Week 2 — September

Summary:
This week focused on three main areas:

  1. Continuing technical setup work for the local Yunohost server (hardware, flashing, backups, passwords).
  2. Starting the first review of Yunohost applications through the demo environment, especially testing categorical filters and keyword search accuracy.
  3. Announcing the project on the Yunohost community forum to begin building awareness and collaboration.

✅ Tasks Completed

  • Fine tuned documentation static site
    Adding links between static site and repo site.

  • Set up local Yunohost server
    Using a dedicated, refurbished tiny PC on a home network to host the test server.

    • Set up Lenovo mini PC & connect to router
    • Change BIOS settings on PC to allow flashing from USB
    • Make flash USB with Debian 12 Bullseye ISO
    • Make flash USB with Yunohost 12.12 ISO*
      Note: This step failed when I tried without installing Debian first
    • Flash PC with Debian from USB (graphical install, details saved in 1Password vault)
    • Flash PC with Yunohost from USB (graphical install, details saved in 1Password vault)

  • Set up local backup storage via SMB

  • Set up shared project password store
    Share details

  • Allow local Yunohost server required internet access | KJH
    On router, opened local ports

  • Reviewed Yunohost apps via demo site
    • Tested categorical filters (Synchronization, Communication, Office, Productivity, Social Media, etc.)
    • Tested keyword search (email, mail, calendar, contacts, files, drive, CRM, PKM, chat, docs, password manager).
    • Documented mismatches, missing apps, and synonym gaps (e.g. “email” vs “mail,” “PKM” shows nothing, “events” shows nothing).
  • Announced the project on Yunohost forums
    • Shared the project goals and description.
    • Started building visibility and potential for community input and collaboration.
  • Complete base Yunohost setup
    • Problem solve outstanding issues
      • server/router IP mismatch
      • web not reachable
      • dns issues
      • Router <> Yunohost compatibility
  • Create backup account Set up Borg for backups

📌 Notes

  • Server Setup (Lenovo PC):
    Followed instructions here: How to Boot a Lenovo ThinkStation from a USB Drive.

  • Flashing ISOs:
    Used FOSS Software Etcher in admin mode. Non-admin attempt failed.

  • Installing Yunohost 12.12:
    Yunohost install only worked after first installing Debian. Likely an issue with how Lenovo BIOS interprets UEFI vs Legacy USB. UEFI worked, Legacy failed.

  • App Review (Demo environment):
    • Categorical filters: generally accurate but sometimes overlapping (e.g. Office vs Productivity). Some apps lacked descriptions.
    • Keyword search: very sensitive to exact terms. Some important apps missing under common words. Suggest metadata improvements.
  • Community engagement:
    Early outreach via the Yunohost forum helps align the project with community needs and highlights accessibility priorities from the start.

🧐 Rationale

  • Why set up a local server?
    To provide a realistic environment for alpha prototyping and accessibility testing.

  • Why review apps now?
    Early testing helps identify gaps in categories, metadata, and usability — critical for making the system more accessible for disabled users.

  • Why engage with the Yunohost community?
    Open source projects thrive on collaboration, and feedback from existing Yunohost users will guide better adaptation for accessibility.