This article is cross-posting from grow-your-ideas. This is just an idea. salsa.debian.org

The problem According to Developer Machines [1], current buildd machines are like this:

• armel: 4 buildd (4 for arm64/armhf/armel)
• armhf: 7 buildd (4 for arm64/armhf/armel and 3 for armhf only)

[1] https://db.debian.org/machines.cgi In contrast to other buildd architectures, these instances are quite a few and it seems that it causes a shortage of buildd resourses. (e.g. during mass transition, give-back turn around time becomes longer and longer.)

Actual situation As you know, during 64bit time_t transition, many packages should be built, but it seems that +b1 or +bN build becomes slower. (I've hit BD-Uninstalled some times because of missing dependency rebuild) ref. https://qa.debian.org/dose/debcheck/unstable_main/index.html

Expected situation Allocate more buildd resources for armel and armhf. It is just an idea, but how about assigning some buildd as armel/armhf buildd?

• arm-arm-01.debian.org
• arm-arm-03.debian.org
• arm-arm-04.debian.org

Above buildd is used only for arm64 buildd currently. Maybe there is some technical reason not suitable for armel/armhf buildd, but I don't know yet.

2024/03/24 UPDATE: arm-arm01,arm-arm03,arm-arm-04 has already assigned to armel/armhf buildd, so it is an invalid proposal. See https://buildd.debian.org/status/architecture.php?a=armhf&suite=sid&buildd=buildd_arm64-arm-arm-01, https://buildd.debian.org/status/architecture.php?a=armhf&suite=sid&buildd=buildd_arm64-arm-arm-03, https://buildd.debian.org/status/architecture.php?a=armhf&suite=sid&buildd=buildd_arm64-arm-arm-04

Additional information

• arm64: 10 buildd (4 for arm64/armhf/armel, 6 for arm64 only)
• amd64: 7 buildd (5 for amd64/i386 buildd)
• riscv64: 9 buildd

For setting up subdomain on debian.net, we usually use LDAP Gateway. [1] db.debian.org [1] https://db.debian.org/doc-mail.html With changing dnsZoneEntry, we can set up each subdomain of debian.net. For example, you can customize SPF TXT record for example.debian.net.

example IN TXT v=spf1 a:example.debian.net ~all

But when you setup DMARC policy for dnsZoneEntry, it may cause the trouble. LDAP Gateway returns the following error:

Command is not understood. Halted - no changes committed

This is caused by unsupported v=DMARC1 record by changes@db.debian.org. Even though LDAP Gateway doesn't support v=DMARC1 record, there is a workaround for it. (e.g example.debian.net)

• Step 1. If you own your domain, set v=DMARC1 record on your domain. (e.g. _dmarc.example.example.org)

TXT record of _dmarc.example.example.org is something like this:

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; fo=s; aspf=s; rua=dmarc-reports@example.debian.net; ruf=dmarc-reports@example.debian.net

• Step 2: Set dnsZoneEntry on debian.net

dmarc.example IN CNAME dmarc.example.example.org.

It means that _dmarc.example.debian.net is provided by _dmarc.example.example.org 's txt record. Now you can ready to verify it.

fabre.debian.net - an experiment service that tries to improve user experience with finding Debian related bugs was now upgraded to Debian 12 (bookworm) Not only migrating to Debian 12, but the backend E-mail subscription and importing bug report mechanism is also a bit modified. This was some portion of the side effect of recent Gandi.net announcements. FAQ - New Mailbox service and management of your current mailboxes - Gandi News fabre.debian.net rely on the old Mailbox service of Gandi.net and that service will be discontinued, so it was replaced by the other service now. Thank you for all this, Gandi.net which provided a very stable mailbox service.

Recently, I'm coming to feel the burden on my shoulder, it makes me so annoyed. As of that, I've considered replacing the hardware (keyboard). I've searched for a new gear candidate to resolve the above issue with the following conditions:

• MUST: Needs trackpoint (because I'm using ThinkPad Keyboard with TrackPoint so long, I'm afraid to work without it)
• MUST: Separate keyboard (split keyboard) to be ergonomic to reduce the burden on my shoulder.
• SHOULD: Upstream publishes products in a form of source code (I prefer more "free" products)

