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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    As the world of software development continues to evolve, so does the need for efficient and scalable build systems. Whether you are part of a small team of developers or a large corporation, managing software builds and distributions across multiple platforms can be challenging. OpenSUSE's Open Build Service (OBS) is a powerful tool that stands out in the landscape of software development tools, providing an effective solution for developers looking to streamline the building, packaging, and distribution of software. Open Build Service (OBS) is a public resource offered and maintained by SUSE, one of the pioneers in open-source solutions.
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    In the realm of enterprise computing, having access to a wide range of tested and reliable software packages is crucial. This is where EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) comes into play, especially for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) clones like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. In this blog post, we'll delve into what the EPEL repository is, why it’s essential, and how you can seamlessly integrate it into AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux to enhance your system's capabilities. EPEL stands for Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux.
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    For many Ubuntu users, the introduction to managing software goes a bit further than merely using the traditional software repositories provided by default. This is where Personal Package Archives (PPA) come into play, offering a more flexible route to installing and managing software that might not be available in the official channels. A Personal Package Archive (PPA) is a software repository designed to be used with Ubuntu and other distributions based on it (like Linux Mint). PPAs allow software developers and enthusiast communities to distribute newer versions of software, or software not included in the official Ubuntu repositories, directly to users.
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    In the diverse world of Linux, package repositories and mirrors are foundational elements that enhance the user experience by ensuring easy access to software applications and updates. Although terms like "repositories" and "mirrors" are often used interchangeably by newcomers, they serve distinct roles within the Linux ecosystem. In this article, we'll explore the differences between package repositories and mirrors, their importance, and how they contribute to the seamless operation of Linux distributions. A package repository in Linux is a storage location where various packages (software, libraries, and applications) that are compatible with the distribution are kept.
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    Linux, the ever-evolving open-source operating system, has diversified into multiple distributions over the years, each catering to different needs and preferences of its users. At the heart of most Linux distributions is a critical component: the package manager. A package manager streamlines the process of managing software installation, upgrades, configuration, and removal by automating these complex tasks. Three popular Linux distributions — Ubuntu (Debian-based), AlmaLinux/Rocky (Red Hat descendants), and openSUSE — use different package managers, namely apt, dnf, and zypper, respectively. In this article, we will explore these package managers, highlighting their features, similarities, and differences.
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    The world of Linux is vast and versatile, filled with countless distributions that cater to a wide variety of users, from the novice desktop user to the advanced server administrator. Among the many distributions available, Ubuntu stands out for its ease of use, stability, and strong community support. When it comes to hardware compatibility, however, the relationship between Linux distributions and hardware can sometimes be complex, especially with vendor-specific nuances. In this blog post, we are going to explore the realm of vendor-specific hardware compatibility, focusing particularly on the partnership between Dell and Ubuntu.
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    As businesses and IT environments evolve, the use of virtual machines (VMs) has become a cornerstone in managing IT infrastructure. VMs offer an efficient, scalable, and isolated platform for running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Linux, well-loved for its robustness and flexibility, often finds its roots deeply embedded in these environments. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, understanding how to install and configure Linux Bash on different virtualization platforms is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the nuances of installing Linux Bash across various VM environments. Before diving into installation differences, let’s clarify what Linux Bash is.
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    As Linux continues to be a cornerstone for many server operations, subdivisions like CloudLinux have gained prominence due to their unique offerings tailored to web hosting. One of the essential tools provided by CloudLinux is the Lightweight Virtual Environment (LVE) Manager. Moreover, CloudLinux’s distinctive kernel plays a crucial role in enhancing server stability, density, and security. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of setting up CloudLinux with a particular focus on the LVE Manager and the kernel modifications. CloudLinux OS is a Linux distribution designed for shared hosting environments.
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    Dual-booting is a compelling choice for users who need the robust capabilities of Linux alongside the familiar environment of Windows. This setup involves installing both operating systems on the same hardware and selecting which OS to boot into at startup. It's a powerful solution for developers, IT professionals, and enthusiasts looking to harness the strengths of both ecosystems. However, understanding the compatibility differences between Linux bash in a dual-boot configuration with Windows is crucial to managing and operating both systems effectively. 1. File System Compatibility The first significant compatibility issue deals with the different file systems that Linux and Windows use.
