[Solved] Linux Commands Challenge : 007

Fancy your Linux Administration skills ? Take this challenge and answer these simple 5 questions related to everyday tasks of Linux Administration.

Winner : Congratulations to Sankar P for getting the highest number [ 2 ] of correct solutions.

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1. How do you restore GRUB bootloader to MBR of your primary hard disk ?
• • grub-install /dev/sda


2. What does initrd contain ?
• • It contains the initial RAM disk, i.e., the initial root file system that is mounted prior to locating the real root file system


3. How do you unpack the contents of an RPM without installing it ?
• • rpm2cpio | copi -id


4. What is the maximum number of primary partitions you can have on a hard disk ?
• • 4


5. How to boot into single user mode using the GRUB boot loader ?
• • After selecting the kernel you are interested to boot into, edit the kernel command line and add “S” to the end of the kernel command

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1428

Here is a list of the latest, most happening events and news items from the Linux World. Keep reading to find out what's making the most noise around Linux this week

User Tips for switching to Ubuntu

• [ http://www.datamation.com/open-source/switching-to-ubuntu-user-tips-1.html ] 
• If you are not using Linux but are intrigued by your peers who use Linux and are wondering what this fuss is all about, then this link is a good read for you. You will learn to ask yourselves a good amount of hard questions. The answers to which will make you transition to Linux a pleasure.

Skype 4.3 for Linux is released

• [ http://blogs.skype.com/2014/06/18/skype-4-3-for-linux/ ]
• Skype for Linux has been released with an updated UI and the much talked about Group Chat Feature. The above link gives you all the details about how to get this installed on your Linux box

Building an online Open Source Community

• [ http://www.devx.com/opensource/to-get-developer-adoption-today-you-have-to-build-a-community.html ]
• If you are into creating new open source products, then this article will provide you with the right information that you will need to build a developer community around your product. The only sure shot way of increasing the adoption of your open source product is to build a developer community around it. And this article explains the procedure to building a developer community for your product.

Linux Mint 17 KDE has been released

• [ http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_qiana_kde_whatsnew.php ] 
• Earlier I had mentioned about Linux Mint Cinnamon being released. This time it is the KDE version of Linux Mint. It boasts of an improved Update Manager, and Driver Manager with some beautiful collection of background images for your desktop.

Installing MATE on Ubuntu 14.04

• [ http://thelinuxrain.com/articles/how-to-install-mate-1-8-in-ubuntu-14-04-and-give-it-a-classic-ubuntu-look-and-feel ]
• Many would argue that you can use Linux Mint instead of installing MATE Desktop Envirornment [ http://mate-desktop.org ] on Ubuntu, but if you insist of using Ubuntu and want to try out MATE desktop experience on it, then this link gives you a good step by step procedure for accomplishing just that.

Crazy things that people create

• Do you know that there are some people who want to be able to access search engines from Linux Command Line ? Well, don't be surprised for not knowing that there exist such users, but be surprised to know that there plenty of tools that actually serve this purpose !!!
• [ http://xmodulo.com/2014/06/access-popular-search-engines-command-line-linux.html ]
• Do you fear VIM ? Ever wondered why a word processor should be so difficult to learn ? Well, then you are in for a big surprise. Learning vim, infact, mastering vim isn't that tough at all. It is rather quite simple. You only need to tune yourself to that VIM paradigm of looking at your files. This article will be of great help to you, to just dive into VIM and master it
• [ http://csswizardry.com/2014/06/vim-for-people-who-think-things-like-vim-are-weird-and-hard/ ]
• Do you find yourself wondering about how to draw electrical circuits, flow diagrams, class diagrams, mathematical functions on Linux ? Well, look no further. This article below, gives you the right set of tools that you can use on Linux for the right set of diagrams
• [ http://opensource.com/life/14/6/tools-diagramming-fedora ]

