Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

G2 operating system and special app's (e.g. p2app) discussion only--post Thetis and piHPSDR questions in their own sub-forums
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w-u-2-o
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Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby w-u-2-o » Thu Jul 27, 2023 4:08 pm

I don't have a G2 so I don't really have a dog in this fight. Nevertheless, reading many of the early posts about the G2, it's clear that they are not all being set up for appliance-like reliability and simplicity on delivery. To that end, below is a suggested list of Linux skills that G2 owners, current or potential, would benefit from having as part of their information technology skillset.

Note that it is not my intent to become a teacher of Linux skills. Linux how-to's are very well documented on the internet, especially where the Raspberry Pi flavor of Linux (Raspian) is concerned. YouTube, Google, Bing, and other internet search engines are your friends. This is just a guide to things it would be good to search out, learn and know.

- How to use the standard Raspbian desktop environment, which is LXDE
- An understanding of the Linux directory structure (stuff like /etc, /var, /home, etc.)
- How to bring up a standard Linux terminal (aka command or tty) window
- Basic Linux command line syntax, e.g. how to change directories, get directory listings, move/copy/delete files, see what tasks are running and how to kill them, etc.
- How to use the sudo command to perform admin tasks
- How to install and use basic text editors; it's very common to have to edit configuration files in the OS (nano is my favorite, other common choices are emacs, vim, vi, etc.)
- How to make proper desktop shortcuts
- How to configure app's to start at boot, and how to undo those settings
- How to change the network configurations (IP addresses, etc.) of both the GigE and WiFi interfaces
- For non-front panel units that you wish to remain headless (no monitor/keyboard/mouse), how to enable SSH and then make and use an SSH terminal connection from another PC
- How to update the operating system
- How to roll back the update if it breaks something
- How to install/update app's, and roll them back if necessary
- How to download, make (compile) and install piPHSDR and other openHPSDR unique software

I'm probably missing a few things, but those are the basics.
Trucker
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby Trucker » Thu Jul 27, 2023 6:04 pm

Thanks for posting Scott. I'm sure this will help others like myself who aren't that conversant with the Linux environment. I have a V1 controller that I have tried to become more familiar with the Raspbian desktop. It came as an extra with my 8000DLE. ( previous owner bought it new and never used it) I have used it with my 8000DLE. But, don't care that much for the interface.
I am still on the fence about getting a Saturn.
James
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby KI4P » Fri Jul 28, 2023 10:46 am

I agree that it would be very beneficial, after receiving my G2 (no front)and trying to use it or at least look at it I felt lost as a ball in high weeds. Looking for the pihpsdr icon, not there, looking for the apps to change mic input, didn't see them either, didn't even know how to start from a command line, so a little PI knowledge will go a long way.
Richard
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DL1OF
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby DL1OF » Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:26 pm

For those of you who prefer to see how the Linux terminal works instead of reading all that in wikis or forums I can recommend the videos of Joe Collins which give a first insight to the Linux World.

https://www.youtube.com/@EzeeLinux/search?query=bash
WT4DX
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby WT4DX » Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:41 pm

Is there an actual distro within the G2, or just a desktop environment?

73,
Tem
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Trucker
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby Trucker » Wed Apr 03, 2024 10:35 pm

WT4DX wrote:Is there an actual distro within the G2, or just a desktop environment?

73,
Tem
WT4DX

Yes, it's called Raspbian Linux. It is designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi mini computers.
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby N7KD » Sat Dec 21, 2024 6:55 am

Can I turn off the G2 safely from the Terminal Application in the GUI by using the linux command sudo shutdown or sudo halt in place of using the two step shutdown procedure in the Saturn manual?
Trucker
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby Trucker » Sat Dec 21, 2024 3:58 pm

I am not certain about the commands you are talking about. But, it could save you a lot of potential problems by following the shutdown procedure in the manual. If not followed correctly, you could corrupt the operating system in the radio. That would require reinstalling the OS and all the associated applications needed to operate your radio. . I would suggest that you read through the many threads here for the G2 and you will be able to find a lot of useful information from other owners of the G2 Saturn radios that might help you avoid problems with your radio.
James
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby N7KD » Sat Dec 21, 2024 5:27 pm

The commands I am talking about are linux commands that are used to safely shut down a raspberry pi to prevent corrupting the SD card.
laurencebarker
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby laurencebarker » Sat Dec 21, 2024 5:40 pm

Those commands should be fine. All that's needed is to shut down the operating system.
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby Trucker » Sat Dec 21, 2024 6:05 pm

laurencebarker wrote:Those commands should be fine. All that's needed is to shut down the operating system.

Thank you Laurance for the information. I wasn't certain if using them would be a problem or not. I firmly believe in erring on the side of caution when it comes to dealing with any Linux Command that I am not sure of.
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby N7KD » Sat Dec 21, 2024 6:32 pm

Laurence what is meant by all that is needed is to shutdown the operating system? Are you saying something in addition to that the commands are OK to turn off the G2?
laurencebarker
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby laurencebarker » Sun Dec 22, 2024 6:04 pm

What I meant is: command line command to shut down the operating system are OK. Thereafter power will have to be switched off manually.
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Re: Important Linux Skills for G2 owners

Postby KC2QMA » Sun Dec 29, 2024 12:12 pm

This is how I have been powering off and On the G2:
Not sure is this applies to the latest versions of the G2?

https://youtu.be/EGCxJIl_q_w?si=I4q-uOJK3w9aT5zj

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