MySQL contains it own ‘root’ password independent of the system root password, this is a guide on how to reset the MySQL root password. To reset it you will need root access on the server that has the MySQL instance. The same process applies to percona and mariadb servers as well, the only differences will be the stop and start commands (mariadb for mariadb)If you already know the root password, you can also connect to directly to MySQL and reset the password that way. This can be used for resetting any users MySQL password as well.Connect to MySQL:mysql -uroot -pSelect the mysql database:use mysql;Update the root password:update user set password=PASSWORD(“newpass”) where User=”root”;Load the new privileges:flush privileges;Exit MySQL:quit;Thats it for resetting a user password in mysql.This covers how to reset the mysql root password if you do not know the current password.Stop MySQLFirst you will need to stop the mysql serviceOn CentOS 6:/etc/init.d/mysql stopOn Centos/RHEL 7:systemctl stop mysqlStart mysqld_safeYou will then want to run mysql_safe with the skip grant tables option to bypass passwords with MySQL:mysqld_safe –skip-grant-tables &Reset MySQL Root PasswordYou will now want to connect to MySQL as root:mysql -urootThen use the mysql database:use mysql;Set a new password:update user set password=PASSWORD(“newpass”) where User=”root”;You will want to replace newpass with the password you want to useFlush the privileges:flush privileges;Exist mysql:exit;Restart MySQLOn Centos 6:/etc/init.d/mysql restartOn Centos 7:systemctl restart mysqlTest New Root MySQL Password:mysql -u root -pYou should now be able to connect successfully to mysql as root using the new password you set.Sep 4, 2017LinuxAdmin.io
Linux Manjaro vs Linux Mint (comparison)
What is Linux Manjaro?
Linux Manjaro is a free and open-source (GNU license) Linux distro based on Arch Linux. It is well-suited for developers, for home use or office. What distinguishes it from other Linux distros is that it offers full control over the hardware and software and very good performance. The desktop environments available are KDE Plasma, XFCE, and GNOME. You can customize the desktop environment with widgets and themes.
What is Linux Mint?
Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distribution. Its main version (currently 20.1 Ulyssa) is based on Ubuntu Focal long term support (LTS), that offers support until April 2025, but there is also version 19.3 based on Ubuntu Bionic with support until April 2023, and Debbie based on Debian Buster LTS.
Apart from the long-term support, Linux Mint offers a great user experience with very eye-pleasant desktop environments (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce) for desktop and laptop computers and GNU license ideal for companies, governmental institutions, and personal use.
Its built-in applications for media playback, office work, and photo editing, plus out-of-the-box media codex, make it really easy for beginner Linux users.
Linux Manjaro vs Linux Mint comparison table
Parameter for comparisonLinux ManjaroLinux MintBased onArch Linux.The main version based on the latest Ubuntu version (Ubuntu Focal) and a Debian version called Linux Mint Debie based on Debian Buster LTS.For who it is?Although regular users can use it, there is a bigger risk a regular user can change something on the system level. It is more targeted to Linux users with experience.For begiнner users who need a reliable OS that is free and easy to use. It works well for advanced users who are benefited from the fact Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu.Platformx86-64. Unofficial i686 and ARM versions.x86-64, arm64Release cycleRolling release.A completely new version is released every 2 years and follows the pattern of Ubuntu.Desktop EnvironmentsKDE Plasma, GNOME, and XFCECinnamon, MATE, XFCEInit-SystemSystemdSystemdPackage ManagerGUI package manager, Pacman. It can work with all Arch Linux packages, and there is a way to install packages for Ubuntu or Debian.Software Manager, Debian Package Manager, Synaptic package managerInstallation processVery easy installation process. There is a graphic interface for it, similar to any other Ubuntu-based distro.Very easy installation process. There is a graphic interface for it, similar to any other Ubuntu-based distro. Even without any Linux experience, you will be able to install it.SupportCommunity support.Community Support.Current Linux Kernel5.11.8 (20.03.21) Linux Manjaro uses the latest kernel, which might be a plus if you prefer the newest.5.4/5.8 (edge edition) Linux Mint goes for stability, and it is usually some versions behind.RequirementsRecommended: 1 GB RAM. 30 GB storage space. 1 Ghz 64-bit processor. A HD graphics card and monitor. A broadband internet connection.Minimum:1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended). 15 GB of storage space (20 GB recommended). Screen of 1024×768 resolution. Either a disk (CD/DVD drive) or a USB port for the installation. 64-bit processor, starting from version 20.Hardware supportVery good hardware support. It can work on older devices too.Good hardware support. Some drivers you must down.ProsEasy kernel switching. Good amount of packages available. Big community. Latest software is available. Free to use.A good amount of packages available. Big community. Stable distro. LTS versions. Free to use. Good functionality out-of-the-box.ConsMany and often updates because of its rolling nature. Less stable distro.Slower updates than other distros. Older packages.
Conclusion
Linux Mint and Linux Manjaro are both interesting and suitable for various needs. Which one to choose? They have both great features, nice interfaces, and large forums for help, so they are almost equal.
Why don’t you use the Live Version of both of them, put them on flash drives, and give them a spin. Only by trying both of them can you see how they behave on your device and if they are suitable for your needs.
Linux VFS Fix For 5 Year Old Bug That Could Cause Corruption, Security Issues Or Crash
Ahead of the Linux 6.11 merge window set to close tomorrow, Linux engineer Christian Brauner at Microsoft sent in a set of two VFS fixes. One of the fixes is more noteworthy that is for a five year old bug that could cause on-disk corruption, security issues, or a kernel crash.
After Christian Brauner discovered this VFS bug, Seth Forshee of DigitalOcean took to fixing the situation where it was possible to mount file-systems with a non-initial user name-space. This could cause security issues, bugs, or even on-disk corruption. But the good news is that the mount with a non-initial user-namespace was limited in scope to privileged users.
This is a bug that was introduced by a patch authored in 2018 and found in the mainline Linux kernel since February 2019. Thus this VFS fix is expected to be back-ported to currently supported stable Linux kernel series.
