Operating Systems

So, you're ready to delve into what your Linux VPS will run?

The Linux server platform is used worldwide by enthusiasts, technically-savvy entrepreneurs and small to large (very, large) companies. It has, without doubt, become one of the most powerful operating systems for VPS. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective replacement to Windows Server (or even Desktop) with fantastic desktop editing, email clients et al.

The most remarkable feature of Linux is that the Linux Operating System is entirely open-source. Due to this, it can feature and integrate with other open-source programs; like PHP-based applications, Apache Web server and so on. Without going into too much detail this is all well and good but what do its users say? Well, the Linux control panel console is largely preferred for editing configurations etc - so it's free and it's the preferred toolset.

There are many, many Linux distributions (commonly known as "distros") for users or for use on a server. So, if you are looking to deploy the Linux VPS for your workload, you can opt Linux “distros” or “distributions”, which this category will help you with.

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    Understanding IPv6 Support Variations in Linux Bash The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been a topic of discussion and action in the tech community for several decades now. IPv6, the most recent version of the Internet Protocol, was developed to address the imminent exhaustion of IPv4 addresses and improve the overall functionality of the internet. As Linux remains a dominant force in server environments, websites, and networking, understanding how it supports IPv6, particularly in its shell environment, Bash, is crucial for developers and system administrators. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is a network layer protocol designed for use on packet-switched networks.
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    Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are essential for ensuring privacy and security while navigating the digital world. They allow users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network. This functionality is particularly valuable for both individuals and businesses looking to secure their communications. For Linux users, setting up a VPN can involve different configurations depending on the type of VPN, the Linux distribution, and user's specific needs. Today, we're going to dive into the fundamental aspects of VPN configuration through the Linux Bash shell.
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    Linux, with its robust set of distributions (distros), offers users diverse experiences that cater to different preferences and requirements. One key aspect that varies significantly across these distributions is how they handle system initialization and manage services; in other words, their startup scripts. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Linux startup scripts, exploring the traditional and modern systems used in various distros and understanding how they differ. Startup scripts are scripts used to start a computer system, initialize the operating system, and set up services and background processes necessary for the system to function properly and efficiently.
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    Mastering System Control: Enabling and Disabling Services Using systemctl For both beginners and seasoned veterans in the Linux world, managing system services efficiently is as crucial as mastering any other skill. Whether you are administering a server or maintaining your personal Linux setup, understanding how to control services is fundamental. The command-line tool systemctl is a part of systemd, which has become the de facto initialization system and service manager in most Linux distributions. In this guide, we'll explore how to use systemctl to enable or disable services on your system. systemctl is a command-line utility to introspect and control the state of the systemd system and service manager.
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    In the world of web server software, Apache and NGINX stand out as the two most popular solutions used on the Internet today. They power a massive chunk of websites and applications, each boasting unique features, performance characteristics, and configuration styles. However, for someone just stepping into server management or setting up a basic website, it can be challenging to decide between Apache and NGINX. This article aims to provide a foundational understanding of both servers, their differences, and how to set them up on a Linux system. Apache HTTP Server, often referred to simply as Apache, was launched in 1995 and has since been a top player in the web server industry.
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    Managing a Linux system often involves needing to download packages and update your system using tools like apt, dnf, or zypper. However, in corporate environments or certain geographical locations, your network might require you to use a proxy server to access external network resources. This can be a bit confusing when you first encounter it, but no worries; setting up a proxy for updates and downloads from the command line is straightforward once you know where to make the right adjustments. Before diving into configurations, let's quickly understand what a proxy server does. A proxy acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers.
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    When deploying a Linux system, understanding what services and daemons run by default after installation is essential for both performance and security management. Linux distributions are widely regarded for their robustness, security, and performance, making decisions about what runs on a Linux box critical right from the setup. In this blog post, we will explore the common network services that typically start by default on a Linux machine after installation, their purposes, and basic management tips. The set of default network services running on a Linux system can vary significantly depending on the Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, etc.) and the installation options chosen (minimal vs. standard installation).