As a result, Ultimate Hacking Keyboard [1] seems that it is the best solution for me because UHK implements trackpoint, split keyboard feature, and upstream publishes firmware as MIT-like license. [2] It seems the best solution but it costs me more budget unexpectedly (weaker YEN contrast to USD makes it a worse situation). so I've asked about reimbursement [3] for Debian project. Fortunately, reimbursement request is approved and processed by SPI [4], even though there is a troublesome with the paperwork (it's my fault) [5], I could get a new gear - Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. (Note that reimbursement does not cover all of costs - import tax fee, and so on, but it helps a lot) As I mentioned above, I used ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint so long, I'm noticed that I was used to be optimized to that keyboard. Here is the first impression:

• Even though the silent red switch, it may be a bit noisy, but it is acceptable.
• TrackPoint module may not be so useful as I expected, it may be better to use mod layer or mini trackball with key cluster module. This is because it is not an appropriate position for me that trackpoint module must be attached to left on N, Space key. (left to H key is better position for me)
• Remapping configuration tool is awesome. but need to try to find my "best" assignment furthermore.
• It is hard to replace keycaps because of a special keycap width (bit shorter keycap design exists)
• It takes about a few weeks to get used to new gear.
• The curled code is a bit shorter than I expected, so it should be replaced with a longer one.

Anyway, UHK is an awesome product and it is worth to recommend you.

• [1] https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/
• [2] https://github.com/UltimateHackingKeyboard/firmware
• [3] https://wiki.debian.org/Teams/DPL/Reimbursement
• [4] https://www.spi-inc.org/treasurer/
• [5] https://www.spi-inc.org/treasurer/reimbursement-form/

As you know, Debian projects and sponsor provides so-called "porterbox", but it does not cover all architectures. There are some alternatives to fix architecture-specific bugs. For the record, let's pick it up them. [1][2][3]

	porterbox	deb-o-matic	qemu
amd64	adayevskaya.d.o	debomatic-amd64.d.n	DQIB ready
arm64	amdahl.d.o	debomatic-arm64.d.n	DQIB ready
armel	amdahl.d.o abel.d.o	debomatic-armel.d.n	NG
armhf	amdahl.d.o abel.d.o harris.d.o	debomatic-armhf.d.n	DQIB ready
i386	exodar.d.n	debomatic-i386.d.n	DQIB ready
mips64el	eller.d.o	debomatic-mips64el.d.n	DQIB ready
mipsel	eller.d.o	debomatic-mipsel.d.n	DQIB ready
ppc64el	platti.d.o	debomatic-ppc64el.d.n	DQIB ready
s390x	zelenka.d.o	debomatic-s390x.d.n	DQIB ready
alpha	N/A	N/A	NG
arc	N/A	N/A	N/A
hppa	panama.d.n	N/A	N/A
ia64	yttrium.d.n	N/A	N/A
kfreebsd-amd64	lemon.d.n	N/A	N/A
kfreebsd-i386	lemon.d.n	N/A	N/A
m68k	mitchy.d.n	N/A	NG
powerpc	perotto.d.n	debomatic-powerpc.d.n	DQIB ready
ppc64	perotto.d.n	N/A	DQIB ready
riscv64	debian-riscv64-porterbox-01.d.n	N/A	DQIB ready
sh4	N/A	N/A	NG
sparc64	kyoto.d.n	N/A	N/A
x32	N/A	N/A	N/A

Thus, no alternatives for alpha, arc, sh4 and x32.

• UPDATES(1/26) The above case is not only the way to do so. There are more alternatives to be taken into account. See https://wiki.debian.org/Hardware/Wanted#Available_hardware about details. Thanks, feedback from @pabs
• [1] https://db.debian.org/machines.cgi
• [2] https://wiki.debian.org/DebianNetDomains
• [3] https://people.debian.org/~gio/dqib/

Recently bibata cursor theme is available on Debian (unstable) github.com You can install via sudo apt install -y bibata-cursor-theme. After you installed its theme, you can configure the cursor theme via desktop configuration. (budgie desktop screenshot)

Set bibata-cursor-theme

In bibata-cursor-theme, you can choose the following cursor themes:

• Bibata Original Amber: Yellowish and sharp edge bibata cursors.
• Bibata Modern Amber: Yellowish and rounded edge bibata cursors.
• Bibata Original Classic: Black and sharp edge bibata cursors.
• Bibata Modern Classic: Black and rounded edge bibata cursors.
• Bibata Original Ice: White and sharp edge bibata cursors.
• Bibata Modern Ice: White and rounded edge bibata cursors.

