[Solved] Linux Kernel Challenge : 001

Fancy your Linux Kernel Programming skills ? Take this challenge and answer these simple 5 questions related to Linux Kernel Programming.

Update : Added Solutions

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1. What is the latest mainline version of Linux Kernel [ as of 11-Aug-2014 ] ?
• • 3.16 : Ref : https://www.kernel.org/finger_banner


2. What is the file extension of a Linux Kernel module ?
• • .ko


3. Which Linux Kernel function corresponds to the insmod user function ?
• • module_init()


4. Which kernel functions would use in your kernel module to allocate and free memory ?
• • kmalloc() : to allocate memory in kernel address space
  • kfree() : to free memory in kernel address space


5. What does COW stand for w.r.t Linux Kernel ?
• • Copy On Write :
  • Its an efficient method of copying, where a resource of a page is shared without making a copy of it, until an attempt to write is made. Only then is a duplicate copy made, and all subsequent writes happen on the copy.

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1434

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.

2014 Linux Training Scholarship Program

• [ http://training.linuxfoundation.org/free-linux-training/linux-training-scholarship-program ]
• This Scholarship Program provided by The Linux Foundation helps to provide funds to upcoming Linux Whiz-kids, Women in Linux, Linux SysAdmins, Linux Developers and Linux Kernel Gurus. Don't lose this opportunity. Start applying now. Last date for submissions is 2-Sep-2014

KNOPPIX 7.4.0 released

• [ http://knopper.net/knoppix/knoppix740-en.html ]
• The good old Linux on CD program that I first heard of, viz., KNOPPIX has released its latest version 7.4.0 that uses Linux Kernel 3.15.6 and comes built-in with tons of softwares that can run on LXDE, KDE or GNOME desktop environments.

Exciting features merged so far in Linux Kernel 3.17

• [ http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTc1OTM ]
• Linux Kernel 3.17 release is still a few months away, but there are already a bunch of very exciting features already included in it. Some noteworthy features included are new features for Samsung Flash-Friendly File System, support for plenty of new ARM hardware, Intel Braswell audio support, and others

Oracle delivers Solaris 11.2

• [ http://ostatic.com/blog/oracle-delivers-solaris-11-2-with-openstack-integrated-sdn-features#buzz ]
• Included this news here, only because it reminded me of my earlier days of using Sun Solaris. This latest version being launched from the Oracle stable boasts of Integrated SDN features and comes built-in with OpenStack. Oracle is positioning this version as a modern Cloud platform that uses SDN technology.

Docker comes to OpenSuSE

• [ http://www.zdnet.com/docker-comes-to-opensuse-7000032355/#ftag=RSSf468ffe ]
• Containers are the next big thing. And Docker seems to be the best solution to leverage Containers on Linux. After RedHat, its OpenSUSE now that has embraced Docker. To read more about what Docker is, visit this article : http://www.zdnet.com/what-is-docker-and-why-is-it-so-darn-popular-7000032269/

Better Security with Proper Management of Open Source

• [ http://www.linux.com/news/software/applications/782953-how-to-achieve-better-security-by-proper-management-of-open-source ]
• We often find new products being released that are integrated with a lot of Open Source code. This article gives a high level overview of the various Security issues that you might face when you integrate your code with Open Source software. It also gives some guidelines on how to prevent any future problems that might arise due to this integration.

[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 : 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.