Debian Linux 10.3 released and here is how to upgrade it – nixCraft

The Debian GNU/Linux project has released an updated version of its stable Linux distribution Debian 10 (“buster”). You must upgrade to get corrections for security problem as this version made a few adjustments for the severe issue found in Debian version 10.2. Debian is a Unix-like (Linux distro) operating system and a distribution of Free Software. It is mainly maintained and updated through the work of many users who volunteer their time and effort. The Debian Project was first announced in 1993 by Ian Murdock.

More about Debian Linux 10.3 released

From the release note:

The Debian project pleased to announce the second update of its stable distribution Debian 10 (codename “buster”). This point release mainly adds corrections for security issues, along with a few adjustments for serious problems. Security advisories have already been published separately and are referenced where available.

Please note that the point release does not constitute a new version of Debian 10 but only updates some of the packages included. There is no need to throw away old “buster” media. After installation, packages can be upgraded to the current versions using an up-to-date Debian mirror.

Those who frequently install updates from security.debian.org won’t have to update many packages, and most such updates are included in the point release.

New installation images will be available soon at the regular locations.

How to upgrade Debian 10 from version 10.2 to 10.3

The procedure is as follows. First, note down the current version:
$ lsb_release -a
$ cat /etc/debian_version
$ uname -mrs
Sample outputs:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID:	Debian
Description:	Debian GNU/Linux 10 (buster)
Release:	10
Codename:	buster

And:

10.2

And:

Linux 4.19.0-6-amd64 x86_64

Upgrade the Debian Linux system to 10.2

Type the following apt-get command/apt command to upgrade your system:
$ sudo apt-get update
OR
$ sudo apt update

Get:1 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian buster InRelease [122 kB] Get:2 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian-security buster/updates InRelease [65.4 kB] Get:3 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian buster-updates InRelease [49.3 kB] Get:4 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian buster/main Sources [7,832 kB] Get:5 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian buster/main amd64 Packages [7,907 kB] Get:6 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian buster/main Translation-en [5,970 kB] Get:7 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian-security buster/updates/main Sources [102 kB] Get:8 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian-security buster/updates/main amd64 Packages [176 kB] Get:9 http://mirrors.linode.com/debian-security buster/updates/main Translation-en [92.8 kB] Fetched 22.3 MB in 6s (3,517 kB/s) Reading package lists... Done Building dependency tree Reading state information... Done 28 packages can be upgraded. Run 'apt list --upgradable' to see them. N: Repository 'http://mirrors.linode.com/debian buster InRelease' changed its 'Version' value from '10.2' to '10.3'

Please note the version number changed in last line. Next, apply updates, run:
$ sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
OR
$ sudo apt dist-upgrade

Updating Debian 10.2 system with the help of apt-get/apt command

Finally, reboot the Linux system, type:
$ sudo shutdown -r now

Verification

Verify that upgrade went smoothly with help of cat command/grep command/egrep command:
$ uname -mrs
$ lsb_release -a
$ dmesg | egrep -i 'err|warn|critical'
$ sudo tail -f /var/log/nginx/access_log

Conclusion

The installer has been updated to include the fixes incorporated into stable by the point release. You can download updated ISO for full installation too. This stable update added important package corrections and security enhancements to the system. Happy upgrades!

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition 2020 Ubuntu Laptop Announced

Look like Dell listing to customer feedback. Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition is the ultimate Linux laptop for developers and Linux enthusiasts/power users. The Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition 2020 now supports 10th Gen Intel CPU and 32GB ram. This system comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux 18.04, but you can install any other distro.

One of the most requested features for Dell XPS 13 developer edition was an option for 16GB or more RAM to run VMs or Linux containers workload. Dell listened to our demands, and you can grab device up to 32GB RAM.

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition 2020 Ubuntu Linux Laptop

Specs are as follows:

• CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core 10nm mobile processors
• OS: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (no more MS tax)
• Fingerprint reader support: Yes (driver initially available via OTA update)
• RAM support : Up to 32GB memory
• Wifi: Up to 3x faster wireless with Killer AX1650 built on Intel WiFi 6 Chipset
• SSD/Storage: 2TB PCIe SSD
• Display: Up to 4K Ultra HD+ (3840 x 2400) display

The Dell XPS 13 laptop crafted with machined aluminum, carbon fiber, woven glass fiber, and hardened Corning Gorilla Glass that gives you a durable, lightweight system. The XPS 13 comes with 10th Gen Intel Core mobile processors and long battery life. It is a perfect device for travelers, small business owners like me, and developers that need power and performance on the go.

