Best OS to run a node? (not sure if correct board)

allyouracid

legendary

Activity: 2320

Merit: 1292

Encrypted Money, Baby!

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 06:30:06 PM

I am ambivalent towards Mint, and I don't personally use it. I stand by my recommendation that the best OS for running a node is the OS one knows best. Server-oriented OSes are ideal, but you really ought to know what you're doing. I don't endorse Mint, but I people seem to like it and find it easy to use.

This is more or less what I meant with my post. Though there are several systems which potentially suit a purpose better, at the end of the day, that means nothing if the user isn't able to configure the operating system to work flawlessly and securely, because he doesn't understand it.

For that reason, I often recommend against using GNU/Linux for new users if it's pretty much clear that they wouldn't have any idea about how to securely use it. And I'm sort of a huge proponent of GNU and Linux based operating systems.

MarketNeutral

sr. member

Activity: 406

Merit: 252

Quote from: mallard on September 21, 2015, 04:44:09 PM

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 03:57:15 PM

Quote from: unholycactus on September 21, 2015, 03:12:02 PM

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 02:21:36 PM

Best OS to run a node? The OS you understand best.

It's always nice to learn something new though, especially if it does a better job at doing what you're looking for.

In that case, have a go at Linux Mint.

I don't think Linux Mint would be a good idea for a server, as it is a desktop oriented distribution.

I see your point completely, and I almost didn't mention Mint because I don't want anyone to think of it as a server OS; however I'm running full nodes on desktop computers that are not servers. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I am ambivalent towards Mint, and I don't personally use it. I stand by my recommendation that the best OS for running a node is the OS one knows best. Server-oriented OSes are ideal, but you really ought to know what you're doing. I don't endorse Mint, but I people seem to like it and find it easy to use.

mallard

full member

Activity: 196

Merit: 100

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 03:57:15 PM

Quote from: unholycactus on September 21, 2015, 03:12:02 PM

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 02:21:36 PM

Best OS to run a node? The OS you understand best.

It's always nice to learn something new though, especially if it does a better job at doing what you're looking for.

In that case, have a go at Linux Mint.

I don't think Linux Mint would be a good idea for a server, as it is a desktop oriented distribution.

MarketNeutral

sr. member

Activity: 406

Merit: 252

Quote from: unholycactus on September 21, 2015, 03:12:02 PM

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 02:21:36 PM

Best OS to run a node? The OS you understand best.

It's always nice to learn something new though, especially if it does a better job at doing what you're looking for.

In that case, have a go at Linux Mint. Or Debian. Good all-around linux distros. If you're more inclined to tinker, try Arch or even Slackware. If you prefer more of an enterprise approach, CentOS is what I prefer.

Or if you really want to have some fun, try one of the BSDs. FreeBSD has the famous ZFS file system, jails, and the ever-popular ports collection. I actually prefer OpenBSD, but FreeBSD (or its user-friendly desktop version, PC-BSD), is easier to use for cryptocurrencies.

unholycactus

legendary

Activity: 1078

Merit: 1024

Quote from: MarketNeutral on September 21, 2015, 02:21:36 PM

Best OS to run a node? The OS you understand best.

It's always nice to learn something new though, especially if it does a better job at doing what you're looking for.

MarketNeutral

sr. member

Activity: 406

Merit: 252

Best OS to run a node? The OS you understand best.

allyouracid

legendary

Activity: 2320

Merit: 1292

Encrypted Money, Baby!

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Brewins on September 18, 2015, 12:25:15 PM

I will recommand Linux OS for running node, easy,better,secure and faster then windows
you can work on both commandline and GUI interface

I see that Linux is the most preferred OS to run a full node, but what distro would that be? The most secure and easy to use, of course. I'm looking into Tails or Ubuntu, but I don't know if those distros are good for the task.

Hi,

the bold part doesn't work, for the most part. Often, those distributions that are more easy to use have more potential security risk (simple equation: to make the user feel more comfortable, more GUI tools are included, which bring potential risk… more software installed == more risk), whereas those distributions which are known for their security are harder to use.

At the end of the day, even a GNU/Linux system (read: any operating system) is only as secure as the user who uses it. The best GNU/Linux system is worthless if you e.g. have your SSH daemon open for access to the public internet and use a weak password for your super user.
If you want a secure system, there is no way around learning. You'll have to get into the basics and specifics of Linux (the core), how to use and how to protect it. I'd say this is a process which might take years, if it ever ends at all.
I'm using GNU/Linux since around 6 years 100% (meaning, I'm completely Windoze free), and before that, I was using GNU/Linux for several years, too, but always had Windows as my main system.

