And what exactly is a desktop environment?

Think of it as what defines how your desktop workspace looks and feels. It is essentially the graphical user interface for your system. The desktop environment includes the icons, windows, toolbars, wallpapers, and other miscellaneous items that you’ll find on your system.

In Linux, the majority of distributions use Gnome as the default desktop environment, but there are several other options. Among the most popular options are the lightweight, Xfce, LXDE, and the subject of my latest video, KDE. I admit that I remained loyal to Gnome for quite some time, but in the end, the lure of testing out yet another new aspect of the Linux experience proved too much to resist.

Why Try a Different Linux Desktop Environment?

There are many reasons to try another desktop environment. You’ll find that some, particularly, Xfce and LXDE are fast and require less system resources. So, if you have a specific function, for example a media server, one of these may be your best option. However for your primary system, Gnome or KDE may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision is yours and the best way to make the determination is to try them out for yourself.

KDE is the second most popular desktop environment, behind Gnome. The most recent release, and one that I was quite impressed with, is 4.6. In this video, we’ll begin with a quick overview of KDE and talk about how it differs from Gnome.

Next, we’ll walk through an installation and demonstration of some of the highlights of the new desktop. Features include customizable desktop widgets, the application launcher, panels, and desktop effects. I hope that you’ll take the opportunity to install KDE and follow along.

For more information and full documentation, visit the KDE website. And be sure to join me for future videos as we continue our journey into the wonderful world of Linux.

But before you take the plunge and wipe your hard drive clean, there are other options to consider. For one, you can burn the image to a CD, DVD, or USB drive and then run the operating system from there. And another option is to install Linux in what’s called a virtual machine or VM, using virtualization software.

What is a Virtual Machine?

And what exactly is a virtual machine? A virtual machine is a software implementation of a computer system. And it’s virtual, so while it does run in a physical partition of your hard disk, it does not interfere with the primary operating system. The primary operating system is known as the host, and the virtual machine you install is called the guest. You can install as many virtual machines as you’d like, your only limitation is your system resources.

There are two primary software leaders in the virtualization space: VirtualBox and VMware. VirtualBox was developed by Sun Microsystems and is today supported by Oracle. It is free and open source software, available for download at their website. VirtualBox is available for just about every operating system.

If you’re interested in learning mroe about VirtualBox, take a look at my how-to article on Installing Sun VirtualBox and Windows 7 in Ubuntu 9.

Install Fedora Linux in VMware Workstation

In this video, however, we will focus on the VMware product, the VMware Workstation. We will begin with an overview of virtualization software. From there, we will cover the type of file you need in order to install Linux in a virtual machine. Then we will walk through the process of installing Fedora Linux in as a new VM.

For more information and full documentation, visit the VMware website. And be sure to join me for future videos as we continue our journey into the wonderful world of Linux.

Today’s corporate networks span the globe, making the task of maintaining a healthy, highly available network all the more challenging. Network monitoring involves dedicated or sometimes issue-based tracking of a computer network for slow or failing components. Tracking occurs on a 24×7 basis. Often, these systems will notify an administrator if something goes wrong, either email or other alert mechanism. It is one of the many functions involved in the more general network management scenario.

The goal is to ensure critical systems remain available. As we know, downtime can result in significant loss in terms of employee productivity and potential sales transactions. So network monitoring can help ward off slow performance issues, problematic network connections, and hardware problems that can all lead to costly unplanned outages.

Network Monitoring Tools Every Administrator Should Know

Fortunately there are tools that can aid the network administrator in the monitoring tasks. And in this video we’ll review the most common tools, including:

1. ping
2. ipconfig
3. ifconfig
4. route
5. traceroutenet
6. netstat

Typical monitoring tasks include testing connectivity, obtaining TCP/IP information, tracing data traffic routes, and network service administration. We’ll present an overview of the functionality of each network monitoring tool then walk through a demonstration of how to use them.

In general, these tools can be used in both Windows and Linux based operating environments, but where differences exist, I’ll point them out. And they can be used to monitor wireless or wired networks, virtual private networks or wide area networks. More information on each of these tools can be found in your network operating system documentation.

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Perhaps some of the confusion comes from the fact that there are two types of clouds: public and private. Let’s take a closer look at what the main differences are between private and public clouds and later, what you should take into consideration when looking for a cloud computing provider.

Private vs Public Clouds

A public cloud is one in which a service provider serves customers, with functionality like applications, infrastructure, and storage. These services are available to businesses and individuals over the Internet. Public cloud services may be free or offered on a pay-per-usage model; sometimes it’s referred to with the -aaS acronym, meaning “as a Service” as in IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service). More on this here: What Cloud Computing Really Is.

This is a scalable service provided by a vendor, designed to be easier to setup and administer with less cost, in addition to reducing waste from lesser used data center resources.

The idea is to eliminate physical location from the data and system access equation. Data from several corporate or individual clients are segmented but do share server space — called, co-location.

The private cloud describes an internal computing model and architecture which provides hosted services similar to those of the public cloud, but reserved for corporate users and those that are approved; essentially, a private cloud is not open to the public and us usually setup behind a firewall. In a sense, this turns the IT department into the service provider or vendor for cloud resources. For those interested in reaping the benefits of virtualized cloud architecture, yet needing more control and security, this is a popular option.

Virtualization and data center automation allows for the scalability, maximizing hardware usage, and flexibility to support internal corporate clients. And, if your organization is so inclined, metering also allows you to charge departments based on their usage.

Top 5 Things to Look for In A Cloud Computing Provider

For many organizations, the benefits of the public cloud outweigh the risks. But before making a decision on shifting an application or service to the cloud, there are a few things to consider. The first question is whether or not the intended application is suitable for use in a cloud-based setting.

Assuming your application has been deemed a good candidate for the cloud, the second consideration is who to trust with your data.

So here are the top 5 things you should consider when selecting a public cloud vendor.

#1 Is the company viable?

Before handing over your critical applications and data, an important first step is to assess the financial viability of the company. Find out how long the company has been in business. Given the relative immaturity of this market, it may be unlikely to find vendors with several decades of presence, but you almost certainly don’t want a company that has just set up shop either. In addition, look for any indicators of past or future economic issues, along with frequent leadership changes.

#2 Are service level agreements offered?

For organizations entrusting mission critical data to a vendor, you’ll want to ensure that your systems will not suffer from frequent or extended outage periods. Downtime can have disastrous consequences both in terms of financial loss and damage to company reputation. For this reason, a service level agreement with negotiable terms, should be available. This agreement should outline provisions for everything from server or software issues, to more detailed disaster recovery plans.

#3 Is customer service a priority?

One guarantee with corporate networks is that something often can and will go wrong. In these instances, it is imperative that the vendor respond quickly, efficiently, and professionally. You should determine things like: response times, dedicated vs. general support, and phone/email/chat availability. Depending on the nature of the application that the vendor hosts, you may find that a dedicated support engineer, with 24×7 availability better suits your needs than calling a general help line and waiting in a call queue.

#4 Will my customers have the same level of performance?

Another issue cited with cloud services is the perceived negative performance impact. Customers and employees have an expectation that no matter where data is housed, they will enjoy the same level of performance. The cloud provider should be able to define how they measure performance and be able to provide real-time and ongoing measurements and statistics to back this up.

