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	* Game Description	6	* Game Description
7		7
8	[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/457210/SEUM_Speedrunners_from_Hell/][SEUM:	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	Speedrunners from Hell]] is an incredibly fast-paced mashup of a puzzle	9	and a free-running game. Created by [[https://pinestudio.co][Pine Studio]] in early 2016 and first released
10	game and a free-running game. Created by [[https://pinestudio.co][Pine	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
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
14	amassed a cult following on multiple consoles.	11	amassed a cult following on multiple consoles.
15		12
16	Here's the game description straight from the developers:	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	although you don't technically need to beat all levels to advance to the	54	although you don't technically need to beat all levels to advance to the
58	next floor. # In-Game Screenshots	55	next floor. # In-Game Screenshots
59		56
60	The main menu gives you plenty of options for tuning your system,	57	The main menu gives you plenty of options for tuning your system, playing main
61	playing main levels, playing the DLC, or exploring the other game modes.	58	levels, playing the downloadable content (DLC), or exploring the other game
		59	modes.
62		60
63	Once you enter a level, you can look around and strategize before	61	Once you enter a level, you can look around and strategize before
64	starting. Clicking any button will start the menu, and you'll have to	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	* What is the Fediverse?	6	* What is the Fediverse?
7		7
8	The fediverse is a federated universe of servers commonly used for	8	The fediverse is a federated universe of servers commonly used for sharing
9	sharing content, like social media. So, instead of having to rely on a	9	content, like social media. So, instead of having to rely on a single
10	single organization to run the server (e.g. Facebook), the fediverse is	10	organization to run the server (e.g. Facebook), the fediverse is a giant
11	a giant collection of servers across the world, owned by many people and	11	collection of servers across the world, owned by many people and organizations.
12	organizations.	12
13		13	Take a look at this depiction of a federated network. Each server in this photo
14	Take a look at this depiction of a federated network. Each server in	14	is owned and run by different administrators/owners. Federated networks are best
15	this photo is owned and run by different administrators/owners.	15	explained as email servers: you have an email account that exists on a server
16	Federated networks are best explained as email servers: you have an	16	(e.g. Outlook), your friend has an account on a different server (e.g. GMail),
17	email account that exists on a server (e.g. Outlook), your friend has an	17	and another friend has an account on a third server (e.g. ProtonMail). All three
18	account on a different server (e.g. GMail), and another friend has an	18	of you can talk and communicate back and forth without having to be on the same
19	account on a third server (e.g. ProtonMail). All three of you can talk	19	server. However, responsible email admins are there to set rules and control the
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
22	traffic going in/out of the server.	20	traffic going in/out of the server.
23		21
24	The main objective of this architecture is to decentralize the control	22	The main objective of this architecture is to decentralize the control within
25	within the internet connections. For example, if you run your own	23	the internet connections. For example, if you run your own Mastodon instance,
26	Mastodon instance, you and your users can't be censored or impacted in	24	you and your users can't be censored or impacted in any way by authorities of
27	any way by authorities of another Mastodon instance. Some users have	25	another Mastodon instance. Some users have praised these features due to recent
28	praised these features due to recent criticism of popular social media	26	criticism of popular social media websites that may be over-censoring their
29	websites that may be over-censoring their users.	27	users.
30		28
31	This strategy is great for making sure control of the social web isn't	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	30	controlled by a single organization, but it also has some downsides. If I create
33	I create a Mastodon instance and get a ton of users to sign up, I can	31	a Mastodon instance and get a ton of users to sign up, I can shut the server
34	shut the server down at any time. That means you're at risk of losing	32	down at any time. That means you're at risk of losing the content you've created
35	the content you've created unless you back it up, or the server backs it	33	unless you back it up, or the server backs it up for you. Also, depending on the
36	up for you. Also, depending on the software used (e.g. Mastodon,	34	software used (e.g. Mastodon, Pixelfed, etc.), censorship may still be an issue
37	Pixelfed, etc.), censorship may still be an issue if the server admins	35	if the server admins decide they want to censor their users. Now, censorship
38	decide they want to censor their users. Now, censorship isn't always a	36	isn't always a bad thing and can even benefit the community as a whole, but
39	bad thing and can even benefit the community as a whole, but you'll want	37	you'll want to determine which servers align with your idea of proper
40	to determine which servers align with your idea of proper censorship.	38	censorship.
