_output)
205	202
206	203	** Stratified Systematic Sample
207	204
208		This next example is quite useful if you need audit coverage over a
209		certain time period. This code will generate samples for each month in
210		the data and combine them all together at the end. Obviously, this code
211		can be modified to stratify by something other than months, if needed.
	205	This next example is quite useful if you need audit coverage over a certain time
	206	period. This code will generate samples for each month in the data and combine
	207	them all together at the end. Obviously, this code can be modified to stratify
	208	by something other than months, if needed.
212	209
213	210	#+begin_src python
214	211	# Import the Pandas module
		@@ -254,17 +251,17 @@ sample.to_excel(file_output)
254	251
255	252	*** Documenting the Results
256	253
257		Once you've generated a proper sample, there are a few things left to do
258		in order to properly ensure your process is reproducible.
259
260		1. Document the sample. Make sure the resulting file is readable and
261		includes the documentation listed in the next bullet.
262		2. Include documentation around the data source, extraction techniques,
263		any modifications made to the data, and be sure to include a copy of
264		the script itself.
265		3. Whenever possible, perform a completeness and accuracy test to ensure
266		your sample is coming from a complete and accurate population. To
267		ensure completeness, compare the record count from the data source to
268		the record count loaded into Python. To ensure accuracy, test a small
269		sample against the source data (e.g., test 5 sales against the
270		database to see if the details are accurate).
	254	Once you've generated a proper sample, there are a few things left to do in
	255	order to properly ensure your process is reproducible.
	256
	257	1. Document the sample. Make sure the resulting file is readable and includes
	258	the documentation listed in the next bullet.
	259	2. Include documentation around the data source, extraction techniques, any
	260	modifications made to the data, and be sure to include a copy of the script
	261	itself.
	262	3. Whenever possible, perform a completeness and accuracy test to ensure your
	263	sample is coming from a complete and accurate population. To ensure
	264	completeness, compare the record count from the data source to the record
	265	count loaded into Python. To ensure accuracy, test a small sample against the
	266	source data (e.g., test 5 sales against the database to see if the details
	267	are accurate).

content/blog/2021-10-09-apache-redirect.org +14 −17

		@@ -5,15 +5,13 @@
5	5
6	6	* The Problem
7	7
8		After recently switching static site generators (SSG), my blog URLs
9		changed with no option to preserve the classic =.html= extension at the
10		end of my blog post URLs.
	8	After recently switching static site generators (SSG), my blog URLs (uniform
	9	resource locators) changed with no option to preserve the classic =.html=
	10	extension at the end of my blog post URLs.
11	11
12		I really disliked using my old SSG ([[https://jekyllrb.com][Jekyll]])
13		and prefer my new tool ([[https://www.getzola.org][Zola]]) much more, so
14		I was determined to figure out a way to get the proper redirect set up
15		so that people who find my posts online aren't constantly met by 404
16		errors.
	12	I really disliked using my old SSG ([[https://jekyllrb.com][Jekyll]]) and prefer my new tool ([[https://www.getzola.org][Zola]]) much
	13	more, so I was determined to figure out a way to get the proper redirect set up
	14	so that people who find my posts online aren't constantly met by 404 errors.
17	15
18	16	* The Solution
19	17
		@@ -21,11 +19,10 @@ To solve this problem, I really needed to solve two pieces:
21	19
22	20	1. Redirect all blog post URL requests from =/blog/some-post.html= to
23	21	=/blog/some-post/=.
24		2. Ensure that no other =.html= files are redirected, such as
25		=index.html=.
	22	2. Ensure that no other =.html= files are redirected, such as =index.html=.
26	23
27		After /a lot/ of tweaking and testing, I believe I have finally found
28		the solution. The solution is shown below.
	24	After /a lot/ of tweaking and testing, I believe I have finally found the
	25	solution. The solution is shown below.
29	26
30	27	#+begin_src conf
31	28	RewriteEngine On
		@@ -38,8 +35,8 @@ following:
38	35
39	36	1. Turn on the RewriteEngine so that we can modify URLs.
40	37	2. Ignore any =index.html= files from the rule we are about to specify.
41		3. Find any =.html= files within the website directory and redirect it
42		to exclude the file extension.
43		4. The final piece is adding the trailing slash (=/=) at the end of the
44		URL - you'll notice that I don't have an Apache rule for that since
45		Apache handles that automatically.
	38	3. Find any =.html= files within the website directory and redirect it to
	39	exclude the file extension.
