Strongswan-swanctl introduces the new configuration format for IPsec on Debian Bookworm. Unfortunately the configuration is more convoluted. Start by installing charon-systemd, which will bring in the required packages: sudo apt install charon-systemd Key component packages: Example road-warrior config shown below, using IKEv2 with a certificate to authenticate the server and a user ID and password … Continue reading IPsec on Debian Bookworm with Swanctl
Remove Search bar in Thunderbird 115
Thunderird update 115, Supernova, adds a bar above the start menu that includes a lot of wasted space and a search box in the middle. Whilst the bar can be customised, unfortunately Mozilla developers have chosen not to add an option to remove it through settings. To remove the bar: unified-toolbar { display: none !important; … Continue reading Remove Search bar in Thunderbird 115
Draytek IPsec VPN errors
The following errors occur on a Draytek IPsec if the VPN name has been modified: ISAKMP Identification Payload has an unknown value … … ISAKMP payload must be zero … … smalformed payload: probable authentication (preshared secret) failure … Matching General Setup key for dynamic ip client … To fix the problem it is necessary … Continue reading Draytek IPsec VPN errors
How to install Debian from Windows without writing a USB or CD-ROM, on UEFI system
This post outlines how to install Debian without requiring writing the ISO image to a USB or burning to DVD drive.
Rename a user in Linux
If you have a single user account it is not possible to rename the user login name whilst logged on. To do so use cron to run the necessary commands. Create a script with the required commands: nano /usr/local/bin/rename_user # First rename the user login: /usr/sbin/usermod –login newlogin oldlogin # Second rename the group account: … Continue reading Rename a user in Linux
Practical IPsec VPN Information
IPsec (common for IKEv1 and IKEv2): IKEv1: AH vs ESP: Perfect Forward Security (PFS): Dead-Peer Detection (DPD): Aggressive vs. Main: IKEv2 enhancements: Xauth: L2TP/IPsec:
Driver for ACPI INT34c6 on Dell server
If you have an unknown device on a Dell server and msinfo32 shows the component problem device ID as ACPI/INT34C6, you need to install the Intel chipset Tatlow Platform LPSS driver, this will install the Intel Serial IO GPIO driver for the device.
Windows 7 or 8 to 10 Free Upgrade
Update – October 2023: Microsoft have withdrawn the free upgrade for Windows 7 to 10. You may still be able to use your reserved upgrade privilage by reinstalling with a Windows 10 DVD and entering your Windows 7 license key during installation. Still running Windows 7? It’s well over time for you to upgrade to … Continue reading Windows 7 or 8 to 10 Free Upgrade
Nextcloud – cancel a remote wipe
Found your laptop after sending the Remote Wipe from Nextcloud?! Don’t want it to delete the Nextcloud files and account? Cancelling a Remote Wipe can’t simply be done through the web interface, other than removing the token to force a new sign in (unclear whether the wipe will still occur). Using your preferred MySQL tool, … Continue reading Nextcloud – cancel a remote wipe
macOS on Windows with QEMU
It is possible to emulate macOS inside Windows with Qemu. There are a number of difficulties with keyboards, mouse and drivers, but below is a command line that has been verified working with Monterey and WHPX accelerator. This is useful for testing features and obtaining screenshots, but will not be a reliable system due to … Continue reading macOS on Windows with QEMU