SOPA Protest

January 17, 2012
Information News Opinion

This website will participate tomorrow, January 18, 2012, in protest of the SOPA law. That law would restrict the Internet freedoms of everyone for the somewhat questionable  financial benefit of a few media companies. In order to restrict alleged piracy, they would restrict the entire Internet. Web sites could be closed without any warning or even proof that they were in violation of any law—except the laws of greed.

Read about SOPA and the protest.

This bill will break the Internet as we know it.

Training Classes for Q1, 2012 Scheduled

January 8, 2012
Announcements Millennium Technology Consulting LLC News Training

My Company, Millennium Technology Consulting LLC, has set its Linux training schedule for the First Quarter of 2012. We will be presenting one session of our highly acclaimed “Theory and Practice of Linux System Administration” class each month.

Classes are set for the following dates:

  • January 23-27, 2012
  • February 13-17, 2012
  • March 12-16, 2012

Please refer to the Millennium Technology Consulting LLC Training Page for complete schedules and prices.

Now Forming: Linux Administration Class

June 15, 2011
Announcements Millennium Technology Consulting LLC Training

I am in the process of forming a class roster to test a new Linux Administration course I am creating. This 5-day class will be held in Raleigh, NC, July 25 through 29. The normal cost for this course would be $1995 per student, but because this is a test class, there will be an $800 discount for a cost of $1195 per student. This is a one time offer. All future classes will be at the full rate. To obtain this discounted rate you must be enrolled and course fees paid no later than 5:00 PM on July 15, 2011.

I have a couple students committed to this class and would like to have a few more.

This class is based upon material I have put together over several years for a number of different specialized reasons. I am in the process of filling out the areas needed to cover all aspects of an Introduction to Linux  System Administration.

Course Synopsis

This course is intended for  junior Linux Systems Administrators who wish to advance their knowledge, and administrators of other Unix versions or Windows who wish to become Linux System Administrators. This class is heavily oriented towards hands-on activities. At least half of the class time is allotted to lab projects. The class is based on Fedora because it is the upstream distribution for Red Hat Linux.

The student will learn about the history of Linux and the philosophy of Linux and how it applies to the everyday tasks that she will be expected to perform. The student will install a current Fedora Linux system on common Intel hardware, using various installation options to customize the final result. The students will learn to use the command line interface (CLI) and many basic Linux commands along with the vi editor. More advanced commands such as sed and awk will be covered and combining all of these commands into short command line programs will be discussed and the student will have opportunity to use them in lab projects.

This course covers the Linux boot sequence and the traditional SystemV init scripts as well as the new systemd daemon for startup and daemon management. The student will learn to manage users and software packages. Networking, security, processes, filesystems and Logical Volume Management will be covered in detail.

The course outline (subject to change) is shown below:

  • Introduction To Linux
  • The Linux Way
  • Installation
  • Getting logged in
  • Using the Console
  • The Command Line Interface (CLI)
  • Basic Linux Commands
  • Boot Sequence
  • Startup
    • Upstart
    • SystemV init
    • systemd
  • The vi Editor
  • Managing Users
  • Advanced CLI Commands
  • Processes
  • Task Scheduling
  • Filesystems
  • Logical Volume Management (LVM)
  • Disk management
  • CLI Programming
  • Package Management with RPM and YUM
  • Network
  • Security
  • Problem Solving

Please contact dboth {at} millennium-technology {dot} com to register for this class or call 919-389-8678.

Fedora 15 on the Horizon

April 19, 2011
News

Fedora 15 is in Beta testing now and will be available—barring unforeseen complications—by the end of May. There are some interesting new features including desktops GNOME 3 and KDE 4.6.

The feature that will probably make the most difference to Linux Administrators and almost none to end users is the new systemd daemon. This “System Daemon” will replace the SystemV Init scripts which have been around forever; it also replaces the much newer Upstart which has barely gotten a toehold.

Fedora, being the sometimes bleeding edge distribution that it is, Fedora 15 will be the first distribution to include systemd.