	40	4. The final piece is adding the trailing slash (=/=) at the end of the URL -
	41	you'll notice that I don't have an Apache rule for that since Apache handles
	42	that automatically.

content/blog/2021-12-04-cisa.org +142 −156

		@@ -6,200 +6,186 @@
6	6	* What is the CISA?
7	7
8	8	For those of you lucky enough not to be knee-deep in the world of IT/IS
9		Auditing, [[https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa][CISA]] stands for
10		Certified Information Systems Auditor. This certification and exam are
11		part of ISACA's suite of certifications. As I often explain it to people
12		like my family, it basically means you're employed to use your knowledge
13		of information systems, regulations, common threats, risks, etc. in
14		order to assess an organization's current control of their risk. If a
15		risk isn't controlled (and the company doesn't want to accept the risk),
16		an IS auditor will suggest implementing a control to address that risk.
17
18		Now, the CISA certification itself is, in my opinion, the main
19		certification for this career. While certifications such as the CPA or
20		CISSP are beneficial, nothing matches the power of the CISA for an IS
21		auditor when it comes to getting hired, getting a raise/bonus, or
22		earning respect in the field.
23
24		However, to be honest, I am a skeptic of most certifications. I
25		understand the value they hold in terms of how much you need to commit
26		to studying or learning on the job, as well as the market value for
27		certifications such as the CISA. But I also have known some very
28		+incompetent+ /less than stellar/ auditors who have CPAs, CISAs, CIAs,
29		etc.
30
31		The same goes for most industries: if a person is good at studying, they
32		can earn the certification. However, that knowledge means nothing unless
33		you're actually able to use it in real life and perform as expected of a
34		certification holder. The challenge comes when people are hired or
35		connected strictly because of their certifications or resume; you need
36		to see a person work before you can assume them having a CISA means
37		they're better than someone without the CISA.
38
39		Okay, rant over. Certifications are generally accepted as a measuring
40		stick of commitment and quality of an employee, so I am accepting it
41		too.
	9	Auditing, the [[https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa][CISA]] (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification and
	10	exam are part of ISACA's suite of certifications. As I often explain it to
	11	people like my family, it basically means you're employed to use your knowledge
	12	of information systems, regulations, common threats, risks, etc. in order to
	13	assess an organization's current control of their risk. If a risk isn't
	14	controlled (and the company doesn't want to accept the risk), an IS auditor will
	15	suggest implementing a control to address that risk.
	16
	17	Now, the CISA certification itself is, in my opinion, the main certification for
	18	this career. While certifications such as the CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
	19	or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) are beneficial,
	20	nothing matches the power of the CISA for an information systems (IS) auditor
	21	when it comes to getting hired, getting a raise/bonus, or earning respect in the
	22	field.
	23
	24	However, to be honest, I am a skeptic of most certifications. I understand the
	25	value they hold in terms of how much you need to commit to studying or learning
	26	on the job, as well as the market value for certifications such as the CISA. But
	27	I also have known some very +incompetent+ /less than stellar/ auditors who have
	28	relevant certifications.
	29
	30	The same goes for most industries: if a person is good at studying, they can
	31	earn the certification. However, that knowledge means nothing unless you're
	32	actually able to use it in real life and perform as expected of a certification
	33	holder. The challenge comes when people are hired or connected strictly because
	34	of their certifications or resume; you need to see a person work before you can
	35	assume them having a CISA means they're better than someone without the CISA.
	36
	37	Okay, rant over. Certifications are generally accepted as a measuring stick of
	38	commitment and quality of an employee, so I am accepting it too.
42	39
43	40	* Exam Content
44	41
45		The CISA is broken down into five sections, each weighted with a
46		percentage of test questions that may appear.
	42	The CISA is broken down into five sections, each weighted with a percentage of
	43	test questions that may appear.
