updates are quite slow as found some new hardware to migrate the existing server onto, but work has been quite busy so finding the time to set aside an evening or two to migrate all the config over and rebuild is a challenge.
OpenSSL Hell
So FreeBSD decided to deprecate OpenSSL 1.1 and amend the base version in ports to OpenSSL 3.0 Its quite a major jump and although MySQL Server 8 is supposed to support various rebuilds from ports kept throwing up unsupported SSL versions when trying to update the various ports that rely on OpenSSL to get a fully working system.
Suffice to say after rolling back to 1.11 I have managed to get everything functioning again, but when it comes to FreeBSD 14 its probably time to do a fresh install with v3.0 as the default and install everything afresh than try and upgrade in place on what is an essential component for a networked device.
October
where did October go? Installing Apple updates across phone, iPad, Watch, TV and laptop probably accounts for half of it!
Python27, LLVM and CLI for OneDrive
One of the most useful features I use the Freebsd box for is to cache a copy of my MS OneDrive that is only periodically synced, so that is MS has a problem I have a full offline copy or if I manage delete a file from the cloud that I really didn’t want to do and hopefully I still have a copy in the unsynced cache.
All was fine until the OneDrive port for FreeBSD insisted on reinstalling the long deprecated Python27 libraries. No matter how much cleaning and checking dependencies prevented Python27 being rebuilt from ports each time.
I managed to spend some time today looking at each of the OneDrive dependencies and found that LLVM70 and LLVM10 are both listed. Oddly LLVM10 supersedes LLVM70 and calls in the more modern Python37. So by building LLVM10 first so the dependency is met, when I rebuild OneDrive I no longer get the obsolete version installed.
The Metaport of LLVM is not clear which version is built, I already have LLVM90 installed but does not seem to satisfy the OneDrive dependencies. Not sure if this is OneDrive maintenance issue, or a LLVM issue. but thankfully now resolved and the box can get back to doing what it should. –
Update – LLVM was not the issue, but LDC which calls in LLVM. When the next port update to OneDrive came out, LDC rebuilt LLVM70. So now looking at LDC as the culprit.
The OneDrive CLI client is not unique to BSD and the default GitHub page for Linux version can be found here.
Slow time
Have been working on other projects so not much time to update the server or other things lately. But have been looking at Fing as another option for network security.
Patching
Probably a record but 3 laptops, 1 desktop, 1 iPhone and 1 iPad all updated to either Windows 10 1909 build or iOS 13.2 today to catch up on all the recent updates and make sure the kids devices are all running fully supported OS’s.
Hopefully all the complaints about sluggish laptops will now be resolved as Windows is now longer trying to download in the background whilst they are playing or working on the same device.
Nothing much?
neglected to mention the upgrade to 11.2 and then the patches. I had planned to add DKIM and DMARC protection to one of my other domains, but having took my laptop realised I had not packed the charger, so decided against making changes I might not be able to complete. A job for another weekend.
TOGAF – Enterprise Architect
After being dropped in at the deep end with work and sent on a TOGAF course on my first week as an Applications Architect, it didn’t really all make sense then, but having recently revisit the training and covering various different domains over the years I finally feel my TOGAF badge is warranted.
Broadband Speeds – Wifi impact
Was lamenting the appalling download speeds this morning and then remembered I was on the 2Ghz circuit and not the 5Ghz one. Toggling over to the 5Ghz resulted in a much improved service. Seems the Ps4 was updating and maxing out the 2G Wifi.
Just goes to show its not always your ISP to blame.
Alexa Calling and DropIn
Amazon have launched the mobile calling integration and home intercom functions in the UK today with the latest version of the App.
As the echos and dots are shared around the house, I will need to work on creating profiles for the girls so they don’t receive my phone call on their bedroom dots, and likewise, once they are set up I am not bombarded with their calls and messages. As I am on cable, and don’t need a phone line, this almost certainly sounds the death knell for the land line.
However the most useful feature I am sure is the slightly spooky in a privacy sense, Drop In mode. You can “Drop In on The Study” and create an almost instant connection with that room, and bellow at the kids that their tea is ready, or come and lay the table…. but they will need to make sure they know how to “hang up” a drop in connection if they don’t want Dad listening to them babble away any more than he needs to.