41		39
42	However, these are risks that we take when we sign up for any online	40	However, these are risks that we take when we sign up for any online platform.
43	platform. Whatever your reason is for trying out federated social	41	Whatever your reason is for trying out federated social networks, they are part
44	networks, they are part of the future of the internet. However, the	42	of the future of the internet. However, the popularity of these services is
45	popularity of these services is still yet to be determined, especially	43	still yet to be determined, especially with the increased difficulty
46	with the increased difficulty understanding and signing up for these	44	understanding and signing up for these platforms. Perhaps increased regulation
47	platforms. Perhaps increased regulation and litigation against current	45	and litigation against current social media sites will push more users into the
48	social media sites will push more users into the fediverse.	46	fediverse.
49		47
50	* Federated Alternatives to Popular Sites	48	* Federated Alternatives to Popular Sites
51		49
52	The list below is a small guide that will show you federated	50	The list below is a small guide that will show you federated alternatives to
53	alternatives to current popular websites. There are many more out there,	51	current popular websites. There are many more out there, so go and explore: you
54	so go and explore: you might just find the perfect home.	52	might just find the perfect home.
55		53
56	** Reddit	54	** Reddit
57		55
	@@ -91,10 +89,9 @@ so go and explore: you might just find the perfect home.
91		89
92	* Get Started	90	* Get Started
93		91
94	The best way to get started is to simply sign up and learn as you go. If	92	The best way to get started is to simply sign up and learn as you go. If you're
95	you're comfortable signing up through a Mastodon, Pleroma, or Friendica	93	comfortable signing up through a Mastodon, Pleroma, or Friendica server, here is
96	server, here is [[https://fediverse.party/en/portal/servers][a list of	94	[[https://fediverse.party/en/portal/servers][a list of themed servers]] to choose from. If you're looking for something else,
97	themed servers]] to choose from. If you're looking for something else,
98	try a web search for a federated alternative to your favorite sites.	95	try a web search for a federated alternative to your favorite sites.
99		96
100	Find a server that focuses on your passions and start there!	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	* Uncomplicated Firewall	6	* Uncomplicated Firewall
7		7
8	Uncomplicated Firewall, also known as ufw, is a convenient and	8	Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) is a convenient and beginner-friendly
9	beginner-friendly way to enforce OS-level firewall rules. For those who	9	way to enforce operating system (OS)-level firewall rules. For those who are
10	are hosting servers or any device that is accessible to the world (i.e.,	10	hosting servers or any device that is accessible to the world (i.e., by public
11	by public IP or domain name), it's critical that a firewall is properly	11	IP or domain name), it's critical that a firewall is properly implemented and
12	implemented and active.	12	active.
13		13
14	Ufw is available by default in all Ubuntu installations after 8.04 LTS.	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	15	(long-term support). For other distributions, you can look to install UFW or
16	are alternative firewalls installed already. There are usually	16	check if there are alternative firewalls installed already. There are usually
17	alternatives available, such as Fedora's =firewall= and the package	17	alternatives available, such as Fedora's =firewall= and the package available on
18	available on most distributions: =iptables=. Ufw is considered a	18	most distributions: =iptables=. UFW is considered a beginner-friendly front-end
19	beginner-friendly front-end to iptables.	19	to iptables.
20		20
21	[[https://gufw.org][Gufw]] is available as a graphical user interface	21	[[https://gufw.org][Gufw]] is available as a graphical user interface (GUI) application for users who
22	(GUI) application for users who are uncomfortable setting up a firewall	22	are uncomfortable setting up a firewall through a terminal.
23	through a terminal.
