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Links 13/07/2022: Linux Mint 21 Beta and Red Hat Changes CEO



  • GNU/Linux

    • Audiocasts/Shows

      • VideoMicrosoft Store Might Not Ban Commercial FOSS Apps - Invidious

        Microsoft made a move that get a lot of people angry, recently they updated the TOS for the Microsoft Windows Store with a really controversial that made it look like they were banning free and open source software from making money on the Windows Store.

    • Graphics Stack

      • What is NGG and shader culling on AMD RDNA GPUs? | Timur’s blog

        NGG (Next Generation Geometry) is the technology that is responsible for any vertex and geometry processing in AMD RDNA GPUs. I decided to do a write-up about my experience implementing it in RADV, which is the Vulkan driver used by many Linux systems, including the Steam Deck. I will also talk about shader culling on RDNA GPUs.

      • xwayland 22.1.3
    • Applications

      • OMG UbuntuGotop is a Cool CLI System Monitor Tool for Linux - OMG! Ubuntu!

        I’m a ‘fessed up fan of btop, a colossally cool looking and comprehensive system monitoring utility accessed from the command line.

        I included it in my list of the best command line tools because I genuinely think it’s one of the best command line tools available. It’s flashy, it’s fast, it’s interactive, you can customise the appearance, disable sections, filter processes speedily, and so on.

        Thing is this: while all of those bells and whistles are music to my ears they are a bit ‘too much’ for other.

        So I want(ed an excuse) to highlight another command line system monitor that I dig using. I only discovered it recently — spying on Alan Pope has many advantages 👀 — but the second I saw it, I was smitten. It’s definitely one of those “too cool to not shoehorn into a post” apps.

        It’s sort of like the midway point between the raw simplicity provided by the likes of top and htop and the visual flairâ„¢ put forward by btop++ (or any of its incarnations, e.g., bashtop, bpytop, etc).

      • PostgreSQLPostgreSQL: Release: check_pgactivity 2.6

        check_pgactivity is a PostgreSQL plugin for Nagios. This plugin is written with a focus on a rich perfdata set. Every new features of PostgreSQL can be easily monitored with check_pgactivity.

    • Instructionals/Technical

      • Make Use OfHow to Extract Text From PDFs and Images on Linux Using gImageReader

        If you're a student or your work involves working with lots of images and PDFs, you'd have, at some point, felt the need to extract text from an image or a document.

        Luckily, text extraction makes this possible. And there are several tools that you can use to do this. gImageReader is one of the many tools. It's free to use and works with both image files and PDF documents.

      • VideoHow to install Notepadqq on Pop!_OS 22.04 - Invidious

        In this video, we are looking at how to install Notepadqq on Pop!_OS 22.04.

      • Linux Made SimpleHow to install Sonic Smash Flash V3 on a Chromebook

        Today we are looking at how to install Sonic Smash Flash V3 on a Chromebook. Please follow the video/audio guide as a tutorial where we explain the process step by step and use the commands below.

      • UNIX CopAnsible Server Provisioning

        From bare metal through function-as-a-service, automating with ansible server provisioning of infrastructure is the first step in automating the operation of your applications. Ansible can provision from cloud platforms and virtualized hosts to hypervisors, network devices, and bare-metal servers.

      • UNIX CopGetting Started with OpenBSD httpd

        In this article, I’m going to go through the basics of configuring the httpdweb server which comes by default in the recent versions of OpenBSD (7.1, in this case). OpenBSD is well-known in the industry for being a great operating system when it comes to simplicity, code quality, and security. They’re also well-known for creating tons of good software, all free and open-source; among which some even come pre-installed on other operating systems. With the release of OpenBSD 5.6, they’ve started to include their own web server simply named httpd.

        httpd is a web-server built to provide the most common web functions. OpenBSD is a great choice for hosting static web sites while also fulfilling basic website needs like handling PHP scripts, load balancing, etc. Furthermore, all of the software in its web stack will be built with the better, more secure LibreSSL library. Please have a look at the talk by Bob Beck on LibreSSL (Invidious / YouTube ) to learn why that project exists and why you should care about it. This much should give me enough reason to use httpd on its native operating system – OpenBSD.

