Unix as a Second Language

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Advice for everyday Unix systems administration and some clever ways to approach more challenging problems.

Is it time to start climbing the ladder to Kubernetes?

If you aren't using Kubernetes, it’s probably a good time to familiarize yourself with a technology that is dramatically changing the way applications are being deployed today.

07/26/18

Examining Linux system performance with dstat

Dstat provides valuable insights into Linux system performance, pretty much replacing older tools, such as vmstat, netstat, iostat, and ifstat.

07/23/18

Converting and manipulating image files on the Linux command line

Using the convert command, you can modify image files without having to open an image editor.

07/16/18

The aftermath of the Gentoo GitHub hack

A password guess and five days offline have left not only Gentoo's GitHub admins, but all of us, with some things to think about.

07/10/18

Is implementing and managing Linux applications becoming a snap?

Learn what "snaps" are and why are they making the development and installation of Linux applications so trouble-free.

06/29/18

Shredding files on Linux

On Linux, files can be erased but still be recoverable. Here's what to do when you really want them gone.

06/26/18

Linux control sequence tricks

There are a lot of control sequences available on Linux systems -- maybe even some you've never used.

06/22/18

Red Hat reaches the Summit – a new top scientific supercomputer

The new supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Labs runs Red Hat Enterprise Linux and heralds a new level of cooperation between vendors.

06/08/18

Comparing files and directories with the diff and comm Linux commands

The Linux comm command makes it easy to compare files or the contents of directories with its columnar output.

06/07/18

Copying and renaming files on Linux

There's more to copying and renaming files on Linux than cp and mv. Try some commands and strategies that might surprise you and save you some time.

05/29/18

How to use logger on Linux

The logger command provides an easy way to add messages to the /var/log/syslog file from the command line or from other files.

05/22/18

How to speak Linux

We might all agree on the command line, but start talking about Linux, and we might find that the rules of how to pronounce the names of Unix commands are not universal.

05/15/18

Blacklisting modules on Linux

Blacklisting modules prevents them from being loaded and used, and it is sometimes an important step in keeping a system running properly.

05/07/18

Customizing your text colors on the Linux command line

The colors used on the Linux command line are intended to provide an easy way to identify files by type. You can change them, but you should have a good reason before you do.

05/02/18

What's behind Cisco's comeback?

Cisco shares have risen nearly 20 percent in 2018, making it the best performer in the Dow. What changes have energized this surprising push to the top of tech?

04/27/18

How to share files between Linux and Windows

In spite of the huge differences between Linux and Windows, sharing files between the systems is surprisingly easy. Here’s a look at two very different ways to make this happen.

04/24/18