24		23
25	* Getting Help	24	* Getting Help
26		25
	@@ -33,20 +32,19 @@ sudo ufw --help
33		32
34	* Set Default State	33	* Set Default State
35		34
36	The proper way to run a firewall is to set a strict default state and	35	The proper way to run a firewall is to set a strict default state and slowly
37	slowly open up ports that you want to allow. This helps prevent anything	36	open up ports that you want to allow. This helps prevent anything malicious from
38	malicious from slipping through the cracks. The following command	37	slipping through the cracks. The following command prevents all incoming traffic
39	prevents all incoming traffic (other than the rules we specify later),	38	(other than the rules we specify later), but you can also set this for outgoing
40	but you can also set this for outgoing connections, if necessary.	39	connections, if necessary.
41		40
42	#+begin_src sh	41	#+begin_src sh
43	sudo ufw default deny incoming	42	sudo ufw default deny incoming
44	#+end_src	43	#+end_src
45		44
46	You should also allow outgoing traffic if you want to allow the device	45	You should also allow outgoing traffic if you want to allow the device to
47	to communicate back to you or other parties. For example, media servers	46	communicate back to you or other parties. For example, media servers like Plex
48	like Plex need to be able to send out data related to streaming the	47	need to be able to send out data related to streaming the media.
49	media.
50		48
51	#+begin_src sh	49	#+begin_src sh
52	sudo ufw default allow outgoing	50	sudo ufw default allow outgoing
	@@ -54,23 +52,23 @@ sudo ufw default allow outgoing
54		52
55	* Adding Port Rules	53	* Adding Port Rules
56		54
57	Now that we've disabled all incoming traffic by default, we need to open	55	Now that we've disabled all incoming traffic by default, we need to open up some
58	up some ports (or else no traffic would be able to come in). If you need	56	ports (or else no traffic would be able to come in). If you need to be able to
59	to be able to =ssh= into the machine, you'll need to open up port 22.	57	=ssh= into the machine, you'll need to open up port 22.
60		58
61	#+begin_src sh	59	#+begin_src sh
62	sudo ufw allow 22	60	sudo ufw allow 22
63	#+end_src	61	#+end_src
64		62
65	You can also issue more restrictive rules. The following rule will allow	63	You can also issue more restrictive rules. The following rule will allow =ssh=
66	=ssh= connections only from machines on the local subnet.	64	(secure shell protocol) connections only from machines on the local subnet.
67		65
68	#+begin_src sh	66	#+begin_src sh
69	sudo ufw allow proto tcp from 192.168.0.0/24 to any port 22	67	sudo ufw allow proto tcp from 192.168.0.0/24 to any port 22
70	#+end_src	68	#+end_src
71		69
72	If you need to set a rule that isn't tcp, just append your connection	70	If you need to set a rule that isn't TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) just
73	type to the end of the rule.	71	append your connection type to the end of the rule.
74		72
75	#+begin_src sh	73	#+begin_src sh
76	sudo ufw allow 1900/udp	74	sudo ufw allow 1900/udp
	@@ -93,8 +91,7 @@ sudo reboot now
93		91
94	* Checking Status	92	* Checking Status
95		93
96	Now that the firewall is enabled, let's check and see what the rules	94	Now that the firewall is enabled, let's check and see what the rules look like.
97	look like.
98		95
99	#+begin_src sh	96	#+begin_src sh
100	sudo ufw status numbered	97	sudo ufw status numbered
	@@ -111,9 +108,9 @@ Status: active
111		108
112	* Deleting Rules	109	* Deleting Rules
113		110
114	If you need to delete a rule, you need to know the number associated	111	If you need to delete a rule, you need to know the number associated with that
115	with that rule. Let's delete the first rule in the table above. You'll	112	rule. Let's delete the first rule in the table above. You'll be asked to confirm
116	be asked to confirm the deletion as part of this process.	113	the deletion as part of this process.