#5 How is security handled?

Perhaps the most frequent reason cited for not pursuing cloud computing is security. Many organizations have invested considerable financial and human resources in order to secure their network environments and the thought of abandoning that level of control and comfort to an unknown entity can seem like an unnecessary gamble. Any reputable vendor should be able to outline their security practices and modify them based on your requirements, particularly as it relates to any industry-specific regulatory requirements you have.

Summary

The decision to pursue cloud computing is one that many organization have or will make as this technology grows and matures. But this decision need not be one fraught with uncertainty. With a little due diligence, and answering a few key questions, you can ensure that your cloud vendor selection is a sound one.

If you’re unsure whether or not the cloud is right for you, take a look at this article from vExpert David Davis on What “The Cloud” Really Is and Is It Right For You

Some resort to using the same login credentials across multiple websites – a definite security faux-pas. But the motivation is clear. Forget your password and you have to go through the process of establishing and having to remember a new one.

So what’s are we to do?

Fear not, there is a technical solution to this technical problem. After I made the transition to Linux, I discovered an open source free utility called KeePassX. KeePassX allows you to store all your passwords in one database. Access is restricted by one primary password and the contents of the database are encrypted.

Instead of having to remember a myriad of passwords, with KeePassX you only have to remember one.

KeePassX Installation

If like me, you’re running Ubuntu Linux, you can install the software with this command:

sudo apt-get install keepassx

Instructions for Mac, and other Linux distros are available here. You can find the KeePassX launcher under Applications, then Accessories.

The first thing you’re going to need to do is to create a new database: File, New Database or click on the new database icon on the navigation menu. While this utility is fairly intuitive, you can access the KeePassX handbook from the Help menu for a quick introduction. Appearance and other settings can be modified from the Extras, Settings, menu item.

KeePassX Features

Entries and Grouping

KeePassX doesn’t just store passwords. In each database entry, you can store usernames, passwords, urls, attachments and notes. Entries can also be grouped by function. For example, if you visit a lot of technical websites, you might have a group called “Tech”. For banking and other financial entries, you might create another group called “Finance”. And you the integrated search function will allow you to quickly locate an entry.

Password Generator

One of the features I use most is the password generator. Having trouble coming up with a password that is both memorable and secure? This feature will generate a password, based on your requirements for length, special characters, etc. You can access this feature either from the menu: Extras, Password Generator, or when you create a new database entry.

Portability

Because the database is always encrypted (AES or Twofish), you won’t have to worry about prying eyes accessing your information. Your data is protected with either a master password or key file. This is particularly useful for those of you that need to use this utility on a USB thumb drive. KeePassX is OSI (Open Source Initiative) certified, so it can be installed and executed from any location.

Other Tidbits

There is another feature of KeePassX that you might find useful. As long as the application is running, you can use the Ctrl+V autotype function to automatically insert your username and password into a website. Simple click on the username field on the web page and either hit Ctrl + V, or right click on the entry and select “Perform Autotype”. A word of caution, though this works on my system, some have had trouble with this feature.

Additionally, the database will always hide your username and password, but if you need to quickly glance at them, you can toggle visibility by clicking on the ‘eye’ icon next to the entry.

Finally, if for some reason, you need to export a copy of your passwords database, you can export to a text file.

Summary

The reality is that the number of passwords we’re required to remember will only increase. The best way to ensure that you not only have a secure password, but also don’t have to worry about remembering them is to use a password management utility like KeePassX.

There are other tools in this space. Most notably, LastPass, which can be easily integrated into Firefox and Chrome. If there is another utility that you use, feel free to include your suggestion in the comments.

There are of course many distributions (distros or flavors) of Linux. The most popular at the moment is Ubuntu, followed by Linux Mint and in third place is Fedora Linux.

Keep in mind that this ranking merely represents the number of times the operating system has been downloaded and should in no way point to the merits of the product. And while I’ll refrain from engaging in the debate about which Linux distribution is best, I will say that I encourage everyone to try more than one distro and then decide on what works best for you.

In that vein, after testing out a few others, I took the plunge and installed Fedora in a virtual machine in order to test it out. In short order, I liked what I saw.

Why Try Fedora Linux?

Wondering about the merits of this particular Linux distribution? Fedora is extremely customizable, stable, and is sponsored by the enterprise version of Red Hat Linux. If you’re more familiar with Debian based flavors, one of the first things you’ll notice is the difference in how you navigate the desktop.

Fedora began in 2003 and the most recent version, 14 is codenamed Laughlin. In this video, we will begin with a brief history of the operating system, including a discussion of some of its unique features. We’ll then review installation options including CD/DVD and USB. In addition, if you’d like to test Fedora before permanently installing it on your hard disk, you can use virtualization software and we’ll cover that in another video.

The video continues with a look at the Fedora desktop and how to navigate and customize it to your liking. We’ll wrap up with a few key resources where you can learn more about the Fedora community.

For more information and full documentation, visit the Fedora Linux website. And be sure to join me for future videos as we continue our journey into the wonderful world of Linux.

But should the discussion really end there? In the Linux world, there are a myriad of alternatives that warrant further examination. As each of the most popular products had to start someplace, it is wholly possible that one of these new contenders will emerge as the next generation browser of choice.

This article will introduce you to Linux’s top 3 alternative browsers:

• Epiphany
• Midori
• Opera

Epiphany

Epiphany is a GNOME based browser for Linux. To be fair, this would be a hard sell as a primary desktop browser for most users. In fact, there isn’t even a setting to let you designate it as your default browser. But for those instance where you need to fire up a lighting-fast browser for quick surfing, Epiphany will do the trick.

While this browser can’t compete with Firefox in terms of add-ons, its does have a set of useful extensions that might be adequate for the average Internet user. It comes with the popular web development tool Greasemonkey and Ad Blocker.

Though I still use Firefox as my primary browser, lately it seems to run at a snail’s pace. So, one of the first things I noticed about Epiphany is how quickly it launches. And subsequent page loads on my system are equally as fast. I was quickly able to import my bookmarks from Firefox and was happy to see the inclusion of the mouse gestures feature.

On the downside, firebug, an extension I use for web development isn’t available.

Epiphany is available for download at their website and is also in the Linux repositories. To install from the command line, type: sudo apt-get install epiphany-browser.

Midori

Midori (Mee-Doh-Ree) is the Japanese word for green – which might explain the green icon. It uses the WebKit rendering engine – used by Chrome and Safari. This means fast page loads, but at the cost of just a few website incompatibilities.

Like Ephipany, Midori is somewhat limited in the amount of extensions it has available. But if speed is more important to you than addons, read on. This is a browser that provides a faster, more lightweight surfing experience. And it will take up less resources, something important to those on running older hardware.

Midori’s extensions include colored tabs, shortcuts, rss feed panel, form history, mouse gestures, cookie management, and more.

On my laptop, running Ubuntun Karmic Koala, with 4gb RAM, Midori still occasionally crashed on me, but others have reported flawless performance. This is a browser that I’ll continue to watch.

For Ubuntu/Debian based distributions, install via synaptic package manager or from the terminal: sudo apt-get install midori

Opera

Opera is probably the application on this list most poised to become your full time browser. I’ve tested previous versions and have always been impressed with its performance. The latest update, 10.10, was designed with speed and new features in mind. In addition, the new interface got a make-over, complete with shading.