47	44
48		Since the exam contains 150 questions, here's how those sections break
49		down:
	45	Since the exam contains 150 questions, here's how those sections break down:
50	46
51		\| Exam Section \| Percentage of Exam \| Questions \|
	47	\| Exam Section \| Percentage of Exam \| Questions \|
52	48	\|---------------+--------------------+-----------\|
53		\| 1 \| 21% \| 32 \|
54		\| 2 \| 17% \| 26 \|
55		\| 3 \| 12% \| 18 \|
56		\| 4 \| 23% \| 34 \|
57		\| 5 \| 27% \| 40 \|
58		\| Grand Total \| 100% \| 150 \|
	49	\| 1 \| 21% \| 32 \|
	50	\| 2 \| 17% \| 26 \|
	51	\| 3 \| 12% \| 18 \|
	52	\| 4 \| 23% \| 34 \|
	53	\| 5 \| 27% \| 40 \|
	54	\| Grand Total \| 100% \| 150 \|
59	55
60	56	* My Studying Habits
61	57
62		This part is a little hard for me to break down into specific detail due
63		to the craziness of the last year. While I officially purchased my
64		studying materials in December 2020 and opened them to "start studying"
65		in January 2021, I really wasn't able to study much due to the demands
66		of my job and personal life.
	58	This part is a little hard for me to break down into specific detail due to the
	59	craziness of the last year. While I officially purchased my studying materials
	60	in December 2020 and opened them to "start studying" in January 2021, I really
	61	wasn't able to study much due to the demands of my job and personal life.
67	62
68	63	Let me approach this from a few different viewpoints.
69	64
70	65	** Study Materials
71	66
72		Let's start by discussing the study materials I purchased. I'll be
73		referring to #1 as the CRM and #2 as the QAE.
74
75		1. [[https://store.isaca.org/s/store#/store/browse/detail/a2S4w000004KoCbEAK][CISA
76		Review Manual, 27th Edition \| Print]]
77		2. [[https://store.isaca.org/s/store#/store/browse/detail/a2S4w000004KoCcEAK][CISA
78		Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 12th Edition \|
79		Print]]
80
81		The CRM is an excellent source of information and could honestly be used
82		as a reference for most IS auditors as a learning reference during their
83		daily audit responsibilities. However, it is full of information and
84		can be overloading if you're not good at filtering out useless
85		information while studying.
86
87		The QAE is the real star of the show here. This book contains 1000
88		questions, separated by exam section, and a practice exam. My only
89		complaint about the QAE is that each question is immediately followed
90		with the correct answer and explanations below it, which means I had to
91		use something to constantly cover the answers while I was studying.
92
93		I didn't use the online database version of the QAE, but I've heard that
94		it's easier to use than the printed book. However, it is more expensive
95		($299 database vs $129 book) which might be important if you're paying
96		for materials yourself.
97
98		In terms of question difficulty, I felt that the QAE was a good
99		representation of the actual exam. I've seen a lot of people online say
100		it wasn't accurate to the exam or that it was much easier/harder, but I
101		disagree with all of those. The exam was fairly similar to the QAE, just
102		focusing on whichever topics they chose for my version of the exam.
103
104		If you understand the concepts, skim the CRM (and read in-depth on
105		topics you struggle with), and use the QAE to continue practicing
106		exam-like questions, you should be fine. I didn't use any online
107		courses, videos, etc. - the ISACA materials are more than enough.
	67	Let's start by discussing the study materials I purchased. I'll be referring to
	68	#1 as the CRM (CISA Review Manual) and #2 as the QAE (Questions, Answers &
	69	Explanations).
	70
	71	1. [[https://store.isaca.org/s/store#/store/browse/detail/a2S4w000004KoCbEAK][CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition \| Print]]
	72	2. [[https://store.isaca.org/s/store#/store/browse/detail/a2S4w000004KoCcEAK][CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 12th Edition \| Print]]
	73
	74	The CRM is an excellent source of information and could honestly be used as a
	75	reference for most IS auditors as a learning reference during their daily audit
	76	responsibilities. However, it is full of information and can be overloading if
	77	you're not good at filtering out useless information while studying.
	78
	79	The QAE is the real star of the show here. This book contains 1000 questions,
	80	separated by exam section, and a practice exam. My only complaint about the QAE
	81	is that each question is immediately followed with the correct answer and
	82	explanations below it, which means I had to use something to constantly cover
	83	the answers while I was studying.
	84
	85	I didn't use the online database version of the QAE, but I've heard that it's
	86	easier to use than the printed book. However, it is more expensive ($299
	87	database vs $129 book) which might be important if you're paying for materials
	88	yourself.
	89
	90	In terms of question difficulty, I felt that the QAE was a good representation
	91	of the actual exam. I've seen a lot of people online say it wasn't accurate to
	92	the exam or that it was much easier/harder, but I disagree with all of those.
	93	The exam was fairly similar to the QAE, just focusing on whichever topics they
	94	chose for my version of the exam.
