FC6 User Guide

From HyperSecurity Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Fedora Core 6 Starter Guide

This guide now being maintained by the Linux Center of University of Latvia, and everyone else who is willing to contribute.

Contributors: orvils fedorajim Mehdi Tarcamion Leslie Satenstein Semi-retired Software Engineer

Guide for Fedora Core 6 is here!
Much of what's explained in this guide can be done automatically using Fedora Frog


Contents

General Notes

  • This is an Fedora Core 6 Starter Guide. It is not associated with Fedora and RedHat, inc.
  • Guide is tested on a default "Personal computer" installation of the Fedora Core 6 with default packages.
  • If you see a bluish box, this means you have to execute the commands in Terminal mode (Applications -> System Tools -> Terminal) or use the content of that box as mentioned in some other instructions.
  • To reduce typo mistakes, copy and paste the commands into Terminal mode (right click on the commands -> "Copy" or "Paste". You can also use Ctrl+C to copy and Shift+Insert to paste it)
Note: You must run these commands as root. Before you get to do anything you must type
su -
And enter your root password.
or

Getting Started

What is Fedora

Where to view Fedora screenshots

Where to find a list of all the programs/libraries that comes with Fedora

Where to download Fedora

Where to find help for Fedora

Where to look for new programs


Where to look for style elements for your desktop

Repositories

How to add extra repositories

cd /etc
mv -f yum.conf yum.conf.bak
wget http://www.fedorafaq.org/samples/yum.conf
rpm -Uvh http://www.fedorafaq.org/yum


Adding RPMforge repos

Adding the RPM forge repo is a alternative to the repos that get installed from the fedorafaq website. Note: These two groups are mutually incompatible and can cause errors in your installation if used together for automatic updates.

  • freshrpms
rpm -ivh http://ftp.freshrpms.net/pub/freshrpms/fedora/linux/6/freshrpms-release/freshrpms-release-1.1-1.fc.noarch.rpm
  • dries
gedit /etc/yum.repos.d/dries.repo
Add the following lines to the new file
[dries]
name=Extra Fedora rpms dries - $releasever - $basearch
baseurl=http://ftp.belnet.be/packages/dries.ulyssis.org/fedora/linux/$releasever/$basearch/dries/RPMS/
http://apt.sw.be/dries/fedora/$releasever/$basearch/dries/RPMS/
failovermethod=priority
enabled=0
gpgcheck=1
  • newrpms
gedit /etc/yum.repos.d/newrpms.repo
Add the following lines to the new file
[newrpms.sunsite.dk]
name=Fedora Core 5 i386 NewRPMS.sunsite.dk
baseurl=http://newrpms.sunsite.dk/apt/redhat/en/$basearch/fc$releasever
http://newrpms.atrpms.net/apt/redhat/en/$basearch/fc$releasever
failovermethod=priority
enabled=0
gpgcheck=1

How to import GPG Keys

rpm --import http://freshrpms.net/packages/RPM-GPG-KEY.txt
rpm --import http://dries.ulyssis.org/rpm/RPM-GPG-KEY.dries.txt
rpm --import http://newrpms.sunsite.dk/gpg-pubkey-newrpms.txt
rpm --import /usr/share/doc/fedora-release-*/*GPG-KEY*

Fedora Updates

How to manually update Fedora

yum check-update
yum update
  • Alternative is to use pup (Package Updater)
pup
  • From the menu

Applications -> System Tools -> Software Updater

Add-On Applications

How To use Yum

Yum is a very powerfull package manager. yum will resolve dependencies for you and makes installing applications a breeze. yum also searches, removes, and lists packages for you. 

usage: yum [options] < update | install | info | remove | list |
clean | provides | search | check-update | groupinstall |
groupupdate | grouplist | groupinfo | groupremove |
makecache | localinstall | erase | upgrade | whatprovides |
localupdate | resolvedep | shell | deplist >
options:
-h, --help            show this help message and exit
-t, --tolerant        be tolerant of errors
-C                    run entirely from cache, don't update cache
-c  [config file]     config file location
-R  [minutes]         maximum command wait time
-d  [debug level]     debugging output level
-e  [error level]     error output level
-y                    answer yes for all questions
--version             show Yum version and exit
--installroot=[path]  set install root
--enablerepo=[repo]   enable one or more repositories (wildcards allowed)
--disablerepo=[repo]  disable one or more repositories (wildcards allowed)
--exclude=[package]   exclude package(s) by name or glob
--obsoletes           enable obsoletes processing during updates
--noplugins           disable Yum plugins

From a first look this can look rather intimidating, but this is rather easy.

