Latest News from Joshua Drake

The kernel of pain

Mon, 14 Jan 2002 00:00:00 EST

For desktops, the 2.4 version of the kernel is just fine. If you have heavy-duty processing needs, 2.4 has been a series of disappointments. Sysadmins of big iron have two choices -- go back in time or play upgrade hopscotch. Both have problems. (850 words)

Volution shows promise

Mon, 14 Jan 2002 00:00:00 EST

Caldera's Volution Messaging Server 1.0 shows promise, but fails to deliver compatibility with Microsoft's Outlook 2002 calendar. A shame, as Volution is easy to install and appears easy to administer. (2,000 words)

How to reduce spam for your users & everyone else

Wed, 26 Dec 2001 00:00:00 EST

Spam is a distributed problem. Perhaps the best solution is Vipul's Razor, 'a distributed, collaborative, spam detection and filtering network,' the documentation states. 'Razor establishes a distributed and constantly updating catalogue of spam in propagation.' Clients use this catalogue to delete known spam. (1,100 words)

A first look at Ximian Evolution 1.0

Wed, 26 Dec 2001 00:00:00 EST

Ximian Evolution 1.0 is a surprisingly complete e-mail and collaboration tool. It still needs a little work, but it's worth your consideration if you're tiring of staring at your text-based e-mail client all day. (960 words)

Intro to programming in LXP

Mon, 10 Dec 2001 00:00:00 EST

LXP (also known as mod_lxp) is an application server that runs as an Apache DSO (Dynamic Shared Object) module. It is designed to allow for the simplified development of data-driven, dynamic Web sites involving support for XML and SQL. This installment details the basics in creating an application with LXP. (3,000 words)

Getting started with Arkeia

Tue, 04 Dec 2001 00:00:00 EST

Arkeia backs-up heterogeneous systems on a network. The good news for Linux users is Knox Software, the company behind Arkeia, charges nada for personal and commercial use of its Linux software. If backup gives you a headache, read on. (900 words)

A first look at Red Hat 7.2

Wed, 28 Nov 2001 00:00:00 EST

All of the distributions are getting better. For this consultant, Red Hat offers one feature no other distribution has -- name recognition. (1,200 words)

Intro to LXP, the XML/PostgreSQL Application Server

Wed, 28 Nov 2001 00:00:00 EST

Anyone who develops in C, C++, Perl, Java, or many other languages could easily become competent with PHP in a Sunday afternoon. LXP, on the other hand, is designed to give more power back to the technical user without limiting developers who choose to use it. (1,100 words)

Understanding & installing SELinux

Wed, 14 Nov 2001 00:00:00 EST

Security Enhanced Linux, aka SELinux, is a set of kernel patches and utilities designed around a mandatory access control system. (1,100 words)

Protecting your network with Snort

Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 EST

Snort offers many options. However, setting it up is easier than you may think. Here's how to start protecting your network. (2,000 words)

Watching your network for attacks

Tue, 23 Oct 2001 00:00:00 EDT

It's relatively easy to harden your Linux computer. Here are five tools that help. (935 words)

How to tell if your Linux box has been cracked

Fri, 12 Oct 2001 00:00:00 EDT

The smart security question to ask yourself is, 'Is everything normal?' A common trick crackers use is to replace the ps command. How to detect 'root kits.' (850 words)

How to stop crackers with PortSentry

Wed, 03 Oct 2001 00:00:00 EDT

PortSentry is an easy-to-install application that is designed to assist a Linux user in their attempts to stop those cold-hearted crackers from breaching the mighty fortress that is your Linux machine. (1,400 words)

10 minutes to an iptables-based Linux firewall

Thu, 20 Sep 2001 00:00:00 EDT

Worrying about the latest worm? Or the next? Spend a few minutes with iptables to fortify your Linux boxes from obvious attacks. (970 words)

How to save an Apache log file in a PostgreSQL database

Mon, 10 Sep 2001 00:00:00 EDT

Looking for a free package that gives you everything you want when viewing Apache logs? If you use PostgreSQL, a little daemon named pgLOGd offers a powerful, flexible, free solution. (1,100 words)