Brauner explained in the VFS fixes pull request of the problem:
“I noticed that it is possible for a privileged user to mount most filesystems with a non-initial user namespace in sb->s_user_ns. When fsopen() is called in a non-init namespace the caller’s namespace is recorded in fs_context->user_ns. If the returned file descriptor is then passed to a process privileged in init_user_ns, that process can call fsconfig(fd_fs, FSCONFIG_CMD_CREATE*), creating a new superblock with sb->s_user_ns set to the namespace of the process which called fsopen().
This is problematic as only filesystems that raise FS_USERNS_MOUNT are known to be able to support a non-initial s_user_ns. Others may suffer security issues, on-disk corruption or outright crash the kernel. Prevent that by restricting such delegation to filesystems that allow FS_USERNS_MOUNT.
Note, that this delegation requires a privileged process to actually create the superblock so either the privileged process is cooperaing or someone must have tricked a privileged process into operating on a fscontext file descriptor whose origin it doesn’t know (a stupid idea).
The bug dates back to about 5 years afaict.”
It’s just an 11 line patch (well, actually three lines of code, the rest code comments) to fend off this problem. The code is now awaiting pulling to the mainline kernel and then backporting to the stable Linux kernel series.
How I Set Up Raspberry Pi for My 3 Year Old Kid
Children are getting smarter these days. They are in touch with smart devices, after all.It is no more surprising to see children as young as one year old interacting with touch-based phones and tabs.While parents worry about excessive screen time, computer education is essential at the same time.This is why I decided to set up a dedicated computer running on Raspberry Pi for my three-year-old daughter, Ushika.I shared an image of this setup on Twitter and some people suggested that I should write an article about the things I’ve installed as it would interest many Linux using parents.Please ignore the mess on the tableAnd thus here we are!What’s the point of a dedicated system for a 3-year old?A dedicated system is important. I let Ushika use my laptop and she will consider it HER toy and start demanding it even when I am using it for work. This is not ideal for me.Is she too young to use a computer? I don’t know. Kids these days can operate a touch device at a much earlier age. The traditional desktop setup is different. Mouse control itself is a challenge, at least in the beginning.The idea here is not to teach her coding and ‘force’ her into becoming a computer wizard. I just want her to interact comfortably with a traditional computer system using a mouse and keyboard.In any case, Ushika has had a strange fascination with my keyboard since she was hardly five months old so I guess it was time to introduce her to the the ‘real computer’.
Hardware I use and recommendHere is what I used in the setup. If you plan to buy a Raspberry Pi after reading this article, this list will help you determine what other accessories you need besides the Pi board.Board: Raspberry Pi 5 4 GB. The 4 GB model would work fine as well; however, if you are buying a new one and your budget allows, you prefer going for the higher RAM model for the device’s longevity. I have both 8 GB and 4 GB models sent by Raspberry Pi for review.SD Card: Anything above 32 GB is more than sufficient.Power supply: The official Raspberry Pi power supply. While you may power the Raspberry Pi 5 with a regular smartphone charger (5V-3A), but it will complain about not having enough power for peripheral devices (it requires 5V-5A in output). Keyboard and mouse: I had the official Raspberry Pi keyboard and mouse but you can use any inexpensive or spare ones. Screen and micro-HDMI cable: This is a must for obvious reasons. I utilized my old LG monitor. Please keep in mind that you’ll need a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable/converter, as Pi 5 only has micro-HDMI ports.Speakers: I highly recommend using any speaker (or headset) because it is more fun for children to hear the feedback on their actions in the program they use. I used my Killburn Marshal speakers because I didn’t have desk speakers and I don’t want my 3 year old to use headsets from such a young age. I have ordered a simple desk speaker to complete the setup.Cooling: The official active cooler or any other means of cooling is highly recommended. Case: I used the Pironman case as this super cool case has an in-built cooling tower. But you can use the official case or any other case. I recommend using a case open board could be fragile in the hands of young children.
Pironman 5 Case With Tower Cooler and Fan
This dope Raspberry Pi 5 case has a tower cooler and dual RGB fans to keep the device cool. It also extends your Pi 5 with M.2 SSD slot and 2 standard HDMI ports.
Explore Pironman 5
Software I use and recommendHere’s the software I have used so far:Operating system: I chose to stick with the default Debian-based Raspberry Pi OS instead of using a distro tailored for educating children. It is the applications that matter, not distro. Better to have an OS that is specifically created for the hardware in use. It is easier to look for troubleshooting material on the web (if there are any) for the Raspberry Pi OS.gCompris: This single application offers more than 100 activities for children aged 2 to 10. This is the main application my daughter is interacting with at the moment.There are games that help gain mouse control and get familiar with the keyboard. In addition to that, there are small games that involve memory matching, clock reading, basic mathematics, logic puzzles, etc.📋These applications may seem like the Flash-based games that were popular in the early 2000s. But I don’t complain about the lack of modern looks as long as it makes the children happy and the application runs on with low system usage. KLetters: This educational app from KDE helps learn the English alphabets and read simple syllable. Entering the letters also make a good exercise for the kids to get familiar with the letter positioning on the keyboard.TuxPaint: As the name suggests, this is a simple paint application for Linux systems. It lets children draw on the computer. You’ll find this application used in many schools as well.There is also TuxMath which helps children learn basic mathematics through games. I haven’t used it yet because Ushika is too young for that. She can count but she cannot do mathematical calculations yet.How is it going?Ushika struggled with the mouse for the first two days. She has tiny hands and it was difficult for her to both move the mouse and do the left click. She started using the mouse wheel for movement and clicking both and I had to repeatedly correct her.I even considered buying a tiny mouse until she saw signs of improvement with a Dell mouse a week later. She successfully finished a ‘memory matching’ game on her own.Her mouse handling has certainly gotten better. The next goal is to get her comfortable with the keyboard.With the KLetters app, she tries to enter the letter displayed on the screen. There is initial struggle of finding the correct keys that are not in alphabetical order. With some practice, she will surely get better.What next?I intend to change the default wallpaper on my Raspberry Pi 5. Ushika sees the wallpaper and thinks it’s ‘her computer’ and demands that I move away and let her use it 😆Jokes apart, I am glad to see that she has progressed pretty soon. Keyboard practice is what I aim for next with her computer training.As I mentioned in the beginning, the idea is not to teach her coding at this stage, although many programs teach coding to young children. My main motive is that she gets comfortable using the mouse and keyboard. Interacting with touch devices is simple, but controlling a mouse is different. Children should get familiar with the ‘traditional computer’ if they have the opportunity.I plan to update this article as time progresses and share what else is working (or not) with little Ushika’s computer education.If you have experience teaching computers to young children, please provide your valuable feedback and application suggestions in the comment. This will help people who are looking for advice on educating their children.