BIOS updates

Ubuntu 18.04 natively will notify you for XPS 13 BIOS updates. The system will regularly check for BIOS updates automatically. When an update is available, a popup will be displayed to flash the update via fwupd service. So you don’t need Windows 10 at all for this laptop. From the blog announcement:

We are proud to announce the latest and greatest Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition. The system, which is based on 10th Gen Intel® Core™ 10nm mobile processors represents the 10th generation of the XPS 13 Developer Edition (see a list of the previous nine generations below).

This 10th generation system features an updated design and comes with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS preloaded. Two areas of note are that the new XPS 13 will be available with up to 32GB of RAM as well fingerprint-reader support.

Pricing and order information

The updated Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition 2020 will be available in February 2020. Initially, the system would be available in the US, Canada, and Europe. As usual, Dell left out Japan, Australia, China, India, and the rest of Asia. I hope they would release the device in all markets.

Price for Dell XPS 13 starts at USD $1,199.99 for i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, a 256 GB PCI SSD with an FHD display, and Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS preloaded. More information available here and here.

How can Dell make this device even better for developers?

Dell can add an option for another SSD so that you can run Ubuntu from RAID 1 for data safety. However, Dell has a precision laptop series that offers multiple SSD. It is not clear XPS 13 comes with Intel vPro Management Engine (ME) or not, along with open source coreboot BIOS option such as those offered by System 76.

Conclusion

I think it is a perfect system for sysadmin, DevOps, software development, and IT work. In the last post, I talked about need for Hex core CPU and 32 GB ram and they addressed that issue. Of course, with 32GB ram, you can run Linux containers natively, KVM/VirtualBox/VMware VMs, and build apps using Linux. Would you purchase it?

CentOS Linux 8.2 (2004) released and here is how to upgrade it

entOS Linux 8.2 (2004) released. It is a Linux distribution derived from RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) 8.2 source code. CentOS was created when Red Hat stopped providing RHEL free. CentOS 8.2 gives complete control of its open-source software packages and is fully customized for research needs or for running a high-performance website without the need for license fees. Let us see what’s new in CentOS 8.2 (2004) and how to upgrade existing CentOS 8.1.1199 server to 8.2.2004 using the command line.

CentOS Linux 8.2 (2004) released

From the release note:

CentOS project announce the general availability of CentOS Linux 8. Effectively immediately, this is the current release for CentOS Linux 8 and tagged as 2004. Updates released since the upstream release are all posted, across all architectures. We strongly recommend every user apply all updates, including the content released today. This release supersedes all previously released content for CentOS Linux 8, and therefore we highly encourage all users to upgrade their machines. Information on different upgrade strategies and how to handle stale content is included in the Release Notes.

WARNING: Make a Backup. It is important to make a backup of your CentOS server/desktop before you do this. The author is not responsible for broken system without backups.

How to update to CentOS Linux 8.2 (2004)

We are going to note down the CentOS Linux 8 version by typing the following cat command:
# cat /etc/centos-release

CentOS Linux release 8.1.1911 (Core)

Make sure you find and note the Linux kernel version too:
# uname -mrs

Linux 4.18.0-147.8.1.el8_1.x86_64 x86_64

How to upgrade CentOS 8.1 to 8.2

We can update existing CentOS Linux 8 sever by just running any one of the following dnf command or yum command:
# dnf update
OR
# yum update

Finally, reboot the Linux server using the shutdown command:
# shutdown -r now
OR
# reboot

Verification

Verify that upgrade went smoothly with help of [nixmd name=”cat”]/grep command/egrep command as follows:
# uname -mrs
# cat /etc/centos-release
# dmesg | egrep -i 'err|warn|critical'
# tail -f /var/log/nginx/access_log
# tail -f /var/log/nginx/error_log

Conclusion

You learned how to update an existing CentOS Linux version 8.1 to 8.2 (2004) using the command line option. One can also grab updated ISO for full installation too. As always, read through the release notes here. Happy upgrades!

Red Hat: Holding Its Own and Fueling Open Source Innovation

When IBM acquired Red Hat for $34 billion in 2019, it was considered the industry’s largest software acquisition. The synergy between the two companies led them to become one of the leading hybrid multi-cloud providers globally.

In most acquisitions, the acquired entity sometimes loses momentum and sheds some of its original luster. This does not seem to be the case with Red Hat.

