Cmdfs builds a filtered virtual filesystem based on a source directory tree. You can even integrate other programs to convert data on the fly.

The virtualization breakthrough has not reduced the number and diversity of operating systems that admins must install and manage. Uranos server sets out to give administrators of complex operating system zoos more freedom.

The Byobu session manager extends the shell, adding a range of useful functions, such as splitting the screen, running programs in the background, or organizing programs in tabs. In particular, administrators who rely on SSH will appreciate Byobu.

The Fabric Python library makes it extremely easy to create repeatable scripts of commands over SSH to any number of servers.

Desktop databases are perfect for keeping tabs on miscellaneous data – from links and text snippets, to tasks and invoices – but building databases from scratch can be a daunting proposition, unless you use Glom for the job.

Combining Puppet, Foreman, Pulp, Candlepin, and Katello lets you deploy software and servers automatically and securely.

To check on the health of a Linux system, administrators can turn to vmstat, iostat, netstat, and ifstat. Or, you can just use the versatile dstat, which combines the features of several tools in a single package.

Logfiles contain records of what happens on a Linux system and the services it runs. Tools like Logcheck and Logsurfer filter out the most important events for the administrator, and they can even trigger an appropriate reaction automatically.