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    In the bustling world of web hosting, the operating system you choose plays a pivotal role in defining the efficiency, security, and reliability of the services you offer. Linux, with its robust performance and open-source nature, remains a popular choice among hosting providers. However, when it comes to specialized hosting environments, CloudLinux OS emerges as a tailored solution that brings additional layers of control, stability, and security, especially useful in multi-tenant web hosting scenarios. One of the key strengths of CloudLinux lies in its suite of network tools designed to optimise and secure a hosting server environment.
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    As the world of Linux continues to expand and evolve, the tools that users utilize to manage and monitor their systems are equally advancing. Among the myriad of Linux distributions available today, AlmaLinux and Ubuntu stand out for their stability, robust support, and rich set of features. While both distributions provide powerful platforms for deploying server and desktop environments, they bring different philosophies and tools to network management. In this blog, we dive deep into the AlmaLinux’s Cockpit and Ubuntu’s GUI network tools, to help you understand their functionalities, ease of use, and how they stack up against each other.
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    When managing network settings in Linux, particularly in a distribution like OpenSUSE, YaST (Yet another Setup Tool) simplifies the process tremendously. YaST is one of the crown jewels of OpenSUSE, providing an intuitive, graphical interface for complex administrative tasks which might otherwise require cumbersome command line syntax. In this blog post, we will dive into how to use YaST for network configuration, making management tasks more accessible and less time-consuming. YaST is OpenSUSE’s all-in-one configuration tool. It manages installation, hardware configuration, system setup, and more. Network configuration through YaST is particularly user-friendly, offering both graphical (GUI) and text-based interfaces.
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    Understanding the Differences Among Linux Firewall Tools: ufw, firewalld, and iptables Firewalls are the unsung heroes of network security, safeguarding systems from unauthorized access and attacks. In the Linux ecosystem, several tools help administrators and users configure the underlying netfilter framework to manage network traffic effectively. The most prominent among these tools are iptables, ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall), and firewalld. Each tool has its unique features and operational logic, catering to different user requirements and expertise levels. In this post, we will explore the differences between these tools to help you choose the right firewall for your needs.
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    Navigating network setup in Linux can be a bit daunting, especially if you're new to different distributions and their unique methods of handling configurations like setting a static IP address. This tutorial will break down the steps required to configure static IP addresses in some of the most popular Linux distros: Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. By the end of this guide, you'll understand how to set up a stable and reliable network configuration tailored to your needs. Ubuntu uses Netplan for network configuration in its recent releases (17.10 onwards). Netplan is a utility that reads YAML description files to configure network interfaces.
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    Exploring Hostname and DNS Configuration Variances in Linux Systems Linux systems are renowned for their robustness, versatility, and flexibility, especially in network configurations. Two vital components in Linux networking are the system's hostname and DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Configuring each element correctly is essential for ensuring that a network is efficient, secure, and reliable. In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of managing and configuring hostnames and DNS across various Linux distributions, providing insights into how these elements can vary and how to effectively handle them. The hostname of a Linux system is essentially its name on a network. It is used to identify a machine on a network uniquely.
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    Network configuration is a fundamental aspect of managing Linux systems, especially when working in server environments or when standard network management tools aren't available. While numerous graphical tools and automated systems like NetworkManager exist, understanding the manual configuration files is critical for any Linux system administrator. In this article, we will traverse the landscape of network configuration across different Linux distributions, focusing on Debian-based distributions (like Ubuntu), Red Hat-based distributions (like CentOS), and Arch Linux. In Debian-based distributions such as Ubuntu, the primary configuration file for networking is located at /etc/network/interfaces.
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    In the world of Linux, where flexibility and configurability reign supreme, even network management tools vary significantly between distributions. Two notables among the myriad of network configuration managers available in the Linux ecosystem are Netplan and Wicked. While both tools serve the primary role of managing network settings, they originate from and are default options in different distributions—Netplan for Ubuntu and Wicked for openSUSE. Let’s dive deep into both, comparing their features, usage, and which might suit various user needs better. Introduced in Ubuntu 17.10 as a default networking configuration tool, Netplan is a simple and easy-to-use utility to configure networks.
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    In today's diverse and interconnected IT environments, the seamless integration of directory services with operating systems and applications is critical for managing user identities and ensuring effective security measures. Linux, being at the heart of many server operations, often needs to be integrated with directory services such as LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and Microsoft Active Directory (AD). This article aims to explore how Linux administrators can use Bash scripting to integrate these popular directory services for efficient administration and automation.
