Note to self - SSH keys

Whenever I need to setup a new ssh client device (laptop / chromebook / PC) or target (like a raspberry, ...) I need to google around how to do my SSH key setup. For Putty, that's easy, for ssh on the chromebook the google restults are less useful (YMMV).

So here's my reminder / note for next time on a chromebook:

On the new Chromebook, (create the linux environment and) open the Linux terminal.

Generate a new SSH key pair by running the command ssh-keygen.

Copy the public key to the server by running the command: ssh-copy-id user@hostname.

Enter the password for the user on the remote server when prompted. 

Then go to the terminal app and select the ssh configuration for that hostname.

Click on import and (re-) import the id_rsa file (you might need to make sure you see hidden files first via the ⋮ menu in the upper right corner)

New Chromebook

Today, I upgraded my three-year-old Acer Chromebook 514 with a new model. The original served me incredibly well, but i got annoyed with serious performance issues, like login taking ages - just to enter the PIN. That with some other symptoms to me looked like not enough memory (4GB). One other thing that I regretted immediately after buying it about 3 years ago was the lack of a keyboard light.


So I got myself a newer model with 8GB and a backlit keyboard.

Installation was smooth and easy - switch it on, scan the QR code with your Android phone and it will setup everything from there. It couldn’t be more easy.

Especially when compared to setting up a brand new Windows 11 (which I did a week before for my mother) - but that’s another story which I will probably NOT write ;)

All apps (incl Android apps) are being re-installed on the new Chromebook as well. Chrome settings are synched as usual. Really nice.

Login, opening apps - even android apps - is lightning fast as expected.

Only need to clone/re-create my ssh keys - but more on that later.

So, trying it out now with writing a blog post from the couch….

On the em-dash

I guess — I’m pretty convinced actually —  that these days more 20somethings know about the em-dash than any other generation. Not because they are actively using them, but because AI uses it for them, and then have been called out on it.

Probably calls for a paper with a fancy title like “Generational Aspects of the em-dash” or “Typography – A Generational Approach”

Btw: I've been using the em-dash for years, but mainly in presentations and when it makes typographically or optically.