Opera was the originator of the Speed Dial feature and continues to be an innovator. Resizable tabs show you a thumbnail image of your browser window and the turbo feature provides for faster browsing on slower networks like wi-fi. Opera Unite is a new feature, that turns the browser into server with the ability to share photos (10 GB of them), stream music, serve a chat or even an entire web site, right from the browser.

There are also a plethora of widgets. And skins allow you to change the interface look and feel. A bonus for me was how using the import function, I was able to import all my bookmarks from Firefox.

While speedy, it didn’t feel quite as fast as either Midori or Ephiphany, but also don’t claim my results are scientific. Opera also differs from the others in that it has a built-in email client. The full version of Firebug isn’t available, but a less feature-rich Firebug Lite is an option.

For Ubuntu/Debian based distributions, you can install via synaptic package manager.

Which Alternative is Right for You?

Besides stability, the biggest issue for these alternatives will likely be the number of plugins. But for many, that will be a non-issue.

My curiosity drives me to test new software, often to my detriment. But this process is an essential component to the ongoing development of new software. Give it a try, download, test and share your experiences and feedback with the developer community. This is your shot to help craft and contribute to the next generation of web browsers.

I began programming many years ago, and admittedly once I got into networking, turned away from my first love. But for those of you who would like to begin trying your hand at a new language, Python is excellent to start with. Supporters tout its low learning curve and elegant coding system.

Python Installation

Ubuntu makes starting easy, as it comes with a command line version pre-installed. In fact, the Ubuntu community develops many of its scripts and tools under Python. You can begin the process with either the command line version or the graphical Interactive Development Environment (IDLE).

Python Programming From the Command Line

Open a terminal window and type ‘python’ (without the quotes). This opens python in interactive mode.

While this mode is good for initial learning, you may prefer to use a text editor (like Gedit, Vim or Emacs) to write your code. As long as you save it with the .py extension, it can be executed in the terminal window.

Ready to write your first program? Many a road to programming excellence began with the old standby – the Hello World program. So that’s where we’ll begin.

At the prompt, type in print “Hello World!” (with the quotes) and hit enter. You’ll see the command printed on the next line.

To run a script from the command line, type: python my_script.py. To exit the command line, type exit() or hit ctrl+d

Python Programming with IDLE

Can’t imagine writing a long program from the command line? Me either. In that case, you can try IDLE. Open a terminal window and type: ‘idle’. (without the quotes). You’ll see the python graphical shell loaded.

To write a Python script, click on File > New Window. This will open a sort of Notepad type editor. Type in the following code:

#linuxversion.py

#Have user input version and print response

name = raw_input(“What Linux release do you use?”)

print “I also like”, name, ” – Linux rules!”

Couple things going on here. The first 2 lines, preceded by the # sign are just comments. One of my earliest programming lessons was to always comment your work, not only for your own sanity, but for those who may need to edit the code after you. The third statement uses the input gathered from the raw_input function and assigns it to a variable, name. Finally, the print statement will return the result.

Save the file, with a .py extension, then click on Run > Run Module from the menu to run the program.

A Word of Caution

Many programming languages typically ignore whitespace – that is the spacing in your code. But in Python, improper use of spacing can generate syntax errors. As an organization nut of sorts, I can appreciate the simplicity and readability of properly aligned code, but for some this takes a bit of getting used to.

Python Programming Resources

Now that you have Python up and running, you’ll undoubtedly want to move to on to a bit more complex programs. One of the best resources is the main Python website. Here are a few additional recommendations:

• The Python Tutorial
• The Python Wiki Beginner’s Guide
• Screencast Presentation
• Python Essential Reference on Amazon

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this brief glimpse into Python. This is a language supported by a wide community and used by Google, NASA, Ubuntu and others. Give it a try for your next development project. Happy coding!

However, the devices that are most commonly used not only have storage limitations, but the thing that makes them attractive: their portability, is also the thing that makes them more susceptible to loss. So, how are we to manage file access and sharing? Thanks to the proliferation of cloud computing, there is a solution.

The dawn of new online storage options means that you can store and sync your files across multiple devices. Two leaders in this space are Dropbox and Ubuntu Linux’s Ubuntu One.

What Can You Store in the Cloud?

With both Dropbox and Ubuntu One, you can essentially store any file that you’d store on your personal computer or phone. We’re talking, documents, music, photos, etc. Let’s take a look at both of the solutions in more detail.

Dropbox

Dropbox was launched in 2008 and has already claimed over 3 million users. The draw? Simplicity and cross-platform compatibility. Dropbox gives you the ability to sync files between your Linux, Windows, and Mac computers. Add in apps for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry and sharing files has never been easier.

Dropbox Installation & Usage

Download the appropriate deb file, 64 and 32 bit versions are available for Ubuntu. Fedora rpm files are also available. Then, simply double click on the file to launch the install program which will prompt you to create a Dropbox account. You can then logon to Dropbox with the same account on the other computers that you’d like to sync with. Your files are also accessible directly from the Dropbox website.

Following the installation, you’ll have a new folder called Dropbox on your computer. All folders or files copied to this folder are automatically synced to the other computers or smartphones.

Inside your Dropbox folder, you’ll see photo and public folders. As you may have guessed, the photos folder is for sharing pictures. As for public, anything your put in this location will be accessible to the public. Instead of emailing files to friends or co-workers, you can copy the file to public, right-click this file, then choose Dropbox > Copy Public Link. You can then share this link with the people you’d like to have access.

You can also create shared folders for the purposes of file sharing. This is particularly useful for workplace collaborations. Create a folder in your Dropbox directory, then right-click and select Dropbox > Share This Folder. The website will launch and you can insert the email addresses for the folks you’d like to share the folder with. Files created in Dropbox also feature a 30 day undo feature for deleted files and full file revisions, so you can revert to an older version of a file if you need to. Backups are done automatically.

Dropbox Pricing

• Basic – 2GB: Free (+250mb free for every referral)
• Pro 50 – 50GB: $9.99/month or $99.00/year
• Pro 100 – 100GB: $19.99/month or $199.00/year

Dropbox Security

Files are transported over SSL to ensure security during copying. Also, they are stored and encrypted using AES-256 – standards used by the banking and military industries. A username and password are required to access files on the website.

Ubuntu One

I began using Ubuntu One a couple months ago and though lately, I’ve been using Dropbox, its still installed on my system. While this service works much the same as Dropbox, its biggest drawback is that there isn’t a desktop client for Mac. But the Windows client beta, and smartphone applications for iPhone and Android are now available. However, you can still login to the Ubuntu One website and access your files and it is available for syncing with smartphones.

As a side bonus, using Ubuntu One supports the open source movement and if you used the paid option, the Canonical project benefits.

Ubuntu One Installation & Usage

If you’re using Ubuntu 9.10 or higher, Ubuntu One comes pre-installed. If you are running Lucid Lynx use these instructions. Make sure your system is up to date by running the update manager, and then click on Applications > Internet > Ubuntu One.

Once the website is launched, either signup for an account or if you already have a Launchpad account, you can use the same credentials to login. In order to sync, you must add your computer to the list of devices. To add your computer, click on the Add this Computer button.