      • UNIX CopHow to install WhatsApp on Debian / Ubuntu?

        Hello, friends. WhatsApp is one of the most popular mobile messaging applications in the world. It is incredible how many people use it, and we can also install it on Linux, but with an unofficial client. So, in this post, you will learn how to install WhatsApp on Debian / Ubuntu.

      • UNIX CopHow to install FluxBB on Ubuntu & Debian Servers

        This post is about How to install FluxBB on Ubuntu & Debian Servers

        FluxBB is a free, open-source CMS based on phpBB. It is a flat-forum bulletin board based on PHP. It allows individuals and companies to instantly setup a bulletin board for users or customers or according to their needs for interactions or sharing information. FluxBB is highly customizable and fully scalable which comes with code integrations and many modifications which adds flexibility to whole forum. It comes with customizations which were originally developed for phpBB XS Projects which are not included in the phpBB Platform

      • UNIX CopUsing Nginx As A Load Balancer

        The following is a tutorial for setting up Nginx to act as a load balancer between our servers. This is also the final part of my Nginx series. Throughout this series, I’ve mentioned that Nginx is really just a reverse proxy.

      • Linux Shell TipsHow to Install AWS CLI on Linux Systems

        AWS (Amazon Web Services) is becoming a popular and growing trend in the Linux community. It is the perfect cloud infrastructure for any Linux user that wants to scale the productivity potential of their acquired Linux administration skills.

        Whether you are looking for technological solutions related to Analytics & Data Lakes, Machine Learning, Serverless Computing, Storage, or Linux-centered products related to Analytics, Databases, Containers, and Front-End Web & Mobile, AWS has enough piece of the pie for all users.

      • LinuxBuzHow to Push and Pull Images To Docker Hub

        The Docker pull command is used for downloading Docker images from the Docker Hub or private registry. By default, it will download the images from the Docker Hub. You will need to specify the name of the private registry if you want to pull from it.

        The Docker push command is used to upload or share images to the Docker Hub registry. Before pushing an image to the Docker Hub. You will need to create an account on Docker Hub.

        In this tutorial, we will show you how to use Docker pull and Docker push commands to upload and download Docker Images to Docker Hub.

        If you want to host Docker on Cloud and don’t know how to choose the best Cloud hosting provider. You can read my guide on The 8 Best Docker Hosting Platforms in 2022.

    • Desktop Environments/WMs

  • Distributions and Operating Systems

    • BSD

    • SUSE/OpenSUSE

    • Fedora Family / IBM

    • Canonical/Ubuntu Family

      • 9to5LinuxLubuntu Devs Announce the Lubuntu Backports PPA with Latest LXQt Desktop Releases - 9to5Linux

        Lubuntu developer Simon Quigley exclusively informs 9to5linux.com today about the launch of the Lubuntu Backports PPA to provide Lubuntu users with the latest and greatest LXQt desktop environment releases.

        Inspired by Kubuntu’s Backports PPA, the Lubuntu Backports PPA repository was created due to the request of many Lubuntu users to make it a lot easier to enjoy the most recent LXQt desktop environment on top of the latest stable Lubuntu release.

      • Beta NewsDownload Linux Mint 21 'Vanessa' Beta now

        Back in April, we learned that Linux Mint 21 would be named "Vanessa." Not much was revealed about the operating system at the time, but the developers did share a small bit of information. For instance, we now know that version 21 of Linux Mint will be based on Ubuntu 22.04, and as expected, the same three desktop environments will once again be offered -- Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce.

        Earlier this month, we also learned that the controversial systemd-oom will thankfully not be included in Linux Mint 21, while the Blueman Bluetooth manager will replace Blueberry. And now, the developers have shared something much more exciting than tidbits of information -- actual ISO files! Yes, the Beta of Linux Mint 21 "Vanessa" is now available to download.