Distinct Identity
“I would define it as a separate company and that’s how we run it,” affirms Paul Cormier, President & CEO of Red Hat, who is credited with conceptualizing the company’s open hybrid cloud platform.

“We set our own strategy, we set our own road maps. It’s completely up to us. We have stayed as a self-contained company. Red Hat still has all the pieces to be a separate company: its own Engineering, product lines, back office, HR, Legal, and Finance. It’s very much like VMware is to Dell, or LinkedIn is to Microsoft,” he explains.

Cormier believes it’s important to have separate identities for partner ecosystems to thrive.

“We are talking about integrating Arc with OpenShift. IBM didn’t even know this was happening as we had kept it confidential,” he says.

Microsoft’s Azure Arc is a management tool for hybrid cloud application infrastructures, while OpenShift is a family of containerization software developed by Red Hat.

“We’re big on Intel platforms. We’re also big on IBM Z, IBM I, IBM P. Since we support Intel in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (REL), we know their road maps long before they’re implemented.  However, we have to show Intel that we would not give away their secrets to IBM. This is the most important reason that we must remain separate so that those partner ecosystems remain,” he says.

Linux: The Innovation Engine
Cormier points out that what makes Red Hat very unique is its completely open-source software development model.

“That’s our development model. Open source is not a thing — it’s an action,” he says.

Underlining the importance of Linux, he explains that “Linux went by Unix a long time ago in terms of features, function, and performance. However, Linux was so available that eventually, it became the innovation engine. All the technologies today — on the infrastructure and the development side, on the tools side — they are all built-in and around Linux. OpenShift is still a Linux platform. Its containers are Linux. All the innovation is now around that.”

Cormier is also confident of meeting the demand of customers adopting hybrid cloud.

“For us, it doesn’t matter whether it’s 20% on-premise, 20% in the cloud and 80% on-premise, or 60/40 or 50/50 — it’s still a hybrid world. I can’t predict if the COVID thing is going to push people to the cloud more quickly or more slowly, but we don’t care. It doesn’t matter. For us, it’s the same value proposition,” he avers.

Virtualization meets Kubernetes 
Red Hat is now working on bringing VMs into the Kubernetes architecture.

“As opposed to some of our competitors that are trying to bring containers back to their world, we’re moving in the other direction. We are working on advanced cluster management on Kubernetes. As customers increasingly go hybrid, having OpenShift with containers running in different places will help them easily manage across clusters,” Cormier says.

“We’re also focusing on telco 5G use cases on the OpenShift platform. We’re doing a lot of work with Verizon and the other telcos,” he adds.

openSUSE Leap 15.2 Hits RC Phase With GNOME 3.34 + KDE Plasma 5.18, Sway

OpenSUSE Leap 15.2 has progressed to its release candidate phase ahead of the official release planned for first week of July. Now onto release candidate builds, openSUSE Leap 15.2 is under a package freeze. This next version of openSUSE Leap has GNOME 3.34, KDE Plasma 5.18 LTS, and Xfce 4.14 as its primary desktop offerings.

Read More at Phoronix

How to Create Home Directory for Existing User in Linux

By default when you create a user in Linux, users default home directory is created under /home. If you noticed on Ubuntu and Debian derivated distribution useradd command won’t create a home directory by default.

Let’s think of s situation where you have already created a user but the home directory is missing. In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a default home directory for an existing user in Linux.

Create default home directory for existing user

Here I am using Ubuntu 20.04 and going to create a user named ‘ bob’ using useradd command:

$ sudo useradd bob

Useradd command has added an entry home directory in /etc/passwd file

$ grep bob /etc/passwd
bob:x:1003:1003::/home/bob:/bin/sh
$

If I try to login as the user using su -, it shows that it’s logging in with Home=/. This means the user home directory is not created.

$ su - bob
Password:
No directory, logging in with HOME=/
$

In Linux, a user’s default home directory is /home. To create a default home directory use mkhomedir_helper command.

Make sure to run mkhomedir_helper command as root or user with sudo access.

$ sudo mkhomedir_helper bob

The previous command creates a home directory named «/home/bob» and user settings files.

$ ls -al /home/bob
total 20
drwxr-xr-x 2 bob  bob  4096 Jun  1 02:26 .
drwxr-xr-x 5 root root 4096 Jun  1 02:26 ..
-rw-r--r-- 1 bob  bob   220 Jun  1 02:26 .bash_logout
-rw-r--r-- 1 bob  bob  3771 Jun  1 02:26 .bashrc
-rw-r--r-- 1 bob  bob   807 Jun  1 02:26 .profile

For a graphical environment (such as GNOME or XFCE ), if you are missing subdirectories in the home directory, the user needs to log out and log in back.

