Arch Linux

xelados

Member

Registered: 2007-06-02

Posts: 314

Website

Optimizing my desktop?

Hi guys. I didn't know where to post, so I decided to post it here. Something happened with my desktop recently that caused the hard drive to not like me and not boot anymore, even when GRUB was reinstalled. So I backed up my files using a live CD and reinstalled Arch.

This time around, I want to try an optimize this baby as much as I can. We're talking doing semi-regular backups, making sure old files and whatnot are cleaned up (or at least located and their locations stored somewhere), and a tightening down of the system for security.

The machine in question is an Intel Atom N270 Mini-ITX board with 2 gigs of RAM and an Intel GMA 950 integrated chipset. I require it to do/use the following:

ssh
lighttpd
regular desktop use
mailserver of some kind
work with (simple) media files
Use little RAM
virtualization (This is the only thing immune to the previous criteria; virtualization sucks up RAM and CPU)

What I'm most focused on is boot speed, good security, log file and pacnew management. Along the way, I'm hoping to learn more about server administration and general fine-tuning of Linux. I know my way around the system in general, but I'm ready for the next step. Is anyone willing to help me figure it all out? I'll be sure to share my findings, scripts, or other things with other Arch users. This could be a great way to compile some optimization tricks or hacks for the betterment of the community.

So, where do I begin? I don't need general advice such as how to install things. I'm after focused fine tuning of the system that will optimize it to run the best it can without sacrificing simplicity or functionality.

I extend my thanks to anyone who helps me on this.

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sporkbox@GitHub

Aprz

Member

From: Newark

Registered: 2008-05-28

Posts: 277

Re: Optimizing my desktop?

I don't mean this as a put down or anything, but you'll see why I am saying this... A good start would be to use the search feature on the forums, check the ArchWiki, use Google, check the search feature on other distro forums. It's all been discusses and talked about before.

Speedup Boot - ArchWiki
Speedup Udev - ArchWiki
Static /dev
Kernel Build HOWTO
How fast is your startup?
Gentoo Linux Server Documentation/HOWTOs
Documentation, Tip & Tricks
LnF 2009
ICC
LnF 2008
Backintime

With speeding up your boot, more responsive computer, more stable, more secure, etc... They all follow the same general rules: recompile kernel, use faster/more minimal alternatives, edit /etc/rc.sysinit, edit /etc/inittab, etc... You'll see.

Well, I can't do all the searching for you, and my tips have been posted before, so I am sure you are off in the right direction now... Good luck.

Last edited by Aprz (2009-09-30 23:03:57)

brando56894

Member

From: NYC

Registered: 2008-08-03

Posts: 681

Re: Optimizing my desktop?

using these tutorials i shaved 9 seconds off of my boot time, thanks! Im compiling a new kernel now to see if that will get me below the 15 second mark which im at now.

pyther

Member

Registered: 2008-01-21

Posts: 1,395

Website

Re: Optimizing my desktop?

Umm there is a huge problem here...

You have an Atom processor....

You are not going to be able to run virtualization on such a low power machine. Well it is possible, but it will be very slow. I tried installing RHEL 5.2 in a virtual machine on my Atom, for kicks and giggles. It worked, but it was very slow and I had no interest in continuing to use it.

Also using an ATOM for both a server and desktop is really going to push the cpu to its limits. I would suggest using a light httpd daemon such as lighttpd or ngnix.

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