A proxy server provides safer and more efficient surfing. Although commercial proxy solutions are available, all you really need is Linux and an old PC in the attic.

Firewalls sometimes prohibit everything but everyday surfing, leaving users with no hope of running IRC or streaming servers through the firewall, unless they use a virtual private networking tool like OpenVPN.

If you need fast answers for what's inside, you can use a Bash script to obtain an inventory of hardware on your Linux system.

Some people don’t mind leaving traces of their IP address wherever they go, others prefer to use a tool like The Onion Router.

Networks often require very accurate timekeeping. The Network Time Protocol provides the time with precision.

Like a poison apple, a Web program that is tasty on the surface may contain a highly dangerous core. Admins who do their own programming need to follow secure programming practices to avoid the bitter taste of insecurity.

The Gaim project offers an instant messenger client that speaks a large number of protocols. We’ll show you how to extend Gaim with Perl plugins.

com

Having trouble creating price tags, address labels, or business cards? Help is at hand with the KDE program KBarcode.

If you are looking for a functional and fast desktop environment, try WindowLab. This minimalist window manager concentrates on what’s important and does without superfluous gadgets.

Chaos is inevitable when your hard disk fills up with digital photos. The F-Spot image man agement program helps you manage your photo archives effectively and without time consuming sorting.