When the user login the first time all subdirectories such as Pictures, Documents, Videos, and Downloads folders can be created in the home directory.

Another method is to delete the user and create a new user using -m or --create-home option.

The following command creates a home folder (-m)  and  set the specified home directory (-d) as the value for the new user’s login:

$ sudo useradd -m -d /home/bob01 bob01

Conclusion

To conclude, If you are a Ubuntu fan you should be now using adduser command, it’s recommended by Debian. If you have an existing user, now you should be able to add default directory.

Thanks for reading and please drop your suggestions on the below comment section.

How to Mount Windows Share on Ubuntu Linux

CIFS (Common Internet File System) is a popular file sharing protocol on Internet. It allows users on a Linux system access to a particular mount point on a windows share.

CIFS is an implementation of SMB (Server Message Block) – a protocol used for network file sharing.

This tutorial will go through all steps of installing and configuring relevant utilities in order to mount windows share on Linux system.

Installing CIFS

Install cifs-utils package on Ubuntu Linux by using the following command line

$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install cifs-utils

Mounting a Windows Share

In this section, the tutorial will show you the way to manually and automatically mount windows share on Linux systems.

Creating a directory on your Ubuntu Linux machine, the name of directory is arbitrary. In the below command line, I created a folder named winshare under /mnt

$ sudo mkdir /mnt/winshare

/mnt/winshare is the mount point of the remote windows share.

Windows share can be mounted on your Ubuntu Linux system mount point using cifs option of mount command

$ sudo mount -t cifs -o username=$windows_user,password=$windows_user_password //WIN_SHARE_IP/$shared_name /mnt/winshare

Where:

WIN_SHARE_IP is the IP address of windows machine.

If the $windows_user is in a windows domain, specify the domain as the following command line

$ sudo mount -t cifs -o username=$windows_user,password=$windows_user_password,domain=$windows_domain_name //WIN_SHARE_IP/$shared_name /mnt/winshare

By default, linux mount windows share with the full permission (rwx or 777). If you want to change the permission on your own, please use the dir_mode and file_mode options to set permission for directory and file.

$ sudo mount -t cifs -o username=$windows_user,password=$windows_user_password,dir_mode=0755,file_mode=0755 //WIN_SHARE_IP/$shared_name /mnt/winshare

You also can change the default ownership of user and group by specify the uid (user id) and gid (group id) options.

$ sudo mount -t cifs -o username=$windows_user,password=$windows_user_password,uid=1000,gid=1000,dir_mode=0755,file_mode=0755 //WIN_SHARE_IP/$shared_name /mnt/winshare

Once the windows share is successfully mounted, using command df -h for verifying the mounting windows share in Linux. In the following example, WIN_SHARE_IP = 192.168.1.8 and $shared_name = sharefolder

$ df -h
Filesystem                 Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on
udev                       3,9G     0  3,9G   0% /dev
tmpfs                      787M  2,2M  785M   1% /run
/dev/sda2                  450G   23G  405G   6% /
tmpfs                      3,9G  705M  3,2G  18% /dev/shm
tmpfs                      5,0M  4,0K  5,0M   1% /run/lock
tmpfs                      3,9G     0  3,9G   0% /sys/fs/cgroup
//192.168.1.8/sharefolder  300G  5,7G  295G   2% /mnt/winshare

Secure CIFS credential

This section will explain how to use a credential file when your Ubuntu Linux mount the share using command.

Create a cifs credentials file: /etc/cifs-credentials. The file contains the below information:

username = $windows_user
password = $windows_user_password
domain = $windows_domain_name

Grant permission read and write to credentials file:

$ sudo chmod +rw /etc/cifs-credentials

Now, we can mount the share using credentials with command as follows:

$ sudo mount -t cifs -o credentials=/etc/cifs-credentials //WIN_SHARE_IP/$shared_name /mnt/winshare

Auto mount the shares

If you manually mount the shares using mount command, when you reboot your Linux machine, the shares will be lost.

The file /etc/fstab contains the necessary configuration that allows automatically mount cifs permanently.

Edit the /etc/fstab file with your favorite editors (vim, nano,…)

$ sudo vim /etc/fstab

Then add the following line to the file.

//WIN_SHARE_IP/$shared_name /mnt/winshare cifs credentials=/etc/cifs-credentials,file_mode=0755,dir_node=0755 0 0

Run the command to mount all the entries listed in /etc/fstab

$ sudo mount -a

Since then, the mount cifs will be persistent across reboots.

