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7 Linux Commands for Remote System Administration

Remote AdministrationWhile we’re still on the subject of networks, I thought I’d stick in a few remote system administration tools.

You’ll let me get away with claiming that these are network-related, because by definition of “remote”, there has to be some sort of network connection involved, right?

These commands will allow you to perform various administrative tasks on Linux machines that you do not have physical access to, whether that’s because they’re in a far off country, or because you can’t be bothered to get out of your chair and walk across the room. Both are perfectly valid excuses, provided — in the case of the latter — that you’re recovering from running a very recent marathon.

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Linux Network Commands Part 3 – Management

Computer Data NetworkIt could be argued that configuration and management run hand in hand, and should not be separated.

I do not disagree. It is not an easy matter to draw a line between the two, especially in the case of network commands that can be used to test whether or not the configurations were successful.

The fact of the matter is very simply that I ran out of time — and energy! — to cover all of the most common networking commands in a single post.

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Linux Network Commands Part 2 – Configuration

Computer Data NetworkThis section of Linux network configuration commands deals with the most common methods of configuring a system’s network interfaces from the command line.

It is not a complete list of commands, nor are all possible details and options discussed.

This way you have a little space to do some exploring on your own, and can enjoy the thrill that comes with successfully completing a configuration all on your own.

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Linux Network Commands Part 1 – Preparation

Computer Data NetworkThere are many network-related tasks that you may find yourself needing to perform over the course of time.

From configuring your network settings so that you can access the network, to pinging a server to see if it’s up — or maybe it’s you that’s down! — it’s all possible from the Linux command line.

To that end, this series is all about network-related Linux commands.

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All About Networks Part 2 – The Internet

Networks 101Go get me a tuna sandwich.

I must have been nine or ten when my dad first explained the client/server concept to me, using a simple analogy that started with that command.

His point? Of the two of us, which was the client, and which was the server?

It clicked. Do you know that “eureka!” moment of sudden brilliant illumination when it all makes perfect sense? (I love those moments!)

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All About Networks Part 1 – The Basics

Networks 101We all know what networks are. They’re arrangements of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines, or even groups of interconnected people or things. Right?

I hate to break it to you (not really) but there’s another definition, too.

Computer networks, or data networks, are a means by which multiple computers (or other devices such as printers, phones, tablets, etc.) are connected, so that they can exchange data, etc.

Computer network version 0.000001 (more-or-less) was called “The Sneakernet”. It was composed of people who transported data from one location to another by loading it onto portable media (probably a floppy drive!) and walking it from one computer to another while wearing their sneakers. Or not. Sneakers may even have been optional.

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Use Rsync to Backup From the Linux Command Line

Syncing ComputersIf backing up data is not already a part of your (daily/weekly/hourly) routine, it should be.

Previously, I have talked about creating a backup process, and how double/triple/off-site backups can be lifesavers.

What I’m going to talk about today is how you can make backups, specifically from the Linux command line.

If you’re still backing up by copying and pasting files around in the GUI, or even by using tar, cp, dump or restore from the command line, you’re missing out.

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How to Mount and Unmount Devices on the Linux Command Line

USB Universal PlugWhen a new file system (ie. removable media device) is introduced in Windows, it is automatically mounted and assigned a drive letter, from which it is accessible until it is removed. Microsoft has us spoiled.

On Linux, file systems (devices) need to be mounted before they can be accessed. It is an extra step, any way you look at it, so just consider the fact that, this way, you have a great deal of control over the entire process.

It is true that most devices can be mounted from the GUI, so let’s briefly cover that option before jumping into the command line.

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8 Linux Commands That Display Hardware Information

Hardware DeviceThere are three ways to find out about your computer hardware.

The first way would be to examine it, a method which I personally consider to be a bit too hands-on and messy for everyday application.

The second way would be to read the manual that came with it, but let’s be realistic… who actually reads those things, much less saves them? *Raises hand then slinks away guiltily.*

So that leaves us with the third option, which is to ask the software. Because what knows more about the hardware, than the software interacting with it?

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Archive & Compression Command Line Cheat Sheet (Free Download)

Archive & Compression Command Line Cheat Sheet PreviewOne common problem that I have – and so of course I automatically assume that everyone else has the same problem – is the inability to remember various commands and options when I need them.

To that end, today’s post is very short, but it comes bearing gifts.

As a follow-up to last week’s topic, I created a cheat sheet, or quick-reference guide, for the Linux command line archive and compression utilities.

Subscribe to my mailing list to download your copy today!