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    In the world of Linux, system security and process isolation play pivotal roles in day-to-day operations, particularly for system administrators and security specialists. One of the utilities that serve this purpose is chroot, an operation that changes the apparent root directory for the current running process and its children. A process that is run in such an environment cannot access files outside the designated directory tree. This concept, known as a "chroot jail", is integral in system security, testing, and multi-user isolation. The chroot command in Linux stands for "change root." It changes the root directory of the current running process to some other directory in the file system.
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    One of the foundational skills for any budding Linux administrator or enthusiast includes understanding its directory structure—particularly, the layout of the home directory. The home directory serves as a personal storage space for each user, a repository for configuration files, documents, downloads, and much more. Today, we'll break down the default layout of the home directory in Linux, its significance, and how to efficiently navigate it using Bash. Each user on a Linux system is assigned a home directory, which is typically found under /home/username. This directory is the user's personal space. It offers a high level of customization per user without affecting other users' configurations.
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    Linux, an emblem of flexibility and choice, offers a plethora of distributions (distros) tailored for various environments and users. From the desktop-friendly Ubuntu to the robust enterprise-centric Red Hat Enterprise Linux, each distribution tweaks and configures system settings differently to best suit its target audience. One critical aspect that often varies across these distros is system login configuration, a fundamental area for administrators and users alike. This article delves into how popular Linux distributions manage system login configurations, highlighting their similarities and differences. System login configurations involve settings and mechanisms that control user access to a Linux system.
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    In the landscape of cybersecurity, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has emerged as a critical layer of defense, protecting user data from unauthorized access. MFA, by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account or system, significantly reduces the risk of intrusion. Linux, known for its robustness and security in server environments, offers various ways to implement MFA. These can differ significantly in terms of setup processes and technologies used. In this article, we delve into the different setups for MFA on Linux systems, helping you choose the right configuration for your needs. Google Authenticator Google Authenticator is a popular choice for adding MFA to a Linux system.
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    When it comes to web hosting, security is paramount. In a digital era prone to cyber threats, even the slightest vulnerability can expose sensitive data to malicious actors or lead to severe service disruptions. That’s where CloudLinux comes in - a powerhouse Linux distribution designed specifically for shared hosting environments. In this blog, we'll delve into the unique security tools offered by CloudLinux that set it apart and make it a preferred choice for web hosting security. One of the standout features of CloudLinux is CageFS - a virtualized file system that encapsulates each user in its own isolated environment. This isolation prevents users from seeing each other and viewing sensitive information.
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    Linux is incredibly robust in its ability to manage multiple users, making it a powerful operating system for servers and systems where you may have multiple people working on the same machine. In non-GUI (Graphical User Interface) distributions, user management is handled entirely through the terminal. This might sound daunting if you're not familiar with command-line interfaces, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. Managing users in a command-line environment allows for enhanced control and automation opportunities. It's also a fundamental skill for system administrators, as it directly impacts system security and resource management.
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    When managing files on a Linux system, ensuring proper security and accessibility measures for different users is paramount. The Access Control List (ACL) provides a more nuanced approach to permissions, extending beyond the traditional owner/group/others model. Here, we will explore how ACL is set up in Linux and discuss the key differences in its implementation. An Access Control List (ACL) offers a more flexible permission framework on Linux systems. It allows system administrators to specify more detailed user access rights to files and directories than the general permission system allows. ACLs are particularly useful in an environment where multiple users require different levels of access to the resources.
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    Understanding file permission defaults is crucial for system security and functionality, particularly when you're running a Linux distribution. Today, we will dive into the nuanced world of file permissions in two popular distributions: Debian and AlmaLinux. These two embody different aspects of the Linux ecosystem, with Debian being one of the oldest and most influential distributions, while AlmaLinux stands as a newer, community-driven fork of CentOS. Let's explore how these systems handle file permissions by default and what that means for users and administrators. Before comparing Debian and AlmaLinux, it's important to understand the basics of Linux file permissions.
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    In the world of Linux distributions, maintaining robust security measures is paramount to ensuring the safety and integrity of system operations. Two of the most notable Mandatory Access Control (MAC) security systems utilized by Linux distributions are AppArmor and SELinux. Although they both aim to restrict programs' capabilities and limit their access to system resources, their approaches and implementation diverge significantly. This blog post delves into the differences between AppArmor, commonly used in Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions, and SELinux, predominantly found in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and other Fedora-based systems.
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