How to Manipulate and Convert Epoch Time in Linux
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Epoch time, a universal method of timekeeping since the Unix epoch, offers a straightforward approach to represent time. This simplicity facilitates various computing tasks, from scheduling to logging. Throughout this article, we dig into the essence of epoch time, explore practical examples of its conversion in Ubuntu, and address commonly asked questions, enriching our toolkit with the knowledge to master time in the computing world.
What is epoch time?
At its core, epoch time, also known as Unix time or POSIX time, is a system for tracking time in computing environments. It counts the number of seconds that have elapsed since the Unix epoch – 00:00:00 UTC on January 1, 1970, not counting leap seconds. It’s a simple yet effective way to represent time, primarily because it’s both unambiguous and linear, making it particularly suitable for computers.
Why this starting point, you might ask? Well, the Unix epoch is somewhat arbitrary, chosen mainly for practical reasons by early Unix pioneers. It marked a new era in computing, and thus, the epoch became a symbolic and technical cornerstone.
Personally, I love the simplicity and universality of epoch time. It strips away the complexities of time zones, daylight saving time adjustments, and calendar quirks, presenting time in a format that’s incredibly straightforward for computers to understand and manipulate. However, it’s not without its quirks—dealing with dates before 1970 or the impending 2038 problem (when 32-bit signed integers overflow) can be a bit of a headache.
Working with epoch time
Most Linux distributions come equipped with tools to display and convert epoch time. Let’s explore some hands-on examples to understand how epoch time is used in real-world scenarios.
Displaying the current epoch time
To get started, let’s see how you can find out the current epoch time. Open your terminal and type:
date +%s
This command will output the current time in epoch format. For example, you might see something like this: 1618921342, which represents the number of seconds since the Unix epoch.
Converting epoch time to a human-readable format
Now, let’s say you’ve encountered an epoch time value, and you want to convert it into a more understandable format. Here’s how you can do it:
date -d @1618921342
Replace 1618921342 with your epoch time value. This command will translate the epoch time into a readable format, such as Thu Apr 20 10:12:22 UTC 2021. I find this conversion feature incredibly handy for debugging logs or when working with APIs that use epoch time.
Setting system time
Although it’s a rare necessity, knowing how to set your system’s time using epoch time can be useful. This operation requires administrative privileges, so proceed with caution and only if you know what you’re doing:
sudo date +%s -s @1618921342
Again, replace 1618921342 with the epoch time you wish to set. I must admit, I rarely use this feature in my day-to-day activities, but it’s a neat trick to have up your sleeve.
Why care about epoch time?
Epoch time is more than just a technical curiosity; it’s fundamental to how computers manage and synchronize time. From scheduling tasks to organizing logs and handling time in applications, epoch time underpins many of the operations that make systems work seamlessly.
In my experience, understanding epoch time has made me better at scripting, debugging, and working with various programming APIs. It’s one of those pieces of knowledge that, once you have it, you start seeing its applications everywhere.
We’ll cover conversion from epoch time to human-readable dates and vice versa, which are common tasks you might encounter.
Converting epoch time to a human-readable date
Imagine you’ve encountered a log file or a dataset that timestamps events in epoch time. Let’s use 1618921342 as our example epoch time. To convert this into a human-readable date, you can use the date command in the terminal:
date -d @1618921342
This command tells the date utility to display the date corresponding to the specified number of seconds since the Unix epoch. The output will look something like this:
Thu Apr 20 10:12:22 UTC 2021
This conversion makes it much easier to understand when an event occurred without having to mentally calculate dates from seconds.
Converting a human-readable date to epoch time
Conversely, you might need to convert a human-readable date into epoch time. This could be useful for setting expiration times in scripts or for applications that require input in epoch format. Let’s convert April 20, 2021 10:12:22 UTC into epoch time:
date -d “2021-04-20 10:12:22 UTC” +%s
This command instructs the date utility to interpret the given date and time, and output the corresponding epoch time. The output will be:
1618921342
Handling time zones
One of the beauties of epoch time is its universality, as it’s always expressed in UTC. However, you might sometimes need to convert epoch time to a date in a specific time zone. Here’s how to convert 1618921342 to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT):
TZ=’America/New_York’ date -d @1618921342
This will output something like:
Thu Apr 20 06:12:22 EDT 2021
Dealing with daylight saving time
Epoch time simplifies handling daylight saving time since the conversion takes into account any changes in time zones automatically. When you convert epoch time to a human-readable date in your local time zone, the date utility adjusts for daylight saving time as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Linux Epoch Time
What is epoch time?
Epoch time, or Unix time, is the number of seconds that have elapsed since 00:00:00 UTC on January 1, 1970, not including leap seconds. It’s a universal time measurement used in computing.
Why is epoch time important?
Epoch time offers a simple, linear way to represent time across different computing systems, making it easier to calculate durations and schedule events without worrying about time zones or calendar peculiarities.
How do I find the current epoch time in Linux?
To find the current epoch time, use the command date +%s in the terminal. This will return the current time in seconds since the Unix epoch.
Can epoch time handle dates before 1970?
Yes, but it uses negative numbers to represent these dates. Not all systems or programming languages handle negative epoch times well, so it’s important to test your specific use case.
What is the year 2038 problem?
The year 2038 problem is a potential issue for systems that store epoch time in a 32-bit signed integer. On January 19, 2038, these systems will overflow, potentially causing errors in date calculations.
How can I convert a specific date to epoch time?
Use the command date -d “your-date-here” +%s, replacing “your-date-here” with the date you want to convert. This command will output the equivalent epoch time.
