30 Linux Kernel Developer Workspaces in 30 Weeks: Steve Rostedt

### Overview In this video tour, Linux kernel developer Steve Rostedt provides a walkthrough of his home office and workspace. He shows the layout of his primary desk, test equipment, backup hardware, and adjacent workout space used to unwind from work on the Linux kernel mailing list.

### Key Topics - **Desktop Setup**: Steve's main desk includes a dual-monitor arrangement. The right monitor is dedicated primarily to his Red Hat work, while the left monitor is allocated for upstream kernel development. The desk features two keyboards mapped to multiple systems located behind him. - **Personal Memorabilia**: He highlights items around the office, including a clay penguin created by his daughter, books (including the Harry Potter series in German), an IBM "Peace Love Linux" relic salvaged from the trash, and a memorial box with the cremated ashes of his former bull terrier, Angel, alongside collectible Target dog figures. - **Workstations and Hardware Management**: The room houses primary workstations, fax/printer hardware, salvaged machines, and several dedicated test boxes. Backup storage is handled via inexpensive external USB hard drives purchased annually on Black Friday and swapped into rotation. - **Networking, Power, and Testing**: The test machines and consoles utilize daisy-chained KVM switches. Network-accessible Digital Loggers web power switches enable remote power cycling and automated on/off management of various systems. Embedded test boards are tethered to a budget laptop acting as a serial console. - **Alternative Desks and De-stress Area**: A secondary desk holds a Chromebook and looks out toward his backyard. Outside the immediate office space, Steve maintains an exercise area with a treadmill, TV, punching bags, workout equipment, a pull-up bar, and a small dojo used for relieving frustration from mailing list interactions.

### Technical Details - **Monitors**: Dual-screen configuration split between Red Hat company tasks and upstream development. - **Remote Control & Switching**: Daisy-chained KVM switches control local machines, while Digital Loggers web power switches provide network-based remote power cycling. - **Embedded Development**: Embedded evaluation boards connected via serial console through a dedicated budget laptop. - **Storage**: Rotating pool of cheap external USB drives for regular backups.

### Takeaways Rostedt's workspace illustrates a practical, function-first development environment common among low-level kernel developers: multiple physical test nodes, serial console hooks, networked power cycling for remote reboots, and dedicated physical outlets to manage developer stress.