If you're going to make that step, be prepared for a long journey which is often frustrating, but also very interesting and fascinating.

dothebeats

legendary

Activity: 3542

Merit: 1352

Cashback 15%

Quote from: Xialla on September 20, 2015, 11:49:02 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 09:08:43 AM

On what I've read regarding linux, I can still those distros side-by-side with each other, right? Why haven't you discussed something about ubuntu? Am I missing something here? Huh

because there is Canonical behind ubuntu - commercial company which needs to generate profit to survive. ubuntu is also filled by adware, spyware, reporting tools and user tracking suite. search strings are being send to Canonical servers. their software center is another disaster promoting proprietary programs..uhh

if you are more interested, read this core article about ubuntu facts from on of the most important person in whole open-source world: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/rms/ubuntu-spyware-what-to-do

I've encountered some Canonical-produced software, some of which needs to be paid. Since I am not done with the synchronization yet, I might as well switch over to Debian today or tomorrow. Will also read the article you have just sent here.

Quote from: Newar on September 20, 2015, 11:52:35 AM

Quote from: mallard on September 20, 2015, 11:26:57 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 10:03:05 AM

So from what I've understand here, I have to pay something in ubuntu to make it more functional, right?

No, you get the same functionality. It's just that if something breaks you can (provided you pay for a support plan) just pick up the phone and immediately get support.

On that note, I've started using Ubuntu 3 years ago (personal laptop / nodes) and never felt the need to call. The argument is also about this: https://www.debian.org/intro/free . I'll be switching one day,

I somehow decided to switch over to Debian when I knew the thing about spywares. I once used Debian to run on my phone just out of educational purpose. Used it to familiarize myself in the Linux environment, and somehow I can fairly say that I'm more familiar on using Debian than Ubuntu. Thanks all!

Newar

legendary

Activity: 1358

Merit: 1001

https://gliph.me/hUF

Quote from: mallard on September 20, 2015, 11:26:57 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 10:03:05 AM

So from what I've understand here, I have to pay something in ubuntu to make it more functional, right?

No, you get the same functionality. It's just that if something breaks you can (provided you pay for a support plan) just pick up the phone and immediately get support.

On that note, I've started using Ubuntu 3 years ago (personal laptop / nodes) and never felt the need to call. The argument is also about this: https://www.debian.org/intro/free . I'll be switching one day, I guess.

Xialla

legendary

Activity: 1036

Merit: 1001

/dev/null

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 09:08:43 AM

On what I've read regarding linux, I can still those distros side-by-side with each other, right? Why haven't you discussed something about ubuntu? Am I missing something here? Huh

because there is Canonical behind ubuntu - commercial company which needs to generate profit to survive. ubuntu is also filled by adware, spyware, reporting tools and user tracking suite. search strings are being send to Canonical servers. their software center is another disaster promoting proprietary programs..uhh

if you are more interested, read this core article about ubuntu facts from on of the most important person in whole open-source world: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/rms/ubuntu-spyware-what-to-do

mallard

full member

Activity: 196

Merit: 100

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 10:03:05 AM

So from what I've understand here, I have to pay something in ubuntu to make it more functional, right?

No, you get the same functionality. It's just that if something breaks you can (provided you pay for a support plan) just pick up the phone and immediately get support.

dothebeats

legendary

Activity: 3542

Merit: 1352

Cashback 15%

Quote from: mallard on September 20, 2015, 09:22:04 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 09:08:43 AM

Quote from: Xialla on September 20, 2015, 08:57:53 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:23:28 PM

If so, what distro of Linux would you recommend me to use?

debian for running a node, because there is lot of documentation and FAQ in place and you don't need to play with repos

centos for learning/playing. (centos 6.7 - it is without systemd)

ubuntu is for...well, nevermind.)

On what I've read regarding linux, I can still those distros side-by-side with each other, right? Why haven't you discussed something about ubuntu? Am I missing something here? Huh

Ubuntu is almost the same as Debian. The biggest difference is that you can pay Canonical for support, while Debian is more of a community effort.

So from what I've understand here, I have to pay something in ubuntu to make it more functional, right? Well I'll just run a node and that's all that I want to do on this laptop, and from the replies that I've been receiving here, Ubuntu is the most ideal linux distro to run a node, so I guess i'll take those words as an advice. Thanks all for replying! Cheesy

mallard

full member

Activity: 196

Merit: 100

Quote from: dothebeats on September 20, 2015, 09:08:43 AM

Quote from: Xialla on September 20, 2015, 08:57:53 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:23:28 PM

If so, what distro of Linux would you recommend me to use?

debian for running a node, because there is lot of documentation and FAQ in place and you don't need to play with repos

centos for learning/playing. (centos 6.7 - it is without systemd)

ubuntu is for...well, nevermind.)

On what I've read regarding linux, I can still those distros side-by-side with each other, right? Why haven't you discussed something about ubuntu? Am I missing something here? Huh

Ubuntu is almost the same as Debian. The biggest difference is that you can pay Canonical for support, while Debian is more of a community effort.

dothebeats

legendary

Activity: 3542

Merit: 1352

Cashback 15%

Quote from: Xialla on September 20, 2015, 08:57:53 AM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:23:28 PM

If so, what distro of Linux would you recommend me to use?

debian for running a node, because there is lot of documentation and FAQ in place and you don't need to play with repos

centos for learning/playing. (centos 6.7 - it is without systemd)

ubuntu is for...well, nevermind.)

