Ammar, Author at Toad Knows

Open Source Virtualization – Benefits, Resources, and Getting Started

Open source virtualization uses software tools, typically hypervisors, to create virtual machines (VMs) on a physical host.

These VMs operate as independent, isolated environments, each containing its own operating system, applications, and files.

The underlying hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage, network) are shared efficiently among these VMs, maximizing utilization and reducing physical infrastructure requirements.

Virtualization offers a wide range of benefits across various aspects of IT infrastructure and operations. Here are some of the key advantages:

Feature	Outcome
Reduced Hardware Costs	Save on hardware purchases, power consumption, and maintenance
Software Licensing Savings	Potentially reduce software licensing costs
Reduced Power and Cooling Costs	Lower energy usage for power and cooling, leading to environmental and cost benefits
Increased Efficiency and Agility	Provision resources faster, improve server utilization, and simplify IT management
Improved Performance and Availability	Increase server uptime, improve application performance, and enhance disaster recovery

Benefits of Open Source Virtualization

The benefits of open source software combined with virtualization make a noteworthy combo.

Feature	Description
Cost-effectiveness	No costly licensing fees, making it ideal for individual users, small businesses, and budget-conscious organizations.
Transparency and Security	Access and modify the source code for improved security and trust.
Flexibility and Customization	Tailor solutions to specific needs, enabling integration with other open-source tools and workflows.
Active Community	Benefit from a large developer community providing ongoing support, updates, and innovation.
Diverse Ecosystem	Choose from a range of open-source hypervisors to match your specific requirements.

However, it’s pertinent to note that no single software can be named as the “best.” This is because being the best is dependent on various factors such as an individual’s needs and preferences.

What works for one person may not work for another and vice versa.

To say that open source virtualization software has taken over the digital world would be an overstatement. To this day, proprietary software dominates the market, but open source virtualization is becoming a competitive alternative due to its multiple benefits.

What is a hypervisor?

A hypervisor aka a virtual machine monitor (VMM) is a software program designed for creating and running virtual machines. It allows one physical computer to function as multiple virtual computers.

Each virtual machine (VM) has its own operating system and applications, and it runs independently of the other VMs on the same physical machine.

A virtual machine is like a computer system that runs on top of another system. It may have access to a number of resources, but only limited access to the host machine’s CPU and memory.

Traditional Architecture VS Virtual Architecture

Some key benefits of using a hypervisor are:

Increased resource utilization	By consolidating multiple VMs onto a single physical machine, hypervisors can help to improve resource utilization and reduce hardware costs.
Improved isolation	VMs are isolated from each other, which can help to improve security and stability.
Increased flexibility	VMs can be easily moved from one physical machine to another, which can improve flexibility and disaster recovery.
Improved testing and development	VMs can be used to create test environments that are isolated from the production environment, which can improve testing and development efficiency.

Types of hypervisors:

Type 1 hypervisors: These hypervisors run directly on the hardware, without the need for an underlying operating system. Examples of type 1 hypervisors include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Citrix XenServer.
Type 2 hypervisors: These hypervisors run on top of an operating system, such as Windows or Linux. Examples of type 2 hypervisors include Oracle VM VirtualBox and VMware Workstation Player.

Open Source Virtualization – Prominent open source hypervisors

Kernel-based Virtual Manager (KVM): It is a full virtualization solution for Linux. It works on hardware containing virtualization extensions. KVM offers high performance, near-native hardware access, and has an open source code. Suitable for server virtualization and demanding workloads. Moreover, it provides virtualization for various guest operating systems including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Haiku.
Xen Project: It is a free and open-source type 1 hypervisor that is extremely versatile owing to its unique architecture. Furthermore, it is the no.1 choice for the largest hyperscale clouds in the industry including Amazon Web Service, Tencent, and Alibaba Cloud. The Xen Project offers tailored virtualization and an open source code to encourage progress across various domains.
oVirt: It is an open source distributed virtualization solution especially designed for enterprises. oVirt uses the reliable KVM hypervisor and comes with a web interface and features like live migration and high availability. Because of its open source code, it is primarily used for managing large virtual infrastructures.

Limitations of open source virtual machines (hypervisors)

Open-source hypervisors offer excellent cost savings and customization options, but like any technology, they have limitations. Here are some key limitations to consider:

Overhead	Compared to bare-metal, hypervisors introduce an overhead layer that can slightly impact performance. In resource-intensive environments, this might be noticeable.
Feature disparity	Some open-source options lack advanced features that improve performance, like SR-IOV for network optimization or vGPU for graphical workloads.
Guest OS support	Certain open-source hypervisors have limitations on supported guest operating systems, especially Windows versions. This can restrict your flexibility.
Hardware compatibility	While most open-source options support major hardware vendors, some specific drivers or features might not be fully functional.
Learning curve	Open-source projects often rely on community support, which can require deeper technical knowledge for troubleshooting and configuration compared to vendor-backed solutions with dedicated support teams.
Limited documentation	While good communities and resources exist, the documentation for open-source hypervisors might not be as comprehensive or readily available as commercial offerings.
Community dependence	Security patches and vulnerability fixes rely on community effort, which can sometimes be slower than vendor-driven updates in commercial solutions.
Targeted attacks	Open-source code is accessible, potentially making it a target for attackers compared to proprietary solutions with less public information.

Exploring free open source virtualization tools

Proxmox Virtual Environment: It is a complete open source virtualization solution for enterprises. It has a built-in web interface, software-defined storage, and multiple out-of-the-box tools. Proxmox VE is Ideal for enterprise virtual infrastructure management.
Quick Emulator (QEMU): It is an open emulator and virtualizer. An emulator is a hardware or software that enables one computer to behave like another system. QEMU is compatible with multiple operating systems and it has a very user-friendly installation procedure. You can access its source code here.
VirtualBox: User-friendly and versatile, VirtualBox is perfect for desktop virtualization and running multiple operating systems on a single PC. It provides a range of features like snapshots and seamless mode and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and more.

Choosing the best open source virtualization tool

Choosing the best open source virtualization tool depends heavily on your specific needs and context. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but following are the things to consider when selecting a virtualization tool:

Personal Desktop Use: Are you trying to test different operating systems or run multiple applications on a single machine? Consider user-friendly options like VirtualBox or VMware Player.

