March 9th 2020 update: Two months later, I can report that although my Pinebook Pro still sees some usage, for the most part I’ve reverted to my old laptop. It’s a very capable laptop for the price and I still strongly recommend ownership! More on my 2 month feedback can be read at the end […]
atop – For Linux server performance analysis
We’re all familiar with top, a real-time system monitor. Some prefer htop and previously I mentioned iotop for use with storage read/write monitoring. Lets looks at another popular tool for Linux server performance analysis: atop. Advantages of atop Atop is an ASCII full-screen performance monitor which can log and report the activity of all server processes. One feature […]
How to direct-install Debian SID rolling release using mini.iso (w/ screenshots)
This post has been updated. Original post: May 20th, 2017. Last updated Feb, 28th 2020. For desktop, I’ve often preferred rolling release distros such as Arch Linux or custom installed Kali Linux. However, currently I’m on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS Fedora 31. Ubuntu recently released 16.04 LTS 18.04 LTS which meant performing an in-place upgrade or complete re-install […]
Best Linux Distro 2020, for desktop
Searching for the best Linux distro in 2020 for your desktop computer or laptop? This article will probably be most useful to those who don’t know what /etc/fstab is used for. Also, this post does not cover Linux server distributions, but instead focuses on the best Linux desktop distros (distributions). One great way to increase your familiarity with Linux servers is […]
How to Enable Unattended Upgrades on Ubuntu/Debian
Linux server security is of critical importance to sysadmins. One central part of keeping Linux servers secure, is by installing security updates in a timely manner. Too often there are compromised servers on the internet due to pending security updates waiting for a manual update. On both Ubuntu and Debian, the unattended-upgrades package can be configured […]
Replacing getty with ngetty on Debian
This article was originally posted back in October 2013. As such, I’ve updated it, since the current Debian release, Debian 9, no longer uses init, but instead uses systemd. Systemd is a system and service manager for Linux. It is the default init system for Debian since Debian 8 (Jessie). ngetty or mingetty may be useful for […]
Choosing the Best Linux Server Distro 2019
Are you trying to decide on a Linux server distro (distribution) in 2019? This article will help guide you based on the strengths of the Linux server distributions available. If you are looking for desktop advice, have a look at Choosing the Best Linux Distro 2019, for Desktop. Best Linux Server distro 2019 The first […]
Kali Linux non-root install w/ screenshots
NOTE: If you are here for a penetration testing install guide of Kali Linux, this guide is NOT for you. The default install of Kali Linux contains many tools which can only run with root privilege. You should instead follow Kali’s default install method for root install and understand the risks. This guide will walk you […]
Best Linux distro and Desktop Environment Combinations.
Are you searching for the best Linux distro (distribution) and DE (Desktop Environment) combination? What better way to increase your familiarity with Linux servers than running Linux on your laptop and/or workstation. Best Linux distros As mentioned previously, the first rule to keep in mind is that there’s no “best” Linux distro. But rather there’s a […]
Temporary change #ArchLinux to #Debian
Update Jan 15th 2015: I’m back on Arch Linux. Debian was great, but Arch is better, for now. Between the front page news, Arch Wiki and the official forum, nothing is impossible to solve or find an existing solution to. I use Terminator (terminal windows can be split as many times as needed) for ssh access to servers […]