Leisure read

• If you still got some time to read the new things happening in the Linux world, then I am sure you have a lot of spare time in hand :-) No, don't be embarrassed, there are many more like you. And for all of you, here are some more things that you can try to fill up the empty spaces in your timelines. [ P.S : I haven't tried these out myself, for want of time. If you try them out, then please update this blog with your comments ]
• Install DockbarX 0.91 Lightweight Taskbar in Ubuntu 14.04 : http://www.unixbuzz.com/2014/06/install-dockbarx-0-91-lightweight-taskbar-ubuntu-14-04/ 
• Try out Makulu Linux 6.0 with KDE. The author of this article claims that it is guaranteed to make you smile :) : http://www.zdnet.com/makulu-linux-6-0-kde-guaranteed-to-make-you-smile-7000030833/#ftag=RSSf468ffe 
• Try out the Revolutionary Command shell for Linux [ and Mac OS X ] : http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/778419-meet-xiki-the-revolutionary-command-shell-for-linux-and-mac-os-x

[Solved] Linux Commands Challenge : 006

Fancy your Linux skills ? Take this challenge and answer these simple 5 questions on Linux Abbreviations

Update : Added solutions

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1. What does the shell environment variable IFS stand for ?
• • Internal Field Separator


2. What does APT in apt-get command stand for ?
• • Advanced Packaging Tool


3. Often Linux distributions are accompanied with a EULA. What does EULA stand for ?
• • End User License Agreement


4. What does CUPS stand for in Linux ?
• • Common Unix Printing System


5. What does DMZ in context with Linux Security stand for ?
• • DeMilitarised Zone

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1427

Here is a list of the latest, most happening events and news items from the Linux World. Keep reading to find out what's making the most noise around Linux this week

Impact of Secure Boot on Linux

• [ http://blog.canonical.com/2011/10/28/white-paper-secure-boot-impact-on-linux/ ] Is UEFI a step in the right direction ? Many are supporting it now. Then, what's the fuss all about ? What problems does it create for Linux ? This article [ pretty old, but relevant ] and this one [ http://www.linuxfoundation.org/publications/making-uefi-secure-boot-work-with-open-platforms ] gives you a look into behind the doors of the Corporates who are supporting this and their reasons for doing so.

Plain English Terminal Commands for Linux

• [ http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/plain-english-terminal-commands-betty/ ] Quite an interesting piece of software. Still in the development phase. But, I see this having a lot of potential to become the backend for a great voice recognition tool for Linux. You will then no longer need to remember Linux commands to execute on the shell. Just say it and it gets done for you :-) .. and probably, taking it a bit more further, you just think and it gets done for you :-)

What is Docker ?

• [ http://www.eweek.com/cloud/slideshows/10-quick-facts-about-docker-container-virtualization.html ] A simple list of basic facts about Docker, the new Virtualisation technology that is being embraced by a very wide variety of Enterprise users. RedHat has already released this in its latest RHEL 7.0 version [ For more information : http://software-dev-tips.blogspot.in/2014/06/linux-weekly-newsbytes-1426.html ]

Kerala Government to move to OpenSource Software

• [ http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2014/06/kerala-and-leipzig-move-to-free-software-on-the-desktop/index.htm ] Some fantastic news here for the FOSS enthusiasts. Indian government is definitely one of the largest consumers of software in India. And with Kerala leading the way, and Tamil Nadu following suite, this signals good news for FOSS efforts in India. Looks like Windows XP [ or should I say Windows 8 ? ] was a blessing in disguise :)

Getting your hands dirty with Git

• [ http://www.sitepoint.com/10-tips-git-next-level/ ] Gone, are the days of cvs and svn. Git is the in thing now. Read through this [ http://www.sitepoint.com/git-for-beginners/ ] post to understand the very basics of using Git. The main purpose of having Git to help with distributed code. To make yourself comfortable with that read this post [ http://www.sitepoint.com/getting-started-git-team-environment/ ]. You can then come back to this week's post [ http://www.sitepoint.com/10-tips-git-next-level/ ] to learn some book keeping tasks.

