** Chris Green cl@isbd.net [2016-02-10 11:45]:

I just decided I ought to use https for accessing my Owncloud calendar and contacts so needed to configure a certificate for my isbd.uk host (it's a Gandi virtual server).

My Google search for Ubuntu https showed LetsEncrypt as the second hit so I took a look, seemed sensible so I followed the instructions at:-

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-secure-apache-with-let-s-encrypt-on-ubuntu-14-04

Absolutely brilliant, not only did it generate a certificate for me, it did all the Apache configuration too so https://isbd.uk worked after I'd run the commands given on the above web page.

** end quote [Chris Green]

I've been following their progress for a while now, but not had the chance to try it out. That's partly lack of access during their testing phase, and partly the fact that the certificates I use last a year, so I've not had to renew. I also use them for things other than https, which I dont think LetsEncrypt have automated yet.

The main advantage of LetsEncrypt for me is automation and the ability to have multiple domains / sub domains in a certificate. Other than that, StartSSL have served me prety well over the past few years with free certificates that are installed by default in browsers and mail clients.

LetsEncrypt looks promising though, so next time I need to renew I'll probably give them a go.