Development and Testing: Do you need to create isolated environments for development, testing, or deployment? Look for tools like Vagrant or KVM for flexibility and automation.

Server Virtualization: Do you want to consolidate multiple physical servers onto a single machine to save resources and improve efficiency? Explore Proxmox VE, oVirt, or XenServer for enterprise-grade features.

Host and Guest Operating Systems: Ensure the tool supports both the operating system you’re running on (host) and the ones you want to virtualize (guests).

Hardware Compatibility: Verify that your system’s hardware meets the tool’s minimum requirements for CPU, RAM, and storage.

Performance and Resource Usage: Consider the performance overhead of the tool and resource allocation options for optimal efficiency.

Management Interface: Evaluate the ease of use and available management options (web, command-line, GUI).

Networking and Storage: Check if the tool supports your desired network configurations and storage needs.

Security and Isolation: Assess the security features and isolation mechanisms to ensure system and data protection.

Scalability and Availability: If you anticipate future growth, consider tools that offer scalability and high availability options.

Active Development and Community: Choose a tool with an active community for easier troubleshooting and access to resources.

Documentation and Tutorials: Good documentation and tutorials can simplify setup, usage, and problem-solving.

Open source virtualization empowers users with affordability, flexibility, and customization. With the help of hypervisors and an active community, it has become a viable option for individual users, small businesses, and even enterprises seeking powerful and cost-effective solutions.

You may also be interested to read : What Is Open Source Operating System? Why You Should Consider It

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What Is Open Source Operating System? Why You Should Consider It

Linux, Open Source / Ammar

An open source operating system is a software that has an open and easily accessible source code. This transparency allows its users to view, use, modify, or even share the source code with others.

The cherry on the top is that the number, type, and design of the modifications is not restricted.

OSS can be used for commercial as well as individual purposes. It is licensed in such a manner that it can be reproduced and reshared innumerable times, and can be used whenever and for whatever you like.

Open source operating system is based on the following 3 principles:

Transparency
Freedom
Collaboration

OSS’s source code is easily accessible, viewable, and editable. Anyone who wishes to view, use, edit, modify, or share the source code can do so without paying any hefty charges.

Furthermore, open source fosters collaboration amongst knowledgeable developers. It also helps in coming up with innovative solutions for any big or small software related problems.

Open source technology is rapidly climbing the charts because it is like a one-size-fits-all piece of clothing. No matter if you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an expert developer, OSS will have something for you in it.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that open source has been the flag bearer of the technological advancement and transformation that has taken place over the last few years.

Is proprietary software safer than an open source operating system?

The simple answer is no. This is due to the fact that an enormous number of software is being produced which is also resulting in the detection of more and more security vulnerabilities and flaws.

One of the biggest advantages of an open source operating system is that independent third party coding specialists and developers can look into any potential problems with the software. Unlike proprietary software they can also confirm and corroborate a company’s claim of cent percent privacy.

Benefits of Open Source Operating System

OSS’s popularity amongst its users is proof of its multiple benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Cost-effective: Majority of the open source projects are free to use and download. Apart from this, many artists, musicians, and writers seek help from applications that use an open source software, thereby decreasing their own production costs.
Security: An open source operating system is under constant scrutiny owing to the large and talented open source community of developers. This leads to faster detection and correction of security vulnerabilities.
Customization: In my opinion, this is the biggest advantage of OSS. Users can not only access the software and its source code for free, but they can also customize it according to their own needs and preferences.
Innovation: The synergistic approach of open source operating systems gives rise to an innovative ecosystem, resulting in the creation of many new applications and features.
Start as you like: OSS is the best option for companies that wish to start on a small scale. The community version of the software is best suited for this purpose.
Attraction of talented developers: Because open source is the future of technology, many up and coming skilled developers choose to work with OSS. These developers seem to enjoy the flexibility to create their own projects.

Popular Open Source Operating Systems

Linux Kernel

There are many open source operating systems but the most popular amongst them all is the ‘Linux Kernel.’ It was developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991.

Majority of the operating systems are Linux based. It is this very kernel that interacts with a computer’s hardware.

The Linux kernel offers the essential features required by every operating system, managing file handling, data processing and allocation into memory, device interaction, and other basic operations.

Moreover, this open source operating system ensures that you don’t have to deal with any kind of virus, malware, or ransomware.

One of the main reasons for Linux’s rising popularity is its zero entry cost and reliability. This open source project can be downloaded on any computer innumerable times without any charges.

The development of the Linux kernel continues under the stewardship of Torvalds, with version 5.0 of the Linux kernel recently released.

In today’s world, Linux powers Ubuntu, the most user friendly OS, Android, the leading operating system for smartphones, and desktops.

Linux Mint

With its straightforward interface, Linux Mint OS provides the ideal balance of modernity and power. It is highly well-liked by both novices and experts due to its multimedia features, dependability, and eye-catching visual appeal. You can use this open source operating system (OS) for free.

FreeBSD

Another noteworthy operating system is ‘FreeBSD.’ It is a free and Unix-like OS which is mainly used for intranet and internet server compatibility and networking. Before the creation of Linux and Windows, the computer world was dominated by Unix.

FreeBSD is designed to focus on the speed and stability of the internet and it can also efficiently handle large loads of memory.

Android

The Android open source project is mainly designed for consumer goods. The production quality of this operating system meets all the requirements of the ever evolving smartphones.

ChromeOS

It belongs to the Linux and Chromium families and has features including enhanced security, support for compatible Chrome and Android apps, Aura window manager, Google cloud print, integrated media player, virtual desktop access, and cloud-based management.

ChromeOS is a partly open source operating system because it only supports Nexus devices or its hardware.

Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu for desktops is all you need to run your home, school, organisation, or business. It is a complete package consisting of pre-installed applications, browsers, media apps, email, and games etc.

Because Ubuntu has an open source, it is free to use, download, and share. Moreover, Ubuntu is one of the most secure open source operating systems owing to its built-in firewall and virus protection software.

Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu server is a product of the Ubuntu operating system which plays a vital role in the world of browsing and the internet. Unlike Ubuntu desktop, Ubuntu server is designed for server use and does not include graphical user interface (GUI) and only a few pre-installed applications.