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    Linux, the backbone of many computing infrastructures and enthusiasts’ favorite playground, varies significantly in approach and implementation between servers and desktops. Understanding these differences isn't just academic; it arms you with the necessary knowledge to optimise your installations, ensuring security, stability, and performance. In this blog, we will delve into the nuances of server versus desktop installations in the context of Linux Bash, offering insights and tips to navigate these waters expertly. Before diving into the Bash commands and scripts that will guide your installation, it's crucial to determine the goals of your Linux setup.
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    Linux, known for its robustness and flexibility, has been a favorite among developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts. One aspect that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in user experience is the installation time of the Linux environment. Particularly, the Bash shell, which is a common default shell in many Linux distributions, has varying installation times depending on the approach and distribution used. In this article, we delve into the installation times of Bash in different scenarios to help users make informed decisions about which method suits their needs best. Before we jump into the comparison, let's briefly discuss what Bash is.
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    Servers are the bedrock of the modern internet, serving everything from small personal blogs to enterprise-grade applications. When setting up a new server, the choice of operating system significantly impacts stability, security, and usability. For many system administrators and tech enthusiasts, a Non-Graphical User Interface (Non-GUI) or "headless" installation is ideal. This allows for optimised use of system resources and minimised attack vectors. This article will explore the steps and benefits of installing Rocky Linux and Debian in their minimal, non-GUI forms.
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    When it comes to Linux, customization is a big deal — not only in terms of what you can do but also how your environment looks and functions out-of-the-box. Two of the most popular Linux distributions, Ubuntu and openSUSE, offer unique yet distinct default desktop environments to their users, each packing features appealing to different user types and preferences. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the default desktop environments of Ubuntu GNOME and openSUSE KDE Plasma, providing a comparative look to help you make an informed choice or simply appreciate the variegated world of Linux interfaces.
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    When working with Linux systems, especially in a multicultural and multilingual environment, understanding how to manage language and locale settings is crucial. The locale settings control the language and cultural norms used by your system software. These settings affect how your system interacts with you, providing proper support for date format, currency, language, and other cultural norms. In this article, we dive into how to fine-tune these settings in the Bash environment on Linux. A locale is a set of parameters that defines the language, country, and any special variant preferences that an application should adhere to.
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    For anyone who has dived into the realm of Linux, configuring a bootloader is often one of the most crucial and sometimes challenging tasks you'll encounter. The Grand Unified Bootloader (GRUB) is the most popular bootloader among various Linux distributions. Its flexibility allows it to work seamlessly with a multitude of systems, making it a preferred choice for users and developers. In this article, we’ll explore the various GRUB configurations and defaults across different Linux distributions, helping you understand and perhaps even customise your system’s boot process. GRUB is a multi-boot loader, which means it allows users to have multiple operating systems on the same hardware and choose which one to boot into.
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    In the contemporary digital age, the security and confidentiality of data have become paramount. As threats evolve, so too must our defenses. One robust method of protecting data is through disk encryption, which ensures that data on a drive is unreadable without the appropriate key or password. This article will delve into disk encryption techniques for two popular Linux distributions: Ubuntu (based on Debian) and AlmaLinux (a fork of CentOS, derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux). Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, uses LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) for disk encryption. LUKS is a standard for Linux hard disk encryption that provides a uniform method of managing encrypted disks.
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    When it comes to setting up storage on a Linux system, using Logical Volume Management (LVM) offers a flexible and scalable method that enhances management capabilities over traditional partitioning. LVM allows one to resize volumes easily, create snapshots, and manage storage using abstracted logical volumes rather than physical drive limitations. In this article, we will walk through the process of setting up LVM during the installation of a Linux system. LVM is a device mapper that provides a logical layer on top of physical storage like hard drives and partitions, allowing system administrators to create a pool of storage known as a storage volume.
