Many administrators/users prefer to set up their servers as headless machines. If you’re not sure what a headless machine is – it’s a PC without a monitor. This is an outstanding way to use Linux as a server as typically people install Linux servers sans GUIs. Thing is, a problem has arisen with recent iterations [...]
Linux Operating System

Here at Ghacks we cover the various Linux distributions, updates, Linux tips, tutorials and everything else that is related to the Linux family.
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Linux Software - Linux Desktop - Ubuntu - Live CD
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5 Things Linux does better than Windows - Syncing your iPhone (or iTouch) with Linux
Use Gloobus Preview to preview your files
There are many ways to preview your files in Linux. Most often there is a single application used to preview a different file type. You have the Eye of GNOME for images, the Document Viewer for PDFs, and more. But what about a single application that will preview all types? Is there such a thing? [...]
Reporting bugs in Fedora 14
Let’s face it, when you opt to use certain Linux distributions, you do so knowing that there are going to be bugs. Fedora is one such distribution. Since Fedora is a testing ground for the enterprise-level Red Hat Linux operating system, having bugs goes hand in hand. It’s a bleeding-edge distribution and bleeding-edge distributions tend [...]
Lock down GNOME with Pessulus
There are many reasons why you might want to lock down a desktop. Say you run an internet cafe and you don’t want your users to be able to do certain things. Or what if your Linux box is being used as a kiosk and you don’t want users to be able to exit out [...]
Some helpful, but obscure, Linux admin tools
Linux is resplendent with administration tools. No matter what you need to monitor, Linux has a tool to suit your needs. You can monitor everything from file I/O, to network processes, and everything in between. You can test systems, check systems, start and stop systems…you name it. There are so many tools it’s hard to [...]
Use byobu for extended features in your terminal window
The Japanese term “byobu” means a decorative, multi-paneled screen that serves as a room divider. You’ve probably seen them all over the place. When it comes to Linux, byobu is a small software that can be used on top of your standard terminal window to add extra functionality. What byobu really is is a wrapper [...]
Quick and easy printer sharing in GNOME
Printer sharing was once a big challenge for Linux. It almost always involved manually configuring Samba to share out your printers. That is not so now. With the latest releases of the GNOME desktop, printer sharing is as easy as it is in any other operating system. So longer will you need to open up [...]
Linux 101: kill and killall
If you’ve come across an application or a process that just won’t die, and you’re thinking that you might want to reboot your machine – STOP! There is no need for rebooting in Linux (unless you’ve just upgraded your kernel). There are plenty of ways to get rid of an application that refuses to listen [...]
Start programs at specific times with this handy app
Have you ever wanted to start a program at a very specific time, but didn’t really know how to manage that task? Maybe you want your email client to start up only before you wake up in the morning. Or maybe you want to schedule a print job to start at a certain time, or [...]
Create GNOME desktop entries for all users
Linux, being a multi-user system, begs for you to configure it such that all users initially experience exactly what you want them to experience. One option you have, which is very easy to do, is to create specific desktop launchers that are added to all new users upon first login. Naturally those users can then [...]
Absolutely beautiful desktop with PClinuxOS E17 edition
I have been a fan of Enlightenment for a long, long time. It’s one of the most elegant desktops available today. But not only is it elegant looking, it’s a joy to use, more flexible than most desktops, and lighter weight than the “big 2″ Linux desktops. The only problem with E17 is the installation. [...]
Dealing with bash history
If you are a Linux user who frequents the command line, you will most likely have heard of the bash history. This is a special system that keeps a history of all commands run from bash. This has many pros and only a few cons. One of the cons is that, if you are logged [...]
TruPax, Create TrueCrypt Containers Without True Crypt
It is not that complicated to create a TrueCrypt container, but it does take some time. You need the TrueCrypt software obviously to do that, and someone with admin rights to install the software. Then you need to complete a wizard to create the encrypted container. It takes time if you have never created an [...]
Cool Linux command tricks
The Linux command line is one of the most versatile tools you will ever use. It can do just about anything you can image for a machine. With such a large scope of tasks you can imagine just how much there is to learn. So, it’s always good to have an arsenal of tricks at your [...]
Neembu Uploader, File Upload Tool To Upload Files To Multiple File Hosters
Sometimes all that you need is a quick way to distribute a file to multiple servers on the Internet. This technique can for instance be used to offer a file for multiple users in short time, or as a backup if one file hoster deletes the file or lets it expire to early. Neembuu Uploader [...]
Change perspective of images in The GIMP
The GIMP is one of the most powerful of the free, open source image manipulation tools you will ever use. It seems the possibilities are nearly limitless. But for some users, the barrier to entry on The GIMP is too challenging to get over. Although it may seem that way, it is not necessarily true. [...]
Use Bluefish as your HTML editor
Do people still code HTML by hand? Of course they do. And when they do, what tools do they use? Some use a simple text editor like nano or vi. Some prefer a little more GUI-goodness like Gedit or Kate. Still, some others prefer an application dedicated to the task at hand. For those Linux [...]
System 76 Starling Netbook Review
I’ve had the pleasure of trying out plenty of netbook hardware. Just about every form factor and operating system combination available. These netbooks range from the hardly usable, to the might-as-well-be-a-laptop, and everything in between. It’s that “everything in between” space that appeals to the majority of users on the planet and that’s exactly where [...]
Install and use Ubuntu Unity before it’s released
Mark Shuttleworth has announced that Ubuntu is dropping the GNOME desktop as the default and switching to it’s own, in-house desktop. That desktop is the Unity desktop which was designed for the netbook environment. Whether you like this move or not, it’s happening. But what is Unity? And how do you experience it now, instead [...]
Linux dictionary tools
The dictionary is a tool that any writer or student should have on their computer. And Linux users are not immune from this need. But if you look through the possibilities of Linux dictionary tools you find quite a large amount available. Which of these tools are the best or easiest to use? I have [...]
