Best Linux distro to run a full node

ABCbits

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Quote from: dkbit98 on January 26, 2022, 01:01:21 PM

Quote from: LoyceV on January 26, 2022, 12:44:14 PM

Did it refuse to install, or refuse to boot? I've seen Linux distros that couldn't boot (from CD), but it worked after disabling certain hardware detection in the boot options.

Starts to boot from USB drive, and than just halts and does nothing, just showing blank screen.
I know how to handle bios and boot options, but this was not the case here and usb was detected.

I don't have much experience with OpenSUSE, but sometimes it's because secure boot. You might want to disable it during installation and optionally manually sign the boot loader later with this guide.

n0nce

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Quote from: dkbit98 on January 26, 2022, 01:01:21 PM

Quote from: n0nce on January 26, 2022, 12:51:51 PM

Weird, never had that so far. Didn't it tell you what the issue is? Like is usually the case with verbose Linux OS..
Default is Btrfs, but it asks you during installation what you want to use.

Something similar happened once with debian os, but there was a clear message for unsupported hardware, so I just used nonfree version and it worked like a charm.
So you are using Btrfs or Ext4... and did you notice any difference, especially running Bitcoin node?

Pretty sure I'm using Btrfs now (SSD) and used it before (HDD) as well. Since switching to the SSD, electrum replies over Tor are much faster, but I don't think it has anything to do with the file system. I did have ext4 on that machine before, but with Debian. It ran worse, but I think more due to the OS than the file system. I have to install more things that are preinstalled on Debian and especially Ubuntu, so it seems the system is much less bloated and thus more performant.

dkbit98

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Quote from: LoyceV on January 26, 2022, 12:44:14 PM

Did it refuse to install, or refuse to boot? I've seen Linux distros that couldn't boot (from CD), but it worked after disabling certain hardware detection in the boot options.

Starts to boot from USB drive, and than just halts and does nothing, just showing blank screen.
I know how to handle bios and boot options, but this was not the case here and usb was detected.

Quote from: n0nce on January 26, 2022, 12:51:51 PM

Weird, never had that so far. Didn't it tell you what the issue is? Like is usually the case with verbose Linux OS..
Default is Btrfs, but it asks you during installation what you want to use.

Something similar happened once with debian os, but there was a clear message for unsupported hardware, so I just used nonfree version and it worked like a charm.
So you are using Btrfs or Ext4... and did you notice any difference, especially running Bitcoin node?

n0nce

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Quote from: dkbit98 on January 26, 2022, 12:09:10 PM

Quote from: n0nce on January 25, 2022, 07:34:38 PM

From my experience so far, I believe a standard, robust, but lean enterprise-grade Linux distro (like openSUSE non-rolling release) is the best, and then you install just what you need. Most stuff in these 'Bitcoin distros' you don't actually need for running Core.

I tried testing and installing OpenSUSE in one of my computers but for some reason it refused to install, probably because of some unsupported hardware issue.
Similar thing can happen with Debian based linux, but you can always download unofficial ISO nonfree version, or some with extended hardware support.
One more good thing about debian with bitcoin node is that you will get support from community very quickly, if run into some problems along the way.
btw is OpenSUSE linux using ext4 file system by default or Btrfs?

Weird, never had that so far. Didn't it tell you what the issue is? Like is usually the case with verbose Linux OS..
Default is Btrfs, but it asks you during installation what you want to use.

LoyceV

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Quote from: dkbit98 on January 26, 2022, 12:09:10 PM

it refused to install, probably because of some unsupported hardware issue.

Did it refuse to install, or refuse to boot? I've seen Linux distros that couldn't boot (from CD), but it worked after disabling certain hardware detection in the boot options.

dkbit98

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Quote from: n0nce on January 25, 2022, 07:34:38 PM

From my experience so far, I believe a standard, robust, but lean enterprise-grade Linux distro (like openSUSE non-rolling release) is the best, and then you install just what you need. Most stuff in these 'Bitcoin distros' you don't actually need for running Core.

I tried testing and installing OpenSUSE in one of my computers but for some reason it refused to install, probably because of some unsupported hardware issue.
Similar thing can happen with Debian based linux, but you can always download unofficial ISO nonfree version, or some with extended hardware support.
One more good thing about debian with bitcoin node is that you will get support from community very quickly, if run into some problems along the way.
btw is OpenSUSE linux using ext4 file system by default or Btrfs?

n0nce

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Quote from: Kakmakr on January 24, 2022, 03:34:01 AM

~

From my experience so far, I believe a standard, robust, but lean enterprise-grade Linux distro (like openSUSE non-rolling release) is the best, and then you install just what you need. Most stuff in these 'Bitcoin distros' you don't actually need for running Core.

