some random Linux tipssome random Linux tips
echo 1 > /proc/sys/vm/block_dump The above command sets a sysctl to cause the kernel to log all disk writes. Below is a sample of the output from it. Beware that[...]
Category: Linux
more about Fedoramore about Fedora
In a comment on a previous blog entry I was described as an active Fedora advocate, I don’t think that is an accurate description. I advocate it to appropriate people,[...]
The benefits of SE LinuxThe benefits of SE Linux
Today I discovered a bug in one of my programs, it called system() and didn’t correctly escape shell eta-characters. Fortunately I had written custom SE Linux policy for it which[...]
dunc-tank and motivationdunc-tank and motivation
The dunc-tank project was established to raise money to compensate some Debian developers who are essential to producing a timely release of Debian. There has been a lot of acrimoneous[...]
Ruxcon and SLUGRuxcon and SLUG
This weekend I was in Sydney for Ruxcon. Ruxcon is a computer security conference with a focus on penetration testing and related skills. The presentation on Unusual Bugs by Ilya[...]
SAK, ctrl-alt-del, and Linux keyboard mappingSAK, ctrl-alt-del, and Linux keyboard mapping
A common problem with Linux systems is when Windows users press CTRL-ALT-DEL at the login prompt and reboot the machine. To fix this some people change the ^ca line in[...]
tcpdump and pstcpdump and ps
Today I was doing some network tracing and figured out how to track the start and end of TCP connections. The following tcpdump command will get all SYN, FIN, and[...]
Ethernet bondingEthernet bonding
Bonding is one of the terms used to describe multiple Ethernet cables used to form a single virtual network link. This can be done for performance or reliability. Bonding for[...]
car-poolingcar-pooling
I am constantly amazed at the apparent lack of interest in car-pooling when travelling between LUV meetings and the restaurant where we have dinner. After the last meeting I was[...]