Fedora Linux

Fedora Workstation is a user-friendly open source operating system for laptop and desktop users. It is the ideal operating system for developers because it includes the best and latest datacenter technologies.

Kali Linux

A Linux distribution which is specially designed for Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking, Computer Forensics, Reverse Engineering, and network security assessments.

It does this by providing common tools, configurations, and automations which allows the user to focus on the task that needs to be completed, not the surrounding activity.

Challenges & Considerations

An open source operating system has multitude benefits but there are some aspects of this system that make it less favourable in comparison to proprietary software. Let’s take a look at all the challenges a user might face while using OSS.

User-friendliness: The level of user-compatibility of an open source operating system is quite less than proprietary software. This steep learning curve makes OSS less likeable for people who are not tech savvy. Apart from this, developers who are not very fond of changes and new technology may have a hard time adapting to this operating system.
Hardware compatibility: Not all open source operating systems are compatible with all types of hardware. Special consideration needs to be given to hardware compatibility when you are beginning to work on an open source project. Although it’s a hurdle, it’s still not big enough to not use open source operating systems.
Support: Even though the open source community is so large and always lending a hand to those in need, it still can’t match the level of support available within a proprietary operating system.

The future of Open Source Operating System

At this point, the future of open source operating systems is shining bright like a diamond. More and more people are becoming fond of this technological advancement, and the biggest proof of this is IBM purchasing Red Hat for a whopping 34 billion dollars.

Red Hat’s support for open source projects earned it a business of multi-million dollars, and now it owns organisations responsible for everything from integration services for the open-source cloud platform OpenStack through to creating the KVM hypervisor.

In many ways, the open source community is just like the educational community. In both cases, the masters share their knowledge and work with their students and colleagues which leads to the growth of the subject positively.

The open source world heavily relies on its community and promotes the principle of giving back to the community.

Another way of supporting the community is by giving back to it. Once a learner has excelled in learning a specific skill, he/she should be encouraged to help the community either by using that skill practically or by teaching that skill to someone else in their community.

Democracy is the best policy and the best democratic system is where the members are in complete control of choosing what they want.

So it wouldn’t be wrong to say that an open source operating system has the power to democratise the technological world. That’s because this OS gives its users the power to choose what they want, how they want, or what changes they want.

Thus, the autonomy given to its users by open source empowers them in a way like never before.

Why should you choose an open source operating system?

The Red Hat State of Enterprise Open Source report found that businesses typically choose open-source software because it’s cheaper. The report supports its stance by mentioning that 33% of software users cited the reduced cost as the main benefit of open source, whereas the other 29% stated access to latest upgrades as the main attraction of open source operating systems.

Additionally, the report stated that only 1% of enterprises ignore the value of open source software. This report was based on the interviews of about 950 IT leaders across the world.

This combined package of cost effectiveness, stability, open source code, the freedom to modify or share the source code, and community level collaboration is something you should not miss out on.

With recent revisions to rules of conduct aimed at making communities friendlier and less harsh, open-source communities are set for a rapid transformation that will see them become significantly more inclusive of gender, ethnic, and niche related diversity.

Which open source operating system is suitable for you?

An estimate of open source’s popularity could be made from the fact that the majority of popular operating systems and software have adopted the open source methodology.

From browsers to social media applications, open source has cast a spell on everything.

Before the creation of other distributions of Linux, CentOS was the preferred Linux distribution in the hosting industry for many years. It provided a free and open-source community supported computing platform.

Only recently it was announced that CentOS Project will discontinue all updates of CentOS Linux 7 in June 2024.

This announcement paved the way for Ubuntu Server to take over this distro and become the main operating system used for web hosting.

Organisations that relied completely on CentOS are bound to make a difficult choice.

While there are many Linux distributions available, those more closely related to CentOS Linux will provide an easier transition for your organisation’s desktops, servers, virtual machines, and more. Some examples of CentOS alternatives include Red Hat® Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Oracle Linux, and CloudLinux.

Rocky Linux:

Rocky Linux is a stable and enterprise-ready Linux distribution that comes with a 10-year support lifecycle at no cost at all.

It is a popular choice for people looking to migrate from CentOS Linux because this distribution of Linux offers a user-friendly migration script without any charges.

AlmaLinux:

AlmaLinux OS is an open-source, community-driven Linux operating system that fills the gap left by the discontinuation of the CentOS Linux stable release.

This enterprise pledges to be free for life and focuses on long term stability.

Oracle Linux:

Oracle Linux is not just another distribution of Linux. It uniquely delivers Linux with everything required to deploy, optimise, and manage applications on-premises, in the cloud, and at the edge.

According to experts, it is more secure and easier to manage in comparison to other Linux distributions.

You may also be interested to read: Critical Evaluation of Open Source Software Misconceptions

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What Is Bash? Unveiling Its Role In The Tech World

Uncategorized / Ammar

Bash, an acronym for Bourne-Again Shell, is a command-line interpreter and scripting language predominant in the Unix-like systems landscape. Originating from Bourne shell (sh), Bash is a free software written by Brian Fox for the GNU Project in 1989.

The name “Bourne-Again Shell” is a witty take on the shell’s ancestor, ‘Bourne Shell (sh).’ Released in 1977, sh offered basic functionalities for command execution and user interaction.

However, its limitations prompted the development of the Korn shell (ksh) in 1983, introducing features like command history, job control, and advanced scripting capabilities.

But, what is bash and why did Fox feel the need to create it?

Bash aimed to improve upon both sh and ksh. It combined the compatibility and simplicity of sh with the enhanced features of ksh, resulting in a powerful and adaptable interpreter.

Soon after its release, Bash gained worldwide popularity due to its user-friendliness, intuitiveness, power, and enhanced functionalities.

Bash was one of the first few programs that Linus Torvalds ported to Linux alongside GCC.

Today, it’s the default shell on most Linux distributions and a popular choice on macOS and other Unix-based systems.

Why is bash important?

Before discussing the importance of bash, let’s first discuss the significance of shells and how they came into being.

A basic computer software is only capable of keeping it powered on and in a safe state. If this is all a computer could do, then it would just be as interesting as a black-and-white TV.