      • Linux Mint 21 Beta (Cinnamon)
      • Linux Mint 21 Beta (MATE)
      • Linux Mint 21 Beta (Xfce)
    • Open Hardware/Modding

      • ArduinoThis small device helps test thousands of old PS/2 keyboards | Arduino Blog

        Some vintage computer keyboards, especially units like the IBM Model M, are still quite desirable. Usually they’re popular among mechanical keyboard or retro computing enthusiasts who want period-correct hardware. YouTuber Midwest Cyberpunk had thousands of these old keyboards and needed a way to test them. So he built this small Arduino-based device that displays the text input from PS/2 keyboards.

        IBM developed the PS/2 port standard in the ’80s for the IBM Personal System/2 series of computers. By the ’90s, it was the standard for connecting keyboards and mice to PCs. USB made the PS/2 port almost obsolete in the ‘00s, which means that there aren’t many modern computers that still have PS/2 ports. Midwest Cyberkpunk could have used a vintage computer for testing his keyboards, but wanted a more portable option. This PS/2 Keyboard Tester device is easy to carry and provides instant results.

      • Tom's HardwareBest Raspberry Pi Accessories of 2022 | Tom's Hardware

        Raspberry Pis are still in short supply, but you can still purchase a Raspberry Pi for as little as $5 (for the Raspberry Pi Zero) or more likely from $35 (for the Raspberry Pi 4 1GB), but you'll need a few extra products to make it run. There's a whole world of accessories that help you make the most of the Raspberry Pi's GPIO. These accessories have been around since the Raspberry Pi was released, when it had just 26 GPIO pins. Using special addon boards we can take advantage of the more modern Raspberry Pi's 40 pin GPIO to control and interact with electronic components and create diverse projects such as robotics, machine learning and IoT and even our own home server.

      • Tom's HardwareBest Amazon Prime Day Raspberry Pi Deals 2022
      • Tom's HardwareIntel-Based Raspberry Pi Alternative UP 4000 Available For Pre Order [Ed: 3-5 times more expensive than Raspberry Pi and a lot less efficient, full of security holes]

        The Raspberry Pi is rather hard to get a hold of right now (we have a few tips on where to buy a Raspberry Pi and a list of best Raspberry Pi deals if you have your heart set on one) but you can still find alternatives on the market for example the Khadas VIM 4.

  • Free, Libre, and Open Source Software

    • FSF

    • Programming/Development

      • RlangCombine project management and data analysis using Tiddlywiki and RMarkdown | R-bloggers

        I have been looking for a simple and flexible tool to manage projects, take notes, and track results of data analysis with R, e.g. EverNote, OneNote, Trac, JIRA, github, RMarkdown, bookdown, etc. Recently, Tiddlywiki and Projectify pops up from random goggling. Tiddlywiki is a non-linear notebook for storing information. I found it is very useful and simple to manage my research projects and take notes of data analysis as a data scientist and digital agronomist.

      • Daniel Stenbergpredef is our friend | daniel.haxx.se

        For C programmers like me, who want to write portable programs that can get built and run on the widest possible array of machines and platforms, we often need to write conditional code. Code that use #ifdefs for particular conditions.

        Such ifdefs expressions often need to check for a particular compiler, an operating system or perhaps even a specific version of of one those things.

        Back in April 2002, Bjørn Reese created the predef project and started collecting this information on a page on Sourceforge. I found it a super useful idea and I have tried to contribute what I have learned through the years to the effort.

      • I ProgrammerScratch Can Even Do Linux Kernel

        Is writing a Kernel module in Scratch, the block-based programming language used primarily by kids, possible? Absurd it may be, but yes, it is absolutely possible!

        Scratch is the original block-based programming language and still the best known and most widely used. It was invented in 2003 at MIT to make kids' introduction to coding a much smoother experience. That said, the educational value of block versus regular text based languages is highly debated with strong arguments on either side.

        I encountered the case made for using text-based languages opinion when reviewing CodeGuppy, a platform that teaches kids (and teens and "creative adults") to code by writing Javascript.

  • Leftovers

    • Hardware

      • IT WireiTWire - Supply, logistics blamed as global PC shipments down again in 2Q

        Global shipments of traditional PCs fell 15.3% in the second quarter of 2022 to 71.3 million units, the technology analyst firm IDC says, adding that the year-on-year drop was the second consecutive decrease after two years of increases.