The applet should be visible in your task bar. Right-click and select preferences to make changes to your installation. You can store, sync and share files similarly to Dropbox. But syncing with mobile devices is only free for 30 days. And in addition, the ability to sync across other operating systems and applications like Thunderbird, you must upgrade to the paid service. There is also the ability to sync to the Ubuntu Music store that was launched with Lucid Lynx.

Ubuntu One Pricing

In addition to the free option, Ubuntu One has two paid subscription options:

• 2GB free storage
• 20GB available at $2.99/month or $29.99/year

Recently a new cloud music streaming service for iPhone and Android mobile devices was added that allows you to stream your entire music library from on your mobile phone.

The pricing for Ubuntu One Mobile is:

• $3.99/month or $39.99/year

There’s also a free 30 day trial for the new mobile service.

Ubuntu One Security

Ubuntu One also uses SSL during data transmission. For desktop software authentication, they use oauth, so a token passes to the server to validate it. With this method, you can authenticate multiple computers and even remove access via the Ubuntu One website.

Unfortunately, stored files aren’t encrypted. You do have the option of encrypting files yourself prior to storing, but this may have unexpected consequences.

Give the Cloud a Try

Making the decision to store your data on the cloud is a difficult one. But I believe the benefits outweigh the potential issues. If you’re ready to make your storage more mobile, download both and give them a try.

FTP by itself isn’t very secure. Information is transmitted in clear text, making it subject to interception and theft. Thus, we have more secure options, like the Very Secure FTP daemon (vsftpd). In this article, we’ll explore how to setup vsftpd under Linux.

What is VSFTPD?

The vsftp daemon runs in the background and allows you or users you designate, to copy files to and from your linux boxes, using username and password as login credentials. This ability is open to individuals or groups you may want to establish.

VSFTPD features include:

• Virtual IP configurations
• Virtual users
• Standalone or inetd operation
• Powerful per-user configurability
• Bandwidth throttling
• Per-source-IP configurability
• Per-source-IP limits
• IPv6
• Encryption support through SSL integration

How To Install VSFTP

The daemon is included in most versions of Linux. If you are using a Debian based distribution like Mint or Ubuntu, open a terminal window and type: sudo apt-get install vsftpd

If you are using a Red Hat based disto, open a terminal window and type: sudo yum install vsftp

How To Configure VSFTP

To configure vsftp, open the vsftpd.conf file in the /etc directory. For instance, if you were using gedit as your text editor, you would type: sudo gedit /etc/vsftpd.conf

First, for a secure setup, you’ll want to disable anonymous access to your ftp server. Change this line: anonymous_enable=YES to anonymous_enable=NO

With anonymous access disabled, you’ll want to allow local users to log in, by uncommenting the following line: #local_enable=YES to local_enable=YES (simply remove the # sign).

Allow write access by uncommenting this line: #write_enable=YES to write_enable=YES

Save and close the file.

Setup an FTP user account:

sudo mkdir -p /home/ftp/ftpuser
sudo useradd ftpuser -d /home/ftp/ftpuser -s /bin/false
sudo passwd ftpuser

Restart your ftp server:

Debian: sudo etc/init.d/vsftpd restart

Red Hat: sudo service vsftpd restart

Test:

netstat -a | grep ftp

Run at the command Line:

ftp ip address or hostname: ftp 100.00.00.00

Other VSFTP Configuration Options

There are many other options you can add to this file:

• Limiting the maximum number of client connections (max_clients)
• Limiting the number of connections by source IP address (max_per_ip)
• Setting the maximum rate of data transfer per anonymous login (anon_max_rate)
• Setting the maximum rate of data transfer per non-anonymous login (local_max_rate)

VSFTP Considerations and Resources

Potential issues are often as simple as username and password entry errors. But because firewalls are designed to limit access to certain ports, this is a good area to investigate if you experience issues with your installation. Be sure to check out the vsftpd html man page for more information.

SSH or secure shell, is a protocol that allows you to securely access one computer from another. Not only can you transfer files, but if you are concerned about public wi-fi security, SSH can help. Using the command line or a graphical interface, you can bypass potentially prying eyes and create a secure virtual private network (VPN) that tunnels your Internet traffic through your home computer’s connection.

To use SSH, you’ll need to install the SSH client on the computer you connect from, and an SSH server on the computer you connect to. Under Linux, the most popular software provider is the OpenSSH project.

How to Install OpenSSH

OpenSSH is of course, an open source product and contains both the client and server components.

The client software is part of the default Ubuntu installation. If you want to be able to accept SSH connections as well as request them, you’ll need the server software as well. Install it with this command:

sudo apt-get install openssh-server

How to Use SSH to Login to a Remote Computer

In order to access a remote computer, you’ll need to have an account on that machine. You may want to set up a guest account. Navigate to System > Administration > Users and Groups. Create a user (or group of users) and assign the permissions as needed.

When OpenSSH is installed and your user created, login to the remote computer with this command:

ssh username@hostname

Username is the name of the user you created and hostname is the name of the computer (or host) or its IP address. So if you had a computer at home with an account called janedoe, from the command line you would type:

ssh janedoe@222.222.2.22 or ssh janedoe@myhompc

Copying Files using SSH

Now that you’ve made the connection to your remote computer, you’ll probably want to transfer or copy some files. The secure copy command (scp) allows you to securely copy files to and from the remote box. The syntax is as follows:

scp filename.extension remoteuser@remotebox:/directory

Copying Directories using SSH

To copy an entire directory (and all of its contents) from the local machine to the remote server, use the recursive -r switch:

scp -r /local/directory remoteuser@remotebox:/remote/directory

/local/directory is the path to the local directory you want copied, and /remote/directory is the remote directory where you want the directory to be copied.

To reverse this and copy from the remote box to local, just switch things up accordingly:

scp -r remoteuser@remotebox:/remote/directory /local/directory

What about Windows?

If you need to remotely connect to your Ubuntu box from a Windows machine, you’ll need both PuTTY and TightVNC viewer. Follow the instructions here.

Final Thoughts

For more detailed information behind these communications protocols, visit the Ubuntu Wiki for your version. Also remember to keep permissions in mind if you choose to provide remote access to other users. Restrict access to only those files or directories that are absolutely required. I hope you’ve enjoyed our look into remote access under Ubuntu.

The Linux OS with a cuddly penguin as its mascot, claims a small but growing, fiercely loyal group of enthusiasts. Among Linux’s many benefits are stability, customization, and security.

Intrigued? Want to know more?

In this video, you’ll learn about the origins of this open source operating system and the basics of the Ubuntu Linux desktop environment. A basic Linux installation comes with wide range of productivity software, but through it’s repository, literally thousands more free applications are available. We’ll take a look at the Ubuntu software center to review some of these options.

In some instances, making a complete switch to Linux isn’t an option – and it doesn’t have to be. So in addition to a fresh installation, we’ll review alternative installation options that allow Ubuntu to co-exist with Windows.

The most recent version of Ubuntu is Lucid Lynx, 10.04. The video will provide you with a sneak-peak at a real desktop and give you just a sample of the many ways you can customize it to your liking. We’ll wrap up with a few key resources where you can learn more about the Linux community.

