Exploring the new Fedora 21
Development Aid
As a new feature, Fedora 21 presents the DevAssistant application, which – as the name suggests – is designed for developers (Figure 3). DevAssistant lets you configure development projects in C or C++, Perl, Python, Java, PHP, Node.js, Ruby, and other languages. DevAssistant also integrates projects you have already started. The program automatically resolves missing dependencies, say, Eclipse IDE, using the package manager.
The packages for the BitTorrent client, Transmission, and the Boxes VM management tool, which were missing from Fedora 20, are once again available in the workstation version.
Screen Cockpit
The server variant comes without graphical interface, but Fedora 21 introduces the convenient Cockpit [5], a web-based tool for managing and monitoring the system.
Cockpit shows the CPU, RAM utilization, and network throughput (Figure 4). You can also manage other administrative tasks, such as configuring users, setting up virtual machines with Docker, or controlling systemd and the services it manages.
To access Cockpit from a remote computer, open a connection with Kerberos. To test the front end in the workstation version, install it first using Yum, and then set it up using systemd [6]. In addition to Cockpit, Fedora 21 also comes with the new Rolekit server management tool and the FreeIPA [7] domain controller.
Conclusions
Except for a few minor details, Fedora 21 makes a good impression. The generous break since the last release has benefited the project, as has dividing the distribution up into specialized versions for servers, workstations, and the cloud. The developers have resolved a few weak points associated with earlier versions, but the Anaconda installer and its partitioning tool still need work.
Infos
- Fedora.next: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Fedora.next
- "It's Here! Announcing Fedora 21": http://fedoramagazine.org/announcing-fedora-21/
- Spins: https://spins.fedoraproject.org/#alphaorder
- Wayland port: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Workstation/Tasklist
- Cockpit Server Manager: http://cockpit-project.org
- Installing Cockpits on Fedora Workstation: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Changes/CockpitManagementConsole#How_To_Test
- FreeIPA: http://www.freeipa.org
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.