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  • BTRFS Arch Install – 2026

    Introduction

    Installing Arch Linux with Btrfs differs from an ext4 installation when preparing the disk. In this article I’ll create a Btrfs filesystem and its subvolumes, mount them, and install Arch step by step from the command line—without using Archinstall.

    I’ve covered Arch installations before. My last walkthrough used ext4, and it was more than a year ago. Since the Arch installation guide changes over time, it’s worth revisiting, and one should always verify against the guide whenever following any installation tutorial.

    This time, I’ll use Btrfs, or the B-tree file system, instead of ext4. I’ve had extensive experience with Btrfs over the past year and decided to try it on Arch.

    This article also lays the groundwork for a future article: a pure Wayland installation using labwc. Labwc is a window-stacking compositor for Wayland, inspired by the classic X11 window manager, Openbox.

    I’ll be installing Arch in a virtual machine, so a few details differ from a bare-metal installation. For example, I won’t install processor microcode in the guest. On a physical system, you’d generally install the package appropriate for your CPU vendor.

    The walkthrough is divided into sections; timestamps are in the description:

    1. Prepare
    2. Live Environment
    3. Drive Partitioning
    4. File System
    5. Base System
    6. fstab
    7. Change Root
    8. Boot Loader
    9. Login
    (more…)

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  • Linux: How to Make the Switch

    Introduction

    Browsing Linux distributions (or distros) before deciding what you actually need can quickly become overwhelming. There are many options, and some distribution lists include operating systems that aren’t based on Linux at all. For most people, the challenge isn’t finding Linux distro, They find to many. It’s finding and choosing one that actually fits.

    The better approach is to start with your own needs. It takes a little time and planning, but it is a much better way than jumping on line and asking “Which Distro?” Analyze your self, your needs, and your usage habits, then select a distro with confidence.

    Linux isn’t Windows or macOS, and it won’t behave exactly like either one. Whatever your experience with those systems, expect there to be differences. If you’re open to learning a different way of doing things, Linux may be a good fit. If not, it is probably better to stay where you are at.

    Here’s a practical way to approach the switch:

    1. Understand Current and Future Needs
    2. Consider Technical Experience
    3. Applications Requirements
    4. Try a few desktops (not distros)
    5. Needs Based Distro Short List
    6. Explore Documentation, Communities
    7. Test Distros Live, VM, or Dual-Boot.
    8. Back up your important files.
    9. Switch When You Are Ready.

    So, let’s get to it.

    (more…)

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  • Email and Public Key Cryptography

    Introduction

    Over the next few months, I will be exploring computer cryptography: certificates, chains of trust, certificate authorities, encryption, digital signatures, and the like.

    These subjects can seem intimidating, but they are part of the technology we rely on every day. In this article, I want to focus on the basics of public-key cryptography, specifically how key pairs can be used with email. In a future articles, I’ll look at other applications, including HTTPS in your web browser.

    Public-key cryptography forms the basis of any number of security systems people encounter every day, making it a useful place to begin. The subject is often presented using dense terminology, jargon, and complicated mathematics. My goal is to keep these things short, clear, and approachable, while adding detail where it matters.

    This series will focus on the practical use of public-key cryptography in networking, beginning with the role of PGP or OpenPGP key pairs in email.

    (more…)

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  • Manjaro and BTRFS

    Introduction

    Today, I want to examine the btrfs filesystem on Manjaro Linux. Interestingly, it appears as the default option in the installer for Manjaro 26.1 (Bian-May). I will explore how btrfs is setup in this version.

    For those unfamiliar with Btrfs, it is a modern Linux filesystem that supports features such as subvolumes, snapshots, checksums, compression, RAID, and multi-device configurations. In this article, I’ll cover three main topics:

    • A high-level overview of Btrfs
    • Btrfs specifically on Manjaro
    • How to add disks to expand an existing Btrfs filesystem

    Although Btrfs supports RAID and snapshots, neither feature is a replacement for regular backups. If you already make backups, keep doing so. If you don’t, now is a good time to start.

    (more…)

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  • Mini PC (IV) Media Server Build

    Introduction

    Following the file-server setup described in the previous article, I’m now moving on to setting up a media server. The initial clone preparation is almost identical to the previous file-server setup, so I’ll be going through that portion quickly. As a recap, the file server provides SMB (Server Message Block) shares that can be mounted and used much like local storage.

    Since I have a lifetime Plex Pass subscription, Plex is a convenient choice for streaming my media remotely. For playback at home, however, I prefer Kodi. This is because my media library is stored locally on the file server, and Kodi can access SMB shares directly. Kodi also provides a more customizable interface with fewer distractions (no ads).

    Kodi, however, does not provide built-in remote streaming functionality. Although alternative methods like Tailscale or a Cloudflare Tunnel can be used to allow remote access. Plex already supports remote access, making it the simpler choice for streaming outside the home.

    This will be a two-part setup:

    • Install Plex Media Server for remote streaming.
    • Install Kodi for local streaming
    (more…)

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