Those coming from the Windows world may easily confuse the DOS window with the Linux command line, but the two are worlds apart in terms of structure and power.

Using the command line, you can issue commands directly to the computer to perform tasks that you’d normally complete with a mouse. Starting a program, file management, system monitoring and more can all be performed without a single mouse click.

Some swear by the command line, while others are happy never to have to encounter that intimidating black screen. If you’re the curious type and want to explore the full power of your Linux system that your GUI conveniently hides, then read on.

The Shell

The shell is the piece of the puzzle that actually does the work. It takes the commands you type in and hands them off to the operating system for action.

Bash (which stands for Bourne Again Shell), is the default shell program for most Linux distributions. There are many others though, kshh, tcsh and zsh to name a few.

The Terminal

Under Ubuntu, you can launch the terminal through the Applications menu, under Accessories or by hitting Alt+F2 and typing “terminal”. Other distributions may have the launcher located elsewhere. It could be called terminal, konsole or Xterm, but the icon is usually a black computer screen.

When you launch a terminal window, you’ll see your name, followed by your computer name and either a $ (logged in as user) or # (logged in as root). For example:

janedoe@janespc:~$

To leave the terminal and return to the GUI, type “exit”.

Navigating the File System

Coming from the Windows world, the most difficult concept for me to grasp was the different directories and structure. Filenames are case sensitive and extensions aren’t mandatory. Root is represented by a forward slash (/) and contains system files.

Linux Command Line 101: Commands

A full list of commands is available at the Linux MAN pages. Here is a subset of commands that you’ll find yourself using most:

• pwd – prints your working (or current) directory
• cd – change directory
• ls – list the files in the working directory
• cp – copy files and directories
• mv – move or rename files and directories
• rm – remove files and directories
• mkdir – create a directory

• Viewing Text Files with cat and less

Many files in Linux can be viewed as plain text. There are several ways to edit these files, but if you’d just like to view them, here are the 2 most simple: cat and less.

To use cat, simply type cat and the file name:

janedoe@janespc:~$ cat my_file

Use less when you have a longer file that doesn’t fit onto one screen. Navigate using the up and down arrow keys.

janedoe@janespc:~$ less my_file

• Permissions

Another way that Linux differs from Windows is in its ability to have multiple users working on the same pc at once. In order to manage this tricky process seamlessly, you can use permissions.

Here are some basic permission commands:

• chmod – modify file access rights
• su – temporarily become the superuser
• chown – change file ownership
• chgrp – change a file’s group ownership

• System Information

When troubleshooting your Linux box, system information is often the first piece of information you’ll need to know. The kernel version, partitions and other hardware information can easily be obtained from the command line.

This is just a sample of commands for viewing system information:

• uname – show kernel version and system architecture. (several options available including -s – kernel, -o for operating system. -a prints all options)
• cat /proc/partitions – show all partitions registered on the system
• grep MemTotal /proc/meminfo – show RAM total seen by the system
• lspci -tv show PCI info
• lsusb -tv – show USB info
• Disk Space
• df -h – Show free space on mounted filesystems
• fdisk -l – Show disks partitions sizes and types (run as root)

Linux Command Line Resources

In terms of Linux command line functionality, we’ve barely skimmed the surface here. If you’d like to delve a little deeper, be sure to check out IBM’s introductory course on the Linux command line. Tuxfiles also has a good tutorial. Finally, the Linux Pocket Guide is a free download and an invaluable resource for beginners, one that I still reference often.

Why Learn The Linux Command Line?

For most users, the GUI will provide all the functionality and interface with the OS that they need. However, there are times where it is possible that your GUI can become inoperable. Knowing how to navigate the command line will ensure you can troubleshoot, access and possibly backup your system.

Additionally, for those inclined to truly understand the inner workings of their Linux OS, mastering the the command line is a hard-earned right of Linux passage.

The operating system (OS) is one of those areas. You may have done some initial research and are ready to give Linux a test drive. Transitioning to a new OS can be an intimidating exercise, but it doesn’t have to be. So if you’ve installed Ubuntu and are staring blankly at the uncluttered desktop, wondering what to do next, you’ve come to the right place.

Getting Started with Ubuntu Linux

In this video, I walk you through some steps that will help you navigate your new system. We’ll review the applications that come pre-installed with Ubuntu, as well as how to add and remove new software. If you’re curious about how much you can customize your desktop, Linux doesn’t disappoint. From unusual color combinations to background images – the options are endless.

At the heart of every system are your files and directories. Nautilus is Ubuntu’s file management utility, and we’ll cover the basics: how to create folders, move/copy files and more. Printing in Linux is relatively easy, normally, the OS will detect the printer attached to your computer, but we will review how to add a printer and manage your print queue.

We’ll wrap up with a look at the security options available to you and some resources to help you learn more. I hope you enjoy the video. Be sure to join me for future tutorials on Ubuntu Linux.

Whether you’re supporting tens or thousands of devices, automation and simplification are key. Let’s consider the scenario where an administrator is faced with upgrading hundreds or thousands of computers to the latest Windows and Office releases. In the dark ages, this would involve toting a box of diskettes from pc to pc and painstakingly loading one client at a time.

But times have changed and the process of applying software updates with it. In order to help automate the deployment process, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Deployment Kit (MDT).

How can MDT help you? Let’s examine how MDT works and whether it will work for you. We’ll also take a quick look at the installation steps and resources for using MDT.

What is MDT?

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is a product in the solution accelerator lineup. And how can it help network administrators? In a word, automation. MDT 2010 provides one console with a complete toolset and documentation that will help you deploy both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 release 2.

The latest release, MDT 2010 Update 1 includes Office 2010 and enhanced Windows 7 driver support. And if you’re in the camp that would like to provide your end user community with greater control and responsibility, the Configuration Manager tool will allow you to give them the ability to initiate and customize their own deployments. The wizard will walk them through the process step-by-step – taking automation to another level.

MDT Systems Requirements

To use Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, you’ll need the following:

• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Deployment Services
• Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7
• Windows 7 DVD/source
• Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

How Does MDT Work?

Most organizations will have a typical stable of software that they deploy. This could include the operating system, hardware device drivers, software patches or updates, and of course, applications. With MDT, you add all of these to the collection of available software – or deployment packages.

The administrator decides which OS and other software should be included in each package, then includes password and product key information. Users will use a custom image called the Windows PE image to boot up (this can also be burned to a CD) and log into the network. They can then install packages from the MDT server.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Options

Lite Touch:

• Deployment without management infrastructure.
• Process manually initiated by administrator.
• Uses network shares, Windows Deployment Services, CD/DVD, or USB.
• For: refresh, upgrade, replace or new computer.

Zero Touch:

• Uses System Center Configuration Manager 2007‘s OS deployment features.
• Scheduled and automated via ConfigMgr.
• Centrally monitored with System Center Operations Manager 2007 Management Pack.
• For: refresh, replace, or new computer.

MDT Installation and Deployment Configuration

Download the appropriate file for your architecture, then double click the file to launch the installer.

