Linux Users, Got Three Cents? We’ve Got Something for You

Bacon and Eggs. French fries and ketchup. Peas and carrots. Joyent and Linux.

These are just some of the pairs that jump to mind when you ask us to think of “great partnerships.” If it’s not immediately obvious to you why Joyent and Linux is like Mac and Cheese, allow us to enlighten you.

We’ve just updated Ubuntu 12.04 and Debian 6.0.6 to make Joyent an even sweeter ride for Linux users. Highlights of Joyent’s version 2.3.1 include Joyent GPG signed Debian and Ubuntu repos that offer secure Joyent updates and being able to set hostnames via CloudAPI using Mdata.

More good news: It costs just 3 cents for an hour’s ride on a 512MB system, so if you’re ready to test out these new capabilities, go ahead and provision a new Joyent 2.3.1 dataset for Debian or Ubuntu now... or right after you read a little about what we’ve done for you in the 2.3.1 version.

Here goes! We have:

  • Added some performance and security enhancements:

    • Updated kernel to Joyent Optimized Kernel 3.7.1
    • API shutdown and reboot calls received by systems are logged to /var/messages
    • Joyent Linux repos are now GPG key signed
  • Made it easier for you to use Joyent additions by:

    • Consolidating code in /lib/smartdc
    • Creating a common function and variable file called /lib/smartdc/lib_smartdc_scripts.cfg
    • Added /lib/smartdc/set-hostname script that is called by the dhcp client via /sbin/dhclient-script. Hostname is set in 3 ways in this order:
      1. /etc/hostname is used if exists and is not empty
      2. Mdata value 'hostname' is used if set
      3. Hostname sent from DHCP server is used
  • Done some fine-tuning and polishing:

    • Cleaned up /etc/rc.local and call all Joyent scripts via one line to /lib/smartdc/joyent_rc.local
    • Updated Joyent Linux repositories to use /etc/apt/sources.list.d/joyent-linux-repo.sources.list
    • Added new NTP test as part of the dynamic MOTD

As always, plentiful resources for you learn more and get help when you need it:

  • MNX Triton support page includes announcements updates, community support status updates
  • Triton’s Documentation Center wiki is your comprehensive how-to manual for getting started on the Triton Public cloud and Smart Data Center
  • Anytime you need it, you can reach out for roadside support. Just email us at support@joyent.com

So there you have it. You may now deposit 3 cents and start your test drive.*

* Joyent recommends that you always use a seat belt when operating a SmartMachine, drink responsibly when administering a system and we accept responsibility for our systems being the best in the Cloud.



Post written by Jasun Wurster