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    Setting up a Linux operating system via a network installation (Netboot) can be an efficient method to deploy across numerous machines. However, just as each Linux distribution (distro) has its unique features, their approach to Netboot installation also varies. In this blog post, we will explore the Netboot differences across several popular Linux distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux, to help you understand the nuances of undertaking a network-based setup in different environments. Before diving into the distinct characteristics, let’s define what Netboot is.
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    When diving into the world of Linux, one of the initial choices any user, whether beginner or advanced, has to make is between a minimal and a full installation of their chosen distribution (distro). This decision can significantly impact system performance, ease of use, and even the learning curve linked to Linux. Each installation type serves different user needs and situations, making it essential to understand their distinctions and the circumstances under which each excels. A minimal installation provides the bare-bones components necessary to run the Linux distro.
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    Linux offers a robust environment for both personal and server use, providing users with flexibility over how to manage their system's files and drives. One of the fundamental aspects of setting up a Linux system is deciding on a partitioning scheme and selecting appropriate filesystems for each partition. In this blog, we'll explore some commonly used partitioning schemes and take a closer look at three popular Linux filesystems: Ext4, Btrfs, and XFS. A partitioning scheme refers to the method of dividing a hard drive into multiple independent regions (partitions), each of which can be managed separately. Partitioning makes it easier to organize data, improve performance, and enhance security.
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    Navigating the Waters of Linux Bash: Online vs. Offline Installation Options When venturing into the vast world of Linux, whether as a newcomer or a seasoned system administrator, one crucial decision you'll encounter is deciding between online and offline installation methods. This choice can significantly influence the setup, maintenance, and flexibility of your operating systems and applications. In this post, we will dive into the pros and cons of online and offline installations in the context of Linux Bash, aiming to arm you with the necessary information to make the best choice for your specific needs. Before we delve into installation methods, let's clarify what we mean by Linux Bash.
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    Linux distributions are celebrated for their versatility, security, and robust ecosystem. However, one of the first interfaces a new user interacts with is the installation wizard, which often sets the stage for the user's experience with the operating system. Two popular Linux distributions, OpenSUSE and Ubuntu, utilize different installation wizards—YaST and Ubiquity, respectively. These tools are designed to simplify the installation process, but they approach the task differently, reflecting the unique philosophies and target audiences of each distribution. YaST (Yet another Setup Tool) is the installation and configuration tool for OpenSUSE.
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    When preparing to install a Linux operating system, the first step begins long before you reboot your computer—you must download the appropriate installation media and create a bootable drive. Whether you're a seasoned Linux enthusiast or a first-time installer, understanding how to properly download ISO files and create bootable USBs is essential. This guide will walk through the process of obtaining the necessary ISO files and using them to create bootable USB drives using Linux Bash commands. The Linux landscape is vast, with many distributions (distros) tailored for different needs such as user-friendliness (Ubuntu, Linux Mint), security (Tails, QubesOS), or customization (Arch, Gentoo).
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    Selecting the perfect Linux distribution (distro) for your needs involves various factors, but a crucial one to consider is whether your hardware meets the system requirements of the distro you're considering. Linux is famous for its wide range of distros, catering to different needs from servers and professional workstations to personal laptops and tiny single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. In this article, we'll guide you through the system requirements of some popular Linux distros to help you make an informed decision. Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distros, particularly among new users transitioning from other operating systems.
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    Linux, the powerhouse behind countless servers and desktops worldwide, continues to be a beacon of innovation and flexibility in the software world. Diverse distributions offer specialized tools, environments, and philosophies catering to different audiences from beginners to advanced users, and to various usages from personal desktops to enterprise servers. Today, let’s dive into an overview of some of the most popular and influential Linux distributions: Ubuntu, CloudLinux, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Debian, and OpenSUSE. Ubuntu is perhaps the most well-known Linux distribution, especially among newcomers. Developed by Canonical Ltd., Ubuntu is based on Debian and is designed to be user-friendly and functional out-of-the-box.
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