Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1440

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.

History of OpenSource

• [ https://magic.piktochart.com/output/2385023-history-of-the-open-source-movem# ]
• A lovely pictorial representation of how things have evolved on the OpenSource highway. I bet it misses a few things, but a good overall pictorial view none the less

City of Turin decides to replace Windows with Linux

• [ http://www.zdnet.com/city-of-turin-decides-to-ditch-windows-xp-for-ubuntu-and-6m-saving-7000033482/ ]
• After Munich, this time its Turin, a city in Italy, that plans to migrate 8,300 [ government ] PCs from Windows to Linux

Understanding LogRotate

• [ http://xmodulo.com/2014/09/logrotate-manage-log-files-linux.html ]
• Logrotate is one of your best friends if you are a Linux Administrator. This simple article explains the usage of this essential Linux service in very simple terms.

Using systemd

• [ http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/788613-understanding-and-using-systemd ]
• Whether you like it or not, you got to use systemd when that happens to be on the system you are diagnosing. This article gives you a very brief overview of what to do when you are confronted with a system running systemd. If you feel puzzled at reading the word "systemd", then read this article to understand what systemd is all about [ http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/524577-here-we-go-again-another-linux-init-intro-to-systemd ]

Teaching Linux to kids

• [ http://www.linux.com/news/featured-blogs/200-libby-clark/788415-new-youtube-series-teaches-kids-about-linux- ]
• A lovely, cute video series that tries its hands at teaching [ rather, introducing should be the right word ] Linux to kids

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1437

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.

Useful CLI Tools For Linux Sys Admins

• [ http://xmodulo.com/2014/08/useful-cli-tools-linux-system-admins.html ]
• Very interesting list of commands. Make sure you bookmark this webpage

A Complete Beginner's Guide to Linux

• [ http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/784060-the-complete-beginners-guide-to-linux ]
• A very nice collection of Linux jargons explained using layman terms

Choosing a Linux Desktop

• [ http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/783109-how-to-choose-the-best-linux-desktop-for-you ]
• Choosing a Linux Desktop is always driven by the user's need for wanting to use a desktop. This article gives very neat use cases that will help you to select a Linux Desktop without the pain of trying them all before finalising on one

Elementary OS's Pantheon Desktop Review

• [ http://www.networkworld.com/article/2599415/opensource-subnet/the-linux-desktop-a-week-review-elementary-oss-pantheon.html ]
• From the moment I have seen this desktop, I have been very fascinated by its simplistic design and approach to things. Make sure you read this review before deciding which OS/Desktop you want to use for yourself. Pantheon is certainly a strong contender and I see it only gaining more ground as time progresses

Krita Photo Editor

• [ http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/786040-photo-editing-on-linux-with-krita ]
• Sounds to be a bit easier to use than GIMP. Worth trying it out

Network Admin's master tool : netstat

• [ http://www.maketecheasier.com/mastering-netstat-command/ ]
• Linux Network Administrator's most favourite tool : netstat. Learn its various uses through this article.

systemd 261 released

• [ http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/systemd-devel/2014-August/022295.html ]
• Amid all the controversy surfacing around the inclusion of systemd, Lennart Poettering released the next major version of systemd, version 216. 
• If you have been asleep while this controversy has been raging, then read about some of it in this article : http://www.infoworld.com/d/data-center/choose-your-side-the-linux-divide-248950

[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

---

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 Programming Challenge : 001

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

Update : Solutions added

---

1. If getppid() returns the parent process id, what does getepid() return ?
• • Effective user id


2. Which daemon is used to update log files on a Linux system ?
• • syslogd


3. Which is the only directory [ filesystem ] on a Linux machine that does not exist on the hard disk ?
• • The proc filesystem that resides at /proc


4. Will a hardlink have an inode number different from the inode of the file it links to ? Or is this the case with a soft link ?
• • Hardlink and the file it links to use the same inode number
  • Softlink and the file it links to use different inode numbers


5. What is the default file permission of all newly created files when the umask is 0755 ?
• • 022 [ only group users and others can write to this file !!! ]

Linux Weekly NewsBytes : 1433

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.

Fedora Security Team

• [ https://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/announce/2014-July/003228.html ]
• Riding on the lines of Linux Foundation [ http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/announcements/2014/05/core-infrastructure-initiative-announces-new-backers ], Fedora project has formed a team of 20 developers to close security vulnerabilities. The best part is that it is an open community and you can join in as well. If nothing, you can definitely at least learn a lot about Security by being part of this team.

Valencia Linux School distro saves € 36 million

•  [ https://joinup.ec.europa.eu/community/osor/news/valencia-linux-school-distro-saves-36-million-euro ]
• This distribution called LliureX [ https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fca.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLliureX&edit-text= ] is based on Edubuntu and is developed and provided by the Ministry of Culture, Education and Sport. Its high time that we see some initiatives like this in India. Or probably start them ourselves, instead of waiting for someone else to start ?
• Here's another article that talks about "Opening Up the world to Deserving Kids, One Linux Computer at a time" [ http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/reglue-opening-world-deserving-kids-one-linux-computer-time ]

Zorin OS 9 : Linux for Windows Users

• [ http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2014/07/zorin-os-9-linux-for-windows-users.html ]
• A very detailed and descriptive review of Zorin OS9. Makes me try it. Sounds definitely like a perfect OS for users migrating from Windows world. It has various look and feel defined as "Windows XP Look", "Windows 7 Look" and "Gnome 2" look. And all of this comes with the added security that frees you from the shackles of Antivirus updations. What more can a user ask for ?

KDE Plasma 5 released

• [ http://kde.org/announcements/plasma5.0/ ]
• Review at : [ http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/07/28/kde_plasma_5_review/ ]. It talks about how Breeze UI is greatly simplified. Also about how the lock screen how displays a clock and many other things.

LibreOffice 4.3 released

• [ http://blog.documentfoundation.org/2014/07/30/libreoffice-4-3-today-you-cant-own-a-better-office-suite/ ]
• This latest version of LibreOffice boasts of an improved spreadsheet application [ Calc ]. It calls it more intuitive now. It also boasts of 3D models !!!

LXLE 14.04 Released

• [ http://lxle.net/articles/?post=lxle-releases-1404-64bit-12044-32bit-revisited ]
• A very stale news. But, going by what this article [ http://www.linux.com/news/software/applications/780781-6-excellent-lightweight-linux-distros-for-x86-and-arm ] says about LXLE, I bet you would want to give it a shot. Many reviews suggest that the choice of default applications for this OS is perfect. They call it excellently crafted. Check it out and see if it satisfies your needs

Do you Cheat on Linux ?

• [ http://www.tecmint.com/cheat-command-line-cheat-sheet-for-linux-users/ ]
• Cheat is a wonderful application for beginners of Linux. It provides easy command line options with examples for any given Linux command !!! It not only helps you save your time, but it also comes in handy as a great learning tool.

[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.

---

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

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 : 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.

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.