Unmount the shares

In order to unmount a share, you have to determine the mount point. In the above example, mount point is /mnt/winshare. Use the umount command:

$ sudo umount /mnt/winshare

If the mount point is in a busy process and the above command failed, run command with option -l (–lazy)

$ sudo umount -t cifs -l /mnt/winshare

Conclusion

The tutorial has gone through all steps to mount a windows share on Ubuntu Linux using CIFS. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Top 5 VirtualBox Alternatives For Linux

VirtualBox is one of the most popular virtualization programs out there. It comes packed with a lot of powerful features and is a free open source program under the GNU General Public License. But while VirtualBox is fantastic, it isn’t the only virtual machine option out there. Anyone who’s looking for something different should check out these top 5 VirtualBox alternatives for Linux.

Virtual machine software or virtualization is a popular way for businesses and individual users to run different operating systems on their hardware. Many companies use virtualization to save money by being able to run and test different systems on a single computer. The technology is as useful for those at home. For example, people like to use virtualization to test out new software without corrupting the system.

But you can’t install every virtualization program on every operating system (host system). Some of the options listed here aren’t only for Linux. You can run them on macOS or PCs with Windows systems installed as well. But all the options mentioned below will definitely work on Linux.

1. KVM (Kernel-Based Virtual Machine)

KVM is a platform that uses Linux as the host system and can run other Linux distros, Hackintosh, and Windows. This VM is one of the more popular platforms out there right after VirtualBox and offers a stable and reliable substitute. Not only that, but KVM has been around for a long time and hosts an excellent set of features and customizability.

That said, KVM might not be the best option for those looking to tinker around with a virtual machine for the first time. It has a complexity better suited to those in IT or who have worked with VM platforms before.

2. VMware Workstation (Pro or Player)

Next to KVM, VMware is the most recognizable name in machine virtualization. It comes with a comprehensive set of virtualization solutions tailored to Linux, Windows, and Apple Mac.

VMware Workstation comes in two versions: pro and player. The player version is for personal use and is free, but some features are limited. Although most users won’t even notice it. The pro version is for enterprise users and those who want to run restricted VMs.

3. QEMU

QEMU is free to use and supports Linux, Windows, and macOS as the host system. It can run a long list of virtual operating systems. It isn’t a complicated platform and relies on CLI inputs to spawn and configure VM clients. But it is a powerful VM and doesn’t need administrator privileges.

This VM is also open source and is easy to install and use. But QEMU is a bit lacking when it comes to supporting documentation. It means it’s better suited to those who have some experience with virtual machines.

4. Xen Project

Xen Project is another free and open-source alternative to VirtualBox. That said, it is a reasonably robust and complicated virtual machine monitor (VMM) intended for large-scale or commercial use. The VMM is accessible for use in advanced virtualization, such as with IaaS applications, hyperscale clouds, and virtualized security. Larger industries, such as in aviation, use The Xen Project for complex applications.

5. Red Hat Virtualization

Yes, Linux does support a Red Hat Enterprise distribution. While Virtualization is built on that as well as KVM, it still works on any Linux distribution. Enterprise comes with a basic version of virtualization that supports up to four VMs on one host. Meanwhile, you can add Red Hat Virtualization to bare-metal installations. It also comes with a host of sophisticated management tools. Virtualization can also spawn almost an unlimited number of VMs.

Conclusion

There are many reasons to run a VM on Linux. People like to test out new systems and servers before deploying them or safely test new software. Some use it for privacy reasons to keep online services from tracking and fingerprinting them.

Keep in mind that while there are security benefits to running virtual machines, they aren’t inherently secure. Those who want privacy on the web while running a VM can’t rely on the fact that they’re running a new separate OS. They should still use a virtual private network like NordVPN to protect their system from ISP spying, threats on public WiFi, man-in-the-middle, and similar attacks.

Safety aside, all these virtual machine options make great alternatives to VirtualBox. Moreover, each brings something unique to the table. If VirtualBox isn’t cutting it anymore, then take a look at these instead to find the right fit.

5 Useful Tech Services For Small Businesses

When it comes to starting and running your own business, there is nothing wrong with having all the help you can find. Whether that comes in the form of hiring extra hands to help or investments, it is definitely useful to use all the tools you have. One of the best things to take advantage of is all of the technology at your fingertips to help your company get ahead.

So, what kind of services are out there, and how do they let your business succeed? Here are 5 services you can find to get a leg up.