Computer scientists recognized this early on, so they developed a shell for Unix computers that operates outside of the kernel (or around the kernel, like a shell in nature) and allows humans to interact with the computer whenever they want to.

With the help of this shell, people could interact with a computer directly and whenever they wanted to.

Bash quickly gained widespread adoption due to its diverse array of features that empower users to interact effectively with the system and create sophisticated tools.

Furthermore, Bash is just an application, and its primary job is to run other applications (in the form of commands) that are installed on the same system.

What is bash and what are its key features?

Out of all the shells available, bash is the most user-friendly, most powerful, and the most popular. Following are some key aspects of the “Bourne-Again Shell:”

Built-in Commands: Bash comes pre-equipped with a multitude of commands for navigating the filesystem, managing processes, manipulating files, and more. Examples include cd for changing directories, ls for listing files, and mkdir for creating directories.

Command-Line Editing: Bash provides interactive editing features similar to modern text editors. Users can leverage up/down arrows to recall history, tab completion for auto-suggesting filenames and commands, and basic editing operations like copy, paste, and deletion.

Command History: Bash maintains a record of previously executed commands, which can be easily accessed and re-executed using the up/down arrow keys or history search commands. This feature organizes repetitive tasks and saves time.

Scripting: Bash allows writing scripts, essentially text files containing a sequence of commands. These scripts can be executed to automate complex tasks, saving time and reducing errors. Scripting features include variables, control flow structures (if, else, for, while), functions, and various operators.

Job Control: Bash facilitates managing multiple running processes efficiently. Users can launch processes in the background, foreground, or suspend them temporarily. Features like bg, fg, and jobs aid in controlling and monitoring these processes.

Variable Manipulation: Bash provides variables to store and manipulate data. They can be defined using the = operator and accessed using their names. Variables can hold various data types, including strings, numbers, and arrays.

Redirection: Bash offers mechanisms to redirect the standard input/output of commands. For instance, > redirects output to a file, and < reads input from a file. This enables chaining commands and processing data efficiently.

Pipes: Pipes connect the output of one command to the input of another, creating powerful processing pipelines. For example, ls -l |grep .txt lists all text files with detailed information.

Regular Expressions: Bash supports regular expressions for pattern matching and text manipulation. They offer complex matching capabilities for tasks like searching files, filtering text, and data validation.

These are just a glimpse of the features that make Bash a versatile and powerful tool.

What is bash and how to get started with it?

Mastering Bash requires dedication and practice. Here are some fundamental techniques to get you started:

Learning Basic Commands: Familiarize yourself with essential commands like ls, cd, mkdir, cp, mv, rm, cat, more, man (manual page lookup), and basic text editors like nano or vim.

Exploring the Manual Pages: Each command has a manual page (accessible with man command_name) that details its usage, options, and examples. Utilize these pages extensively to understand the distinction of commands.

Practicing Scripting: Start with simple scripts to automate basic tasks like file manipulation or calculations. Gradually progress to more complex scripts with conditionals, loops, and functions.

Leveraging Online Resources: Countless online tutorials, websites, and communities offer learning materials and support for Bash scripting. Utilize these resources to overcome hurdles and broaden your knowledge.

Experimenting: The best way to learn is by doing. Experiment with commands, write scripts and explore different functionalities. Remember, learning Bash is a continuous journey, so embrace the process and enjoy the journey.

Running bash for common tasks

Bash isn’t just for system administrators and programmers; it can significantly boost your productivity for everyday tasks on Linux or macOS. Here are some ways you can leverage Bash:

File Management:

Listing files: ls done with flags like -l for details, -a for hidden files, -R for recursion.

Copying/Moving files: cp for copying, mv for moving/renaming. Use wildcards like *.txt to copy/move multiple files.

Deleting files: rm cautiously! Use rm -r for directories, but always with confirmation (-i).

Navigation and Searching:

Changing directories: cd for quick navigation, cd ~ for home directory, cd – to go back.

Finding files: find with filters like -name name.txt or -type f (files) for specific searches.

Grepping contents: grep to search text. For example, grep error log.txt finds lines containing “error” in the file.

Automating Tasks:

Basic scripting: Write scripts to automate repetitive tasks like backing up files or renaming batches of files.

Loops and conditionals: Use loops to iterate and if statements to make decisions within your scripts.

Data manipulation: Use tools like awk and sed for basic text processing tasks within scripts.

System Information:

Checking disk space: df to see available space on drives.

Viewing processes: ps to list running processes, top for active resource usage.

System uptime: uptime to see how long the system has been running.

Additional Power:

Piping commands: Chain the output of one command to the input of another. For example, ls -l | grep .jpg lists detailed information about JPEG files.

Using variables: Store values for later use. Set a variable with VARIABLE_NAME=value and access it with $VARIABLE_NAME.

Learning more: The man command provides documentation for most commands. For example, man ls shows the manual page for the ls command.

Remember: Start with simple commands and gradually explore more complex features. Experiment and practice regularly to become comfortable with Bash.

Important tip: Be cautious when using commands like rm as mistakes can be irreversible. Always double-check before executing commands that modify your system.

Final thoughts on what is bash and its importance

While Bash may not be a vital tool for the average non-technical user, its influence in the tech world and potential benefits for specific individuals warrant discussion. Here’s a breakdown of its importance:

In Everyday Life:

Limited impact: For most users, everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, or using productivity apps rarely require direct interaction with Bash. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) often provide sufficient functionality.

For power users, developers, or system administrators working with Linux or Mac, Bash offers:

Automation: Scripting repetitive tasks can save significant time and effort.

Efficiency: Navigating the system, managing files, and performing specific operations can be faster and more precise with Bash commands.

Control: Advanced users have finer control over their systems and can access functionalities not readily available through GUIs.

In the Tech World:

Foundational role: Bash serves as the default shell for most Linux distributions and is commonly used on Unix-like systems. This makes it a crucial tool for system administrators, developers, and anyone working in Linux environments.

Automation backbone: From managing servers and services to building complex software tools, Bash plays a central role in automating essential tasks across various technical domains.

Scripting versatility: Scripts written in Bash can be used for system configuration, data analysis, web scraping, development workflows, and much more. Its flexibility and wide adoption make it a valuable asset for tech professionals.