	95
	96	If you understand the concepts, skim the CRM (and read in-depth on topics you
	97	struggle with), and use the QAE to continue practicing exam-like questions, you
	98	should be fine. I didn't use any online courses, videos, etc. - the ISACA
	99	materials are more than enough.
108	100
109	101	** Studying Process
110	102
111		While I was able to briefly read through sections 1 and 2 in early 2021,
112		I had to stop and take a break from February/March to September. I
113		switched jobs in September, which allowed me a lot more free time to
114		study.
	103	While I was able to briefly read through sections 1 and 2 in early 2021, I had
	104	to stop and take a break from February/March to September. I switched jobs in
	105	September, which allowed me a lot more free time to study.
115	106
116		In September, I studied sections 3-5, took notes, and did a quick review
117		of the section topics. Once I felt comfortable with my notes, I took a
118		practice exam from the QAE manual and scored 70% (105/150).
	107	In September, I studied sections 3-5, took notes, and did a quick review of the
	108	section topics. Once I felt comfortable with my notes, I took a practice exam
	109	from the QAE manual and scored 70% (105/150).
119	110
120	111	Here's a breakdown of my initial practice exam:
121	112
122		\| Exam Section \| Incorrect \| Correct \| Grand Total \| Percent \|
	113	\| Exam Section \| Incorrect \| Correct \| Grand Total \| Percent \|
123	114	\|---------------+-----------+---------+-------------+---------\|
124		\| 1 \| 8 \| 25 \| 33 \| 76% \|
125		\| 2 \| 5 \| 20 \| 25 \| 80% \|
126		\| 3 \| 6 \| 12 \| 18 \| 67% \|
127		\| 4 \| 10 \| 23 \| 33 \| 70% \|
128		\| 5 \| 16 \| 25 \| 41 \| 61% \|
129		\| Grand Total \| 45 \| 105 \| 150 \| 70% \|
	115	\| 1 \| 8 \| 25 \| 33 \| 76% \|
	116	\| 2 \| 5 \| 20 \| 25 \| 80% \|
	117	\| 3 \| 6 \| 12 \| 18 \| 67% \|
	118	\| 4 \| 10 \| 23 \| 33 \| 70% \|
	119	\| 5 \| 16 \| 25 \| 41 \| 61% \|
	120	\| Grand Total \| 45 \| 105 \| 150 \| 70% \|
130	121
131	122	As I expected, my toughest sections were related to project management,
132	123	development, implementation, and security.
133	124
134		This just leaves October and November. For these months, I tried to
135		practice every few days, doing 10 questions for each section, until the
136		exam. This came out to 13 practice sessions, ~140 questions per section,
137		and ~700 questions total.
	125	This just leaves October and November. For these months, I tried to practice
	126	every few days, doing 10 questions for each section, until the exam. This came
	127	out to 13 practice sessions, ~140 questions per section, and ~700 questions
	128	total.
138	129
139		While some practice sessions were worse and some were better, the final
140		results were similar to my practice exam results. As you can see below,
141		my averages were slightly worse than my practice exam. However, I got in
142		over 700 questions of practice and, most importantly, /I read through
143		the explanations every time I answered incorrectly and learned from my
144		mistakes/.
	130	While some practice sessions were worse and some were better, the final results
	131	were similar to my practice exam results. As you can see below, my averages were
	132	slightly worse than my practice exam. However, I got in over 700 questions of
	133	practice and, most importantly, /I read through the explanations every time I
	134	answered incorrectly and learned from my mistakes/.
145	135
146		\| Exam Section \| Incorrect \| Correct \| Grand Total \| Percent \|
	136	\| Exam Section \| Incorrect \| Correct \| Grand Total \| Percent \|
147	137	\|---------------+-----------+---------+-------------+---------\|
148		\| 1 \| 33 \| 108 \| 141 \| 77% \|
149		\| 2 \| 33 \| 109 \| 142 \| 77% \|
150		\| 3 \| 55 \| 89 \| 144 \| 62% \|
151		\| 4 \| 52 \| 88 \| 140 \| 63% \|
152		\| 5 \| 55 \| 85 \| 140 \| 61% \|
153		\| Grand Total \| 228 \| 479 \| 707 \| 68% \|
	138	\| 1 \| 33 \| 108 \| 141 \| 77% \|
	139	\| 2 \| 33 \| 109 \| 142 \| 77% \|
	140	\| 3 \| 55 \| 89 \| 144 \| 62% \|
	141	\| 4 \| 52 \| 88 \| 140 \| 63% \|
	142	\| 5 \| 55 \| 85 \| 140 \| 61% \|
	143	\| Grand Total \| 228 \| 479 \| 707 \| 68% \|
154	144
155	145	* Results
156	146
157		Now, how do the practice scores reflect my actual results? After all,
158		it's hard to tell how good a practice regimen is unless you see how it
159		turns out.
