UniLayer Offers Support for Ubuntu to Increase Decentralization
In late August of 2022, UniLayer launched its public testnet - the product of over 2 years development. Thousands of users signed up to participate in the network as validators, running test nodes and providing invaluable feedback to the UniLayer team.
In response, the team has made countless adjustments, while also continuing to add significant, planned features to the testnet network. They have included MetaMask integration, EVM-compatibility, and a block scanner.
To see an overview of our technical developments, take a look at our end-of-year summary.
Significantly, UniLayer’s nodes run on Ubuntu, in addition to Windows and Mac OS. UniLayer has spent the last 2 months upgrading its testnet nodes to be compatible with the latest version of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is enormously popular with developers worldwide, valued for its security, reliability, and adaptability. These characteristics make it an ideal platform for nodes, and many of the top blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, and Monero) support Ubuntu.
UniLayer’s integration with Ubuntu will bolster the growth and decentralization of the UniLayer Network, further contributing to its overall strength once mainnet is launched, anticipated for the fall of 2023.
Apply to run a testnet node here.
Linux, Ubuntu, and Crypto
Linux and Ubuntu are two of the most widely used open source operating systems, and they make a significant contribution to the overall blockchain ecosystem.
Linux has gained an enormous following as the premier open-source operating system, and is widely used for servers, networks, and other applications. The core of its operating system is known as the Linux “kernel”. The kernel is the component of Linux that interacts with a computer’s hardware.
Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system, built on top of the Linux kernel. Ubuntu is one the most popular desktop Linux distributions, and is known for its ease of use, security, and quality user experience.
Ubuntu boasts:
- 40 million users worldwide
- 50,000 software packages
- 1,000 contributing developers
Ubuntu is widely used for servers, personal and cloud computing.
Both Linux and Ubuntu are popular operating systems for crypto mining due to their security, stability, and reliability - essential attributes for all crypto mining operations.
Bitcoin and Linux: Open, Decentralized Technologies
UniLayer’s focus on secure, decentralized tech is an outgrowth of its strong connection to Bitcoin and the original founding principles of the blockchain space. UniLayer believes in the ethos of decentralization, and recognizes Ubuntu as both a practical addition to the network and an important component of a broader decentralized future.
Bitcoin and Linux share several important attributes and principles that underpin their respective, innovative designs
- Decentralization: Neither Bitcoin nor Linux has a central entity profiting from or directing them, allowing end users to retain full autonomy.
- Transparency: Both have a source code that is freely available to view, modify, or distribute, and any changes made are publicly visible. Transparency encourages collaboration and innovation within Linux’s global community of contributors, and the same is true for Bitcoin, with its global community of developers.
- Security: Bitcoin and Linux prioritize security (through encryption, community oversight, etc.), which is bolstered by their decentralization and transparency.
These elements have established both Bitcoin and Linux as trustworthy and reliable technologies, protocols that will continue to be the benchmark of their respective sectors.
Ubuntu’s Popularity for Blockchain Nodes
According to SourceForge, 30 countries downloaded between 8% and 56% of their Bitcoin mining software for Ubuntu. Popular crypto nodes that support Ubuntu include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, Monero, Zcash, and Dogecoin.
Ubuntu is an ideal platform for cryptocurrency nodes, as its security features provide effective protection against attacks, with regular updates further bolstering its reliability and security. Also, its customizable design offers flexibility and adaptability to specific blockchain applications.
UniLayer’s mission is to offer transparent and decentralized interoperability to all blockchain networks, and Ubuntu will play an important role in that. The integration strengthens UniLayer's security and stability by utilizing the reliable Ubuntu operating system, and also widens the base of potential node operators.
UniLayer Keeps Building
The UniLayer team is focused on the launch of UniLayer’s mainnet and the token generation event, anticipated for fall of 2023. In the meantime, the UniLayer working on establishing partnerships - adding to a growing list of collaborators - while building out the UniLayer community, sharing a vision for a decentralized interoperable future in online and in-person events.
To stay up to date on all events, developments, and announcements, follow us on Twitter.
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