Learning Bash provides a deeper understanding of how operating systems work at their core, which can be beneficial for troubleshooting, problem-solving, and overall technical proficiency.

For tech-savvy individuals, Bash offers significant benefits in terms of automation, efficiency, control, and understanding the intricacies of the tech world.

Remember, technology evolves rapidly, and new tools emerge. While Bash’s importance may remain strong in its core domains, understanding its significance is key for anyone interested in the technical landscape and its evolution.

You may also be interested to read: How To Reboot Linux Through Graphical User Interface & Command Line

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How To Reboot Linux Through Graphical User Interface & Command Line

Linux / Ammar

Rebooting refers to reloading the operating system of a computer. It is not a simple process and is crucial for routine maintenance of the OS, troubleshooting, and for downloading and applying updates. So, how do you reboot Linux?

Consistent reboots contribute to the overall health of the operating system by preventing the emergence of problems that arise from continuous uptime.

Not only this, a reboot on Linux makes room for the implementation of configuration changes, frees up storage space occupied by unnecessary applications, and increases the overall speed of the operating system.

Moreover, rebooting is designed to be a friendly process. It gives users and the desktop the time to save files, exit programs, remove temporary files, and to update the filesystem journal.

Just like all other operating systems, rebooting is a requisite for Linux, but it’s cardinal to know that Linux is fully capable of running without a reboot for years.

This metric changes a bit when it comes to desktops and laptops as they need to be rebooted every few weeks.

Linux reboot is usually required after a major update so that the server can pick up the changes made by the user.

How to reboot Linux server

Although Linux doesn’t need to be rebooted that frequently, it still offers plenty of choices for when it’s time to start over.

Let’s discuss the different ways to reboot Linux, starting with GUI.

Rebooting via Graphical User Interface (GUI):

To reboot Linux via GUI is the easiest and the most beginner-friendly method. However, the only setback of this method is that it can only be used in desktop installations.

Here, we have covered how you can reboot Linux systems running Gnome, Mate, and KDE-based distribution systems.

Reboot Gnome-based Linux systems: The first step in this process is to restart the desktop. This can be done by clicking on the top right-hand corner of the desktop which will open up a drop-down menu. Select the power-off/logout option.

Then, select the restart option from the sub-menu.

You will now see a dialogue box on your screen that will be asking for your confirmation regarding whether to restart the desktop or not.

Gnome-based Linux systems restart pop-up

To reboot you should click on the restart button. If you don’t click on any button for 60 seconds, your desktop will automatically get rebooted.

Reboot KDE-Based Linux systems: Rebooting these desktops is as easy as Gnome based desktops. Firstly, open the application tray from the lower-left corner of the screen or press the Super key on the keyboard. The Super key usually has a windows icon on top of it.

Now select the ‘Quit’ button from the bottom of the application tray.

You will now come across a new dialogue that will give you three options; Suspend, Restart, or Shutdown. Choose restart to reboot Linux.

Reboot MATE-Based Linux systems: Click on the system button on the top-left corner of your desktop screen. Now select the ‘shutdown’ option from the drop-down menu.

Another way of doing this is by clicking on the menu button on the bottom left corner of the screen. From there, click on the power icon ( ⏻ ) situated at the bottom of the application menu.

Just like KDE-Based Linux systems, you will now see a dialogue box on your screen that will give you the options to either suspend, restart, or shutdown your desktop. Choose restart to initiate reboot on the Linux system.

Rebooting from the Command line

Following are four basic prerequisites of rebooting Linux via Command line.

A Linux operating system
Access to the Terminal
Root or sudo privileges
SSH software package (in some cases).

First step in this process is to open the terminal. It is also the most popular way of managing your Linux operating system.

The two most easiest ways of doing this are:

The keyboard shortcut – Press Ctrl + Alt + T simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Terminal application.
Applications menu – Open the applications menu from the bottom left corner of your screen. Search for “Terminal” in the search bar and then click on >_ icon to open Terminal.

To open the terminal on a remote server, use the ssh command to connect to it.

The syntax is: ssh [username]@[your_server_ip]

Replace username with your desktop username and your server ip with your server’s IP address.

Now it’s time to move on to the second step which is using the Linux reboot command. Once you successfully access the terminal, choose the restart option to reboot Linux.

A majority will need sudo privileges to restart a Linux server by using this command.

The command will ask for user password to enable the administrative privileges before beginning the system restart.

Last but not least, wait for the reboot to complete.

As soon as you issue the command, the system starts rebooting. Your desktop screen will get blank and you will see different messages on screen. Soon after it the operating system logo appears on the screen and the desktop boots back up.

The time taken by a Linux server to reboot depends on multiple factors including the hardware and assigned resources.

Reboot Linux via Shutdown Command: The shutdown command is another routine method for rebooting Linux. It instructs the system to restart by specifying the -r option.

Run the shutdown command with the argument -r now to restart the server.

[ sudo shutdown -r now ]

If you want to schedule the reboot for later then replace ‘now’ with a specific time in the manner ‘hh:mm’ or use the following command:

[ sudo shutdown -r +5 ]

In this case shutdown is the name of the reboot Linux command, -r is the option that tells the system to restart your desktop, and +5 denotes the time for which the system will wait before restarting.

To broadcast a custom message with your standard shutdown command, type your message after the time argument. For example: [ sudo shutdown -r

+15 “Hardware upgrade” ] will shutdown the system in 15 minutes and issue a notification that a hardware upgrade will be performed.

Lastly, this command relies on sudo so you are supposed to type in your password when your PC asks for it.

To force an immediate reboot in your Linux operating system, use command [ sudo reboot -f ]. In this command, -f stands for forceful & immediate rebooting of the system.

If you want to power off your desktop immediately you should run the shutdown command with the argument -P now.

[ sudo shutdown -P now ]

You can use the -c option to cancel a reboot or shutdown that is already in process when time is set. Use command [ shutdown -c ].

Undoubtedly, the shutdown command is a safe way to reboot your computer. It prevents new logins within the last five minutes of shutdown commencing, thus lowering the chances of losing any data.

Advanced techniques to reboot Linux server

Using the init command

Compared to the other methods of rebooting Linux, this method is quite old and is mostly replaced by systemctl and reboot commands.