In order to create your deployment configuration you’ll need to do the following:

1. Create the distribution share
2. Add operating system files to the share
3. Create a task sequence for the reference computer
4. Create a deployment point

MDT Training and Resources

Rhonda Layfield, Microsoft’s Setup and Deployment MVP, covers MDT and other Windows 7 Deployment tools in-depth in her new Windows 7 Deployment Training. This comprehensive course is currently the only video training course available on the market that covers Windows 7 deployment tools and techniques and includes everything you’ll need to master Windows 7 Deployment while preparing for the 70-681 MCTS exam.

Learn more about Rhonda’s Windows 7 Deployment Training.

For up to date news and information, visit the MDT blog and if you find yourself in need of technical assistance, one of the best places to look for help is the MDT Forum. Forums are an excellent resource as they offer a treasure trove of questions and answers – it’s very likely that someone has experienced a problem similar to yours.

In terms of physical texts, there aren’t many books written on the subject yet, but I found Deployment Fundamentals: Deploying Windows clients using MDT 2010 Lite Touch on Amazon. Rhonda Layfield’s Mastering Windows 7 Deployment will be available is March, 2011 and will also cover MDT along with other Windows 7 deployment options in detail.

Next Steps

I hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of MDT. As a free download, this is a tool certainly worth evaluating. The potential benefits include time savings, greater end user empowerment, and overall simplification of administrative tasks.

In that regard, I’d say that my transition to developing under the Linux platform involved a bit of a learning curve. There have been endless debates about the merits of each tool, but at their most basic levels, they perform much of the same functions.

Things like search & replace functions, syntax highlighting, and support for multiple programming languages are standard features.

In this article, we’ll review Linux’s top open source editors.

We’ll cover some with basic functionality and those that are full fledged integrated development environments (IDE).

Ready to try your hand at developing under Linux?

Read on…

1. Gedit

I decided to include Gedit in this list because even though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other tools, in terms of simplicity, it can’t be beat. Gedit is the official Gnome desktop editor, and is part of the default installation for any Gnome based flavors of Linux.

It supports development in many languages, with syntax highlighting. An extensive collection of plugins allows you to further expand the functionality.

This is the tool that I use for quick editing or changing of files. One of the things that keeps me from using it more is the inability to mount remote network drives.

2. Vim

Ever heard of defacto Unix text editor Vi? Vim is touted as an improved version, more feature-rich, Vi. Known as the “the programmer’s editor,” it’s obviously great for coding, but you can also edit things like config files and xml documents.

Vim is difficult to learn, and my own attempts have admittedly stalled. But proponents suggest that once you master it, the time it takes to learn will be worth it.

Vim comes standard with most every Linux distribution, but can be installed in Ubuntu with the command: sudo apt-get install vim full

Launch in console mode by typing vim in a terminal window (or gvim for graphical mode). The first thing you’ll need to learn about is the concept of modes.

• Insert (to type text)
• Command (to issue commands)
• Ex (to issue colon commands)
• Visual (to select text visually)

Tutorials and full documentation are available at the Vim website.

3. Netbeans

Free, relatively lightweight, low learning curve and a full IDE. This is just a slice of what Netbeans has to offer. I tried and liked Netbeans, and it is one of the tools that I turn to for my own needs. Netbeans is cross platform, so will run under Windows and Mac OS X as well as Linux.

There is support for Java and a slew of other languages and developers hosting their open-source projects on kenai.com have access to integrated instant messaging and issue tracking. Netbeans has fairly extensive collection of plugins in addition to documentation and support at their website.

To install Netbeans, download from their website. The package is also available under the synaptic package manager in Ubuntu Linux, though it will not be the latest release.

4. Bluefish

Bluefish is my primary editor. It’s lightweight, has support for remote file editing and is both powerful and streamlined enough to support the majority of my web development needs. Like the other editors, Bluefish supports editing multiple file types and loads in an instant. One important thing to note about Bluefish, is that it is supposed to use 30 to 45% less memory than other editors.

The winners for me were the project features, which allows you to open multiple files and keep them organized, and also remote editing. Download files and installation instructions will guide you through the setup.

5. Geany

Geany isn’t a text editor but an extremely lightweight IDE. Geany is an open source software that will run on any flavor of Linux, either under KDE or Gnome desktops (as long as you have the GTK2 runtime libraries). Included are a source code editor and compiler for those more interested in application development.

Geany is suited to multiple type of development and also includes basic project management. Download a copy here. Fellow Ubuntu users can install with: sudo apt-get install geany.

6. Aptana

Aptana was one of my early picks for a development tool. At the time, it was difficult to install in Ubuntu and had its fair share of quirks. Ultimately, I decided it was more than I needed at the time. But the latest release may have me taking another look.

Aptana Studio is a complete web development environment so it can handle everything from basic HTML, CSS to Javascript. And with plugins for Ruby on Rails, PHP, Python and also SQL Connections, this is much more than a simple text editor.

Some have lamented certain instability with some Linux distributions. Download a copy here and a large community will be able to assist you with support. Java is also required.

7. Quanta Plus

Quanta Plus is a full web development environment and runs on the KDE desktop. As I run Gnome, I haven’t had the opportunity to test this tool like some of the others.

Quanta gives you true WYSIWYG development. Those familiar with Dreamweaver will be happy to see the split view (virtual preview layout), where you can view code and then the actual page in separate windows. One of its only documented issues is the lack of SVN support for version control.

This package may be already included with the KDE desktop and you may also download or install via synaptic package manager in Ubuntu. Documentation Wiki here.

Honorable Mention

The list of editors we’ve covered is by no means exhaustive. Other contenders you may want to review include Kompozer, Eclipse, and jEdit.

Final Thoughts on Editors

Each of these tools has its advantages and disadvantages. While I’ll refrain from engaging in a debate about which is best, I will point out that variety is one of the benefits of developing under the Linux platform. To stay abreast of latest web design trends and tricks, visit Smashing Magazine.

I hope with this introduction, you have identified some tools that you’d like to try. All that’s left now is to load a few, put them through some testing and decide what works best for you. If there is another tool that wasn’t mentioned here. Feel free to chime in with a comment touting our favorite editor.

Having worked in this space, I can attest to the level of difficulty in managing internal data privacy policies and the implications of data loss or breach. But privacy professionals must also incorporate the national and international compliance requirements that dictate how end user data must be managed.

IAPP Certification Options

There are four IAPP credentials:

• CIPP: Certified Information Privacy Professional,
• CIPP/G: Certified Information Privacy Professional/Government,
• CIPP/C: Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada,
• CIPP/IT: Certified Information Privacy Professional/Information Technology.

But before you consider which credential you’d like to pursue, you must first successfully complete the Certification Foundation. This is an exam that measures your understanding of basic privacy and data protection concepts. Specifically, you should be familiar with: common privacy principles and approaches, global data protection models, information security controls and online privacy protections.

After you pass the Foundation exam, you can then take and pass one or more certification modules.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) Certification

CIPP was launched in 2004 and has since become the industry-standard certification. It measures understanding of U.S. private sector privacy laws and regulations as well as European requirements for transfers of personal data.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional/Government (CIPP/G) Certification

CIPP/G is similar to the CIPP, but is designed exclusively for U.S. federal and state government employees in addition to vendors and consultants who serve U.S. government clients.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada (CIPP/C) Certification

CIPP/C is a certification targeted at the specific requirements that Canadian privacy professionals must manage. This is also applicable to those in multi-national corporations that manage data from Canada.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional/Information Technology (CIPP/IT)

CIPP/IT assesses understanding of privacy and data protection practices in the development, engineering, deployment and auditing of IT products and services.

