Linux barebones quickstart

Install the distro

Set up Ubuntu or Centos or some small embedded whateverism...

Set up IP and hostname

Note that a fresh install of ubuntu will set the hostname. But if you've cloned a VM, for example, you'll need to change hostname:

sudo emacs /etc/hostname && sudo hostname newname  # use hostname cmd to set it right away
# NOTE that systemd can also be used: sudo hostnamectl set-hostname newname
# /etc/hosts changes should not be needed, if hostnames are properly configured (dnsmasq DNS -or- work DNS will provide resolution)

On home lan, dnsmasq doles out the ips based on MAC:

Add a new line to /etc/dnsmasq.conf with your MAC and an available IP.
Add your hostname and IP to hosts file.

Or, if this is a VM clone, CHANGE YOUR IP NOW before you tear your hair out.

Install basic tools

sudo apt install git curl emacs-nox # ubuntu server
sudo apt install git curl emacs     # ubuntu desktop
sudo yum install git curl emacs-nox # centos

Copy ssh keys

mkdir -p .ssh/20##
bitpost# scp -r .ssh/20##/id_rsa* newguy:.ssh/20##/
cd .ssh && ln -s 20##/id_rsa .

Set up scripts

cd && mkdir development && cd development
git clone bitpost.com:development/scripts.git 
./scripts/setup_linux.sh [desktop|nodesk] # to continue bootstrapping

That's it, get on with your life.