However, SysVinit system users may still want to restart the server using the init command:

[ sudo init 6 ]

On Linux servers, there are upto 7 runlevels that your computer can understand. 0 indicates a halt state and 6 is for reboot.

Provide your password when prompted and let the server complete the restart process. This command leaves no output, but it does restart the system.

Using systemctl command

Unlike the init command, the systemctl command is more of a recent innovation. Systemd, system, and service manager in many modern Linux distributions is designed to provide much more control and flexibility.

This command allows administrators to manage services, view their status, start or stop them, and restart them individually.

However, it is crucial to know that to restart a Linux server using the systemctl command, you need sudo or root privileges.

To reboot Linux, use the following command:

[ sudo systemctl reboot ]

Moreover, this command asks for your password before restarting so provide the password when prompted and then hit ‘enter.’

Like the init command, the systemctl command also does not have an output, but it does begin the restart process for the entire system.

The whole reboot process may take up to a few minutes.

Reboot Linux responsibly

It is good to have ample knowledge about different ways of rebooting your Linux operating system, but this does not mean that you should use all the options.

Before initiating a reboot, it’s important to think it through in terms of what you are trying to accomplish and what the method you have chosen will end up doing.

Reckless rebooting has the power to do irreparable damage to your desktop so please be careful before selecting and initiating the rebooting process.

Thinking so much doesn’t mean that you lose trust in the power and importance of rebooting because no matter what, it plays a significant role in maintaining the overall health of the operating system.

You may also be interested to read: What Is Open Source Software?

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Critical Evaluation of Open Source Software Misconceptions

Open Source / Ammar

Open source software (OSS) has revolutionized various industries, yet it’s often shrouded in a lot of misconceptions. These misconceptions, rooted in misunderstandings or outdated information, can hinder individual and organizational adoption, impeding the full potential of this collaborative development model. To pave the way for informed decision-making, it’s crucial to address these misconceptions head-on, examining their accuracy and highlighting the true nature of open source.

This drastic rise in the popularity of open source software could be attributed to the easy availability of its source code. This software’s license allows the users to study, edit, improvise, and share the software’s source code without any limitations.

Surveys indicated that on an average, with every passing year, the number of people purchasing and converting to open source software was greater than 15%.

Unfortunately, as the OSS expands its footprint, the misconceptions regarding its security, sustainability, and longevity continue to grow like smoke.

The open source software and way of thinking clearly makes some people apprehensive which is why they add fuel to the fire surrounding the popularity of OSS.

In this article, we will take you through the common misconceptions and alleged security vulnerabilities attached to the open source software and uncover the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Open Source Software is less secure than proprietary software

This is the biggest misconception regarding the OSS. People believe that this software’s open source code makes it liable to easy exploitation. Contrary to popular belief, this easily accessible source code is the most significant feature of Open Source Software.

Because so many developers and programmers have access to the source code, the chances of catching and addressing any virus or security issues are much higher than proprietary software.

Unlike OSS, the users of proprietary software must rely on the software vendor to find and fix any security issues or for issuing an update.

Moreover, the entire open source community has interest in finding a faster and reliable solution for any problem that may arise in the software. This fosters collaboration on community level, innovation, and peer review from knowledgeable people.

This level of interest must be acknowledged because it comes from a place of no monetary gain. Although it’s quite hard to believe, all these people who contribute to the development of OSS do not necessarily make a buck out of every solution they provide.

Last but not least, it is not the source code’s availability that increases the chances of hacking, but the access to right hacking tools that automatically detect security vulnerabilities.

Operating system Linux, HTTP server Apache, programming language Python, and CMS like WordPress are examples of high-quality and reliable open source software.

Myth #2: Open Source Software is of low-quality or buggy

This misconception is as old as the OSS itself. People believe that this software is of low quality because it is free. What they don’t know is that the word ‘free’ in this terminology refers to the freedom to use or modify the software as per one’s needs, and not in regards to the monetary cost.

Additionally, many IT professionals believe that there are hardly any experienced developers contributing to the functionality and sustainability of the open source software. Well, this is not true at all!

Many open source projects, especially those that are well-established have a proper team that works day in and out to maintain the quality and accuracy of the source code.

These people conduct various tests on the code and then review the results to maintain its integrity.

Even the open source community doesn’t believe in refuting the claim that the software is

bug-free. Like every other man-made technology, OSS can also have bugs, but the chances of catching these bugs are much higher in comparison to proprietary software.

Operating system Ubuntu, MySQL database, and application OpenOffice.org are examples of dependable open source software.

Myth #3: Open Source Software lacks support

Since there is no single vendor or party responsible for running OSS, it’s quite common for people to assume that this software lacks support and may have sustainability issues.

Earlier, when OSS had just emerged it used to rely heavily on the community and its users for support. Fortunately, as soon as open source reached its prime, third party support for the software users became a widespread idea.

Any business or individual who uses free and open source software is allowed to bring in a third party for a simple consultation or even to address an issue.

The involvement of a third party provides financial support, improves software quality, and also helps in speeding up the process of fixing any security issues that may arise in the software.

Apart from paid support services, the open source community is a great support resource. This community is made by talented and knowledgeable developers who don’t hesitate before helping a person in need.

The Apache Software Foundation provides organizational, legal, and monetary support for a variety of open source projects. Moreover, the Open Source Initiative indirectly supports open source projects by raising awareness that ultimately leads to the adoption of a project by a third party.

Myth #4: Open Source Software is not commercially viable

The main goal of a commercial business is to make money, right? And since open source software is free to use that is why it is easier to believe that it also does not help in generating revenue.

It’s worth noting that many large players and prominent organizations leverage OSS solutions :

Amazon
Google
IBM
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Wikipedia
BMW
Virgin America

Do you think these tech giants would use software that doesn’t have a fruitful monetary outcome? The answer to this question is clear.

Open source is not just a software, it has become a way of thinking and many successful business models like Google’s Android even base more than half of their business on it.

In 2018, the most significant acquisition of an Open Source–based company occurred when IBM acquired Red Hat for $34 billion.

Another proof of OSS’s commercial viability is the acquisition of GitHub, the leading open source software development platform by the mighty Microsoft.