The primary purpose of systemd is to launch and manage other needed daemons and processes, but it does it much more intelligently by only starting them as they are needed. Thus much of the systemd function can replace that of the Internet Superdaemon, xinetd or inetd, depending upon your distribution. The xinetd daemon simply hangs around waiting for an Internet connection attempt on one of its supported servers such as Telnet. It then starts the appropriate server and passes off the connection to that server and then waits for another connection attempt.

The systemd works much the same way, only not just with network-based services. It works together with UDEV and D-Bus to determine when a local daemon is needed and then starts it. Starting local daemons only when required saves system resources and can significantly improve boot time. This improved boot time is the only thing that most users will notice.

For a little closer look at Fedora 15 see 7.5 Reasons to Look Forward to Fedora 15 at Linux.com.

For all of the gory details of systemd, see http://0pointer.de/blog/projects/systemd.html. This German web site also has an excellent multipart series, systemd for Administrators.

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Fedora Frog 2.0-14.0.0 Released

January 17, 2011
Announcements Software

I have released version 2.0-14.0.0 of Fedora Frog.

This interactive, text mode, menu-driven Bash program provides the Linux administrator an easy way to install applications not installed by default during a Fedora Core installation procedure, and applications that are not part of the standard distribution. Additional repositories are required beyond the normal Fedora ones, and they are automatically added by Fedora Frog as well.

Frog installs media players such as RealPlayer, Mplayer, VLC, Kaffiene and Xine. It also installs Thunderbird, Firefox, GNUCash, Adobe Reader and Yumex, and some things specifically for System Admins such as chkrootkit, iotop and more.

Fedora Frog currently supports Fedora 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Support for all previous versions of Fedora has been removed.

New features in this release include:

  • Added support for Oracle VirtualBox-4.0 with extensions and keep support for VirtualBox 3.2 which is still available.
    Set this up for selection in a new Radio Button menu due to choice complexities.
  • Added the screen program.
  • Added support for Fedora 13 and 14.
  • Resolved minor issues with VirtualBox.
  • Added nVidia PAE support.
  • Added more Admin programs such as ntop, powertop, iptraf, etc.

Fedora Frog is distributed under the GPL2 license. Fedora Frog can be downloaded from SourceForge at https://sourceforge.net/projects/fedorafrog/.

Working on Fedora Frog 2.0-14

January 5, 2011
Information Software

If you are waiting for the next version of Fedora Frog I am testing the latest code right now. It should be ready in a few days.

This version of Fedora frog will support Fedora 10 through 14.

This interactive, text mode, menu-driven Bash program provides the Linux administrator an easy way to install applications not installed by default during a standard Fedora installation procedure, and applications that are not part of the standard distribution.

Frog installs media players such as RealPlayer, Mplayer, VLC, Kaffiene and Xine. It also installs Thunderbird, Firefox, GNUCash, Adobe Reader and Yumex, and some things specifically for System Admins such as chkrootkit, iotop, powertop and others.

As always, this latest version of Fedora Frog will be available on SourceForge.

Page Sequence Problems Fixed

August 9, 2010
Notifications

The page sequence problems in the Table of Contents have been fixed. Pages are now displayed in the Table of Contents in the correct sequence. Thank you for your patience.

Page Sequence Problems

July 18, 2010
Information

There are currently some problems with the way in which WordPress displays pages in the order I specify. As a result many pages do not appear in the order in which I would like them to appear.

This is not about the posts, of which this is one, but about the pages that appear in the Table Of Contents section in the right-hand column.

Please be patient as I try to get this problem resolved.

Fedora 13 is Now Available

July 2, 2010
Information News

Fedora 13 has been available for a few weeks now. I have started installing it on some of my systems and it seems to work very well.

The Internet upgrade procedure works well but it does take a bit of time. You won’t want to use this method unless you have a fast Internet connection. A standard installation from DVD works well also. There are some differences in the installation procedure, but they are welcome ones including the restoration of the old “minimal” install option, which will be good for creating routers and other appliances.

The latest version of KDE is also very nice and provides a couple interesting new features as well as some new and improved widgets.