	147	Now, how do the practice scores reflect my actual results? After all, it's hard
	148	to tell how good a practice regimen is unless you see how it turns out.
160	149
161	150	\| Exam Section \| Section Name \| Score \|
162	151	\|--------------+------------------------------------------------------------------+-------\|
163		\| 1 \| Information Systems Auditing Process \| 678 \|
164		\| 2 \| Governance and Management of IT \| 590 \|
165		\| 3 \| Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation \| 721 \|
166		\| 4 \| Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience \| 643 \|
167		\| 5 \| Protection of Information Assets \| 511 \|
168
169		Now, in order to pass the CISA, you need at least 450 on a sliding scale
170		of 200-800. Personally, I really have no clue what an average CISA score
171		is. After a /very/ brief look online, I can see that the high end is
172		usually in the low 700s. In addition, only about 50-60% of people pass
173		the exam.
174
175		Given this information, I feel great about my scores. 616 may not be
176		phenomenal, and I wish I had done better on sections 2 & 5, but my
177		practicing seems to have worked very well overall.
178
179		However, the practice results do not conform to the actual results.
180		Section 2 was one of my highest practice sections and was my
181		second-lowest score in the exam. Conversely, section 3 was my
182		second-lowest practice section and turned out to be my highest actual
183		score!
184
185		After reflecting, it is obvious that if you have any background on the
186		CISA topics at all, the most important part of studying is doing
187		practice questions. You really need to understand how to read the
188		questions critically and pick the best answer.
	152	\| 1 \| Information Systems Auditing Process \| 678 \|
	153	\| 2 \| Governance and Management of IT \| 590 \|
	154	\| 3 \| Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation \| 721 \|
	155	\| 4 \| Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience \| 643 \|
	156	\| 5 \| Protection of Information Assets \| 511 \|
	157
	158	Now, in order to pass the CISA, you need at least 450 on a sliding scale of
	159	200-800. Personally, I really have no clue what an average CISA score is. After
	160	a /very/ brief look online, I can see that the high end is usually in the low
	161	700s. In addition, only about 50-60% of people pass the exam.
	162
	163	Given this information, I feel great about my scores. 616 may not be phenomenal,
	164	and I wish I had done better on sections 2 & 5, but my practicing seems to have
	165	worked very well overall.
	166
	167	However, the practice results do not conform to the actual results. Section 2
	168	was one of my highest practice sections and was my second-lowest score in the
	169	exam. Conversely, section 3 was my second-lowest practice section and turned out
	170	to be my highest actual score!
	171
	172	After reflecting, it is obvious that if you have any background on the CISA
	173	topics at all, the most important part of studying is doing practice questions.
	174	You really need to understand how to read the questions critically and pick the
	175	best answer.
189	176
190	177	* Looking Forward
191	178
192		I am extremely happy that I was finally able to pass the CISA. Looking
193		to the future, I'm not sure what's next in terms of professional
194		learning. My current company offers internal learning courses, so I will
195		most likely focus on that if I need to gain more knowledge in certain
196		areas.
197
198		To be fair, even if you pass the CISA, it's hard to become an expert on
199		any specific topic found within. My career may take me in a different
200		direction, and I might need to focus more on security or networking
201		certifications (or possibly building a better analysis/visualization
202		portfolio if I want to go into data analysis/science).
	179	I am extremely happy that I was finally able to pass the CISA. Looking to the
	180	future, I'm not sure what's next in terms of professional learning. My current
	181	company offers internal learning courses, so I will most likely focus on that if
	182	I need to gain more knowledge in certain areas.
	183
	184	To be fair, even if you pass the CISA, it's hard to become an expert on any
	185	specific topic found within. My career may take me in a different direction, and
	186	I might need to focus more on security or networking certifications (or possibly
	187	building a better analysis/visualization portfolio if I want to go into data
	188	analysis/science).
203	189
204	190	All I know is that I am content at the moment and extremely proud of my
205	191	accomplishment.

Commit ce7749abd0

Commit `ce7749abd0`