How do I convert epoch time to a human-readable date?
To convert epoch time to a readable date, use the command date -d @epoch-time-here, replacing epoch-time-here with the epoch time you’re converting.
Does epoch time adjust for daylight saving time?
Epoch time itself does not adjust for daylight saving time since it’s based on UTC. However, when converting epoch time to local time, the date command can adjust for daylight saving based on your system’s time zone settings.
Can I set the system time using epoch time?
Yes, with sufficient privileges, you can set the system time using epoch time with the command sudo date +%s -s @epoch-time, replacing epoch-time with the desired epoch time value.
How do I convert epoch time to a date in a specific time zone?
Prefix your conversion command with TZ=’TimeZone’, where ‘TimeZone’ is your desired time zone. For example, TZ=’America/New_York’ date -d @epoch-time will convert epoch time to Eastern Time (ET).
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of Linux epoch time, we’ve demystified a fundamental aspect of computing that touches on everything from system logging to application development. Our guide from the basics of epoch time to practical conversion techniques and addressing common queries has equipped us with valuable insights into managing and interpreting time in Linux environments.
AAEON Unveils All-in-One Panel PCs Powered by Intel & Rockchip Processors AAEON Unveils All-in-One Panel PCs Powered by Intel & Rockchip Processors
Jul 22, 2024 — by Giorgio Mendoza
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AAEON has expanded its product range with the launch of two innovative All-in-One Panel PCs: the ACP-1075 and ACP-1078. These new models highlight AAEON’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology aimed at meeting both industrial and retail needs.
The ACP-1078 is powered by the Rockchip RK3568 Quad-Core Arm Cortex-A55 processor, supporting both Android 12 and Debian operating systems. It is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments with a 7” WSVGA projected capacitive touchscreen, IP65-rated dust and water-resistant aluminum front bezel, and a fanless, metal chassis for improved durability.
The unit is flexible with a 12V to 24V power input range, VESA and panel mounting options, and robust connectivity including dual RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports, two COM ports, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also features HDMI and audio outputs, a full-size mini-PCIe slot for expansion, and 16GB of onboard eMMC storage.
Scaling with AWS PrivateLink – Kernel Talks
Published: October 22, 2023 | Modified: October 22, 2023
In this article, we’ll discuss the scalability aspects of AWS PrivateLink. We’ll examine how the expansion of the service consumer VPC count impacts AWS PrivateLink implementation and its management. Additionally, we will delve into key considerations for designing a scalable solution using AWS PrivateLink.
Scale with AWS PrivateLink
AWS PrivateLink Primer
AWS PrivateLink provides a method for making your service accessible to other VPCs through a secure, private network connection over the AWS backbone network. This ensures that your data remains within the AWS network, thereby improving security and lowering data transfer expenses compared to when utilizing the public internet. The basic architecture of AWS PrivateLink is depicted as follows –
AWS PrivateLink architecture
To set up the connection, you must establish an Endpoint Service within the service provider VPC, using a network/gateway load balancer. In the service consumer VPC, you should create a VPC endpoint that links to this Endpoint Service. The endpoint policies facilitate access control by specifying which principles are permitted to connect to the Endpoint Service. Please refer to this AWS documentation for more details.
Scalability aspect
Now, let’s discuss the scalability aspect concerning AWS PrivateLink. When we talk about scalability, we’re referring to the expansion of the number of VPCs acting as service consumers. In scenarios where you have critical or shared services hosted within the service provider VPC and made accessible through AWS PrivateLink for consumption by services located in different VPCs, it’s clear that the count of consumer VPCs will keep increasing. Therefore, it becomes essential to take scalability considerations into account.
Various VPC endpoints situated in different consumer VPCs can establish connections with a single endpoint service located in the service provider VPC. Hence, you can think of a high-level architecture as below –
Multiple VPC endpoints to one endpoint service
Furthermore, it’s important to note that AWS PrivateLink can enable communication to endpoints located in different AWS Regions through the use of Inter-Region VPC Peering.
I recommend reading this AWS blog, which outlines an architecture involving PrivateLink and Transit Gateway. This approach has the potential to significantly decrease the number of VPC endpoints, streamline the deployment of VPC endpoints, and offer cost optimization benefits, especially when implementing solutions at scale.
Scaling considerations
While it’s possible to configure many-to-one connectivity using AWS PrivateLink, there are several important factors to keep in mind when considering this type of scaling:
Cost and management: As you introduce new consumer VPCs to AWS PrivateLink, you’ll also be adding new VPC endpoints to your infrastructure, which can add to your billing and infrastructure management overhead.
AWS PrivateLink quotas: Be sure to take into account AWS PrivateLink quotas, as these define the limits for various aspects of your PrivateLink setup.
Network throughput: VPC endpoints support a maximum throughput of 100Gbps. This is an important consideration for applications that have high network demands when exposed through AWS PrivateLink.
LB quotas: Be considerate about network load balancer quotas/gateway load balancer quotas.
IP requirements: AWS PrivateLink consumes a certain number of IP addresses for Load Balancers and endpoints from your VPC’s IP address pool. Ensure that your VPCs can accommodate these IP requirements without causing IP address exhaustion.
Transit Gateway as an alternative?
Let’s look at Transit Gateway if it can be an alternative in a continually expanding VPC environment.
If unidirectional traffic is your primary requirement, AWS PrivateLink is the choice.
For a cost-efficient solution, AWS PrivateLink is certainly more economical than Transit Gateway.
It’s worth noting that Transit Gateway is not suitable when dealing with VPCs that have overlapping CIDRs.
In a nutshell, Transit Gateway becomes a viable alternative only when you are designing a highly scalable solution involving a significantly huge number of participating VPCs with non-overlapping CIDRs, and your solution prioritizes simplicity and reduced management overhead over cost considerations.
Add kmod-zfs to the whitelist of compatible modules
The cldeploy script has been updated to version 1.109, bringing a crucial enhancement for CloudLinux users.
