The permacomputing ideas and practices are shaped by its community. To actively participate in the discussion we facilitate moderated services for individuals and groups: that's the role of the permacomputing infra. We are trying to be as mindful as possible in the choice of software and hardware we use. Why? Because permacomputing does not only concern the devices and appliances we physically interact with, such as a phone or desktop computer, but also the machines and networks that together provide the digital infrastructures for these more common devices and appliances.

Some of these services can be joined by anyone at any time, such as the public XMPP and IRC chatrooms, or the email discussion list (see community page). However for those who want to participate more actively, we also offer access to a web forum, static web hosting and, of course, the permacomputing wiki. To do this we maintain a community server which we call Eik. It's kindly provided by servus.at. Existing members of the community help maintain the server. We maintain sysadmin documentation for this machine.

Growth at the speed of trust

We prioritise diversity, moderation and online safety in the permacomputing community. To this end, we have written a Code of Conduct which we ask everyone to read and agree to before proceeding onwards to participation in our community. All the services we provide are subject to these terms. To be sure, this is a quick fix, eventually we will move to better articulated community guidelines.

Keep in mind all moderation and communication is shared and carried out by community members on a volunteer basis. Thanks for your patience in advance.

Overview of the extra services

Web Forum (for individuals and groups)

We host and maintain a permacomputing forum to promote public discussions around permacomputing.

Wiki (for individuals and groups)

We host and maintain the permacomputing.net wiki together.

Website hosting (for groups)

We offer the possibility to host your own permacomputing static websites on Eik. For example, berlin.permacomputing.net and top.permacomputing.net.

How to join (WIP)

Account Request through framaforms

  • 1) New people fill in this form
  • 2) Swamp work group receives an email and review it (discussion in a dedicated XMPP room)
  • 3) If the application receives support from >= 2 members with no objections, it is accepted
  • 4) Someone from swamp work group will create the account on Rauthy
  • 5) New people receive an email to confirm and activate account

What can you access with this account?

  • Web forum
  • Web hosting (for groups)
  • Wiki (pending... We are still working on the editorial guidelines. Once it's published you will get access.)

TODO

  • ☑ Back up entire system with Restic
  • ☐ Investigate backup console access
  • ☐ Toolshed people have access to OS for sysadmin maintenance
  • ☐ Install Rauthy and PAM modules
  • ☐ Add Rauthy support to Cerca (web forum)
  • ☐ Rauthy SFTP integration for web hosting (containerised)
  • ☐ Adjust signup form to reflect new infra choices
  • ☐ Re-organise swamp group to do moderation
  • ☐ Migrate wiki from borok to eik
    • ☐ Connect wiki to Rauthy
  • ☐ Editorial guideline for wiki
  • ☐ Cerca user migrations (LURK SMTP, group mail testing, etc.)
  • ☐ Cleanup dormant accounts on eik
  • ☐ Migrate web ssh users
  • ☐ Announce to the world