SSH Security: Protecting Your Linux Server from Threats

As an essential tool for managing servers, SSH (Secure Shell) provides a secure way to remotely access a server’s command line. However, for best SSH security, it’s crucial to limit SSH server access to specific IP addresses to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and brute force attacks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss methods […]

Boost Your Linux Command Line Productivity, Part 1

Welcome to the first part of a series of command line tips to boost your Linux productivity. The command line interface can be a lifesaver for those who work on these systems regularly. In this series, we will explore five ways to help you work faster and more efficiently on Linux servers (or Linux desktops) […]

Fix “Host key verification failed”

“Host key verification failed” is a common error message that can occur when trying to connect to a remote server via Secure Shell (SSH). This error can be frustrating, but it’s actually a security feature that can be easily resolved. In this blog post, we will first look at how to fix this error, then […]

Linux top: Here’s how to customize it

The top command – referred to below as Linux top – is a command on Unix and Unix-like systems such as Linux, which provides a dynamic real-time overview of a running system. It can display system summary information and a list of processes or threads currently managed by the Linux kernel. The types of system […]

Best Linux Distros in 2023: Beginner to Expert

Are you searching for the best Linux distro (distribution) for your desktop computer or laptop to take you into 2023? This article will guide you to what I believe are the best Linux distros for beginner, experienced, and expert users. Whether you are a power user or just getting your feet wet, there are indeed […]

5 ‘other’ Independent Linux Distros You Should Try

As a Linux user or administrator, you are probably familiar with the most popular Linux distribution: Ubuntu. However, have you considered trying out independent Linux distros? In this article, I will explain why independent Linux distros can be an excellent option for curious-minded users.   What is an independent Linux distribution? An independent Linux distribution […]

MySQL 8 sample config (my.cnf example) and tuning.

With the release of MySQL 8 I wanted to paste my tuned my.cnf (MySQL configuration file) for discussion, suggestions, and questions. To get the most out of your MySQL 8 installation, you will need to configure it correctly and tune the settings for your specific use case. In this blog post, we will discuss my […]

MySQL Database Performance: Avoid this common mistake

One frequent topic of support request emails I receive is MySQL database performance. Clients complain about MySQL using too much server memory, too many MySQL slow queries, the famous Mysql server has gone away errors, and many other MySQL performance-related issues. As such, I wanted to share solutions to some common MySQL configuration mistakes. If […]

Redis Monitoring: Tools and Solutions

Redis (Remote dictionary server) is an open-source, in-memory key-value data store. It is widely used as a database, cache, and message broker. Redis is known for its high performance and scalability, making it an excellent choice for modern applications. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and managing Redis can be a challenging task, especially […]

Monitoring PHP Performance and Diagnosing Bottlenecks

As one of the most widely used scripting languages for web development, PHP is known for its flexibility and ease of use. However, with complex applications and increasing traffic, PHP performance can sometimes take a hit. Monitoring PHP performance and diagnosing bottlenecks is essential to ensure that your web applications are running smoothly and efficiently. In […]