Changelog
cldeploy-1.109
– CLOS-2668: Add kmod-zfs to the whitelist of compatible modules
This enhancement ensures that the kmod-zfs module is now recognized and supported by the cldeploy script, streamlining the deployment process for systems requiring ZFS support.
For detailed instructions on how to utilize this update, please refer to our documentation.
Stay tuned for more updates and improvements as we continue to enhance the functionality and compatibility of the cldeploy script.
The 1.0 release for 7 Days to Die is finally here
A day some thought would never come, 7 Days to Die 1.0 is officially out now with quite the price increase to go with it. Previously £18.99, it’s now £37.99.
There’s far too much new for me to list here but some highlights include a new HD character system, new player armour / clothing system, new animal models, a new challenge system, new vehicle models, world generation upgrades, new points of interest, new zombie variants and updates to existing zombie types, lighting graphics upgrades, various performance optimizations, the progression system was improved, an enhanced gore system, updated road decals, much improved gamepad support and the list goes on and on.
Lots more to be seen in the release notes.
As a reminder, while technically it’s released now and they’ve pushed it out of Early Access, it’s not actually finished. They have a roadmap of big updates to come that include:
Update 1 – Storm’s Brewing – Q4 2024 – New Weather System and Biome Progression Overhaul, a Wardrobe System, Crossplay, new Zombie Stages, the Spawn Near Friend ability, Twitch Drops, outfit DLCs, and more.
Update 2 – A New Threat – Q2 2025 – UI / Menu overhaul, Bandits, Event System, New Quest Type
Update 3 – The Road Ahead – Q4 2025 – Trader Overhaul, Story Mode, Steam Workshop Support, New Quest Type.
The Native Linux version seems to run about the same as it usually does, which is nice to see they’ve kept up with all the updates over the years. The Steam Overlay wouldn’t work for me normally, although it did when run via Gamescope. The OpenGL version also seems to have glitchy shadows, changing it over to Vulkan in the launcher seemed to fix that but they still have a note that the Vulkan version isn’t fully supported.
Pictured – 7 Days to Die 1.0 on Linux
You can buy it from:
Humble Store
Steam
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
pCloud Review – The Best Alternative to Popular Cloud Storage Services
pCloud
Free
File Synchronization and Sharing
9.6/10
Collaboration options
8.0/10
Pros
Strong security features
Generous free storage option
User-friendly interface
Versatile file sharing options
Seamless file synchronization
Cons
Pricing can be slightly higher
Limited collaboration features
Integrations with third-party apps are limited
pCloud is a versatile cloud storage solution designed to securely store, manage, and share files online. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, pCloud offers individuals and businesses a convenient way to access their files from anywhere, at any time, across various devices. One of its standout features is its strong focus on security, employing advanced encryption protocols to safeguard users’ data. Additionally, pCloud provides seamless file synchronization, allowing users to effortlessly sync their files across multiple devices. Whether you’re looking to store personal photos and documents or collaborate on projects with colleagues, pCloud offers a reliable and efficient cloud storage solution tailored to diverse needs.
About pCloud
pCloud is a comprehensive cloud storage platform renowned for its user-friendly interface, robust security features, and versatile functionality. With pCloud, users can securely store, manage, and access their files from any device, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. The platform offers both individual and business plans, catering to a wide range of users’ needs.
One of the key advantages of pCloud is its strong emphasis on security. It employs cutting-edge encryption methods to ensure that users’ data remains protected at all times. With client-side encryption, files are encrypted on the user’s device before they are uploaded to pCloud’s servers, meaning that only the user has access to the decryption keys, enhancing privacy and security.
pCloud also stands out for its seamless file synchronization capabilities. Users can effortlessly sync their files across multiple devices, ensuring that they have access to the latest version of their documents, photos, videos, and other files, regardless of where they are. This feature is particularly useful for individuals and teams who collaborate on projects and need real-time access to shared files.
Additionally, pCloud offers a range of collaboration tools, making it easy for users to work together on projects, share files with colleagues or clients, and manage permissions. Features such as file sharing links, folder sharing, and file versioning enhance productivity and streamline workflows for teams of all sizes.
Another notable feature of pCloud is its flexibility in file storage options. In addition to storing traditional files, users can also backup their entire devices, including photos, videos, contacts, and more, using pCloud’s backup functionality. This ensures that users’ valuable data is securely stored and easily accessible in the event of device loss or failure.
Overall, pCloud provides a reliable, secure, and feature-rich cloud storage solution for individuals, businesses, and teams alike, empowering users to store, manage, and collaborate on their files with ease and confidence.
pCloud Features
pCloud offers a wide range of features designed to meet the diverse needs of its users. Some of the key features of pCloud include:
File Storage and Management: pCloud allows users to store files of any type, including documents, photos, videos, and more, in a secure cloud-based environment. Users can organize their files into folders, rename them, move them between folders, and perform various other file management tasks.
File Synchronization: pCloud offers seamless file synchronization across multiple devices, ensuring that users have access to their files from anywhere, at any time. Changes made to files on one device are automatically synced to all other devices connected to the user’s pCloud account.
Security and Encryption: pCloud prioritizes the security of users’ data by employing advanced encryption methods, including client-side encryption. This means that files are encrypted on the user’s device before being uploaded to pCloud’s servers, ensuring that only the user has access to their data.
File Sharing and Collaboration: pCloud makes it easy to share files with others through file sharing links, folder sharing, and collaboration features. Users can grant specific permissions to collaborators, control access to shared files, and track changes made to shared documents.
Backup and Recovery: pCloud offers backup functionality, allowing users to securely backup their files, folders, and even entire devices to the cloud. This ensures that users’ data is protected against loss or damage and can be easily recovered in the event of a hardware failure or accidental deletion.
File Versioning: pCloud automatically saves multiple versions of files, allowing users to revert to previous versions if needed. This feature is particularly useful for collaborative projects and ensures that users can always access earlier iterations of their documents.
Offline Access: pCloud provides offline access to files, allowing users to access and view their files even when they are not connected to the internet. This feature is especially handy for users who need to access their files while traveling or in areas with limited connectivity.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: pCloud is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This ensures that users can access their files from any device, regardless of the platform they are using.