117		114
118	#+begin_src sh	115	#+begin_src sh
119	sudo ufw delete 1	116	sudo ufw delete 1
	@@ -121,11 +118,10 @@ sudo ufw delete 1
121		118
122	* Managing App Rules	119	* Managing App Rules
123		120
124	Luckily, there's a convenient way for installed applications to create	121	Luckily, there's a convenient way for installed applications to create files
125	files that ufw can easily implement so that you don't have to search and	122	that ufw can easily implement so that you don't have to search and find which
126	find which ports your application requires. To see if your device has	123	ports your application requires. To see if your device has any applications with
127	any applications with pre-installed ufw rules, execute the following	124	pre-installed UFW rules, execute the following command:
128	command:
129		125
130	#+begin_src sh	126	#+begin_src sh
131	sudo ufw app list	127	sudo ufw app list
	@@ -142,8 +138,8 @@ Available applications:
142	plexmediaserver-dlna	138	plexmediaserver-dlna
143	#+end_src	139	#+end_src
144		140
145	If you want to get more information on a specific app rule, use the	141	If you want to get more information on a specific app rule, use the =info=
146	=info= command.	142	command.
147		143
148	#+begin_src sh	144	#+begin_src sh
149	sudo ufw app info plexmediaserver-dlna	145	sudo ufw app info plexmediaserver-dlna
	@@ -161,8 +157,8 @@ Ports:
161	32469/tcp	157	32469/tcp
162	#+end_src	158	#+end_src
163		159
164	You can add or delete app rules the same way that you'd add or delete	160	You can add or delete app rules the same way that you'd add or delete specific
165	specific port rules.	161	port rules.
166		162
167	#+begin_src sh	163	#+begin_src sh
168	sudo ufw allow plexmediaserver-dlna	164	sudo ufw allow plexmediaserver-dlna
	@@ -174,12 +170,12 @@ sudo ufw delete RULE\|NUM
174		170
175	* Creating App Rules	171	* Creating App Rules
176		172
177	If you'd like to create you own app rule, you'll need to create a file	173	If you'd like to create you own app rule, you'll need to create a file in the
178	in the =/etc/ufw/applications.d= directory. Within the file you create,	174	=/etc/ufw/applications.d= directory. Within the file you create, you need to
179	you need to make sure the content is properly formatted.	175	make sure the content is properly formatted.
180		176
181	For example, here are the contents my =plexmediaserver= file, which	177	For example, here are the contents my =plexmediaserver= file, which creates
182	creates three distinct app rules for ufw:	178	three distinct app rules for ufw:
183		179
184	#+begin_src config	180	#+begin_src config
185	[plexmediaserver]	181	[plexmediaserver]
	@@ -198,8 +194,8 @@ description=The Plex Media Server (with additional DLNA capability)
198	ports=32400/tcp\|3005/tcp\|5353/udp\|8324/tcp\|32410:32414/udp\|1900/udp\|32469/tcp	194	ports=32400/tcp\|3005/tcp\|5353/udp\|8324/tcp\|32410:32414/udp\|1900/udp\|32469/tcp
199	#+end_src	195	#+end_src
200		196
201	So, if I wanted to create a custom app rule called "mycustomrule," I'd	197	So, if I wanted to create a custom app rule called "mycustomrule," I'd create a
202	create a file and add my content like this:	198	file and add my content like this:
203		199
204	#+begin_src sh	200	#+begin_src sh
205	sudo nano /etc/ufw/applications.d/mycustomrule	201	sudo nano /etc/ufw/applications.d/mycustomrule

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

	@@ -5,74 +5,69 @@
5		5
6	* Diving into macOS	6	* Diving into macOS
7		7
8	After spending nearly 15 years working with Windows and 8 years on	8	After spending nearly 15 years working with Windows and 8 years on Linux, I have
9	Linux, I have experienced macOS for the first time. By chance, my spouse	9	experienced macOS for the first time. By chance, my spouse happened to buy a new
10	happened to buy a new MacBook and gifted me their 2013 model. Of course,	10	MacBook and gifted me their 2013 model. Of course, I still consider my Linux
11	I still consider my Linux desktop to be my daily driver and keep Windows	11	desktop to be my daily driver and keep Windows around for gaming needs, but over
12	around for gaming needs, but over the past week I've found myself using	12	the past week I've found myself using the MacBook more and more for things that
13	the MacBook more and more for things that don't require gaming specs or	13	don't require gaming specs or advanced developer tools.
