What Is “root” on Linux?
The root user is the most powerful entity in the Linux universe with limitless powers, for better or worse. Create a user? Got it. Annihilate a file system? Whoops, got that too.
How to Use Encrypted Passwords in Bash Scripts
If you’re forced to use a Linux script to connect to a password-protected resource, you probably feel uneasy about putting that password in the script. OpenSSL solves that problem for you.
How to Hide All Desktop Icons on Mac
Is your Mac desktop a mess? Don’t really want to organize everything? Don’t worry, you can use a terminal command to quickly hide all desktop icons before sharing your screen on a work call or taking a screenshot….
How to Use strace to Monitor Linux System Calls
Linux programs ask the kernel to do some things for them. The strace command reveals these system calls. You can use them to understand how programs work and why, sometimes, they don’t.
What Are Bash Dictionaries on Linux, and How Do You Use Them?
Bash dictionaries give you hash maps and associative arrays in Linux shell scripts. We’ll show you how to use these powerful and useful data structures in your own Linux shell scripts.
Docker for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
Docker creates packaged applications called containers. Each container provides an isolated environment similar to a virtual machine (VM). Unlike VMs, Docker containers don’t run a full operating system. They share your host’…
How to Use Brace Expansion in Linux’s Bash Shell
Brace expansion is a useful technique to generate lists of strings that can be used in scripts and aliases and on the Linux command line. Save time and avoid mistakes by typing less.
What’s New in Ubuntu 21.04 ‘Hirsute Hippo’
The brand new release of Ubuntu 21.04, the Hirsute Hippo, was released on April 22, 2021. It’s an interim release of the popular Linux distribution, with only nine months of support from Canonical. So is it worth upgrading to…
How to Use “Here Documents” in Bash on Linux
The strangely named “here documents” let you use input/out redirection inside Bash scripts on Linux. They’re a great way to automate commands you need to run on a remote computer.
How to Use Restricted Shell to Limit What a Linux User Can Do
A restricted shell limits what a user account can do on Linux. A restricted user cannot change their directory, and you control which commands they have access to. Here’s how to set up a restricted shell on Linux….
How to Choose Between Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Lubuntu
There’s more than one Ubuntu. You can download Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, or Lubuntu: But what’s the difference, and which should you choose? The answer depends on what you’re looking for: Linux is all about choice….
How to Get a Graphical Device Manager for Linux
There are endless Linux command-line utilities that show the details of your computer’s hardware. HardInfo displays all that information in an easy graphical interface. It’s like Windows Device Manager for Linux….
The Best Linux Distributions Without systemd
When the dominant Linux distributions adopted systemd, dissenters forked distributions and started new projects. So what are your options if you’re looking for a non-systemd distribution? Let’s take a look….
How to Lock Your Mac Using Terminal
One of the first rules of cybersecurity is to always lock your computer before stepping away from it. While it might not be the quickest way, you can lock your Apple Mac using Terminal. Here’s how to do it….
How to Process a File Line by Line in a Linux Bash Script
It’s pretty easy to read the contents of a Linux text file line by line in a shell script—as long as you deal with some subtle gotchas. Here’s how to do it the safe way.
How to Install Signal Desktop on Linux
Signal is the privacy-focused smartphone messaging app everyone seems to be using. You can also use Signal on a Windows PC, Mac—or Linux computer. It’s easy to install and register it to your Signal account….
How to Use DB Browser for SQLite on Linux
DB Browser for SQLite lets you view and edit SQLite databases on Linux. You can design, create, and edit these database files, and peek inside the inner workings of other applications. Here’s how to use this SQLite GUI….
How to Manage Linux Servers with the Cockpit Web Interface
You can easily monitor and manage multiple Linux computers with Cockpit, a browser-based administration and dashboard tool. It’s self-contained, simple to set up, and easy to use. We’ll show you how to get started….
How to Kill Zombie Processes on Linux
Programs that are poorly written or performing badly can leave zombie processes lurking inside your Linux computer. Find out how zombies are created, and how you can finally lay them to rest.
How to Recover Deleted Files on Linux with testdisk
Have you ever deleted a file and instantly regretted it? You need it back, and fast! But what if the file is so new, it hasn’t yet been backed up? Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it.
How to Find and Delete Broken Symlinks on Linux
The symbolic links on Linux are a fantastic feature, but they can become broken and left pointing at nothing. Here’s how to locate broken symbolic links, review them, and remove them from your system if you need to….
How to Force Users to Change Their Passwords on Linux
Passwords are the keystone to account security. We’ll show you how to reset passwords, set password expiration periods, and enforce password changes on your Linux network.
What’s New in Ubuntu 20.10 ‘Groovy Gorilla’
Ubuntu 20.10 “Groovy Gorilla” is here! Released October 22, 2020, the Gorilla is all about minor tweaks, rather than groundbreaking new features. As an interim release, it also doesn’t have long-term support. So, is it worth…
How to Use the seq Command on Linux
The Linux seq command generates lists of numbers in the blink of an eye. But how can this functionality be put to practical use? We’ll show you how seq might come in handy for you.
How to Install Linux
Want to install Linux? It’s an easier process than you might think! You can even try Linux on your PC before you install it. If you don’t like it, just reboot and you’ll be back to Windows. Here’s how to get started with Linu…