        In a statement, IDC said the fall was worse than expected, and blamed deterioration in both supply and logistics due to the continued lockdowns in China and macro-economic headwinds.

        The company said traditional PCs included desktops, notebooks, and workstations, but not tablets or x86 Servers.

    • Linux Foundation

      • Linux Foundation's Site/BlogEnabling Open Source Projects with Impactful Engineering Experience - Linux Foundation

        I often talk about “engineering experience” and the importance for open source projects to provide fast, easy and impactful ways for open source consumers to realise return on engagement. Just like e-commerce stores that invest in user experience to encourage repeat sales, successful open source projects provide a slick installation, well written contextual documentation and a very compelling engagement model that encourages collaboration.

    • Security

      • Security Week'Raspberry Robin' Windows Worm Abuses QNAP Devices | SecurityWeek.Com

        A recently discovered Windows worm is abusing compromised QNAP network-attached storage (NAS) devices as stagers to spread to new systems, according to Cybereason.

        Dubbed Raspberry Robin, the malware was initially spotted in September 2021, spreading mainly via removable devices, such as USB drives.

        In a May 2022 report, Red Canary noted that the malware primarily relies on msiexec.exe – the legitimate executable program of the Windows Installer – to communicate with its infrastructure, using HTTP requests. It also uses Tor exit notes for command and control (C&C).

      • CISACitrix Releases Security Updates for Hypervisor | CISA

        Citrix has released security updates to address vulnerabilities in Hypervisor. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system.

      • CISASAP Releases July 2022 Security Updates | CISA

        SAP has released security updates to address vulnerabilities affecting multiple products. An attacker could exploit some of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system.

      • USCERTMicrosoft Releases July 2022 Security Updates

        An attacker can exploit some of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system.

      • CISAAdobe Releases Security Updates for Multiple Products | CISA

        Adobe has released security updates to address vulnerabilities in multiple products. An attacker could exploit some of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system.

      • IT WireiTWire - Microsoft patches 84 flaws, including one exploited in the wild

        Microsoft has released patches for 84 flaws, including four rated critical and one that had an unknown status, on its monthly Patch Tuesday. The other patches were all rated as important.

        Commenting on the vulnerabilities, Satnam Narang, staff research engineer at security firm Tenable, said: "Microsoft patched CVE-2022-22047, an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Client Server Run-Time Subsystem (CSRSS). The flaw was assigned a CVSSv3 score of 7.8 and is rated important.

        "According to Microsoft, this vulnerability has been exploited in the wild, though no details were available at the time patches became available. Elevation of privilege flaws are valuable for attackers that have already gained access to a vulnerable system with limited privileges through other means, including social engineering or exploitation of a separate vulnerability. They could potentially gain administrative privileges by running a specially crafted application that exploits this flaw."

  • Gemini* and Gopher

    • Technical

      • Internet/Gemini

        • internet points

          I've spent the past decade chasing internet points on Reddit, Github, and Twitter. I've found that focusing on internet points doesn't actually yield favorable results. I spent so much time trying to figure out what other people want to see that I've lost sight of what I want to see.

      • Programming

        • Miscellany and Batch File Dialog Boxes

          It's summer and I have a lot of time off. For the last week or so, I've

          been getting up quite early to re-stain the deck and fences. They're

          done, which is good, because it's really starting to warm up. Prior to

          this week, it was cool and a bit rainy. I like that.

          Otherwise, I've been learning a bit of python and some more bash and

          batch scripting. I know a bit of Javascript too, and there's a great

          deal of similarity among them all. I should probably challenge myself by

          turning to something really different in the future, but I'm not sure

          what. I guess that will depend on what I want to do and in what context

          (Windows for work, Linux at home).

        • When Words are Used to Fear-Monger

          My first impressions are that this post is using a noticeable pattern of language-change, creating parallels between that and technological development, and then using that to fear-monger the use of the word "app". And surely, it gets the history and usage of the word "app" completely wrong.


* Gemini (Primer) links can be opened using Gemini software. It's like the World Wide Web but a lot lighter.



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