Upcoming MOOC Sessions

•  [ http://www.linux.com/news/featured-blogs/185-jennifer-cloer/777474-best-technology-moocs-for-summer-and-fall ] MOOC is an acronym for "Massive Open Online Courses" There are a bunch [ actually plenty ] of these online courses being launched [ or already available ] for you. This link mentions courses on Enterprise Computing, Computer Architecture, IT Security, Parallel Programming and many more. All that is needed, is for you to spare some time daily and be steadfast :-)

[Solved] Linux Commands Challenge : 005

Fancy your Linux skills ? Take this challenge and answer these simple 5 questions on Linux commands.

Update : Added Solutions

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1. What does the command units do ?
• • It is a program to convert quantities expressed in one scale to another. Ex : meters to miles


2. What happens if I apply the sticky bit to a directory ?
• • You make the files in that directory “sticky”. In the sense, users cannot delete the files in that directory. Only the root user can delete the files. Ex : /tmp directory


3. How do you print the reverse of your username on Linux ?
• • whoami | rev


4. How do you find out the most commonly used command by a given user ?
• • hash | sort -r | head


5. What is the difference in the output of these two commands : echo * and ls -R ?
• • echo * : Lists all the files in the current directory and all its sub directories ls -R : Lists all the files and folders in the current directory and all its sub directories

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1426

Here is a list of the latest, most happening events and news items from the Linux World. Keep reading to find out what's making the most noise around Linux this week

RHEL 7.0 released

• [ http://www.redhat.com/about/news/press-archive/2014/6/red-hat-unveils-rhel-7 ] 
• Red Hat has announced the release of its latest support version Enterprise Linux 7.0. This product will be supported till 2024 !!! [ 10 years support : http://www.itworld.com/open-source/422472/red-hat-gears-rhel-long-haul ] To find out what's new in RHEL 7.0, read this post [ http://images.infoworld.com/t/linux/keep-eye-these-5-new-features-in-rhel-7-244023 ]

Firefox 30 released

• [ https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/30.0/releasenotes/ ] 
• This is the latest version of the web browser from Firefox. To find out more about the new features in this latest release, read this article : http://www.ghacks.net/2014/06/10/firefox-30-released-find-new/ It mentions the change in Plugins behaviour, new Sidebar Button, and the support for Gstreamer 1.0

14 Apps to boost Ubuntu

• [ http://www.datamation.com/applications/14-apps-to-boost-ubuntu-1.html ] 
• Whether you use Ubuntu or some other Linux distribution, this article mentions a good list of must have applications. Once you find your set of applications, you can always find out how to install them for your favourite distribution. This article is a good place to start for Linux newbies.

Rescuing a non-booting GRUB 2 on Linux

• [ http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/776643-how-to-rescue-a-non-booting-grub-2-on-linux ]
• If you like playing around with partition tables and multi-booting various distros and Operating Systems on your machine, I am sure you must have come across some problems while loading GRUB. Here is a simple article that explains you on what to do when 2 such problems happen. Its a simple article that also gives you a good heads up on getting comfortable with GRUB 2

Write your first Linux Kernel Module

• [ http://www.linuxvoice.com/be-a-kernel-hacker/ ]
• This is a pretty detailed hand-holding article that takes you through your first Linux Kernel Module. For all of you who are keen to start getting involved into Linux Kernel, this is a good way to get a feel of what things would be in the land of Kernel Development. Try it out and feel energised to make your mark on the Linux Kernel.