Providing consultation and support for open source products is another popular way of earning through the Open Source Initiative.

Last but not least, open source can prompt monetary gain by making it easier for consumers to access revenue-generating services offered by a business.

Myth #5: Open Source Software is only for developers

Fun fact: Open source software is widely used in fields that are not even remotely linked to IT, programming, or developing. These fields include music, science, art, and writing.

Open source has come up with alternatives to various famous proprietary software including GIMP for image editing, Audacity for editing audio, and LibreOffice for office productivity.

Although many commercial businesses hire developers who maintain their software, there are plenty others who choose to work with an open source service provider. This helps them in cutting down the operation costs.

Some people believe that users may face some technical barriers when they first choose to use open source software. This is only partly true because many ready-to-use and beginner friendly applications like Firefox, VLC media player, and Wikipedia are running successfully all over the world.

Benefits of using Open Source Software

Cost effective: No hefty price tags or licensing fees here. Open-source software is often free to use, modify, and distribute. This feature makes it accessible to everyone, from individuals to large organizations.
Collaboration & innovation: Open source projects thrive on collaboration. Developers from all over the world are allowed to contribute to the further development of the OSS. This leads to faster innovation, better software, and collaborative participation.
Customization & flexibility: Need software that fits your specific needs like a glove? Open source lets you customize it to your heart’s content, making it incredibly versatile.
Stability & reliability: With a large community constantly scrutinizing and improving the code, open source software is surprisingly stable and secure.

There are enormous benefits of using the open source software and with this blog dispelling the myths about open source, we hope you will not hesitate in embracing the open source technology anymore.

The impact of OSS extends far beyond niche communities. Today, it’s a driving force in the tech world and is gradually taking over other fields like science, art, and music.

There is no doubt about the fact that open source projects encourage collaboration and understanding on a community level. These projects also help in coming up with a variety of solutions for any potential problems with a software.

How to verify whether a particular OSS is bug free?

Creating bug-free software is only theoretically possible. In reality, it’s impossible to eliminate all bugs from a software such as an operating system. Even if you detect and remove all bugs at the time of creation, many new bugs can surface as the system undergoes updates over time.

Experts recommend creating a software that is not only bug-free, but one that has a robust system in place to detect and fight any potential bugs that may arise in the future.

How to verify that Open Source Software is not exploited?

Software evaluation is a critical step in the process of development. The criteria for evaluating OSS is different from proprietary software because proprietary software has very less chances of being exploited in comparison to OSS.

Following are the nine most often used evaluation criteria for OSS:

The above mentioned criteria are supplemental to the basic procedure used to evaluate a proprietary software.

How to verify that a software is secure?

A software’s security evaluation is based on a variety of factors. First and foremost, you should look into the author/developer of the software. An author’s good reputation plays a significant role in making a software more credible and trustable.

Additionally, you should always check software certificates. Software certificate i.e, Code Signing is a tool that allows to sign the code and protect it from unwanted modification.

This means that when you download a software that has undergone code signing from a reliable provider, you are made sure that the specific software has not been altered, infected, or modified since its creation.

Furthermore, do not download software from an unknown source. Never use websites that have typos in the web address or are seemingly unsecure. Do not download any application/program/update that is hiding behind links you receive from unknown people or through spam mail.

Last but not least, Windows SmartScreen Filter is a tool that automatically checks all browsed websites and programs downloaded from the internet for viruses/bugs. If it detects any suspicious activity, it displays a warning for the user.

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What Is Open Source Software?

1 Comment / Open Source / Ammar

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that software is the brain of a computer. It interprets, directs, and executes the commands given to a computer by its user. So, what is Open Source Software?

The basic and the most important software type is the system software. It provides a platform for all the other software to work in.

Over time, technologists have invented various software, all intended to make computers and their applications user-friendly.

Apart from that, there’s application, driver, and programming software. Software can either have an open source or a closed source.

Open Source Software definition

Now imagine a world where software isn’t locked away in a vault but shared openly. That’s the essence of open-source software (OSS): a code that anyone can utilize and improvise!

At its core, OSS is computer software that legally grants its users the liberty to operate, edit, transform, and openly share the software and its source code with others.

An open-source software can be used for any legitimate purpose. There will be no more restrictive EULAs limiting what you can do with the software.

What makes the OSS a distinguished software is the ability of its users to use and study its source code. This transparency fosters understanding, innovation, and community-focused development.

Like its name, the open source computer software is open to modification and upgrades. Want to add a feature or fix a bug? Go for it!

The finishing touch of this software is the license to share it with others with or without modification. So don’t think twice before sharing this wonderful tech prize!

But why is software open source software such a big deal?

It’s free: No hefty price tags or licensing fees here. Open-source software is often free to use, modify, and distribute. This feature makes it accessible to everyone, from individuals to large organizations.
Promotes & encourages community effort: Open source projects thrive on collaboration. Developers from all over the world are allowed to contribute to the further development of the OSS. This leads to faster innovation, better software, and collaborative participation.
It’s adaptable: Need software that fits your specific needs like a glove? Open source lets you customize it to your heart’s content, making it incredibly versatile.
It’s reliable: With a large community constantly scrutinizing and improving the code, open source software is surprisingly stable and secure.

Open source isn’t just about software anymore. It’s a philosophy, a way of thinking that emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and transformation.

The cherry on the top is the approval of the entire tech world! (Even Microsoft loves Linux– Hard to believe, right?)

From operating systems like Linux to web browsers like Firefox, open-source software is powering some of the most popular and important technologies nowadays.

So, next time you use any software, ask yourself: is it open source? Because if it is, you’re not just using a program, you are becoming part of a vibrant community that is providing the building blocks for a far more advanced technological system.

Impact of Open Source Software

The impact of OSS extends far beyond niche communities. Today, it’s a driving force in the tech world, powering:

Operating Systems: From Linux to Android, open-source software is ubiquitous and versatile.
Web Technologies: The backbone of the internet, including Apache web server and PHP scripting language, is open source.
Software Development Tools: Git for version control, GitHub for code hosting, and countless libraries and frameworks – all open source!
Scientific Computing: Powerful tools like R for statistical analysis and Blender for 3D animation are open source, democratizing access to scientific computing.

