I automated my desktop environment configuration using Docker containers. I'm able to go from a headless tty to perfectly tailored desktop environment in ~2.5 seconds. First time start requires a ~40 min build, byut thereafter ~2.5s to start afresh. https://github.com/sabrehagen/desktop-environment
I did the same think for my production application environment. One command to go from no infrastructure to production grade cloud application deployment. https://github.com/cloud-computer/cloud-computer
I have done this[0] to varying extents for different distros, though I've been distrohopping a lot lately and the scripts haven't quite caught up. I have a similar set of scripts used to provision workstations and servers in my lab.
I find that having a fully automated setup makes tech problems much less stressful. If something breaks, I can just re-install the system from scratch and be up and running again in an hour or two. It also makes changing hard drives or setting up a new machines very straightforward.
Aaah, that’s the dream! The best part of Linux workstation is setting it up perfectly, in a way that completely blows away everything else on your personal workflows. And the worst part is doing it again.
I use mostly macOS now but I’ve been thinking about using my desktop for work now that WFH and all that, so I need to embark on the Linux journey and this looks like a great starting point.
That's pretty interesting! I'm also using a CI-built Docker image add my development environment. But this one is less ambitious than yours by being CLI-only
I find that having a fully automated setup makes tech problems much less stressful. If something breaks, I can just re-install the system from scratch and be up and running again in an hour or two. It also makes changing hard drives or setting up a new machines very straightforward.
0 - https://git.sr.ht/~charles/provisioning