[Solved] PERL Programming Challenge

Fancy your PERL programming skills ? Take this challenge and answer these simple 5 questions on PERL.
Update : Added solutions

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1. How do I eliminate the newline character from the input variable $age in PERL ?
• • chomp($age);


2. Write a PERL one-liner to convert tab spaces in a file called tabs.txt to one space each
• • perl -pe 's/\t/ /g' tabs.txt;


3. How do you empty the contents of an array called : myarray in PERL?
• • $#myarray = -1;


4. How do I append a new line containing the text “Get water” before the 3rd line of a file : todo.txt using PERL ?
• • perl -pe 'print "Get water\n" if $. == 3’ todo.txt;


5. How do you download the contents of a URL with PERL ?
• • By using LWP.pm [ Perl Module ]
  • use LWP::Simple;
  • $webdata = get ‘http://your-website.com';

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1425

Here is a list of the latest, most happening events and news items from the Linux World. Keep reading to find out what's making the most noise around Linux this week

Critical new bug in crypto library : GnuTLS

• http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/06/critical-new-bug-in-crypto-library-leaves-linux-apps-open-to-drive-by-attacks/ : A good write up about a new bug found in GnuTLS. This doesn't seem to be as bad as the HeartBleed. But a bug is a bug. So make sure you close this security hole in your machine by applying the fix. Make sure you read the comments section of this article if you are wondering of ways to find out if your system is affected by this. You can find there a simple command to test if the programs on your machine use GnuTLS library.

Git v2.0.0 has been released

• http://lkml.iu.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1405.3/02592.html : Rather old, but important information. You will be able to make sense of this only if you are using a lot of Git daily. If you find the documentation in the mailing list archive a bit above your understand, then read this blog post [ https://felipec.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/git-v2-0-0/ ] to understand the nuances of the new features added.

Linux Kernel 3.15 has been released

• https://lkml.org/lkml/2014/6/8/70 : If you love tracking Linux Kernel releases then you should be aware that Linus Torvalds announced the release of Linux Kernel 3.15 on 8th June 2014. Though the email lists the new features added, too make a sense of them, you can read a few articles that describe what the new features in Linux Kernel mean :
• The top features of Linux Kernel 3.15 : http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTcwOTY
• Some more features mentioned here : http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTY1NzI
• Some more great features mentioned here : http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTY2MjU

Tracking your time and tasks on Fedora

• http://fedoramagazine.org/tracking-your-time-and-tasks-on-fedora/ : For all you GTD aficionados, this article should give you a good repository of tools that you can use for managing your time and tasks on your workstation. Though it says that it is for Fedora, I think most of the apps can be found on other distributions as well. But, then, when it comes to preparing lists like these, remember that the main intention of preparing these lists is to "reduce" them !!! So, don't waste time fidgeting with the broken apps, go get yourself a piece of pen and paper, and start finishing off things from the list.

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1424

Here is a list of the latest, most happening events and news items from the Linux World. Keep reading to find out what's making the most noise around Linux this week

Managing Printers on Linux

• Came across a short and sweet article that describes the simple steps to installing printers on your Linux machine, be it a local printer or a network printer. Read it to find out how simple the entire process is

The Linux Foundation will pay you for working on Open Source Projects

• Yea, you read it correct. They will pay you. The Linux Foundation has decided to fund some selected, highly critical projects. This seems to have been triggered by the HeartBleed bug. I see this as a good way to avoid future HeartBleeds. The first projects selected for audit are OpenSSL, OpenSSH and NTP

Perl 5.20.0 has been released

• This is first major release after 5.18 and has been released after 12 months of hard work. Next release is planned for May 2015.

[Solved] Linux Commands Challenge : 004

Fancy your Linux skills ? Take this challenge and answer what these 5 commonly used abbreviations of Linux stand for

Winner : Congratulations to Sankar P for getting the highest number [ 4 ] of correct solutions.

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1. What does the Linux command TAR stand for ?
• • Tape ARchive


2. What does the Linux command GREP stand for ?
• • Global ( search for ) Regular Expressions and Print


3. What does the Linux command CHMOD stand for ?
• • CHange MODe


4. What does the Linux command BC stand for ?
• • Basic Calculator


5. What does the Linux command AWK stand for ?
• • Aho, Weinberger and Kernighan. It is named after the names of its authors : Al Aho, Peter Weinberger and Brian Kernighan