When rebuilding mozc with Mozc UT Dictionary, it may be better to build in docker container because you don't want install unused IM development packages. In beforehand, download latest Mozc UT dictionary here. osdn.net In a debian/sid container, you need to do it:

# apt install -y devscripts
# (enable deb-src, modify /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources)
# apt source mozc
# cat mozcdic-ut-20221230/mozcdic-ut-20221230.txt >> mozc-2.28.4715.102+dfsg/src/data/dictionary_oss/dictionary00.txt 
# cd mozc-2.28.4715.102+dfsg/
# (edit debian/changelog such as 2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1 )
# debuild -us -uc -nc

After that, you can install

% sudo apt install ./emacs-mozc_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_amd64.deb ./emacs-mozc-bin_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_amd64.deb ./fcitx-mozc-data_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_all.deb ./fcitx5-mozc_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_amd64.deb ./ibus-mozc_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_amd64.deb ./mozc-data_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_all.deb ./mozc-server_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_amd64.deb ./mozc-utils-gui_2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1_amd64.deb

Then, you can use own build binaries.

% dpkg -l  \grep mozc
ii  emacs-mozc                               2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               amd64        Mozc for Emacs
ii  emacs-mozc-bin                           2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               amd64        Helper module for emacs-mozc
ii  fcitx-mozc-data                          2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               all          Mozc input method - data files for fcitx
ii  fcitx5-mozc:amd64                        2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               amd64        Mozc engine for fcitx5 - Client of the Mozc input method
ii  ibus-mozc                                2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               amd64        Mozc engine for IBus - Client of the Mozc input method
ii  mozc-data                                2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               all          Mozc input method - data files
ii  mozc-server                              2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               amd64        Server of the Mozc input method
ii  mozc-utils-gui                           2.28.4715.102+dfsg-2.2.1               amd64        GUI utilities of the Mozc input method

Recently, I've wrote Debian New Cotributor Guide in Japanese. Here is the photo of on-demand printed version.

Debian New Contributor Guide

This book (JIS-B5 128p) was published for online event - Techbookfest 12th. It covers how to package a new software in Debian. techbookfest.org Mostly PDF format is preferred, and a few printed versions were distributed.

I recently did mentoring a new Debian contributor. This is carried out in a framework with OSS Gate on-boarding. oss-gate.github.io In "OSS Gate on-boarding", recruit a new contributor who want to work on continuously. Then, corporation sponsor its employee as a mentor. Thus, employees can do it as a one of their job. During Aug - Oct period, I worked with a new debian contributor every 2h in a week. This experience is lots of fun, and learned a new things for me. The most important point is: a new Debian contributor aimed to do their work continuously even though mentoring period has finished. So, some of the work has been finished, but not for all. I tried to transfer knowledge for it. I'm looking forward that he makes things forward in consultation with other person's help. Here is the report about my activity as a mentor. First OSS Gate onboarding (The article is written by Japanese) The original blog entry is written by Japanese, I don't afford to translate it, so just paste link to google translate for your hints I hope someone can do a similar attempt too! For the record, I worked with a new Debian contributor about:

• ITP: slack-term WIP https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=994283
• ITP: golang-github-lithammer-fuzzysearch (already in Debian) https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=992838
• ITP: golang-github-0xax-notificator (waiting ftp-master's review) https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=993842
• ITP: golang-github-erroneousboat-termui WIP https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=994282
• ITP: golang-github-slack-go-slack WIP https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=993615

Aug 28, 2021, I gave a short talk about "Latest topics about fabre.debian.net" at DebConf21. You can see the presentation slide here: slide.rabbit-shocker.org Short talk explanation is here: debconf21.debconf.org In this talk, I've explained mainly 3 topics

• Domain migration to debian.net subdomain - fabre.debian.net
• Sponsorship for fabre.debian.net
• Useful use cases of fabre.debian.net

I've sent a pre-recorded video in advance, it is ok, but there is trouble with the mic during the session. :-( The recorded video will be available on the talk detail page soon.

Today, fabre.debian.net has moved to Debian.net Team Infrastructure So far, fabre.debian.net was sponsored by FOSSHOST which provides us a VPS instance since Jan, 2021. It was located at OSU Open Source Lab. It worked pretty well, Thanks FOSSHOST sponsorship since ever! Now, fabre.debian.net uses the VPS instance which is provided by Debian.net Team Infrastructure. (still non-DSA managed) It is hosted at HETZNER Cloud. About fabre.debian.net fabre.debian.net is a experimental service to demonstrate how to improve user experience with finding and fixing Debian unstable related bugs for making "unstable life" comfortable. Thank Debian.net Team for sponsoring,

There may be some "If it could be ..." ideas for Debian Project. If idea is concreate and worth to make things forward, it should make a proposal for Project Funding. salsa.debian.org But it is a just an idea, or no afford to act as an executor role, that idea will not be achieved. I thought that It needs an incubator - complemental project. salsa.debian.org I've salvaged an idea from closed MR Add proposal about "Formalize reimbursement process" (!5) Merge Requests Freexian SARL / Project Funding GitLab I'm not confident whether mechanism works, but Debian needs change.