How to Prepare For IAPP Exams

The IAPP recommends you spend at least 20 hours studying for an exam, depending on your level of knowledge. They offer these resources to help you prepare:

• IAPP Live Training Workshops
• IAPP DVD Training Workshops
• IAPP Certification Textbooks
• Free Study Resources

IAPP Testing

Unlike other certifications administered through service providers, the IAPP only offers their exams at their annual conferences or throughout the year at sponsored events and at partner sites in select cities. Visit the IAPP website for a list of upcoming examination dates.

While your test scores will be sent to you via snail mail within 4-6 weeks, you can also opt to receive email notification. Emailed scores will likely arrive much sooner.

For all IAPP exams, 70% is the minimum passing score. For the Foundation exam, this means you must answer a minimum of 84 of 120 questions correctly; for the CIPP, CIPP/G, CIPP/C and CIPP/IT exams, you must answer a minimum of 42 of 60 questions correctly.

IAPP Exam Fees

• Foundation exam: $245
• CIPP, CIPP/G, CIPP/C or CIPP/IT Exams: $100

Exam Re-take Fees

• Certification Foundation Exam: $122
• CIPP, CIPP/G, CIPP/C or CIPP/IT Exam: $50

IAPP Recertification

Once you have become privacy certified by the IAPP, you must meet two minimum requirements over the term of your certification in order to maintain your credentialed status:

• Maintain any level of IAPP membership each year
• Complete at least 10 hours of continuing privacy education (CPE) per year

Wondering what constitutes CPE? Essentially any security or privacy related event or program is eligible, you just need to submit for review and approval. IAPP events are another way to earn credits.

• IAPP conferences (up to 18 hours of CPE per event, per applicant)
• KnowledgeNet meetings (1.5 hours of CPE per event, per applicant)
• IAPP Web conferences (1.5 hours of CPE credit per program)
• Privacy Tracker audio conferences (1 hour of credit per program)

Some non-IAPP programs:

• Information security events and programs such as those provided by ISSA, (ISC)2, ISACA and other leading information security organizations
• Privacy seminars or courses not hosted by IAPP or that are outside of the official IAPP calendar
• Privacy-related speaking, writing or teaching engagements

You must submit one or more of the following documentation for verification purposes: certificate of attendance, program agenda, course syllabus/outline, table of contents, speaker profile and/or panel description.

Other options to earn CPEs:

• Earn credit for reading publications listed on the IAPP Bibliography of Recommended Reading
• Earn CPE credits by becoming an exam proctor
• More information on the Official IAPP Continuing Privacy Education (CPE) Policy

Conclusion

IT Data Privacy is an area of security that deserves focus in its own right. The IAPP certification is a way for privacy and security professionals to ensure they have the skills necessary to mange internal and external data privacy in their organizations.

While my answer was yes (minus some web hosting costs and other misc. expenses), my research uncovered something unexpected. Linux, it seemed would provide a more secure desktop operating environment than Windows. This recurring theme was echoed on technical sites and blogs across the Internet. My decision was made.

Some accounts went so far as to suggest that no security measures needed to be taken at all. But some, though still steadfast in their support for Linux’s superiority, did encourage at least a minimalistic approach to securing your Linux desktop. I decided to err on the side of caution.

Why Linux is More Secure Than Windows?

Viruses on the Linux platform have indeed been few. Is this because the operating system is more inherently secure? Possibly. With so many developers, potential vulnerabilities can certainly be more quickly identified, and corrected.

I also believe there is something else to consider. The numbers have been debated, but at last count, Windows dominated the desktop with close to 90% of the market. It’s no surprise then that people looking to exploit vulnerabilities would direct most of their efforts toward the dominant platform, in this case Windows.

In a world where computer systems were isolated, Linux users might collectively exhale in the knowledge that they were immune. However, as most of us still interface, either on the same networks or via email, with Windows computers, the potential for virus or malware exposure exists. Opening a tainted Microsoft Word document probably won’t infect your system, but there is the possibility that you can pass it on to someone else.

The Ubuntu website maintains a list of known viruses and worms and other network threats.

Securing Linux

What all this means, is that even though your chances of infection while using Linux are slim, it makes sense to employ some type of protection from outside attack. Let’s talk about some ways in which you can secure your Linux computer.

Linux Security Tools & Techniques

• Patching

The first, and perhaps easiest thing to do is to patch and update your software. Most distributions automatically notify you when updates become available. You just need to click a button to perform the update. And if you’ve turned off this functionality, you can manually check for patches on a set schedule, say bi-monthly.

One thing to note is that if you’ve installed software via tarball, and not the repository, then the operating system won’t update it. In this case, you may have to configure software to perform these checks.

• Anti-virus

Most virus threats are Windows based, but email scams and phishing attacks are not unknown on Linux. As a first line of defense, you should only click on email links to sites that you know. And I think you should also consider installing anti-virus software.

ClamAV, AVG and Avast are all good options.

• Secure Passwords

If you’ve registered for any community websites recently, you will have noticed the increased emphasis on secure passwords. You should apply this same rule to your Linux desktop. Strong passwords are not invulnerable, but are less easy to crack.

Use a password management and automatic generation tool like KeePassX or LastPass.

• Firewall

A firewall is sometimes all that stands between your precious data and the dangers lurking about on the Internet. Firewalls can be both hardware (included as part of your wireless router) or software based.

There is a built in firewall with most Linux distributions, you just need to make sure it is enabled. You can also look at these software options: SmoothWall or IPCop.

• More Stringent Control with SELinux

SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) was created by the NSA and is a kind of security enhancement for Linux. It has stronger access controls, allowing admins greater flexibility in deciding which users have access to files and network resources.

Some don’t like the performance hit associated with its use, but for many the benefits outweigh this. You can be the judge, find out more about SELinux.

• Check Those Services!

A Linux service is an application that runs in the background waiting to be used. By default, many services are started at boot-up, some unnecessary for basic desktop operations. Things like httpd, ssh, telnet, etc. are needed for servers, but do you really need them for your desktop machine?

In order to minimize the security risks associated with these services, they should be locked down, or removed. You will need to review and edit your /etc/inetd.conf or /etc/inittab file and comment out services you don’t need.

Linuxtopia has detailed instructions on how to do this.

Final Thoughts on Linux Security

While security concerns with a Linux computer may be less of an issue than on their Windows counterparts, having a sound security plan, no matter the platform, is the best way to ensure the safety of your data.

Security implementation of some of these tools vary depending on the Linux distribution, so its always good to start with the website or wiki for your Linux distribution for specific information.

For those new users, this is a good stating point to ensuring your Linux experience is the best — and safest — it can be.

Maintaining such an aggressive six month release schedule brings about its challenges. There are often bugs, hardware conflicts and the like, that make being an early adopter a bit sketchy. I’ve taken an in depth look at the impressive list of new features and today I’ll share them with you.

What’s Different in Ubuntu 10.04?

I’d have to say that since I began using Linux, this release looks the most different. However, underneath the shiny new exterior are several worthy changes, including faster boot times and new default software.