These are just some of the many features that pCloud offers to its users, making it a versatile and comprehensive cloud storage solution for individuals, businesses, and teams.
pCloud Plans
pCloud offers several plans tailored to different users’ needs, including individual users, families, and businesses. Here are some of the plans available:
pCloud Free: This plan provides users with a limited amount of storage space for free, typically ranging from 5 GB to 10 GB, depending on promotions and referral bonuses. It offers essential features such as file storage, synchronization, and file sharing.
pCloud Premium: The Premium plan offers more storage space and additional features compared to the free plan. It typically includes between 500 GB to 2 TB of storage, along with advanced security features like client-side encryption and extended file versioning.
pCloud Premium Plus: This plan builds upon the features of the Premium plan and offers even more storage space, typically ranging from 2 TB to 5 TB. It is suitable for users who require ample storage for their files and value enhanced security and collaboration features.
pCloud Family: The Family plan is designed for families or groups of users who want to share storage space and collaborate on files. It typically includes multiple user accounts, each with its storage space, along with features like family-friendly sharing options and enhanced security.
pCloud Business: The Business plan is tailored for businesses and teams, offering advanced collaboration and administration features. It includes features such as user management, granular access controls, priority support, and integration with productivity tools like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace.
pCloud Crypto: This is an optional add-on feature available with any of the paid plans. pCloud Crypto provides end-to-end encryption for users who require the highest level of security for their files. With pCloud Crypto, files are encrypted on the user’s device before being uploaded to the cloud, ensuring that only the user has access to their data.
These plans cater to a wide range of users, from individuals seeking basic cloud storage to businesses and teams requiring advanced collaboration and security features. Users can choose the plan that best suits their needs and upgrade or downgrade as needed to accommodate changing storage requirements.
pCloud Customer Support – How Good Is It?
pCloud offers customer support services to assist users with any inquiries, technical issues, or concerns they may have. The quality of pCloud’s customer support is generally considered to be good, with several avenues available for users to seek assistance:
Help Center: pCloud provides a comprehensive online Help Center that contains a wealth of articles, tutorials, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help users troubleshoot common issues, learn about features, and get answers to their questions. The Help Center covers a wide range of topics, making it a valuable resource for users seeking self-service support.
Ticket Support: Users can submit support tickets through the pCloud website or directly from within the pCloud application. This allows users to report technical issues, request assistance with account-related matters, or seek clarification on features or policies. pCloud’s support team typically responds to tickets in a timely manner, aiming to address users’ concerns promptly and effectively.
Email Support: In addition to ticket support, users can also reach out to pCloud’s support team via email. This provides users with another channel to communicate their questions or issues and receive personalized assistance from a support representative. pCloud strives to respond to emails in a timely manner, ensuring that users receive the help they need.
Live Chat: Some pCloud plans offer live chat support, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations with support representatives. Live chat can be particularly helpful for users who require immediate assistance or have urgent inquiries. However, availability may vary depending on the user’s plan and the time of day.
Community Forums: pCloud maintains community forums where users can interact with fellow users, ask questions, share tips and tricks, and discuss various aspects of using the pCloud service. While community forums are primarily user-driven, pCloud staff members may also participate and provide assistance when needed.
Overall, pCloud’s customer support is generally regarded positively, with users appreciating the availability of various support channels, prompt responses to inquiries, and helpfulness of support representatives. However, as with any customer support service, individual experiences may vary, and some users may encounter occasional delays or challenges in resolving their issues. Nonetheless, pCloud is committed to providing quality support services and continuously improving the user experience for its customers.
The Reliability of pCloud
pCloud is known for providing reliable cloud storage services to its users. The platform boasts a robust infrastructure and employs redundant systems to ensure high availability and data integrity. Here are several aspects contributing to the reliability of pCloud:
Uptime Guarantee: pCloud strives to maintain a high uptime for its services, minimizing downtime and ensuring that users can access their files whenever they need them. While specific uptime guarantees may vary, pCloud typically aims for uptime percentages well above industry standards.
Redundant Storage Architecture: pCloud utilizes redundant storage architectures to safeguard users’ data against hardware failures or other potential issues. This involves storing multiple copies of users’ files across multiple servers and data centers, ensuring that data remains accessible even in the event of hardware failures.
Data Replication: The platform employs data replication techniques to replicate users’ data across geographically dispersed data centers. This enhances data durability and resilience by ensuring that data remains available even if one data center experiences issues or becomes inaccessible.
Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance: pCloud’s infrastructure is continuously monitored and maintained by a dedicated team of professionals. Regular checks and maintenance activities help identify and address potential issues proactively, minimizing the risk of service disruptions and ensuring optimal performance.
Backup and Disaster Recovery: pCloud implements comprehensive backup and disaster recovery strategies to protect users’ data in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or system failures. These measures include regular data backups, failover systems, and disaster recovery protocols to ensure data integrity and availability.
Transparent Communication: In the rare event of service disruptions or maintenance activities that may impact users, pCloud maintains transparent communication channels to keep users informed about the status of the services and any relevant updates. This helps manage user expectations and minimize the impact of disruptions.
Overall, pCloud has earned a reputation for providing reliable cloud storage services, backed by a robust infrastructure, redundant systems, and proactive monitoring and maintenance practices. While no service is entirely immune to occasional disruptions, pCloud’s commitment to reliability and data integrity instills confidence among users in its ability to securely store and manage their files.
The Pros and Cons of pCloud
Pros:
Generous Free Plan: pCloud offers a generous free plan with a significant amount of storage space (typically between 5 GB to 10 GB), making it an attractive option for users who want to try out the service before committing to a paid plan.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: pCloud is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring that users can access their files from any device.
Strong Security Features: The platform prioritizes security and privacy, offering features such as client-side encryption, SSL/TLS encryption for data transfer, and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect users’ data from unauthorized access.
File Synchronization and Backup: pCloud provides seamless file synchronization across multiple devices, ensuring that users have access to the latest version of their files from anywhere. Additionally, the platform offers backup functionality, allowing users to securely backup their files, folders, and even entire devices to the cloud.