1. Web Design

There are many different companies that can help you create an amazing website for your business. Your site is one of the first impressions people will have of who you are and what you do, so it’s important to make your website eye-catching and informative. Hiring the right design company can be a major part of that. Look for one that works with you to bring your vision to life, and one that has a good reputation. Check out their other clients, too, if possible.

2. Product Development

If you are looking to improve your products or services, a product development software might be just the thing you need.

Many online businesses exist solely to help with this situation. They can help you analyze your product or service and look for areas of improvement. Typically they will then help you develop a plan to create or implement these improvements to your business’s maximum profit or benefit. Often these new systems will be automated, which is yet another benefit of technology for a small business – less work for you!

3. Digital Marketing

While good old print and paper ads are great, the true advertising of today lies in digital marketing. Whether it’s a social media account or Google Ads, the best way to spread the word about your start-up is through the internet.

Rather than trying to tackle it all yourself, consider hiring a digital ad company or downloading a software to help you navigate the world of online marketing. Many of these services will get you started and leave you with the tools to continue advertising on your own, and others will provide continuous service. Consider what you might need for your company.

4. Data Analysis

Noticing trends in where people visit on your website, how you are ranking on search engines, and how often people click your ads are all vital parts of understanding your customers.

The best way to have all of this information in one place is with data analysis programs. As with marketing, you can choose to hire out for this job or download a software that teaches you how to track and review important information.

Keeping up with these trends is the best way to stay relevant to possible customers!

5. Cloud-Based Customer Service

As your company grows, you may find yourself unable to respond to customers in a timely manner. If you outsource your customer service line to a cloud-based service, it will relieve some stress and give your customers a more immediate response. It’s a great solution and often pretty affordable, even for a small business.

Conclusion

Technology is the best way to get ahead, both as an individual is a person. Using these tech based services to help your business is the best thing you can do. Whether you decide to use a software for marketing or data analysis, or you choose to hire another company to help you with customer service, don’t be afraid to use tech to your full advantage!

7 Reasons To Build A Responsive Website

Sales and conversions on the Internet run on three things: A good product, good reviews, and a well-designed website. With responsive design, people come to trust a product way more than they would from a sloppy or boring one. These are the current basic truths when it comes to sales and content online. When we build something, we want people to engage with it and have a lasting positive impression. Here are 7 reasons to build a responsive website.

1. Ease of Use

When you build a responsive website, everything seems flawless. The elements are put together so that an individual interacting with the website knows exactly where to go. This should be true of all the aspects of the site. The easier it is to find information, the more engaged your audience will be. This will be reflected in the amount of time they spent, and the number of clicks you gather. This is the concept explained in the famed “don’t make me think” theory of design.

2. Accessibility

Because of the expansion of the Internet, people now have computers in their pockets. You’re probably reading this on your phone. Being able to scale to mobile is one of the primary goals of responsive design. Without it, you get left in the dust. How many websites have you been to on your phone that looks like it should be on a desktop? We don’t spend too much time, do we? Having something that’s easy to look at on mobile is of the utmost importance.

3. Predictable Behavior

Because of responsive design, you can pretty much predict where people are going to to click or tap. This is all part of a sales funnel. Once you get the individual to engage with the design of your website, the predictive series of moves should eventually lead to conversion and sales. That’s a central mission of content management. If you’re a law firm, you want them to call for a consultation. If you are an art dealer, you want them to buy art. Responsive design leads people to that endpoint.

4. Predilections

People are more likely to buy on their phones, then on any desktop. If you haven’t built a responsive website, people are not going to use your links to buy anything. They’re going to look at it the same way they look at a dinosaur fossil and move on to a better-looking site.

5. Easy to Manage

One of the big perks of responsive websites is that they are easier to manage. It helps you avoid some of the pitfalls of website maintenance. This is true of both traffic and sales conversions. Keeping things organized, simple, and clean is not only attractive to the visitors, but it’s also an easy template for you to manage.

6. Sharing

The Internet is about traffic. The more things are shared and viewed, the more trusted it becomes, regardless of content. These are all part of the analytics that drive billions of dollars in investments, operations, and new business. The primary driver is responsive design.

7. Optimization

When all the elements are in play, including design, content, and shareability, eventually search engines will use your website more often. This, in and of itself, is an entirely different and massive field of management. But at the very core, responsive websites will always beat out the basic and boring ones.

If you’re not building a responsive website, you’re being left in the dust. There are so many places to go on the Internet. To build authority, get indexed, and attract customers, responsive design should be one of your main focuses.