14	advanced dev tools.
15		14
16	* Initial Thoughts	15	* Initial Thoughts
17		16
18	Before I move on to the technical aspects of my set-up, I want to take	17	Before I move on to the technical aspects of my set-up, I want to take some time
19	some time and express my thoughts on the overall OS.	18	and express my thoughts on the overall operating system (OS).
20		19
21	As expected, the initial computer setup is a breeze with Mac's guided	20	As expected, the initial computer setup is a breeze with Mac's guided graphical
22	GUI installer.	21	user interface (GUI) installer.
23		22
24	The desktop itself reminds me of GNOME more than anything else I've	23	The desktop itself reminds me of GNOME more than anything else I've seen: even
25	seen: even Pantheon from [[https://elementary.io/][ElementaryOS]], which	24	Pantheon from [[https://elementary.io/][ElementaryOS]], which people commonly refer to as the closest Linux
26	people commonly refer to as the closest Linux distro to macOS. The	25	distro to macOS. The desktop toolbar is great and far surpasses the utility of
27	desktop toolbar is great and far surpasses the utility of the GNOME	26	the GNOME toolbar due to the fact that the extensions and icons /actually work/.
28	toolbar due to the fact that the extensions and icons /actually work/. I	27	I launch macOS and immediately see my shortcuts for Tresorit, Bitwarden, and
29	launch macOS and immediately see my shortcuts for Tresorit, Bitwarden,	28	Mullvad pop up as the computer loads.
30	and Mullvad pop up as the computer loads.	29
31		30	Even further, the app dock is very useful and will be yet another familiarity
32	Even further, the app dock is very useful and will be yet another	31	for GNOME users. I know many people like panels instead of docks, but I've
33	familiarity for GNOME users. I know many people like panels instead of	32	always found docks to have a more pleasing UI. However, I had to disable the
34	docks, but I've always found docks to have a more pleasing UI. However,	33	"Show recent applications in Dock" preference; I can't stand items taking up
35	I had to disable the "Show recent applications in Dock" preference; I	34	precious screen space if I'm not currently using them. On that same note, it's
36	can't stand items taking up precious screen space if I'm not currently	35	taking me some time to get use to the fact that I have to manually quit an app
37	using them. On that same note, it's taking me some time to get use to	36	or else it will still stay open/active in the dock, even if I've closed out all
38	the fact that I have to manually quit an app or else it will still stay	37	windows for that app (e.g. Firefox).
39	open/active in the dock, even if I've closed out all windows for that	38
40	app (e.g. Firefox).	39	Overall, I'm having a lot of fun and for users who spend a large majority of
41		40	their time performing basic tasks like web browsing, writing, watching media,
42	Overall, I'm having a lot of fun and for users who spend a large	41	etc., macOS is a fantastic option.
43	majority of their time performing basic tasks like web browsing,	42
44	writing, watching media, etc., macOS is a fantastic option.	43	The rest of this post explains the technicalities of how I set up my command
45		44	line interface (CLI) environment to make me feel more at-home, similar to the
46	The rest of this post explains the technicalities of how I set up my CLI	45	environments I set up on Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.
47	environment to make me feel more at-home, similar to the environments I
48	set up on Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.
49		46
50	* Making it Feel Like Home	47	* Making it Feel Like Home
51		48
52	If you're someone who uses Linux primarily, no doubt your first thought	49	If you're someone who uses Linux primarily, no doubt your first thought when
53	when booting macOS will be the same as mine was: "Where is the terminal	50	booting macOS will be the same as mine was: "Where is the terminal and how do I
54	and how do I set up my favorite utilities?"	51	set up my favorite utilities?"