On what I've read regarding linux, I can still those distros side-by-side with each other, right? Why haven't you discussed something about ubuntu? Am I missing something here? Huh

Xialla

legendary

Activity: 1036

Merit: 1001

/dev/null

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:23:28 PM

If so, what distro of Linux would you recommend me to use?

debian for running a node, because there is lot of documentation and FAQ in place and you don't need to play with repos

centos for learning/playing. (centos 6.7 - it is without systemd)

ubuntu is for...well, nevermind.)

dothebeats

legendary

Activity: 3542

Merit: 1352

Cashback 15%

So Tails is out of the question, and most of the answers here prefer Ubuntu as an OS for their node. So I got Xubuntu 14.04 now in this laptop, and I'm currently synchronizing the blockchain (at 164851 atm). How do I make myself secure? I'm not that much familiar with Linux but I have setup my own node in Windows back then.

unholycactus

legendary

Activity: 1078

Merit: 1024

You'll have easier time to set it up on Ubuntu compared to Debian.

Like mentioned above, it doesn't make much sense to run a node on Tails. Tails uses your RAM as storage, so unless you have 50GB of RAM that wouldn't even be possible.

MCHouston

hero member

Activity: 882

Merit: 500

Where am I?

I use Ubuntu, its reliable and works. Very easy to setup.

achow101

staff

Activity: 3458

Merit: 6793

Just writing some code

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Brewins on September 18, 2015, 12:25:15 PM

I will recommand Linux OS for running node, easy,better,secure and faster then windows
you can work on both commandline and GUI interface

I see that Linux is the most preferred OS to run a full node, but what distro would that be? The most secure and easy to use, of course. I'm looking into Tails or Ubuntu, but I don't know if those distros are good for the task.

The most popular ones are Ubuntu or Debian. You shouldn't use Tails since Tails is for live CDs/USBs and it does not keep persistent data.

mallard

full member

Activity: 196

Merit: 100

Quote from: EmilyJenners on September 18, 2015, 01:40:08 PM

Personal preference for me would be Arch x64

Arch as a server? Well, to each his own.

EmilyJenners

newbie

Activity: 4

Merit: 0

Quote from: cr1776 on September 18, 2015, 01:34:10 PM

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Brewins on September 18, 2015, 12:25:15 PM

I will recommand Linux OS for running node, easy,better,secure and faster then windows
you can work on both commandline and GUI interface

I see that Linux is the most preferred OS to run a full node, but what distro would that be? The most secure and easy to use, of course. I'm looking into Tails or Ubuntu, but I don't know if those distros are good for the task.

Personally, I like Ubuntu for it.

There is more people running ubuntu linux with bitcoin nodes than any other distro I imagine.

Personal preference for me would be Arch x64, But if your a first timer with Linux, go with Ubuntu, CentOS or Debian.

there is a bitcoin PPA for ubuntu also, ppa:bitcoin/bitcoin (https://launchpad.net/~bitcoin/+archive/ubuntu/bitcoin), This makes upgrading and installing easier basically.

cr1776

legendary

Activity: 4228

Merit: 1313

Quote from: dothebeats on September 18, 2015, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Brewins on September 18, 2015, 12:25:15 PM

I will recommand Linux OS for running node, easy,better,secure and faster then windows
you can work on both commandline and GUI interface

I see that Linux is the most preferred OS to run a full node, but what distro would that be? The most secure and easy to use, of course. I'm looking into Tails or Ubuntu, but I don't know if those distros are good for the task.

Personally, I like Ubuntu for it.

dothebeats

legendary

Activity: 3542

Merit: 1352

Cashback 15%

Quote from: Brewins on September 18, 2015, 12:25:15 PM

I will recommand Linux OS for running node, easy,better,secure and faster then windows
you can work on both commandline and GUI interface

I see that Linux is the most preferred OS to run a full node, but what distro would that be? The most secure and easy to use, of course. I'm looking into Tails or Ubuntu, but I don't know if those distros are good for the task.

Brewins

legendary

Activity: 1120

Merit: 1000

I will recommand Linux OS for running node, easy,better,secure and faster then windows
you can work on both commandline and GUI interface

dothebeats

legendary

Activity: 3542

Merit: 1352

Cashback 15%

I've been trying to find some answers regarding what OS would be the best to run a full bitcoin node. Because I experienced some shitty events on a Windows update (I'm currently running Win7) that wiped all the data stored in my c drive (except the system files, of course), running core in Windows wouldn't probably be the safest option, for me at least. For those who runs a full node, I guess running Linux on your machine is the best way to go. If so, what distro of Linux would you recommend me to use? Since I don't use this machine for everyday things, I might as well leave it running with core to help the network.

Topic: Best OS to run a node? (not sure if correct board) (Read 2069 times)