I will try to write a more complete critique as time permits.

Fedora Frog 1.0-12.0.0 Released

December 4, 2009
News Software

I have released version 1.0-12.0.0 of Fedora Frog.

This interactive, text mode, menu-driven Bash program provides the Linux administrator an easy way to install applications not installed by default during a Fedora Core installation procedure, and applications that are not part of the standard distribution. It also tweaks some configuration items. Additional repositories are required beyond the normal Fedora ones, and they are automatically added by Fedora Frog as well.

Frog installs media players such as RealPlayer, Mplayer, VLC, Kaffiene and Xine. It also installs Thunderbird, Firefox, GNUCash, Adobe Reader and Yumex, and some things specifically for System Admins such as chkrootkit.

Fedora Frog currently supports Fedora 10, 11 and 12. Support for all previous versions of Fedora has been removed.

New features in this release include:

  • Added support for Fedora 12.
  • Added more Admin programs such as ntop, powertop, iptraf, etc.
  • Added support for VirtualBox.
  • Added support for Skype.

Fedora Frog is distributed under the GPL2 license. Fedora Frog can be downloaded from SourceForge at https://sourceforge.net/projects/fedorafrog/.

Spammers Force End to Open Registration

November 5, 2009
News Notifications

Due to a significant increase in bogus registrations by spammers, I have ended the capability for open registration. If you wish to register for this web site send an email to dboth {at} millennium-technology {dot} com.

You must have a registration on this site to contribute comments, but all content is always open and free and you need not be registered just to view content.

I apologize for the inconvenience but it seems the only way to control the spam problem at this time.

Linux+ Training in Charleston

September 9, 2009
News Training

I will be teaching a 4.5 day Linux+ training class in Charleston, SC, the week of September 21.

CompTIA Linux+ is a vendor-neutral certification, generic across distributions, targeted to individuals with a minimum of six to 12 months of practical Linux experience. The CompTIA Linux+ exam covers fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line, user administration, file permissions, software configuration and management of Linux-based clients.

This class is preparation for that exam using Fedora Linux. Even if you do not take the exam this is an excellent training class for relatively new Linux administrators.

The class will be held at DTC Charleston, a local training center.

1064 Gardner Road
Suite 212
Charleston, SC 29407

Sales: 843-402-0983
Main: 843-225-3494
Toll-free: 866-705-4522
Fax: 775-370-0477

Email: martha_nye@dtccharleston.com

If you are interested in attending this class, please contact DTC.

DataBook® Navigation Improved

September 7, 2009
News

I have installed a new WordPress plugin which provides easier navigation for the DataBooks. At the top and bottom of the text portion of each page you will now find three new options:

  • Up one Level
  • Previous
  • Next

These options allow you to navigate through the Databooks more like you would a hard-copy book. You can now navigate to the next page of the previous page just by clicking on the respective link. You can also navigate to the next higher level by clicking on the Up One Level link.

Each link also has the name of the page to which you will turn when you click on it.

I hope this improves your experience of the DataBooks.

CDs and DVDs that Won’t Mount

August 21, 2009
Information Tips and Tricks

Have you ever had a CD/DVD, whether data, video or audio that would not mount or play? Me too.

Fedora Linux (and others) is supposed to recognize that a CD or DVD has been inserted into the drive, and the Device Notifier will pop up a small window that displays “Devices recently plugged in.” This allows you to open the device with Dolphin or some other application.

The Device Notifier window pops up when a new storage device is plugged in or inserted into a drive.

The Device Notifier window pops up when a new storage device is plugged in or inserted into a drive.

Sometimes you can insert a CD or DVD and nothing happens; it is as if the disk does not exist. This can happen if there is a problem with the disk itself or the drive. The most common reason for this problem is dirt or dust, although scratches can cause problems like this, too.

If the DVD drive is one that exposes the read/write head when it is open, such as the very thin ones used in laptops, you can clean the DVD drive read optics with a very soft camel hair brush, or use a can of compressed air to blow the dirt off the lens. Drive cleaning CDs can be used on other types of DVD drives. The other thing you can do is clean the bottom surface (the surface without the printing on it) of the CD or DVD with a soft, dry cotton cloth. Rubbing it on a clean cotton tee-shirt works well.