55		52
56	Luckily, macOS hasn't completely hidden away the development tools from	53	Luckily, macOS hasn't completely hidden away the development tools from the
57	the average user. You can easily find the Terminal app in the Launchpad	54	average user. You can easily find the Terminal app in the Launchpad area, but
58	area, but it's probably not what you're used to. I was surprised (and	55	it's probably not what you're used to. I was surprised (and happy) to see that
59	happy) to see that the default shell is =zsh=, the shell I use on all of	56	the default shell is =zsh=, the shell I use on all of my Linux distros. However,
60	my Linux distros. However, the commands are not the same - even the ones	57	the commands are not the same - even the ones you may think are native to the
61	you may think are native to the shell. Commands like =dir= do not exist,	58	shell. Commands like =dir= do not exist, so other native commands like =ls -la=
62	so other native commands like =ls -la= or =pwd= are more useful here.	59	or =pwd= are more useful here.
63		60
64	With only a few minutes of installing and tweaking a few packages, I was	61	With only a few minutes of installing and tweaking a few packages, I was able to
65	able to recreate a terminal environment that I feel very comfortable	62	recreate a terminal environment that I feel very comfortable using. See the
66	using. See the image below for a preview of the iTerm2 app with a split	63	image below for a preview of the iTerm2 app with a split view between my macOS
67	view between my macOS desktop shell and an SSH session into my server.	64	desktop shell and an SSH (secure shell protocol) session into my server.
68		65
69	* Xcode	66	* Xcode
70		67
71	My first step was to search the web for any hints on how to get =zsh=	68	My first step was to search the web for any hints on how to get =zsh= back up to
72	back up to the state I like, with extensions, themes, etc. My first step	69	the state I like, with extensions, themes, etc. My first step was to install the
73	was to install the CLI tools for	70	CLI tools for [[https://developer.apple.com/xcode/][Xcode]], Apple's suite of development tools.
74	[[https://developer.apple.com/xcode/][Xcode]], Apple's suite of
75	development tools.
76		71
77	#+begin_src sh	72	#+begin_src sh
78	sudo xcode-select -r	73	sudo xcode-select -r
	@@ -84,25 +79,25 @@ sudo xcode-select --install
84		79
85	* Homebrew	80	* Homebrew
86		81
87	Next up is to install [[https://brew.sh][Homebrew]], a nifty package	82	Next up is to install [[https://brew.sh][Homebrew]], a nifty package manager for macOS.
88	manager for macOS.
89		83
90	#+begin_src sh	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	#+end_src	87	#+end_src
93		88
94	I ran into a permission error when installing Homebrew:	89	I ran into a permission error when installing Homebrew:
95		90
96	#+begin_src sh	91	#+begin_src sh
97	Error: Failed to link all completions, docs and manpages:	92	Error: Failed to link all completions, docs and manpages: Permission denied @
98	Permission denied @ rb_file_s_symlink - (../../../Homebrew/completions/zsh/_brew, /usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions/_brew)	93	rb_file_s_symlink - (../../../Homebrew/completions/zsh/_brew,
99	Failed during: /usr/local/bin/brew update --force --quiet	94	/usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions/_brew) Failed during:
		95	/usr/local/bin/brew update --force --quiet
100	#+end_src	96	#+end_src
101		97
102	I found that the following permission modification worked like a charm.	98	I found that the following permission modification worked like a charm. However,
103	However, I noted that some users online discussed the fact that this	99	I noted that some users online discussed the fact that this solution may not
104	solution may not work if your system has multiple users who use	100	work if your system has multiple users who use Homebrew.
105	Homebrew.
106		101
107	#+begin_src sh	102	#+begin_src sh
108	sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(brew --prefix)/*	103	sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(brew --prefix)/*
	@@ -120,16 +115,16 @@ brew cleanup
120		115
121	* iTerm2	116	* iTerm2
122		117
123	Now that I've installed the basic utilities for development, I moved	118	Now that I've installed the basic utilities for development, I moved onto
124	onto installing iTerm2, a much better terminal than the default.	119	installing iTerm2, a much better terminal than the default.
125		120
126	#+begin_src sh	121	#+begin_src sh
127	brew install --cask iterm2	122	brew install --cask iterm2
128	#+end_src	123	#+end_src
129		124
130	I also used the =Make iTerm2 Default Term= and	125	I also used the =Make iTerm2 Default Term= and =Install Shell Integration=
131	=Install Shell Integration= options in the iTerm2 application menu to	126	options in the iTerm2 application menu to make sure I don't run into any issues
132	make sure I don't run into any issues later on with different terminals.	127	later on with different terminals.
