Linux Tips, Tricks, and How-Tos

How to Use the mkfs Command on Linux

You must create a file system before you can use any data storage device connected to a Linux computer. Learn how to use mkfs and other utilities to do just that for all sorts of file systems. We show you how....

Dave McKay Oct 11th, 2019

Did Linux Kill Commercial Unix?

Sales of commercial Unix have fallen off a cliff. There has to be something behind this dramatic decline. Has Linux killed its ancestor by becoming a perfectly viable replacement, like an operating system version of Invasion ...

How to Use Port Knocking on Linux (and Why You Shouldn’t)

Port knocking is a way to secure a server by closing firewall ports—even those you know will be used. Those ports are opened on demand if—and only if—the connection request provides the secret knock....

Dave McKay Oct 9th, 2019

How to Work with Variables in Bash

Variables are vital if you want to write scripts and understand what that code you’re about to cut and paste from the web will do to your Linux computer. We’ll get you started!

Dave McKay Oct 7th, 2019

How to Move Your Linux home Directory to Another Drive

Want to move your Linux home folder to another drive? Here’s a straightforward and step by step way to do it that should work on any distribution. Moving your home folder means you can reinstall Linux and not have to w...

Dave McKay Oct 3rd, 2019

How to Use the chroot Command on Linux

The chroot command can send you to jail, keep your development or test environments isolated, or just improve your system’s security. We show you the easiest way to use it.

Dave McKay Sep 26th, 2019

How to Run and Control Background Processes on Linux

Use the Bash shell in Linux to manage foreground and background processes. You can use Bash’s job control functions and signals to give you more flexibility in how you run commands. We show you how....

Dave McKay Sep 24th, 2019

How to Copy and Paste Text at Linux’s Bash Shell

Want to copy and paste at the command line of the Bash shell? We’ll show you multiple techniques whether you favor the keyboard or the mouse. These work whether you’re at a graphical desktop or at a traditional te...

Dave McKay Sep 23rd, 2019

How to Create Aliases and Shell Functions on Linux

Create your own Linux commands using aliases and Bash shell functions. Tame repetitive tasks, truncate long-winded processes, and configure standard commands with the options you always use and struggle to remember....

Dave McKay Sep 20th, 2019

15 Special Characters You Need to Know for Bash

If you want to master the Bash shell on Linux, macOS, or another UNIX-like system, special characters (like ~, *, |, and >) are critical. We’ll help you unravel these cryptic Linux command sequences and become a hero...

How to Use the finger Command on Linux

Knowing who is using your Linux or Unix-like system is a fundamental part of managing it. Pointing at someone might be considered rude, but using your finger can still be enlightening.

Dave McKay Sep 17th, 2019

How to Use the chgrp Command on Linux

The chgrp command on Linux changes the group ownership of a file or directory. Why use it instead of chown ? Sometimes a Swiss Army knife is great, but when you really need a scalpel, only a scalpel will do....

Dave McKay Sep 12th, 2019

How to Use Pipes on Linux

Use Linux pipes to choreograph how command-line utilities collaborate. Simplify complex processes and boost your productivity by harnessing a collection of standalone commands and turning them into a single-minded team. We sh...

Dave McKay Sep 5th, 2019

Why Do You Have to Log In to Your Home PC, Anyway?

Every time you turn on your computer, you have to choose a user account and sign in. That’s true on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Chrome OS. Here’s why this is necessary for PCs but not iPhones, iPads, and Andro...

Chris Hoffman Sep 4th, 2019

How to Use the chown Command on Linux

Files and directories in Linux systems all belong to someone. You can change their ownership with the chown command. We show you how.

Dave McKay Sep 3rd, 2019

How to Use the chmod Command on Linux

Control who can access files, search directories, and run scripts using the Linux’s chmod command. This command modifies Linux file permissions, which look complicated at first glance but are actually pretty simple once...

Dave McKay Aug 29th, 2019

Command Lines: Why Do People Still Bother With Them?

The command line is almost 50 years old, but it’s not outdated. Text-based terminals are still the best way to accomplish many tasks, even in the age of graphical desktops and touch-screen gadgets....

What Are stdin, stdout, and stderr on Linux?

stdin, stdout, and stderr are three data streams created when you launch a Linux command. You can use them to tell if your scripts are being piped or redirected. We show you how.

Dave McKay Aug 15th, 2019

How to Install the Linux 5.0 Update on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS

Canonical just released Ubuntu 18.04.3 LTS, which features Linux kernel 5.0. This kernel, also found in Ubuntu 19.04, includes improved hardware support and performance tweaks. But, if you installed the original Ubuntu 18.04 ...

Chris Hoffman Aug 9th, 2019

How to Add a GUI to Linux Shell Scripts

You can use GUI windows, sliders, radio buttons, progress bars, and more in your Bash scripts. Learn how to use the zenity toolkit and give your Bash scripts a facelift. We’ll show you how.

Dave McKay Aug 6th, 2019

Why I Switched From Ubuntu to Manjaro Linux

For more than a decade, Ubuntu was my Linux distribution of choice. But, for the first time in a long while, I distro-hopped. I now run Manjaro and couldn’t be happier. It’s just that good!...

LINUX IS CONFUSING. THESE ARTICLES SHOULD HELP.