Re: general broad question for help in setting up linux server and suggestions
On Fri, Oct 15, 2021 at 06:09:48PM -0700, David Christensen wrote:
> On 10/14/21 23:33, Semih Ozlem wrote:
> > Hello everyone
> >
> > I am a mathematics PhD student completing my dissertation at
> > Yeditepe University Istanbul working under Prof Ilhan Ikeda who is at
> > Bosphorus University Istanbul. I am involved in setting up some
> > seminars, keeping correspondence with other mathematicians or
> > mathematics students.
> >
> > I worked for brief periods as a programmer mainly in python on small
> > projects.
> >
> > Currently I am working with an electrical technician in Bursa Turkey
> > who is running an electrical electronical services store.
> >
> > I am also interested in educational projects.
> >
It depends: these seem to be fairly well based on the Raspberry Pi. I don't
know what costs/exchange rates are like in Turkey.
> > I am very much into using linux for academic work, I am willing to
> > introduce other people to linux and possibly set up a local linux
> > users group where I live.
That may cost nothing: you may find that the university maths/computer
science faculties may have enough interested students to start.
> >
> > I am thinking of setting up a server, both for local (at home use),
> > (I have already set up say samba server or openssh server) to be used
> > only under one modem. However due to lack of machines dedicated for
> > that purpose the server is not continuing.
> >
> > I would like to make a server I set up say at home available at the
> > workplace as well so that I don't have to run back home while at
> > work. If possible make the server accessible via a smart phone or
> > some other computer.
Something like an OpenVPN connection - again, you might want to use
a Pi as a gateway - or just pay for a virtual private server at a hosting
company?
> >
> > Also in future possibly I would like to set up a web server possibly
> > for the shop and or for mathematical educational and linux related
> > activities as well as for myself and friends and maybe local
> > community.
Ask the CS department - they may already have one :)
> >
> > Already gdrive offers opportunities for storing files etc. and wix
> > and some other sites allow you to build websites and I am sure there
> > are many other options out there coming from the cloud. But I would
> > like to explore, if you guys also thinnk it might be a worthwhile
> > endeavor too and worth the time, to use linux LAMP server or any
> > other option under the linux umbrella that might be worthwhile. I am
> > thinking of starting small scale since I am operating on a really
> > tight budget currently. And should I reach better circumstances
> > whether through finding some potential financial support or better
> > income myself, I would like to expand on number of things I try.
> >
> > I am also in interested in humanitarian causes potentially though I
> > would not call myself very active or an activist I like reading on
> > such issues and discussing. One potential possibility is to develop
> > projects in relation to say immigration crisis to do with syria or
> > any other cause... even to help assist people in say getting help
> > with reaching or finding out about public services. But at the moment
> > all these are ideas. Nothing definite yet. I am exploring.
Perhaps talk to the Debian-based FreedomBox project?
> >
> > I would like to ask for suggestions like a roadmap that may be
> > worthwhile to follow.
> >
> > Thank you in advance for any assistance and ideas and suggestions
> > and recommendations.
> >
> > Sincerely
> >
> > Semih Ozlem
>
>
Also - if you have no money, start small. You may even be able to pick
up a couple of dead desktop systems and build one good one / become
friends with your local compauter repair person. Something small to
get your own experience up: as you build up experience, document each step
you take, configuration files etc. and share them / help others with problems: "a mind is a terrible
thing to waste" and if you can help other people, you often find that as you
explain things, your understanding deepens.**
** This is very much like discussing maths with a fellow student and helping
them: you can help them use their own mind to derive solutions - don't do
everything for them and deprive them of knowledge and explanation but,
similarly, don't do all their homework for them :) Similarly, it helps
to be systematic and lay out your working so that others can see how
you reached a conclusion.
All the best, as ever,
Andy Cater
> On 10/15/21 01:16, Semih Ozlem wrote:
> > How much does it cost to run a server full time, is it cheaper to run
> > one yourself or to rent one online? Do you have an estimate? or
> > range? (cost could be electricity and internet connection used?)
>
>
> For your situation, I suggest that you get a 14" or 15" laptop with Windows
> 7 Pro 64-bit, a 4+ core CPU with virtualization support, 8+ GB of
> dual-channel memory, and a 256+ GB SSD. Get a 1+ TB external SSD or HDD
> with the fastest connection the laptop supports, and put your data on it.
> Install virtualization software and create Debian virtual machines (VM).
> Get a backpack with a laptop compartment and carry it all around with you.
>
>
> Note that you don't need a new or expensive laptop. I have a Dell Latitude
> E6520 that was near top-of-the line in ~2011, but sells for US$150~200
> today. It is my primary workstation; I use it daily. While older machines
> are bulkier and heavier, and the batteries do not last very long, they are
> easier to modify and upgrade than newer laptops. And, now that Microsoft has
> declared Windows 11 will not support machines prior to Intel Core 8th
> generation, the price of older x86 computers has dropped even more.
>
>
> It is not wise to host Internet services on a home server. If and when you
> want an Internet presence, get a virtual private server (VPS). Prices range
> from free to very expensive, depending upon provider and plan.
>
>
> I live in California, USA. Graduate programs here typically require
> students to obtain a certain number of graduate-level courses in their
> department, plus some number of upper-division or graduate courses outside
> their department. If your university has a computer science (CS)
> department, perhaps you could take CS courses and apply them towards your
> Ph.D..
>
>
> David
>
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