133		128
134	We will also install =zsh= so we can use it in iTerm2.	129	We will also install =zsh= so we can use it in iTerm2.
135		130
	@@ -139,54 +134,50 @@ brew install zsh
139		134
140	* Oh-My-Zsh	135	* Oh-My-Zsh
141		136
142	I've shown the great aspects of [[https://ohmyz.sh][Oh My Zsh]] in other	137	I've shown the great aspects of [[https://ohmyz.sh][Oh My Zsh]] in other blog posts, so I'll skip over
143	blog posts, so I'll skip over that speech for now. Simply install it and	138	that speech for now. Simply install it and run an update.
144	run an update.
145		139
146	#+begin_src sh	140	#+begin_src sh
147	sh -c "$(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	#+end_src	143	#+end_src
149		144
150	#+begin_src sh	145	#+begin_src sh
151	omz update	146	omz update
152	#+end_src	147	#+end_src
153		148
154	Finally, restart the iTerm2 application to ensure all changes go into	149	Finally, restart the iTerm2 application to ensure all changes go into effect.
155	effect.
156		150
157	* Oh-My-Zsh Themes	151	* Oh-My-Zsh Themes
158		152
159	Let's change the theme of the terminal to make it a little more	153	Let's change the theme of the terminal to make it a little more friendly.
160	friendly.
161		154
162	#+begin_src sh	155	#+begin_src sh
163	open ~/.zshrc	156	open ~/.zshrc
164	#+end_src	157	#+end_src
165		158
166	The third section of this file should contain a line like the code	159	The third section of this file should contain a line like the code below. Change
167	below. Change that theme to	160	that theme to [[https://github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/wiki/Themes][any theme you want]], save the file, and exit.
168	[[https://github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/wiki/Themes][any theme you want]],
169	save the file, and exit.
170		161
171	#+begin_src sh	162	#+begin_src sh
172	ZSH_THEME="af-magic"	163	ZSH_THEME="af-magic"
173	#+end_src	164	#+end_src
174		165
175	After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your terminal and	166	After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your terminal and re-open
176	re-open it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new tab if you're	167	it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new tab if you're using iTerm2,
177	using iTerm2, and you'll see the new shell config.	168	and you'll see the new shell config.
178		169
179	* Oh-My-Zsh Plugins	170	* Oh-My-Zsh Plugins
180		171
181	Of course, my customization of =zsh= would not be complete without	172	Of course, my customization of =zsh= would not be complete without
182	[[https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions][zsh-autosuggestions]].	173	[[https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions][zsh-autosuggestions]]. This will bring up commands you've run in the past as you
183	This will bring up commands you've run in the past as you type them. For	174	type them. For example, if you've run =ssh user@192.168.1.99= before, the
184	example, if you've run =ssh user@192.168.1.99= before, the terminal will	175	terminal will show this command as soon as you start typing it (e.g. =zsh u=),
185	show this command as soon as you start typing it (e.g. =zsh u=), and you	176	and you can hit the right arrow to autocomplete the command.
186	can hit the right arrow to autocomplete the command.
187		177
188	#+begin_src sh	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	#+end_src	181	#+end_src
191		182
192	#+begin_src sh	183	#+begin_src sh
	@@ -198,6 +189,6 @@ open ~/.zshrc
198	plugins=(git zsh-autosuggestions)	189	plugins=(git zsh-autosuggestions)
199	#+end_src	190	#+end_src
200		191
201	Remember: After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your	192	Remember: After changing the =.zshrc= file, you'll need to close your terminal
202	terminal and re-open it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new	193	and re-open it to see the changes. Optionally, just open a new tab if you're
203	tab if you're using iTerm2, and you'll see the new shell config.\ No newline at end of file	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	* Cloning from GitHub	6	* Cloning from GitHub
7		7
8	If you're like me and use a lot of different devices (and sometimes	8	If you're like me and use a lot of different devices [and sometimes decide to
9	decide to just wipe your device and start with a new OS), you probably	9	just wipe your device and start with a new operating system (OS)], you probably know
10	know the pain of cloning all your old code repositories down to your	10	the pain of cloning all your old code repositories down to your local file
11	local file system.	11	system.