DocBook can be a sysadmin's best friend

Sat, 08 Sep 2001 00:00:00 EDT

As long as we don't need to write it, sysadmins value documentation above all else. The open source community offers a powerful process to capture your policies and procedures. How to use DocBook. (1,100 words)

5 Bash tips every Linux user should know

Wed, 22 Aug 2001 00:00:00 EDT

The Bash Shell, plus a few GNU utilities, are a powerful, often overlooked tool set. How to use history, two kinds of file completion, and aliasing. (1,200 words)

How to find technical support for Linux

Wed, 15 Aug 2001 00:00:00 EDT

During my week of experiencing kernel problems, I wondered how to get technical support for tough issues. (1,200 words)

Questioning Linux community commitment

Thu, 22 Mar 2001 00:00:00 EST

The Geek engages in a 'melodramatic but heartfelt diatribe,' questioning whether open source community members are willing to commit their dollars to make open software prosper. (1,100 words)

Introducing iceSculptor

Tue, 06 Mar 2001 00:00:00 EST

After months of press releases and flashy booths at LinuxWorld Expo, Chilliware has delivered some software. Find out how the first release of the iceSculptor desktop publishing program tested out. (1,600 words)

Introducing iceSculptor

Tue, 06 Mar 2001 00:00:00 EST

Three LinuxWorld Expos

Sat, 03 Mar 2001 00:00:00 EST

From euphoria at the San Jose LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, to real business in New York, to the future in San Francisco, follow the trends shaping the Linux world from show to show. (1,800 words)

Fight spam with procmail

Thu, 01 Mar 2001 00:00:00 EST

Unwanted email is the downside to our networked lives. Joshua Drake shows how to use procmail to filter the wheat from the chaff.

NetMAX FireWall worth the fickle installation

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 00:00:00 EST

NetMAX FireWall from Cybernet Systems is a smooth-running, easily configurable firewall, if you can get past its annoying setup and installation. (1,600 words)

Configuring a quick-and-dirty router and proxy

Fri, 16 Feb 2001 00:00:00 EST

Setting up an unsecured router and proxy using IP Masquerading; plus, contrary to popular belief, Linux can play nice with PCI modems. (1,200 words)

Forum denizens pitch in

Thu, 01 Feb 2001 00:00:00 EST

The Geek gets sick but participants in the Ask the Geek forum save the day by answering queries from their fellow Linux enthusiasts on the limits of FTP, X servers, and PCI modems, and by providing some great newbie resources. (1,000 words)

Zelerate's AllCommerce targets e-business

Tue, 16 Jan 2001 00:00:00 EST

LinuxWorld.com's resident geek, Joshua Drake, finds that Zelerate's AllCommerce software has an annoyingly comprehensive installation procedure. However, with just a bit more polishing, it should become the open source alternative to proprietary e-commerce applications. (1,400 words)

Run levels revisited

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 EST

How does Linux initialize during boot? Many people don't consider the actual process that Linux takes to enter a usable state. The Geek explains what the various run levels are for and how they fit into the boot process. (1,300 words)

Latest News from Joshua Drake

The kernel of pain

Volution shows promise

How to reduce spam for your users & everyone else

A first look at Ximian Evolution 1.0

Intro to programming in LXP

Getting started with Arkeia

A first look at Red Hat 7.2

Intro to LXP, the XML/PostgreSQL Application Server

Understanding & installing SELinux

Protecting your network with Snort

Watching your network for attacks

How to tell if your Linux box has been cracked

How to stop crackers with PortSentry

10 minutes to an iptables-based Linux firewall

How to save an Apache log file in a PostgreSQL database

DocBook can be a sysadmin's best friend

5 Bash tips every Linux user should know

How to find technical support for Linux

Top 10 Linux questions & answers

Questioning Linux community commitment

Introducing iceSculptor

Introducing iceSculptor

Three LinuxWorld Expos

Fight spam with procmail

NetMAX FireWall worth the fickle installation

Configuring a quick-and-dirty router and proxy

Forum denizens pitch in

Zelerate's AllCommerce targets e-business

Run levels revisited