Warning about Lexmark Printers and Linux

August 4, 2009
Articles Information

If you are considering using Linux at any time in the near future, you should definitely not purchase a Lexmark printer of any kind. The company does not support Linux in any way and there are no working drivers of any kind available for most Lexmark printers.

I use Brother and HP for my printing needs and they work quite well. Even the HP All-in-one printers work very well. Xerox printers are also well supported and I have a large network attached Xerox copier/fax/printer working at one of my customers.

That is not to say you won’t have to do some fussing to get even some supported printers to print, but most Lexmark printers will never print under Linux.

Fedora Frog 1.0-11.0.0 released

June 27, 2009
Information Notifications Software

This Bash program provides the Linux administrator an easy way to install applications not installed by default during a Fedora Core installation procedure, and applications that are not part of the standard distribution. It also tweaks some configuration items. Additional repositories are required beyond the normal Core, Updates, and Extras, and they can be added using Fedora Frog as well. Frog installs media players such as RealPlayer, Mplayer, VLC, Kaffiene and Xine. It also installs Thunderbird, Firefox, GNUCash, Adobe Reader and Yumex, and some things specifically for System Admins such as chkrootkit. Fedora Frog is currently supported on Fedora 10 and 11. Support for all previous versions of Fedora has been removed.

The latest version of Fedora Frog can be downloaded at https://sourceforge.net/projects/fedorafrog/

Fedora Frog Update

June 16, 2009
Information News

For those of you who are users of my Fedora Frog program, I am currently working on an update that will add support for Fedora 10 and 11 and remove support for all previous versions of Fedora. I am revising the list of packages that it installs because some of the older packages are no longer needed or in some cases have not been updated in a long time so are no longer relevant. In other cases I am adding packages that are now available through the new RPMFusion repositories. I hope to finish this major update within two weeks.

If you are not familiar with Fedora Frog, it provides the Linux administrator an easy way to install applications not installed by default during a Fedora installation procedure, and applications that are not part of the standard distribution. Additional repositories are required beyond the normal Fedora, and Updates. These additional repositories are automatically added using Fedora Frog as well.

When these updates are complete, Fedora Frog will be available for download from Sourceforge at https://sourceforge.net/projects/fedorafrog/. Previous versions of Fedora Frog are and will continue to be available there. Unfortunately some functions may not work because many of the repositories are no longer valid or the packages have been removed from the repositories. Use those old versions at your own risk.

Announcing the Formation of Millennium Technology Consulting LLC

April 11, 2009
Millennium Technology Consulting LLC News

I would like to announce that I have now started my own company, Millennium Technology Consulting LLC. We use Free Open Source Software (FOSS) to  save money, improve security and extend the life of existing computers for small to medium sized businesses. Open Source Software is high quality, and it is more secure and much better supported than most proprietary restricted software.

We provide Linux Consulting and Open Source Consulting services in the Raleigh Durham and RTP area of North Carolina.

Check us out and see how Millennium Technology Consulting LLC can help your business.

Fedora 10 Installation Problems

February 15, 2009
Information

I have now installed or upgraded to Fedora 10 on all but one of my computers. Some go very easily and others not so much. Today I upgraded the server that runs my email and all of my web sites including this one. It was not so easy. I was able to resolve the problems but it was not straightforward.

The symptoms were that I could ping the box but SSH would not work in either direction, I could not login to the GUI but I could login to the virtual consoles. For details on how I fixed this see the article “SSH and YUM Don’t Work After Fedora 10 Installation”. The root cause of this problem was that one critical RPM package was not installed during the upgrade.

The point is that I have had several problems during upgrades to Fedora 10 from Fedora 8, and a couple when just doing a basic install. Almost all installations failed to work correctly until all updates were installed. So be sure to install all updates to a Fedora 10 installation or upgrade before attempting to do productive work.