12		12
13	If you're using GitHub, you can easily clone all of your code back down	13	If you're using GitHub, you can easily clone all of your code back down in just
14	in just seconds. First, create a bash script. I do so by opening a new	14	seconds. First, create a bash script. I do so by opening a new file in =nano=,
15	file in =nano=, but you can use =gedit=, =vim=, or something else:	15	but you can use =gedit=, =vim=, or something else:
16		16
17	#+begin_src sh	17	#+begin_src sh
18	nano clone_github_repos.sh	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	* Cloning from Sourcehut	45	* Cloning from Sourcehut
46		46
47	I haven't fully figured out how to directly incorporate Sourcehut's	47	I haven't fully figured out how to directly incorporate Sourcehut's GraphQL
48	GraphQL API into a bash script yet, so this one will take two steps.	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	First, log-in to Sourcehut and go to their [[https://git.sr.ht/graphql][GraphQL playground for Git]]. Next,
51	[[https://git.sr.ht/graphql][GraphQL playground for Git]]. Next, paste	52	paste the following query into the left box:
52	the following query into the left box:
53		53
54	#+begin_src sh	54	#+begin_src sh
55	query {	55	query {
	@@ -65,10 +65,10 @@ query {
65	}	65	}
66	#+end_src	66	#+end_src
67		67
68	The output on the right side will give you an object of all your	68	The output on the right side will give you an object of all your repositories.
69	repositories. Just grab that text and remove all the characters such as	69	Just grab that text and remove all the characters such as quotation marks and
70	quotation marks and curly brackets. You will need a single-line list of	70	curly brackets. You will need a single-line list of space-separated values for
71	space-separated values for the next step.	71	the next step.
72		72
73	Now let's create the bash script:	73	Now let's create the bash script:
74		74
	@@ -76,12 +76,12 @@ Now let's create the bash script:
76	nano clone_sourcehut_repos.sh	76	nano clone_sourcehut_repos.sh
77	#+end_src	77	#+end_src
78		78
79	Next, paste the following bash script in with the list of repositories	79	Next, paste the following bash script in with the list of repositories you
80	you obtained above and replace =your-username= with your username.	80	obtained above and replace =your-username= with your username.
81		81
82	Note that this uses the SSH-based Git cloning method	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	83	(e.g. =git@git...=), so you'll need to ensure you have set up Sourcehut with
84	with your SSH key.	84	your SSH key.
85		85
86	#+begin_src sh	86	#+begin_src sh
87	repos=(repo1 repo2 repo3)	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	* Moving Repositories to a New Host	109	* Moving Repositories to a New Host
110		110
111	Now that you have all of your code repositories cloned to your local	111	Now that you have all of your code repositories cloned to your local computer,
112	computer, you may want to change the remote host (e.g., moving from	112	you may want to change the remote host (e.g., moving from GitHub to GitLab). To
113	GitHub to GitLab). To do this, let's create another bash script:	113	do this, let's create another bash script:
114		114
115	#+begin_src sh	115	#+begin_src sh
116	nano change_remote_urls.sh	116	nano change_remote_urls.sh
117	#+end_src	117	#+end_src
118		118
119	Past the following information and be sure to change the URL information	119	Past the following information and be sure to change the URL (uniform resource
120	to whichever host you are moving to. For this example, I am looping	120	locator) information to whichever host you are moving to. For this example, I am
121	through all of my cloned GitHub directories and changing them to	121	looping through all of my cloned GitHub directories and changing them to
122	Sourcehut (e.g. =<YOUR_NEW_REMOTE_URL>= -> =git@git.sr.ht:~myusername=).	122	Sourcehut (e.g. =<YOUR_NEW_REMOTE_URL>= -> =git@git.sr.ht:~myusername=).
123		123
124	#+begin_src sh	124	#+begin_src sh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commit ce7749abd0

Commit `ce7749abd0`