How-To Geek

Dave McKay-Freelance Journalist

Dave McKay

Freelance Journalist

Contributing since March, 2019

  • 417
    articles
  • 416
    Features
  • 1
    Guides

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About Dave McKay

Dave McKay first used computers when punched paper tape was in vogue, and he has been programming ever since. After over 30 years in the IT industry, he is now a full-time technology journalist. During his career, he has worked as a freelance programmer, manager of an international software development team, an IT services project manager, and, most recently, as a Data Protection Officer. Dave is a Linux evangelist and open source advocate. Expect detailed how-to's, distribution reviews, and Linux-centric editorials.

Latest Articles

A locked Linux account.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Delete a User on Linux (and Remove Every Trace)

Say goodbye to old, unused accounts

A locked laptop running Ubuntu.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use the nohup Command in Linux

Launch processes with no hangups.

An Ubuntu desktop with a directory shown
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use pushd and popd on Linux

Hop between directories.

A laptop running Ubuntu, showing the manual for a terminal command.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use the history Command on Linux

Better than typing it in manually three times.

A SanDisk NVMe SSD on a table.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Create a Swap File on Linux

Increase Linux swap space without touching disk partitions. We show you the easy way.

The ping command on Ubuntu.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Back Up Your Linux System With rsync

If your data is valuable to you, back it up, right from the Linux command line.

Photo of a MacBook Air with Tux the Linux Penguin on the screen
Open Source
5 Linux Distributions to Breathe New Life Into Old Hardware

Rejuvenate old hardware with lightweight Linux.

Arch Linux and Fedora Linux desktops each with a terminal window open running Neofetch
Linux
Arch Linux vs. Fedora Linux: Which Should You Use?

They're both great. It all depends on what matters to you.

An Ubuntu desktop with Linux Mint, Arch Linux, Fedora, and Debian Linux containers open in terminal windows
Linux & macOS Terminal
DEB Files on Arch? Run Any App on Any Linux Distro With This Tool

Everything everywhere, all at once.

Ports on the back of a router.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use Port Knocking on Linux (and Why You Shouldn't)

Knocking politely isn't enough to get you in.

A Linux terminal open.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use the Linux cut Command

Extract and parse text with ease with the Linux cut command.

A Linux PC with multiple workspaces open.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use the sar Command on Linux

Get detailed technical statistics from your Linux computer, from real-time and historical data.

A Linux Terminal open on Ubuntu.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use journalctl to Read Linux System Logs

Some light reading.

A Linux Terminal.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use Case Statements in Bash Scripts

Despite its power, the Bash case statement makes Linux script maintenance easier.

A Linux Terminal with the manual for
Linux
How to Set Environment Variables in Bash on Linux

A great way to save yourself some time.

A Linux Terminal.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use the Linux lsof Command

Everything in Linux is a file, and not just hard disk files. lsof shows you all the others.

Pinging
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Use the traceroute Command on Linux

Trying to find the slowest hops in a network connection? You can use traceroute on Linux to pinpoint it!

A blank Linux Terminal, like you'd see if you opened a new tmux window.
Linux
How to Use tmux on Linux (and Why It's Better Than Screen)

Is the Linux tmux command really better than screen? We gave it shot to find out.

A Home folder on Ubuntu Linux.
Linux & macOS Terminal
How to Move Your Linux home Directory to Another Drive

Moving your home in Linux is much easier than in real life.

Features
How to Set a Static IP Address in Ubuntu

When static is the way forward.

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