new post!

_posts/2013-10-25-like-the-nerdiest-boy-scout.md

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+---
+layout: post
+title: Like the Nerdiest Boy Scout
+tags:
+  - geek
+  - hardware
+  - readycase
+  - iphone
+---
+
+With this week's release of Apple's latest [OS X](http://www.apple.com/osx/) (aka "Mavericks"), I finally took the time to complete a nerdy little project of mine. 
+
+### It starts with the ReadyCase
+
+I was an Indiegogo backer of the [ReadyCase](http://ready-case.com/) which I recommend (although, my first-run case needed a little modification to work with my Belkin dock, YMMV). One of the biggest attractions is that it comes with a USB stick - something I never seem to have on me when I need it. Now, as long as I have my phone on me (i.e. *always*), I have my USB stick.
+
+### Partition It
+
+As an early adopter, I got a 16gb version (the max now is 8gb). I split my drive into two partitions: 1 for the Mavericks installer (aka "Mavericks") and a second partition for "important" files (aka "Data"). It was super simple to set this up using `Disk Utility`:
+
+* Both partitions are "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)"
+* I'm using the GUID Partition scheme (available under "Options") - required for install disks
+* I made the 2nd partition encrypted, just in case.
+
+I am thinking of potentially adjusting this into 3 partitions, though: Installer, Secret files (encrypted) and Scratch (for temporary transfers, etc). 
+
+### Mavericks Installer
+
+It wasn't too tricky before, but Mavericks includes a nice little utility for creating "install media". Once you've downlowded the Mavericks installer from the app store, just run:
+
+    /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Mavericks --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app
+
+### Important Files
+
+So far, my "Important Files" drive includes my ssh private key and a few other handy backups. However, I'm working hard so that more and more of my configuration is automated via my [chef-workstation](https://github.com/walkah/chef-workstation) setup. Between that and all of my "in the cloud" data, I can pretty easily bootstrap a new machine in an emergency.
+
+I am prepared.
+