Unix as a Second Language

Sandra Henry-Stocker has been administering Unix systems for more than 25 years. She describes herself as "USL" (Unix as a second language) but remembers enough English to write books and buy groceries. She currently works for TeleCommunication Systems -- a company that builds innovative technologies to make critical connections happen -- where no one else necessarily shares any of her opinions. This blog offers advice for everyday Unix systems administration and some clever ways to approach more challenging problems. Send comments and suggestions to mailto:bugfarm@gmail.com.

by Sandra Henry-Stocker

Trusted Voice

Follow Sandra on Google+

Sandra Henry-Stocker has been administering Unix systems for more than 25 years. She describes herself as "USL" (Unix as a second language) but remembers enough English to write books and buy groceries. She currently works for TeleCommunication Systems -- a company that builds innovative technologies to make critical connections happen -- where no one else necessarily shares any of her opinions. Send comments and suggestions to bugfarm@gmail.com.

Python for kids ... and adults intimidated by the very idea of programming

Posted Dec 29, 2012 - 05:32 pm

If you love Unix but fear programming or have a kid who you'd like to convince that programming is fun, here's a book you really should consider.
- Tweet
- Development, book, easy
Why SELinux is more work, but well worth the trouble

Posted Dec 24, 2012 - 05:09 pm

Complexity isn't all bad. Sometimes it comes with a tremendous boon to security. Are you ready to cozy up to SELinux? Maybe it's time.
- Tweet
- Security, Access, labelling
How to harden your RHEL 5 servers

Posted Dec 17, 2012 - 09:03 pm

Hardening tips for Unix systems have been issued for decades, but when's the last time you stopped to review how your servers stack up against the latest advice from the sages? Let's check out some of the recommendations provided for <b>Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5</b> and see what you might gain or lose by implementing them.
- Tweet
- Security, Linux, NSA
13 Things that a Unix sysadmin will never do

Posted Dec 09, 2012 - 07:17 pm

As we find ourselves hurtling toward 2013, it's a good time to think about all the things that we Unix admins would never do ... and how that keeps us out of trouble.
DevOps Troubleshooting: Linux server best practices

Posted Dec 02, 2012 - 08:26 pm

Do you get calls at odd hours because some critical service that you support on your Linux server has stopped working? Here's some late night reading that might help you get the rest you deserve.
Working with iptables

Posted Nov 25, 2012 - 09:52 pm

Do your hands get sweaty when you have to make changes on your Linux firewall? Iptables isn't as intimidating as it might first seem. After all, it's just a set of tables, and chains, and rules, and the bare essentials of connecting to your server.
Setting limits with ulimit

Posted Nov 18, 2012 - 05:45 pm

Setting limits on your Linux systems can both protect against certain types of failure and ensure that critical processes keep running when systems are heavily used. Take a look at the ulimit command and see what kind of shackles are limiting you – or maybe setting you free.
Samba swings both ways

Posted Nov 12, 2012 - 10:20 pm

Samba, the tool that makes it possible to mount Unix directories on Windows systems also works the other way -- allowing you to mount Windows shares on Unix. With an extra package and a few changes in the syntax, you can choose to share files on either platform with the other.
- Tweet
- Operating Systems, CIFS, Linux
8 favorite Unix admin tricks and time-savers

Posted Nov 05, 2012 - 06:55 pm

Some of my favorite time-savers are here for sharing. Add a comment and tell me about some of your favorite Unix commands.
Never login or backup

Posted Oct 29, 2012 - 03:39 pm

Before you backup your servers, trouble shoot your major application or read your emails, maybe you should review your grammar. A geek contemplates past and present participles.

Join us:

May is...
Cloud Month

BY THE NUMBERS: Cloud computing

CAREER: Top cloud jobs

MANAGEMENT: Cost battle: Cloud computing vs. in-house IT

REVIEW: 4 killer cloud IDEs

DEVELOPMENT: When to use cloud platforms vs. dedicated servers

SLIDESHOW: Top 10 cloud tools for IT pros

Learn more

Spotify bests Google in music service smackdown: For now

6 comments
Dell dumps its public cloud offerings

5 comments
Farewell Xbox 720, hello Xbox One. Microsoft reveals its next gen home entertainment console

5 comments
Twitter puts all its chips on lead generation

2 comments
Has Intel finally landed that elusive Atom deal?

2 comments

White Papers & Webcasts

White Paper

Join today!

Get FREE access to premium content, in-depth reviews, practical tips

6 IT hiring tips to weed out the duds
Rule #1: Don't hire out of desperation.
4 free tools to simulate a cloud connection
Linux-based WAN emulation tools worth a look.
15 common IT resume mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Learn how to build a better resume.