I would of course recommend my own guide for Bitcoin full node setup:
[Guide] FULL NODE OpenSUSE 15.3: bitcoind + electrs + c-lightning + RTL

Feel free to omit electrs and c-lightning, if you don't need them.

dkbit98

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Quote from: Kakmakr on January 24, 2022, 03:34:01 AM

Do you guys have a easy to use tutorial to run a Full node on Tails? I know people who have tried before and they had several issues with the restrictive default firewall rules. Roll Eyes

I don't suggest doing that on Tails as you can have some issues during this process because you would need to use SSD or HDD drive for that, so better use regular Debian Linux OS for that purpose.
Use Tails only only as a live operating system to run from your USB drive, this is not demanding high speed of drive like in case with BTC nodes.
If you want to have light desktop environment for Linux than use XFCE or even lighter LXQt.

ABCbits

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Quote from: Kakmakr on January 24, 2022, 03:34:01 AM

I just want to ask if anyone had used "Tails" Debian-based Linux distribution for running a full node yet... and if you did, what was your experience with it? I use "Tails" as a portable operating system to preserve my privacy and anonymity, but I would want to try to use it for a Full node too... but for that I will have to enable the persistent storage ..which might compromise that. Huh

Do you guys have a easy to use tutorial to run a Full node on Tails? I know people who have tried before and they had several issues with the restrictive default firewall rules. Roll Eyes

What you need isn't Tails which specifically designed as live OS. You should check different linux-distro such as Whonix and Qubes. For Whonix, you can check this guide https://www.whonix.org/wiki/Bitcoin_Core.

If you're willing to try newer linux distro, check Created a Hardened Linux OS for Crypto Hodlers.

Quote from: NotATether on January 24, 2022, 04:52:40 AM

but if I can figure out how to make a CMD batch file or powershell script that makes the Bitcoin service run on Windows, that would be nice too.

It's should possible with "hack" like this, https://www.howtogeek.com/50786/using-srvstart-to-run-any-application-as-a-windows-service/.

NotATether

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Quote from: djangofan on January 23, 2022, 09:33:45 PM

Just a note, depending on which Linux you use, you need to be aware of the service start scripts detailed here:

https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/tree/master/contrib/init

So, using Ubuntu, you will probably be using the Upstart script. Just important to be aware of that IMHO.

I think Ubuntu is using SystemD service files now but nevertheless, these startup scripts are still very useful.

It's missing a SysV script but that's probably not very important except on very old systems (no chance of compiling Core on those since they definitely don't have C++17 compiler), but if I can figure out how to make a CMD batch file or powershell script that makes the Bitcoin service run on Windows, that would be nice too.

Kakmakr

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I just want to ask if anyone had used "Tails" Debian-based Linux distribution for running a full node yet... and if you did, what was your experience with it? I use "Tails" as a portable operating system to preserve my privacy and anonymity, but I would want to try to use it for a Full node too... but for that I will have to enable the persistent storage ..which might compromise that. Huh

Do you guys have a easy to use tutorial to run a Full node on Tails? I know people who have tried before and they had several issues with the restrictive default firewall rules. Roll Eyes

djangofan

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Just a note, depending on which Linux you use, you need to be aware of the service start scripts detailed here:

https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/tree/master/contrib/init

So, using Ubuntu, you will probably be using the Upstart script. Just important to be aware of that IMHO.

neurotypical

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Quote from: aleksej996 on November 05, 2017, 10:35:52 AM

Well I still think that using OpenBSD would probably be the best option and that objectively it is very trivial to use an OS without a GUI, as I believe GUIs are just there so it looks nice. I don't see many reasons not to go through slightly more effort for better security when you are already switching to Linux, but it doesn't matter that much anyway. Ubuntu should be just fine and it has good community support so you will be able to search the Internet for any problems you might encounter. Also you can download Ubuntu with different GUIs if looks are important to you, like a Gnome variant. Installing drivers was always difficult in Linux so I don't recommend doing that, as that is harder then doing anything that was mentioned above, altho even that is not that hard and can be done in like a dozen of commands in like 10 minutes. But still, using Ubuntu should be just fine for someone who doesn't like command lines.

I don't like Ubuntu's bloated default GUI, too resource consuming. I will try both Lubuntu and Xubuntu and decide.

I was recommended not to use Mint, it had some security concerns in the past.

About OpenBSD... too complex without a GUI. Not having a GUI may give someone not experienced too much power if you type in the wrong command.

I will just encrypt the linux partition it and use the node as a wallet. I don't see any other way to keep using Bitcoin Core to transact that isn't a pain in the ass.

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Quote from: neurotypical on November 03, 2017, 11:07:40 AM

Quote from: LilibethSantos on November 02, 2017, 04:11:23 PM

Debian or a Debian-based distro will be the easiest to use and maintain. Distros like Arch, Gentoo, or *BSD operating systems are simply too time consuming and instable to maintain for a new user.

If you are super worried about spyware being loaded by the distro creators, you may use one of the GNU/FSF approved distros. These distros completely remove close-source programs and drivers from their operating systems, and Trisquel is based off of Ubuntu . The down side is that they have limited hardware support since some devices require closed-source drivers.