Difference between Open Source & other software

The main difference between open source software and other software is that the source code of various software can only be seen, managed, or edited by the person or team who created it.

This kind of software is known as “proprietary” or “closed source” software. Unlike open-source software, only the creator of the proprietary software can copy, modify, or upgrade it.

When it comes to using closed-source software, users are often asked to sign a computerized license. The license urges the users not to make any changes to it that are not openly allowed by the software’s author.

Furthermore, proprietary software is never free of cost. The charges are not fixed and are based on the magnitude of the software.

Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop are examples of proprietary software.

A sub-type of proprietary software is “freeware.” The only difference between freeware and proprietary software is the exclusion of charges. The public can use freeware without paying any additional charges.

You may be thinking that aren’t freeware and OSS the same thing since they are both free? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Unlike open-source software, you may or may not be able to use freeware in the software you are creating because freeware is copyrighted and cannot be modified or distributed.

Examples of freeware include Adobe PDF and Skype.

An open source software is different in terms that its source code is publicly accessible and can be viewed, edited, copied, and shared by anyone. LibreOffice, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, Mozilla Firefox, WordPress, Nginx, and VLC media player are open source software examples.

Moreover, unlike proprietary software, OSS promotes public collaboration on a worldwide level. Users/programmers/developers can all pitch in their ideas and contribute to the modification of the software.

Moving forward let’s take a look at the history of open-source software.

The history of Open Source Software

The idea of free software first popped up in the mind of Richard Stallman in the year 1983. Stallman was a programmer at the prestigious MIT who believed that software should be open to all so that the public can modify it according to their needs.

Moreover, Stallman wanted the public to learn, understand, and improve existing software so he started releasing free code under his license, called the GNU Public License.

Eventually, this new take on software caught everyone’s attention and led to the creation of the ‘Open Source Initiative’ in 1998.

How does the Open Source Software work?

Although OSS is free to use, modify, and share, it still comes with a distribution license that guides the developers regarding the use, modification, viewing, and distribution of the software.

When source code is changed, OSS must include what was altered as well as the methods involved. Depending upon the license terms, the upgraded software may or may not be available for free.

Is OSS free from bugs?

The straight answer to this question is no. With multiple parties making changes to the source code, problems like the inclusion of bugs are bound to come up.

However, the contribution of a variety of developers and programmers could also mean that the bugs are identified and fixed faster than a bolt of lightning.

How to make Open-Source Computer Software safe?

The first step in making OSS safe is to thoroughly understand its source code. Without knowing what the source code holds, the software can not be managed or made safe to use.

The following steps can be taken to mitigate this problem:

To learn about the condition of open source risks and vulnerabilities, study the yearly “Open Source Security and Risk Analysis” (OSSRA) report.
Look into open source risk management consultancy businesses that can offer advice and resources for recognizing and managing open source risks inside your own company.
Read blogs and attend seminars that provide in-depth advice and best practices for handling open source risk.
To stay in compliance with open source licensing and to assist you in identifying and fixing problems, think about putting automated solutions for open source management and security into place.

What are the pros and cons of OSS?

The following are the pros of the open source software:

OSS is free, reliable, and stable.
It allows developers to study and modify its source code.
Can be customized according to an individual or organization’s needs.
A built-in community continuously works to improve and enhance the OSS.
No restrictions and direct access to the source code serve as a great learning opportunity for new programmers.

The cons of the open source computer software are:

In comparison to closed-source software, open source is less user-friendly. Some people may find it difficult to set it up.
OSS comes without any warranty or liability.
Open source can incur unexpected costs.

Beyond Programmers: Who benefits from Open Source Software?

Contrary to popular belief, open source technology and thinking are also beneficial to people who do not belong to the world of programming.

OSS is like a one-size-fits-all piece of clothing. It can be customized according to an individual’s as well as an organization’s needs and preferences.

When a person goes to a web browser, listens to music, plays video games, or chats with a friend on messaging apps, their phone/computer automatically connects to a global network of computers all of which use open source software. Through this network and software, their data is processed and then transmitted back to their local devices.

Moreover, both large and small-scale businesses benefit from OSS as it is cost-effective and provides easy access to a world full of talented developers and programmers.

Apart from business, educational institutions and the society we live in also profusely benefit from open source computer software as it fosters innovation, joint collaborative effort, technological advancement, and a great deal of transparency.

More than just free: Demystifying the “Open” in Open Source

Anyone who has inadequate knowledge about technology must believe that the word ‘open’ in open-source software denotes the free-of-cost aspect of this software. Well, that’s not entirely accurate!

Open source software is more than just free software. It offers free access to any and everyone who would like to use, modify, or customize it.

Furthermore, the transparent nature of this software ensures security and promotes communal contribution.

Open Source beyond software

While open source technology may be limited to computers and devices, the open source way of thinking has scope and application beyond that.

This software encourages educational and scientific advancements as a result of its transparent methods and limitless sharing. Moreover, it also helps in designing and manufacturing hardware with accessible schematics.

Challenges of Open Source Software

Unlike proprietary software, it can be harder to ensure and maintain the quality and security of OSS. This is because there is no main party in charge of running or maintaining the software, uncountable number of people are upgrading the software as per their needs.

Additionally, maintaining and updating open source projects can be challenging without proper funding models. This can become a hurdle in the sustainability of these projects.

Last but not least, varying development approaches can make open-source software less compatible with other types of software.

The future of Open Source Software

Regarding open-source software, the CEO of Scarf, Avi Press said, “Open source is going to continue to take over every domain that proprietary software touches. We’ll see more (successful) open source software (OSS) alternatives to existing tools we all rely on, plus we’ll see more communities expand as businesses and governments continue to increase their investment in an open source software strategy.”

He added that not only companies but, in the future, different governments will also collaborate to create internationally common and free software for all to use. That is how quickly the OSS is expanding.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, open-source software is a marvel of technology. It has taken web browsing, online applications, and programming to another level. This software’s popularity is increasing not only in the areas of technology but in the world of science and education as well.

With every passing day, computer users are becoming more fond of the OSS, and more and more developers are pouring in their contributions to further take it up a notch.

At this pace, the future of open source software seems very bright, and sooner or later, the open source thinking will become a mantra to live by.

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