Linux Commands - The great thing about Linux commands is that they are virtually identical from one Linux distribution (version) to another. So the way the real pros do Linux administration is to work at the Linux command line and run Linux commands.

Learning how to run a Linux command can be very difficult for someone new to Linux, so here are some Linux tips that will help you to learn how to use Linux commands when working at the Linux command line prompt. There are three main parts of a Linux command:

1. the Linux command name

2. options that can be used with the Linux command

3. the “item(s)” that the Linux command is being run “on”

When you run a Linux command, spaces are used between: the Linux command name, the command options and the “item” the command is being run “on”. The “item” could be a Linux directory, file, user or some other Linux software component.

For example, you run the Linux command named ls (for list) “on” a Linux directory to see a list of files in the directory. You run the Linux command named rm (remove) “on” a Linux directory to remove the directory from the Linux file system.

To run a Linux command, you type in the name of the command, and any other parts of the command, such as options, and press the Enter key.

You can see an example of the Linux command that is used to create a new Linux user below. The useradd command is being run “on” the bthatcher user name to create this Linux user.

Linux Tips: Linux commands are run at the Linux command line prompt and this prompt is shown as ]# at the left of the command. You don’t type in the prompt, you type the Linux command at the right of the prompt.

Linux Tips: The Linux command prompt may also appear as: ]$ or as another symbol, instead of # or $.

]# useradd -c “Becky Thatcher” bthatcher

This Linux command creates a new Linux user named bthatcher with the full name of “Becky Thatcher”. The -c (for comment) option is used with this command to add the full name as a comment to the Linux user name of bthatcher.

Written by Clyde Boom.

There are basically two operating systems out there to choose from when you select a web hosting provider - Windows or UNIX. LINUX is a derivative of UNIX and is most commonly found in the hosting world under the RedHat label.

But which one is the best?

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Both have their supporters and detractors too. I have to admit that I am squarely in the LINUX camp. Why? Let’s look at some of the features and benefits of both.
The Windows servers integrate Microsoft programs such as FrontPage, Access and MS SQL (not to be confused with MySQL). They also offer specific programs such as Active Server Pages (ASP), Visual Basic Scripts and Cold Fusion that make web hosting a breeze.

Most important, Windows servers can be easily managed and multiplexed due to .NET technology. They provide excellent levels of support, security and integration for the Microsoft family of products. But note - Microsoft is not Open Source, and almost all of the Microsoft Products have licensing requirements. There are very few ‘free lunches’ associated with Windows hosting. This does not make it a good option for small businesses.

The UNIX platform is mostly represented by LINUX in the shared hosting world. Their most important characteristic is that they can handle large volumes of traffic, are robust and capable of hosting multiple sites. Moreover, they are very flexible and webmasters can customize their services in real time from any computer. Also, unlike Windows, UNIX system is not limited to special remote administration program. Any computer connected to the Internet can access a typical UNIX system without special or costly software.

Many webmasters choose UNIX or LINUX servers because of the server uptime. It is not that Windows servers do not promise 99 per cent uptime. But to achieve it the web host has to be extremely capable and proficient in Microsoft systems. This is not a limitation in the case of UNIX servers.

In summary then, the biggest advantages of LINUX hosting as opposed to Windows hosting are the following

1. LINUX hosting is much more cost effective than Windows hosting for small to medium businesses getting into the Internet arena. This is equally valid for personal or hobby websites. You are going to have to pay licensing fees (or more expensive hosting to cover the lisence fees) if you opt for Windows Hosting.

2. There are tons more free scripts, tools and utilities available for PHP and MySQL than there are for ASP. Just as an example - on the Hotscripts site where there are thousands of free scripts available, there are over 15000 scripts available for PHP, which is the dominant software that runs on Linux hosts (where ASP runs on Windows hosts). The amount of scripts available in ASP and ASP.NET combined is just over 5000. Most of the Open Source (in other words, free to use) tools and utilities have been written in PHP and MySQL.

If you want to easily install and run shopping carts, forums or blogs - Linux hosts that offer PHP and MySQL is the answer.

Written by Christine Anderssen.

Phishing, according to Wikipedia, is “attempting to fraudulently acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy business in an electronic communication.”

You may receive an email that looks like it came from your bank, or from eBay, or PayPal, or Amazon. They’ll tell you that your account has expired, or they suspect somebody has been trying to access your account fraudulently, or that they’re just verifying your information for security reasons, but if you don’t respond, they’ll have to “freeze” your account. They may even pose as the IRS.

Phishing scams are made up of two parts. The first part is called link manipulation. They try to make the email look like it came from the actual institution they’re impersonating. They will always include a link to a fake website. These links look like they go to the correct place, but there are technical tricks they can use to make it look like it’s going to one place while really going somewhere else.

The second part of the scam is called website forgery: the site you are sent to from the link in the email will look legitimate, but it isn’t. They may request that you “log in” with your real information, or to provide them with private financial information. What can be done? Part of the solution is technical. The people who make Internet Explorer, Safari, and Firefox regularly update them to close some of the technical loopholes exploited by the phishers. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are using the most recent version of your internet browser. A good spam filter for your email program will also go a long way towards eliminating many of the phishing emails before they even reach your inbox.

The best way to protect yourself is to know what to look for, and to be suspicious of any incoming email requesting that you divulge private information. There are some telltale signs to look for. Phishing email usually contains an urgent request for personal financial info. There’s almost always a link in the email. Do not use this link. If you want to contact your bank via the internet, open the browser yourself, and type in a known good internet address. You can also contact the company directly and ask them about the email.

Most phishing emails will not contain personal information. They may be addressed to “Dear Valued Customer,” for instance. In contrast, a real email from these institutions usually will contain personal information - perhaps your screen name, or the last four digits of your account. This isn’t foolproof, though. Just because personal information is present doesn’t make an email legitimate, but the lack of any personal information is a strong indicator that it is not.

What should you do if you think you’ve given information to a phishing scam? First, contact the institution concerned right away and let them know. Next, if possible, close the account and start a new one. Then be sure to monitor your bills and statements very closely for anything unusual.

Phishers are rotten, selfish, cowardly, and evil. The more educated and wary you are, the more difficult it is for these scammers to succeed.

Written by Larry Spinak.