└── README.md


/README.md:
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  1 | # Prepping an Ubuntu Machine to Run an Art Installation 24/7
  2 | 
  3 | The following document was tested on an Ubuntu 16.04 LTS install. Your mileage on other distros and versions may vary. This document is inspired by Blair Neal's (@laserpilot) [*Installation up 4evr*](https://github.com/laserpilot/Installation_Up_4evr) guide.
  4 | 
  5 | 1. Create autolaunch/relaunch scripts
  6 | 2. Make these scripts run at startup with Startup Applications
  7 | 3. Install root cronjob to reboot the machine daily
  8 | 4. Set the time to the correct timezone for installation location
  9 | 5. Configure autologin in user settings
 10 | 6. Disable screen lock and snooze
 11 | 7. Disable automatic software updates
 12 | 8. Disable notifications with NoNotifications
 13 | 9. Install TeamViewer for remote monitoring and access
 14 | 10. Protect your personal privacy
 15 | 
 16 | ## 1. Autolaunch/relaunch scripts
 17 | 
 18 | Its helpful to have scripts that manage the launching and upkeep of all installation related applications and services. For an example of such a `start_installation.sh` BASH script, see [here](https://gist.github.com/brannondorsey/b2f698283880061e4c935180c87aebd7).
 19 | 
 20 | **Note:** you can kill that process with Ctrl-c or, if it was launched as a daemon, `kill $(pgrep -f bash start_installation.sh)`.
 21 | 
 22 | ## 2. Run on boot with Startup Applications
 23 | 
 24 | Click the spotlight and search "Startup Applications". Create an `on_startup.sh` script like the one below and add it as a startup item:
 25 | 
 26 | ```bash
 27 | #!/bin/bash
 28 | 
 29 | # Apps sun from Startup Applications may not always have its PATH
 30 | # set as you would expect. If you need access to certain commands,
 31 | # add their paths manually like so.
 32 | export PATH=$PATH:/home/art/.nvm/versions/node/v6.11.2/bin
 33 | 
 34 | cd /path/to/start/installation/parent/folder
 35 | bash start_installation.sh # > /home/$USER/Desktop/startup.log 2>&1 # optionally log to Desktop
 36 | ```
 37 | 
 38 | ## 3. Install root cronjob to reboot daily
 39 | 
 40 | Open a root crontab with:
 41 | 
 42 | ```bash
 43 | sudo crontab -e
 44 | ```
 45 | 
 46 | This crontab reboots the machine daily at 3AM. To generate your own crontab, you can use http://crontab.guru.
 47 | 
 48 | ```
 49 | # reboot at 3 AM each day
 50 | 0 3 * * * /sbin/shutdown -r now
 51 | ```
 52 | 
 53 | Save the crontab and exit.
 54 | 
 55 | ## 4. Set the correct time
 56 | 
 57 | System Settings > Time & Date
 58 | 
 59 | ## 5. Configure autologin in user settings
 60 | 
 61 | System Settings > User Accounts > YOUR_USER. Click the unlock icon on the top right and enter your password.
 62 | 
 63 | - Automatic Login: On
 64 | 
 65 | ## 6. Disable screen lock and snooze
 66 | 
 67 | System Settings > Brightness & Lock
 68 | 
 69 | - Turn screen off when inactive for: Never
 70 | - Lock: Off
 71 | - Require my password when waking from suspend: Uncheck
 72 | 
 73 | System Settings > Power
 74 | 
 75 | -  Suspend when inactive for: Don't suspend
 76 | 
 77 | System Settings > Security & Privacy > Security
 78 | 
 79 | Require my password when:
 80 | 
 81 | - Waking from suspend: Uncheck
 82 | - Returning from blank screen: Uncheck
 83 | 
 84 | ## 7. Disable automatic software updates
 85 | 
 86 | System Settings > Software & Updates > Updates
 87 | 
 88 | - Automatically check for updates: Never
 89 | - When there are other updates: Display every two weeks
 90 | - Notify me of a new Ubuntu version: Never
 91 | 
 92 | ## 8. Disable notifications with NoNotifications
 93 | 
 94 | ```
 95 | sudo add-apt-repository ppa:vlijm/nonotifs
 96 | sudo apt-get update
 97 | sudo apt-get install nonotifs
 98 | ```
 99 | 
100 | Open NoNotifications using the spotlight search bar. You should see a small green icon appear on the top right menu bar. Click the icon and select "Don't disturb". Next select preferences and check "Run on startup".
101 | 
102 | ## 9. Install TeamViewer for remote monitoring and access
103 | 
104 | Download and install TeamViewer for Ubuntu/Debian Linux. Add the machine to your contacts list but **do not** stay signed in (otherwise anyone with access to the machine can login to all of your computers). Enable "Easy Access" for your contact.
105 | 
106 | ## 10. Protect your personal privacy
107 | 
108 | ### Browser Login Sessions and History
109 | 
110 | The exact method for doing this depends on the browser, but usually there is a history tab in the nav bar. Be sure to delete all history from the beginning of time, including:
111 | 
112 | - Browsing and download history
113 | - Forms and search history
114 | - Cookies
115 | - Cache
116 | - Active Logins
117 | 
118 | ### Ubuntu App Usage
119 | 
120 | System Settings > Security & Privacy > Files & Applications
121 | 
122 | - Record file and application usage: Off
123 | 
124 | On this screen: Clear Usage Data > From all time > OK
125 | 
126 | Optionally you may also disable sending Canonical telemtry data with:
127 | 
128 | System Settings > Security & Privacy > Diagnostics
129 | 
130 | - Send error reports to Canonical: Uncheck
131 | - Send Occasional system information to Canonical
132 | 


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