Create strong passwords

At a recent #ubuntu-us-az meeting, this url was posted as an easy way to generate a password. I kinda liked option 4 which uses perl, available in most Linux distros. Should you not have it, apt-get install perl will install it.

#!/usr/bin/perl
#
# REF https://www.ostechnix.com/4-easy-ways-to-generate-a-strong-password-in-linux/
# save as pw.pl
#
my @alphanumeric = (‘a’..’z’, ‘A’..’Z’, 0..9);
my $randpassword = join ”, map $alphanumeric[rand @alphanumeric], 0..7;
print “$randpassword\n”

The code is simple, it creates an array with all the upper, lowercase, and numeric characters. You could add special characters into that array if you want. The [rand @array] generates a random number between 0 and the length of the array, the map $array maps the random number to the random-th element of the array, the join function will join those characters together and it will repeat this 8 times, 0..7

Executing perl pw.pl a few times will help the randomless of the generated password.

Tucson Linux Meet-Up

Two of us drove from Sierra Vista to attend the initial meeting of the Tucson Linux Meet-Up. The meeting took place at the Summit Hut, 5251 E. Speedway Blvd, Tucson from 6-7:30pm. There were 11 attendees. After an introduction of all those present to include their backgrounds there was a discussion on the direction(s) that the group should take to meet the members needs and desires. The concept of presentations to the group was well received and several attendees volunteered to give them. The subject of installfests was raised which was also well received provided that after installation there was a method created for follow up should the individual have additional questions or should problems rear their ugly head.
We provided them with POCs for AZLOCO and the CLUG in Sierra Vista as well as information for receiving support for installfests and Linux workshops. Information on the other two Linux groups in Tucson was submitted to them as well should they decide to coordinate their efforts.

Install-Fest Location Change

The location for the 1 October 2016 and the 5 November 2016 Installation Festival/Linux Workshop has changed. Since the University of Advancing Technology is using all of the rooms on the 1st of October and the 5th of November, we will be moving the Install-fest to Gangplank, http://gangplankhq.com/chandler/, 260 S Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225. There is free public parking just across the street next to Circle K. The time will remain the same 10-4. The Install-fest for 15 October 2016 will remain unchanged and will meet at UAT.