Today, we are pleased to announce that fabre.debian.net is now IPv6 ready. FOSSHOST provides us already a VPS instance which is located at OSU Open Source Lab and then also IPv6 capability to us! About fabre.debian.net fabre.debian.net is a experimental service to demonstrate how to improve user experience with finding and fixing Debian unstable related bugs for making "unstable life" comfortable. Thank FOSSHOST for kindly support.

I gave a short presentation - WAF on Debian. Especially, I talked about usage of ModSecurity-nginx. slide.rabbit-shocker.org

Today, we are pleased to announce that fabre.debian.net has migrated to FOSSHOST FOSSHOST provides us a VPS instance which is located at OSU Open Source Lab. It improves a lack of enough server resources then service availability especially. About fabre.debian.net fabre.debian.net is a experimental service to demonstrate how to improve user experience with finding and fixing Debian unstable related bugs for making "unstable life" comfortable. Thank FOSSHOST for sponsoring,

If you want to set up debian.net subdomain, you may setup E-mail server on your own. But if there is not afford to setup it by yourself, you need external E-mail server. In this article, I'll explain how to use external mailbox service - Sakura Mailbox service. Prerequisite

• Owner of debian.net subdomain (fabre.debian.net)
• Have an account of Sakura mailbox service

www.sakura.ne.jp I've chosen Sakura mailbox service because of maintainance cost (87yen/month) Configure dnsZoneEntry Set dnZoneEntry, it means that gpg --clearsign and send to changes@db.debian.org. Here is an example for fabre.debian.net.

fabre IN A 140.227.125.189
mail.fabre IN A 49.212.207.226
fabre IN MX 10 mail.fabre.debian.net.

140.227.125.189 is Web server (https://fabre.debian.net) and 49.212.207.226 is E-mail server (Sakura mailbox service) for my case. Note that It varies for your case. DebianDotNet - Debian Wiki Configure Sakura mailbox service Set fabre.debian.net subdomain without transfer in Domain/SSL menu. Then create each account for @fabre.debian.net. After a while, you can use xxx@fabre.debian.net E-mail account. Yay!

Today, hal-flash package was removed from Debian unstable. hal-flash is wrapper library for HAL which is not used nowadays. At that time, HAL was required because Adobe Primetime DRM uses libadobecp, but HAL was already replaced to udev or udisks. So we need emulation layer for HAL. hal-flash was it for such a purpose. (At least, hal-flash is required to play hulu.jp movies which uses Adobe DRM) hal-flash package was already orphaned years ago, and removed from unstable now. O: hal-flash -- Compatibility library to allow playback of Flash DRM content Thanks hal-flash package!

I've make a presentation about "How to hack debexpo (mentors.debian.net)" at Tokyo Debian (local Debian meeting) 21, November 2020. Here is the agenda about presentation.

• What is mentors.debian.net
• How to setup debexpo development environment
• One example to hack debexpo (Showing "In Debian" flag)

The presentation slide is published at Rabbit Slide Show (Written in Japanese)

• How to hack debexpo (mentors.debian.net), 2020

I hope that more people will be involved to hack debexpo!

The following contributors got their Debian Developer accounts in the last two months:

• Benda XU (orv)
• Joseph Nahmias (jello)
• Marcos Fouces (marcos)
• Hayashi Kentaro (kenhys)
• James Valleroy (jvalleroy)
• Helge Deller (deller)

The following contributors were added as Debian Maintainers in the last two months:

• Ricardo Ribalda Delgado
• Pierre Gruet
• Henry-Nicolas Tourneur
• Alo s Micard
• J r me Lebleu
• Nis Martensen
• Stephan Lachnit
• Felix Salfelder
• Aleksey Kravchenko
• tienne Mollier

Congratulations!

I've sent a merge request to show "Already in Debian" column in packages list on mentors.debian.net. salsa.debian.org At first, I've used Emoji, but for consistency, it has been modified to use "Yes or No". This feature is not fully merged yet, but it may be useful to distinguish "This package is already in Debian or not" for sponsor.

Aready in Debian