Overall Impressions
I have been interested in Free Software for a long time and the Freedom Box project since it’s inception but I have only just started recently running an instance of the project now that it’s mature. I started using FreedomBox on the Pioneer but was underwhelmed with a few things about it that made me switch to an old laptop. I’ve been running FreedomBox on said laptop for about 5 months now and I’m now quite pleased.
In regards to the Pioneer system, I find it to be too finicky to be recommended for popular use. I wouldn’t recommend it to friends or the general public over an old laptop. My opinion of the Pioneer hardware is that it is minimally viable and perhaps for those dedicated to Free Software and Open Hardware.
List of things you liked
- (apps you liked, how they worked)
Email (Postfix/Dovecot): I have always dreamed of running my own email server but learning about Debian system administration as well as dovecot/postfix from scratch wasn’t likely by myself. I don’t know how hard or easy it is to learn but this turn-key solution is invaluable. I think having a private email server is a massive win for free software and privacy advocacy.
I don’t really use any of the other apps yet as I consider myself a novice. I have aspirations to use more Free Software but there is so much to learn. I should also admit that I’m pretty embedded in Apples proprietary systems that I consider to be the least worst hardware/software/platform in regards to privacy but I’m looking to diminish its influence over my computing life. I just need to learn some system administration/programming skills and find a community that is Free Software friendly.
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SSH Documentation:
I have never set up keys for SSH before so the guide in the manual was invaluable and high quality. I really appreciate that. -
(Setup experience)
The setup wizard is slick and functional. What more could be asked for? -
(UI elements you liked)
The system menu is well organised and generally the system is easy to navigate.
List of things you disliked
Regarding the Pioneer system, I found that an SSD was essential and yet there were no instructions immediately available (except on the forum and on bug reports) for migrating the system to said SSD, though I did supply my own. Perhaps when ordered with an SSD from Olimex the software comes preinstalled but I do doubt this. If I recall it was necessary to have some sort of software on the microSD card in order to boot even from an SSD. I think that is unacceptable from a usability stand point. An SSD is all but essential over the minimally viable microSD and Pioneer combination. I ended up using some btrfs commands to “send”/move the filesystem to the SSD or something with the Pioneer but that was so long ago I cannot remember how I did it.
The HDD caddy was also difficult to install and requires disassembling the entire device. Similarly the battery needs to be plugged in before use should you choose to purchase that option. The fact that a screwdriver is needed at all is a disappointment. Though that could deter tampering so perhaps it is a design benefit.
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(apps you like to see in future)
I would like to see a microblogging service of any kind though simpler is better. -
(how to improve existing app)
Regarding email: I found that the alias system is confusing in the documentation. I thought it would set up a new mailbox that you could log into with the user that created the account. I have since found out from the chat (matrix) that it is used in combination with a filter or sieve on a client perhaps? I would ask that the documentation of the feature is clarified and I may even try to make this contribution myself but perhaps I shouldn’t as I pretty ignorant. -
(Setup experience)
The first thing I did was lock myself out of the FreedomBox because the password manager on MacOS didn’t save the password it suggested. Probably an irrelevant issue considering it’s proprietary software and the fact that the password manager has been updated in a later release and that it seems to be more reliable. However this was an issue for the myself running the Pioneer system as I had to reset the system entirely. This required more materials such as a microSD-to-SD card adapter or equivalent microSD card reader to re-flash the FreedomBox Software. A courtesy MicroSD-to-SD card adapter could go a long way or perhaps a recommendation to have something that can flash the microSD card as a likely requirement. -
(UI elements you disliked or missed)
No issues. Perfectly functional.
Feedback on a Problem or for Improvement
Summary
One issue I had was simply capitalising a user credential. This had the consequence of not properly setting up the mailbox on postfix/dovecot. This should be remedied if it isn’t already. I had to waste a lot of time figuring out why my email wasn’t working which is difficult with no prior experience.
Proposed Solution
I think it is already reported.
I also thought there might be a link to the bug tracker on the homepage of the FreedomBox but there isn’t so perhaps that too is a good recommendation as I had to search the forum to find the link.
As for what is next I’d like to setup backups on my FreedomBox but the documentation in the manual looks to be outdated (There is mention of downloading and installing the backup app and an old UI). I rely on the manual to do absolutely anything on FreedomBox so help here is requested. Furthermore how do I go about restoring from backups. In general how do I develop recovery procedures for my server as I’m hesitant to use it as my primary email address until I have some sort of recovery procedure in place. My other question is if I’m using this service as my primary email address I’d like some sort of notification that the server is up or down. Can anyone recommend a solution.
I’d like to make a long term commitment to Free Software and FreedomBox but I know I don’t have the requisite knowledge to contribute so it’s difficult at this stage unless I learn. I do however intend to make regular donations as this project is really important to me.