The New Look in Ubuntu 10.04

Unlike so many others, I actually liked the brown theme, perhaps it was my love of earth tones. In any case, the trademark brown has been replaced with a sleek new theme. The look is decidedly purple, and the feature that has garnered the most negative attention is the placement of window controls. Like OS X, they are now on the left hand side.

I plan to give it a try for a least a few weeks, but if you’d like to move the controls back immediately, you can do so with Ubuntu Tweak.

New Default Applications in Ubuntu 10.04

Those of you who are used to the XSane Image Scanner will be surprised that it has been replaced by Simple Scan. This application touts an improved interface for simpler scanning. Depending on your needs, you may not find it as feature rich as Xsane, and it is still included in the repos if you’d like to reinstall it.

PiTiVi Movie Editor in Ubuntu 10.04

Many users have been waiting for a video editor to be included in Ubuntu. Now, PiTiVi Movie editor is a part of the default install. I haven’t had an opportunity to test this application yet, but I think its inclusion is a step in the right direction.

Social Networking Integration in Ubuntu 10.04

• Me Menu & Gwibber

Lucid now includes integrated tools for social networking apps like Twitter and Facebook. Gwibber is a microblogging tool that supports Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Digg and others. The beauty of a tool like this is that you don’t have to launch a web browser page for each tool, they can all be managed under one application, integrated into the desktop. In order to interact with the social networks, you have the Me Menu. You can update your status without launching a browser, chat status setting are also included. Ubuntu one is included as well.

• Empathy

During the Karmic Koala release, Pidgin was replaced by Empathy. Now that chat client has been updated, most notably including the ability to use Facebook chat. This ability joins IRC, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo and MSN. All chats can now take place in one client, without the need to launch a browser.

More New Features in Ubuntu 10.04

• iPhone and iPod Touch Support

One of the biggest issues with Linux users was the lack of support for iPhone and iPod Touch. While some were able to do so with workarounds, wine, jailbreaking, etc., it was a largely painful experience. Now, you can browse the contents of your iPhone from Nautilus file manager. And the standard music player, Rhythmbox, can now drag and drop music from your devices.

• Ubuntu One Updates

I’ll admit I wasn’t a fan of the Ubuntu One cloud storage service, but the new version has been updated, and perhaps I’ll give it another try. You can now configure preferences on the desktop, without visiting the website. You can also sync any home folder between computers, not just the Ubuntu One folder like before. File sharing,via URL, Firefox and evolution syncing have also been included. The paid service (for over 2G), you can sync mobile contacts.

• Music Store

Canonical has entered the music store business with this release. It is integrated into Rhythmbox, and a plugin for Banshee is available by typing the following command in a terminal window: sudo apt-get install banshee-extension-ubuntuonemusicstore. Music purchased from the online store is downloaded to your Ubuntu One folder and synced with your computer. Fifty percent of each purchase made will go to the SOS Lynx charity to help save the endangered Iberian Lynx.

• Updated Ubuntu Software Center

The Software Center also made its debut in Karmic Koala release. Updates include easier access to 3^rd party repositories, application categorization, and bigger application preview screenshots.

• Nautilus Changes

GNOME 2.30 has been updated to version 3.0 in this release. The most heralded feature is the ability to do a split view, to display the contents of two folders in the same window – useful when trying to compare folders.

Where to Get Your Copy of Ubuntu 10.04

If you are a current Linux user, you can either download and burn a CD for a lean install or simply launch Update Manager and click on the “Upgrade” button. Be sure to do a full backup in either case. New users have a few options:

• Download Ubuntu 10.04
• Order a CD
• Try Ubuntu using Wubi. Wubi is an officially supported Ubuntu installer for Windows users that can bring you to the Linux world with a single click. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as any other Windows application.

Ubuntu 10.04 Resources

In order to help ease your transition, you may want to take a look at the Ubuntu 10.04 manual by the team at OMG Ubuntu!

Finally, half of the fun of running Ubuntu is the ability to tweak the OS. Be sure to check out this article, also at OMG Ubuntu: 10 Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 10.04.

Are you ready to make the switch?

Certification helps to identify those with the skills necessary to support today’s heterogeneous enterprise environments. In terms of security, there are a few most recognizable certifications: CompTIA’s Security+, CISSP and The SANS Institute’s Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).

What Is The SANS Institute?

SANS was established in 1989, initially as a cooperative research and education group. Over the years, in addition to being a leading security information resources, they’ve expanded to include information security industry specific training and a group of technical certifications.

Known for their collection of whitepapers and research papers, they are also home to the Internet’s security threat early warning system – Internet Storm Center. This volunteer-run group is tasked with detecting and analyzing threats, then disseminating this information to the public.

The GIAC Certification Family

GIAC was launched in 1999 to address the need for validation of the IT security professional skillset. It covers the areas of computer, network, and software development security for well over 20 job functions in these disciplines:

• Security Administration
• Security Management
• IT Audit
• Software Security

At the heart of the GIAC certification family is the Global Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), which is targeted at security administrators. Let’s take a closer look at the GSEC certification exam.

Global Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) Exam

Other than recommended hands-on experience, there are no prerequisites for the GSEC exam. This $899 test has 180 multiple choice questions that must be completed within the 5-hour time limit, with a minimum passing score of 73.9% (133 of 180 questions).

If the exam is taken in conjunction with a SANS training class, the cost is reduced to $499, while recertification attempts are $399.

• What Does the GSEC Exam Cover?

There are a total of 60 topic areas covered on the GSEC exam. Here are a few highlights:

• 802.11
• Access Control
• Common Security Attacks
• Cryptography
• Firewalls
• Intrusion Detection
• Ipv6
• Linux Configuration
• Networks
• Vulnerability Assessment
• Wireless

View the full list to get more detailed information.

• Where Do I Take the GSEC Test?

All GIAC exams are administered by Kryterion. There are testing sites across most of the United States and throughout the world. In the event that a testing center is not available, Kryterion will work with you to add additional testing sites.

• GSEC Training

For this certification, there really is no substitute for experience. But to help with preparation, SANS offers a Bootcamp. Additionally, visit the common body of knowledge for research papers and other resources.

Practice tests are available at $99 each. And the SANS GIAC Certification: Security Essentials Toolkit (GSEC) comes highly recommended on Amazon.com.

• GSEC Recertification

Just this year, effective March 1, 2010, GIAC has changed their recertification policy. While the certification I earned years ago expired when I elected not to take the recertification exam, that will no longer be the case for those new to the program.

There are two new options. Holders can now maintain certification using the Certification Maintenance Units (CMUs) approach. Once every 4 years, simply pay the $399 fee and accrue 36 CMU’s, starting after year 2. You can earn CMU’s via coursework; verified work experience and community participation can also help you earn CMU’s.

An alternative is to submit a technical research paper, like the GIAC Gold Paper. You have up to five months to complete the paper which must be reviewed and approved by three advisors.

For those who prefer to take an exam based on the updated materials, this option will remain available.

Full details are outlined at the GIAC website.

Is GIAC Certification Right for You?

The SANS Institute is a clear leader in the IT security certification space and adding this credential will send a message about your technical skillset. There is such a plethora of options, I couldn’t cover them all in one article, but keep an eye out for more articles on the GIAC certification family

I hope this information provided you with the necessary roadmap to begin your path to GIAC certification.