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 :-)

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.