Trisquel looks nice. I think I saw a video with Richard Stallman and during the interview (it was an interview over the internet, like skype but they used free software) he was asked what distro he was using and I think he said Trisquel.

Is Trisquel easy to use?

Has Bitcoin Core been tested in Trisquel successfully?

I also considered Xubuntu.

Trisquel is just as easy to use as Ubuntu in my opinion. Although, if you run into hardware compatibility issues, it can be a nightmare since Trisquel only limits itself to open-source drivers. For example, I switched out my Wifi adaptor on my laptop since it did not run at all on Trisquel.

You may install Bitcoin Core using 'apt-get' just like on Ubuntu and it worked fine for me.

nier00

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I will advice you Debian or ubuntu (for the simple use).
Mint had some major security problems.
Arch is too difficult for a beginner.

shensu

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Quote from: SureLockLoans on November 01, 2017, 12:41:57 PM

Quote from: neurotypical on October 31, 2017, 01:18:52 PM

Quote from: shensu on October 30, 2017, 09:44:09 PM

Are you planning on running this node on a computer you have at home with a monitor? Or do you plan to run it on a server somewhere, either on your home network or in the cloud?

My idea is to set up a node on a computer at home with a monitor that I would use as a wallet, which is why I don't want to use windows at all for that. I thought about Linux to bypass the endless sea of viruses of windows. Im not sure if I would still need an antivirus in Linux but at least it's open source. Then someone told me about OpenBSD, but i've seen OpenBSD has no GUI, so you need to install it separately, and I don't know if that is safe. Also I don't know if OpenBSD is going to be too difficult for me to keep updated and safe, im not a coder. Does it have an auto-update system? I used Ubuntu in the past and it was pretty easy to keep updated.

What do you think of Linux Mint? i've heard is better than Ubuntu.

Linux mint is just an alternative that some people perfer due to the interface. Ubuntu is fine for what you want to use it for and there will be a lot more documentation on it if you run into problems.

I agree with this statement. However, since Mint is based on Debian/Ubuntu, a lot of documentation from Ubuntu should apply 1-1 to Mint.

Ubuntu gets a lot of hate these days because of Unity, its default desktop window management setup.

I recommend playing around while the live CD is running (you can do this from a USB nowadays). This will give you a chance to see if you feel like the desktop window manager is a good fit. Under the hood, in the terminal, Ubuntu/Debian/Mint are going to be roughly the same.**

**CAVEAT: Most coin/node software is targeted for Ubuntu 14 or 16. It might be worth going with Ubuntu 16 just because most projects will build easily on there. That's not to say you couldn't get it to build on any distro of linux, it just might be more difficult (here's looking at you BerkeleyDB 4.8 ).

aleksej996

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Well I still think that using OpenBSD would probably be the best option and that objectively it is very trivial to use an OS without a GUI, as I believe GUIs are just there so it looks nice. I don't see many reasons not to go through slightly more effort for better security when you are already switching to Linux, but it doesn't matter that much anyway. Ubuntu should be just fine and it has good community support so you will be able to search the Internet for any problems you might encounter. Also you can download Ubuntu with different GUIs if looks are important to you, like a Gnome variant. Installing drivers was always difficult in Linux so I don't recommend doing that, as that is harder then doing anything that was mentioned above, altho even that is not that hard and can be done in like a dozen of commands in like 10 minutes. But still, using Ubuntu should be just fine for someone who doesn't like command lines.

moontrain

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No way i'd use Trisquel unless I was a pro, stick with Ubuntu and Debian if your experience is quite limited.

Lots of community support and hardly any compatibility issues.

neurotypical

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Quote from: LilibethSantos on November 02, 2017, 04:11:23 PM

Debian or a Debian-based distro will be the easiest to use and maintain. Distros like Arch, Gentoo, or *BSD operating systems are simply too time consuming and instable to maintain for a new user.

If you are super worried about spyware being loaded by the distro creators, you may use one of the GNU/FSF approved distros. These distros completely remove close-source programs and drivers from their operating systems, and Trisquel is based off of Ubuntu . The down side is that they have limited hardware support since some devices require closed-source drivers.

Trisquel looks nice. I think I saw a video with Richard Stallman and during the interview (it was an interview over the internet, like skype but they used free software) he was asked what distro he was using and I think he said Trisquel.

Is Trisquel easy to use?

Has Bitcoin Core been tested in Trisquel successfully?

I also considered Xubuntu.

LilibethSantos

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Activity: 259

Merit: 250

Debian or a Debian-based distro will be the easiest to use and maintain. Distros like Arch, Gentoo, or *BSD operating systems are simply too time consuming and instable to maintain for a new user.

If you are super worried about spyware being loaded by the distro creators, you may use one of the GNU/FSF approved distros. These distros completely remove close-source programs and drivers from their operating systems, and Trisquel is based off of Ubuntu . The down side is that they have limited hardware support since some devices require closed-source drivers.

Topic: Best Linux distro to run a full node (Read 1331 times)