How to Use the less Command on Linux
The less command lets you page through a text file, displaying a screenful of text each time. It seems like one of the simplest Linux commands at first glance, but there’s a lot more to less than meets the eye….
Is macOS UNIX? (and What Does That Mean?)
Is macOS UNIX or just Unix? Or is it Unix-like? We answer the never-ending debate and explain standards like POSIX and the SUS along the way.
What’s New in Ubuntu 19.10 “Eoan Ermine,” Available Now
Ubuntu 19.10 “Eoan Ermine” boasts an upgraded Linux kernel along with faster boot times, updated themes, and experimental ZFS file system support. Whether or not you upgrade, Ermine shows what to expect from Ubuntu’s next LT…
The Best Ways to Secure Your SSH Server
Secure your Linux system’s SSH connection to protect your system and data. System administrators and home users alike need to harden and secure internet-facing computers, but SSH can be complicated. Here are ten easy quick-wi…
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….
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….
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!
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 worry a…
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.
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.
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 text-based TTY…
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….
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 of hi…
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.
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….
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…
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 Android….
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.
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 you k…
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.
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 …
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.
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!