File Sharing and Collaboration: pCloud makes it easy to share files with others through file sharing links, folder sharing, and collaboration features. Users can grant specific permissions to collaborators, control access to shared files, and track changes made to shared documents.
User-Friendly Interface: pCloud features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate the platform and perform various file management tasks without any technical expertise.
Cons:
Limited Bandwidth for Free Users: While the free plan offers a significant amount of storage space, it may impose limitations on bandwidth, resulting in slower upload and download speeds compared to paid plans.
Storage Caps on Free Plan: The free plan has storage caps, typically between 5 GB to 10 GB, which may not be sufficient for users with large storage requirements. Upgrading to a paid plan is necessary for users who need more storage space.
Pricing Structure: Some users may find pCloud’s pricing structure to be slightly higher compared to other cloud storage providers, especially for plans offering larger storage capacities.
Customer Support: While pCloud offers customer support through various channels, including email and live chat, some users may find the level of support provided to be less responsive or comprehensive compared to other service providers.
File Size Limitations: pCloud imposes file size limitations, particularly on the free plan, which may restrict users from uploading or sharing large files. Upgrading to a paid plan may be necessary for users who frequently work with large files.
Overall, pCloud offers a reliable and feature-rich cloud storage solution with strong security measures and seamless file synchronization capabilities. However, users should consider their specific requirements and weigh the pros and cons before choosing a plan that best fits their needs.
A Summary of the Other pCloud Reviews Online
pCloud generally receives positive reviews online, with many users praising its ease of use, robust security features, and reliable performance. Here’s a summary of the general sentiment based on reviews from various sources:
Positive Reviews:
User-Friendly Interface: Many users appreciate pCloud’s intuitive and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate and manage files effectively.
Security Features: pCloud’s strong emphasis on security, including client-side encryption and two-factor authentication, is often highlighted as a major strength by users concerned about the privacy and security of their data.
File Synchronization and Sharing: The platform’s seamless file synchronization across devices and convenient file sharing features receive praise from users, particularly those who collaborate on projects with others.
Generous Free Plan: pCloud’s generous free plan, which typically offers a significant amount of storage space, is appreciated by users who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
Reliable Performance: Users often report reliable performance and uptime with pCloud, with minimal downtime and fast upload and download speeds.
Negative Reviews:
Customer Support: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with pCloud’s customer support, citing issues such as slow response times or difficulties in resolving technical issues.
Pricing Structure: While pCloud’s pricing is generally competitive, some users find the pricing structure confusing or feel that certain features are only available with higher-tier plans, leading to concerns about value for money.
Limited Features on Free Plan: While the free plan offers a generous amount of storage space, some users feel that it lacks certain advanced features available only to paid users, such as enhanced security options or larger file size limits.
Mobile App Performance: A few users have reported occasional issues with the performance or reliability of pCloud’s mobile apps, including crashes or syncing errors.
It’s important to note that individual experiences with pCloud may vary, and reviews should be considered alongside one’s specific needs and priorities when evaluating the service. Overall, pCloud tends to receive positive feedback for its user-friendly interface, security features, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among individuals and businesses seeking a cloud storage solution.
Is pCloud Right for You?
Determining if pCloud is the right cloud storage solution for you involves considering several factors that align with your specific needs, preferences, and priorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
Assess Your Storage Needs: Evaluate how much storage space you require for your files, including documents, photos, videos, and other data. Consider both your current storage needs and any potential future growth. pCloud offers various storage plans with different capacities to accommodate diverse storage requirements.
Consider Your Budget: Determine your budget for cloud storage services and compare the pricing plans offered by pCloud with other providers. Take into account factors such as the amount of storage space included, additional features, and any discounts or promotions available.
Evaluate Security Features: Assess the importance of security and privacy for your data. Review pCloud’s security features, such as client-side encryption, two-factor authentication, and SSL/TLS encryption for data transfer. Determine if these features meet your security requirements and provide the level of protection you need for your files.
Review Collaboration Features: If you collaborate with others on projects or need to share files frequently, evaluate pCloud’s collaboration features. Consider factors such as file sharing options, permission controls, and versioning capabilities to ensure that pCloud’s collaboration tools align with your workflow and collaboration needs.
Check Compatibility and Integrations: Ensure that pCloud is compatible with your devices and operating systems, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, check if pCloud integrates seamlessly with any other tools or services you use regularly, such as productivity apps or email clients.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Research online reviews and testimonials from current or past users of pCloud to gain insights into their experiences with the service. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback, and consider how it aligns with your own requirements and expectations.
Take Advantage of Free Trial or Free Plan: If available, take advantage of pCloud’s free trial or free plan to test the service and explore its features firsthand. Use this opportunity to upload and manage files, test synchronization and sharing capabilities, and evaluate the overall user experience.
Consider Customer Support: Assess the level of customer support provided by pCloud and determine if it meets your expectations. Review the available support channels, response times, and the quality of support provided to ensure that you’ll receive assistance when needed.
By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can determine if pCloud is the right cloud storage solution for your needs. Keep in mind that your requirements may evolve over time, so it’s essential to choose a flexible and scalable solution that can adapt to your changing needs.
Best pCloud Alternatives
There are several alternatives to pCloud that offer similar cloud storage and file sharing capabilities. The best alternative for you depends on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget. Here are some popular alternatives to consider:
Google Drive: Google Drive is a widely used cloud storage and file sharing service offered by Google. It integrates seamlessly with other Google services such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it a popular choice for collaboration and productivity.
Dropbox: Dropbox is another well-known cloud storage provider known for its ease of use and collaboration features. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, along with robust security features and seamless file synchronization across devices.
Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, tightly integrated with the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite. It offers features such as file versioning, real-time collaboration, and integration with other Microsoft services.
Sync.com: Sync.com is a secure cloud storage provider known for its strong emphasis on privacy and encryption. It offers end-to-end encryption for user data, ensuring that only the user has access to their files. Sync.com is popular among users who prioritize security and privacy.
Box: Box is a cloud content management and collaboration platform designed for businesses and enterprises. It offers advanced collaboration features, workflow automation, and integration with a wide range of third-party apps and services.
