Bash scripts are a great way to automate all sorts of repetitive tasks -- you can run backups, clear temporary files/logs, rename or batch-rename files, install or update software, and much more. Although writing such scripts isn't nearly as hard as you might think, it does take some time to learn the ins and outs of bash scripting. Also: 6 hidden Android features that are seriously useful (and how they made my life easier) Good news: If you have an Android device, you can enable the Linux terminal, which means you can create or practice your bash scripting on the go.
I recently wrote about my migration away from VirtualBox to KVM/Virt-Machine for my virtual machine needs. I've found those tools to be far superior (albeit with a bit more of a learning curve) than VirtualBox. Since then, however, I've found another method of working with KVM (the Linux kernel virtual machine technology), one that not only allows me to create and manage virtual machines on my local computer, but also from any machine on my LAN. That tool is Cockpit, which makes managing your Linux machines considerably easier.
Linux has a tool for everything. Sometimes those tools come in the form of an easy-to-use GUI, and other times a command is necessary. For monitoring network traffic, your best bet is the command line. Once you dive down the rabbit hole of possible commands for this task, you could become overwhelmed with choices -- and with the complexity of some of those commands.
The Ubuntu installer warned me that it would remove everything on my hard drive, permanently wiping the entire Windows 10 installation I'd been running for years at that point. I hesitated for a second - maybe I should just dual-boot? No, I'm going all in! Finally, I hit the button to install Linux. One year later, I still don't regret that choice. I even resurrected an old Windows 10 laptop by installing Linux on it.
Hold on. There's yet another method, one that comes from MacOS. That method is Homebrew. What is Homebrew? Homebrew is a free, open-source package manager for Linux and MacOS that simplifies the installation and management of software. Think of Homebrew as a command-line version of the App Store that allows you to install command-line tools such as Python, Node.js, and more with ease.
The native Linux app is a highly requested feature for GeForce Now, especially as subscribers have had to rely on unofficial apps or browser tweaks to get access to the service. A beta of GeForce Now for Linux will be available initially for Ubuntu 24.04 and newer soon, nearly a year after Nvidia made it easier to access GeForce Now on the Linux-based SteamOS.
There are now several Linux distributions that offer outstanding gaming experiences. These distros not only include the software required to play games from services like Steam, but also vastly simplify the setup process, so you start playing your favorite games after just a few clicks. With a user-friendly installer, you won't even have to touch the command line.
In the early days of Linux, searching for files was a command-line affair using either locate or find. Although the tools were suitable for the job, they would sometimes fail to find what I was looking for or would require complicated regular expressions to function properly. New users to Linux should avoid using regular expressions. This is especially true now, with the many great GUI applications available for Linux.
In 2022, Debian developers decided to include some much-needed but non-free firmware to enhance their distribution's compatibility with a wider range of hardware. There were several reasons for this, including the state of open-source firmware for Nvidia GPUs. Given the importance of graphics devices in relation to AI, having firmware and drivers that are fully capable can mean the difference between them working properly and not.
Zorin OS experienced a significant increase in downloads following the release of Windows 10. Within a two-day stretch, Zorin OS had over 100,000 downloads, which was a record for the distribution.
Linux enforces a powerful permission model designed for multi-user security, access isolation, and resource governance. Whether you are an SRE, DevOps engineer, or a systems programmer, mastering Linux permissions is fundamental for secure and reliable operations. In this deep dive, we'll break down the basic permission system with practical examples. Permission Types in Linux Linux defines three access types: read:
A man page is a manual page dedicated to a specific command, and every Linux distribution includes them. Man pages are a great way to get an in-depth look at how a command works. Say, for example, you wanted to learn about the chmod command. You could either run a Google search (and risk being inundated with AI slop) or read the man page.
Desktop screen recordings are a way of life for some. Perhaps you're a PC support specialist, or you enjoy bragging about your highly configured desktop environment, or you offer tutorials for gaming or other purposes. Whatever the need, you're going to want to have a piece of software that makes grabbing those screen recordings easy. Your desktop of choice might include a tool for taking screenshots and even screen recordings, but that might not be flexible enough for you.
The nmap command (short for network mapper) is a network exploration/security auditing tool that can rapidly scan networks to help you find out what hosts are available. With nmap, you can discover open ports and services, and even find out what operating systems are on your network. I've used nmap to find out what machines are on a network and what ports/services are open. If I find a port that shouldn't be open, I can close it to avoid security issues.
I can still remember when I decided to install Linux on my very first computer (a Pentium 75). I'd been using Windows 95 and found myself more frustrated than not. I was experiencing constant blue screens of death, couldn't make the OS behave how I wanted, the software was expensive, and I hated the way it looked. So, I installed Linux over Windows, and the rest is history. I've been using Linux as my operating system of choice since then,
I've used Linux for so long that I remember when StarOffice and WordPerfect were the best office suite options available for Linux. StarOffice saved my hide several times, especially back in the day when I was working in an office filled with Windows and MS Office users. WordPerfect was the outlier, but man, was it powerful (considering the time). Since then, a lot of companies have hopped on board the Linux train. Others have opted to keep their heads in the sand.
LibreOffice includes all the tools you're accustomed to in an office suite: documents, spreadsheets, presentations, formulas, drawing, and even a database. The tools are compatible with the MS Office equivalent, and you can even configure them to default to the Office file format (such as .docx). LibreOffice also has a customizable UI, so you can have the interface you want. LibreOffice is free to install and use on as many computers as needed.
