Issue #146 / Jan 2013

KNOW-HOW: Listaller

Cross-platform software installation

A single uniform software installation tool for all distributions is still just a dream, but thanks to Listaller, this goal has come a little bit closer.

KNOW-HOW: Git 101

Not just for source code – Versioning with Git

When several people collaborate on source code or documents, things can get messy fast. Git provides a quick cure: The distributed versioning system reliably ensures the integrity and consistency of data with minimal effort.

: Real-World Raspberry Pi

Exploring the Raspberry Pi through real-world projects

The single-circuit-board Raspberry Pi computer, only as big as a credit card, makes it easy to gain experience with embedded Linux systems. We'll show you some hands-on examples of how to use the Raspberry Pi in an everyday environment.

KNOW-HOW: WebIssues Tool

Issue tracking and collaboration with WebIssues

The WebIssues tool offers more than just bug tracking; it can help you manage complex multiuser projects as well.

KNOW-HOW: Sudo and PolicyKit

Assigning privileges with sudo and PolicyKit

If you give users who are usually supervised more scope to help themselves, they will need additional privileges. The sudo tool and the PolicyKit authorization service can control who does what on Linux.

KNOW-HOW: Ask Klaus!

Klaus Knopper answers your Linux questions

Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com

SYSADMIN: Security Lessons: auditd

Configuring and using auditd

The auditd tool can provide system logging capabilities to satisfy even the most paranoid users.

PROGRAMMING: Perl: Google Drive

Scanning and storing books on Google Drive

Armed with a Chinese guillotine and a scanner with an automatic document feeder, Mike Schilli gives his books some special treatment, courtesy of Google Drive, which offers 5GB of storage space – room enough to start an online PDF collection.

SYSADMIN: Script Dialogs

Automating tasks with SSH, Zenity, Yad, KDialog, PuTTY, WinSCP, and Rex Secure Agent

Starting a script on a Linux server with just a few mouse clicks sounds more complicated than it really is. If you want to create attractive and interactive dialogs for your desktop users, all you need is a small utility called SSH and a little Bash know-how.

SYSADMIN: Charly's Column: Animated GIFs

The sys admin’s daily grind – GIF animations

Beyond flashing web emoticons, animated gif images can present trends that catch your eye in system monitoring.