Mega: Mega is a cloud storage service known for its generous free storage space and strong encryption features. It offers end-to-end encryption for user data, providing users with full control over their privacy and security.
Amazon Drive: Amazon Drive is a cloud storage service offered by Amazon, providing users with secure storage for photos, videos, documents, and more. It integrates seamlessly with other Amazon services such as Prime Photos and Amazon Prime Video.
SpiderOak: SpiderOak is a cloud backup and sync service focused on privacy and security. It offers zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring that only the user has access to their data. SpiderOak is popular among users who prioritize privacy and data security.
These are just a few alternatives to pCloud, each offering its own set of features, pricing plans, and strengths. It’s essential to evaluate each option based on your specific needs and priorities to determine which alternative is the best fit for you.
pCloud vs Google Drive
Let’s compare pCloud and Google Drive across various aspects:
1. Storage Space:
pCloud: pCloud offers various storage plans ranging from a free plan with typically 5-10 GB of storage to premium plans with up to 2 TB or more.
Google Drive: Google Drive provides 15 GB of free storage shared across Google services such as Gmail and Google Photos. Additional storage can be purchased through Google One, with options ranging from 100 GB to 30 TB.
2. Pricing:
pCloud: pCloud’s pricing plans are typically competitive, with options for monthly or annual subscriptions. Pricing varies depending on the storage capacity and features included in each plan.
Google Drive: Google Drive offers affordable pricing for additional storage through Google One, with options for monthly or annual subscriptions. Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) plans include additional collaboration and productivity features for businesses.
3. Security:
pCloud: pCloud prioritizes security and privacy, offering features such as client-side encryption, two-factor authentication, and SSL/TLS encryption for data transfer.
Google Drive: Google Drive implements robust security measures, including encryption in transit and at rest, as well as two-factor authentication. However, some users may have concerns about Google’s data collection practices for targeted advertising.
4. Collaboration Features:
pCloud: pCloud offers basic collaboration features such as file sharing, folder sharing, and file versioning. However, collaboration capabilities may be more limited compared to Google Drive.
Google Drive: Google Drive is designed for collaboration, with features such as real-time editing, commenting, and version history. It integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative document editing.
5. Integration and Ecosystem:
pCloud: pCloud offers limited integration with third-party apps and services compared to Google Drive. It does not have its suite of productivity tools but does provide APIs for developers to build integrations.
Google Drive: Google Drive integrates seamlessly with other Google services and a wide range of third-party apps through the Google Workspace Marketplace. It offers a robust ecosystem of productivity tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.
6. Mobile Apps:
pCloud: pCloud provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access and manage their files on the go.
Google Drive: Google Drive offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing seamless access to files, document editing, and collaboration from mobile devices.
7. Offline Access:
pCloud: pCloud provides offline access to files, allowing users to access and view their files even without an internet connection.
Google Drive: Google Drive also offers offline access to files through the Google Drive desktop and mobile apps, allowing users to view and edit files offline and sync changes when they reconnect to the internet.
In summary, both pCloud and Google Drive offer reliable cloud storage solutions with their unique strengths and features. pCloud may be preferred for its strong focus on security and privacy, while Google Drive excels in collaboration features and integration with Google’s productivity tools and ecosystem. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, storage needs, and requirements for collaboration and integration.
pCloud FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pCloud:
1. What is pCloud?
pCloud is a cloud storage service that allows users to securely store, manage, and share their files online. It offers features such as file synchronization, file sharing, encryption, and collaboration tools.
2. How does pCloud work?
pCloud works by providing users with a virtual storage space in the cloud where they can upload their files. Users can access their files from any device with an internet connection, synchronize files across multiple devices, share files with others, and collaborate on projects.
3. Is pCloud secure?
Yes, pCloud prioritizes the security and privacy of users’ data. It offers features such as client-side encryption, two-factor authentication, SSL/TLS encryption for data transfer, and GDPR compliance to protect users’ data from unauthorized access.
4. What are the pricing plans for pCloud?
pCloud offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan with limited storage space and premium plans with varying storage capacities and features. Pricing plans may include monthly or annual subscriptions, with options to upgrade for more storage space and additional features.
5. Can I access my files offline with pCloud?
Yes, pCloud provides offline access to files through its desktop and mobile apps. Users can mark files for offline access, allowing them to view and edit files even without an internet connection. Changes made offline will sync automatically when the device reconnects to the internet.
6. How much storage space do I get with pCloud?
The amount of storage space provided by pCloud depends on the pricing plan you choose. The free plan typically offers between 5 GB to 10 GB of storage space, while premium plans may offer up to 2 TB or more of storage capacity.
7. Can I share files with others using pCloud?
Yes, pCloud allows users to share files with others through file sharing links, folder sharing, and collaboration features. Users can generate shareable links to individual files or entire folders, set permissions for collaborators, and track changes made to shared files.
8. Does pCloud offer backup and recovery options?
Yes, pCloud offers backup functionality, allowing users to securely backup their files, folders, and even entire devices to the cloud. This helps protect users’ data against loss or damage and provides the ability to recover files in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure.
9. Is there a limit on file size with pCloud?
pCloud imposes file size limitations, particularly on the free plan. The maximum file size allowed for upload may vary depending on the plan you’re subscribed to. Upgrading to a premium plan may be necessary for users who frequently work with large files.
10. Can I access my pCloud account from multiple devices?
Yes, pCloud allows users to access their accounts and files from multiple devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Files are synchronized across devices, ensuring that users have access to the latest version of their files from anywhere.
pCloud Review Summary
In conclusion, pCloud offers a reliable and feature-rich cloud storage solution for individuals, businesses, and teams alike. With its intuitive interface, robust security features, and seamless file synchronization capabilities, pCloud empowers users to securely store, manage, and collaborate on their files with ease and confidence. Whether you’re looking for a secure backup solution, a convenient way to share files with others, or a platform to streamline collaboration on projects, pCloud’s flexible pricing plans and comprehensive features make it a compelling choice. With its strong emphasis on security, privacy, and user experience, pCloud stands out as a trusted ally in the digital age, providing users with peace of mind and flexibility in managing their data.