Examples:
  • To seach for a application

Yum will search all your enabled repos and tell you where you can obtain the package from 

yum search application_name
  • Yum can list all available packages from your enabled repos and tell you where you can obtain the package from:
yum list available
  • To find out more info about some package
yum info application_name
  • Installing applications

Inastalling is as easy as 

yum install application_name
  • Listing rpms

yum can list installed rpms for you from the repos you have enabled 

yum list extras
  • Removing rpms

Yum can remove a application and the dependenciesit installed with tat application. it will not remove depenencies if another application installed needs them. 

yum remove application_name
  • Updating the system

Yum can update the system for you with out user interact if you want it to. 

yum update
  • Not sure if you have upates? 
yum check-update
  • Local install

downloaded a rpm and cannot install it with rpm because of dependencies? 

yum localinstall /path/to/the/rpm
Happy yumming...


List out your last update with rpm

rpm -qa --last | tac

How to install Graphical User Interface for yum

yum -y install yumex
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Yum Extender

NetworkManager for Gnome

Start the services 

/sbin/chkconfig --level 345 NetworkManager on
/sbin/chkconfig --level 345 NetworkManagerDispatcher on
service NetworkManager start
service NetworkManagerDispatcher start


Click the Radar or connected icon in the system tray and choose "New wireless network". Enter your information

Screenshot

How to install Menu Editor for GNOME

yum -y install alacarte
  • Applications -> Accessories System Tools -> Alacarte Menu Editor

How to install Clipboard Daemon for GNOME

  • Read #General Notes
  • first 5 commands are done as root the last is user your user ID. 
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2
tar jxvf gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2 -C /usr/bin/
rm -f gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2
chown root:root /usr/bin/gnome-clipboard-daemon
chmod 755 /usr/bin/gnome-clipboard-daemon
gnome-clipboard-daemon &
exit
export EDITOR=gedit && crontab -e
  • Add the following line at the end of file
@reboot gnome-clipboard-daemon
  • Save edited file

How to install Java with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

  • Read #General Notes
  • Download Linux self-extracting file (jre-1_5_0_10-linux-i586.bin) from

Java's Site and save it to your home folder 

mv jre-1_5_0_10-linux-i586.bin /opt
cd /opt
chmod +x jre-1_5_0_10-linux-i586.bin
./jre-1_5_0_10-linux-i586.bin
 ln -s /opt/jre1.5.0_10/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libjavaplugin_oji.so

The Java plugin is now installed Confirm with the command below that the sym links are green 

ls /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins


To run Java enabled applications like limewire continue below 

gedit /etc/profile.d/java.sh
  • Insert the following lines to the new file
#!/bin/sh
JAVA_HOME=/opt/jre1.5.0_10
export JAVA_HOME
JAVA_BIN=$JAVA_HOME/bin
CLASSPATH=$CLASSPATH:$JAVA_HOME:$JAVA_HOME/lib
PATH=$JAVA_BIN:$PATH
export JAVA_BIN CLASSPATH PATH
  • Save edited file
source /etc/profile.d/java.sh
/usr/sbin/alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /opt/jre1.5.0_10/bin/java 2
/usr/sbin/alternatives --config java
  • You will see the following screen
There are 2 programs which provide 'java'.

  Selection    Command
-----------------------------------------------

*+ 1           /usr/lib/jvm/jre-1.4.2-gcj/bin/java
   2           /opt/jre1.5.0_10/bin/java

Enter to keep the current selection[+], or type selection number:

How to install Flash Player (Macromedia Flash) Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

yum --enablerepo=flash install flash-plugin
  • Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install PDF Reader (Adobe Reader)

wget -c http://ardownload.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/unix/7x/7.0.5/enu/AdobeReader_enu-7.0.5-1.i386.rpm
yum -y install compat-libstdc++-33
rpm -i AdobeReader_enu-7.0.5-1.i386.rpm
rm -f AdobeReader_enu-7.0.5-1.i386.rpm
  • Applications -> Office -> Adobe Reader

Link Adobe Acrobat to the mozilla plugins

Linking to the mozilla plugins folder will allow you to view the pdf in the browser instead of viewing with Acrobat Reader 

cd /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins
ln -s /usr/local/Adobe/Acrobat7.0/Browser/intellinux/nppdf.so

How to install Download Manager (Downloader for X)

yum -y install d4x
  • Applications -> Internet -> Downloader for X

How to install FTP Client (gFTP)

yum -y install gftp
  • Applications -> Internet -> gFTP

How to install File share utility (DC++)

wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/linuxdcpp.tar.gz 
tar zxvf linuxdcpp.tar.gz -C /opt
rm -f linuxdcpp.tar.gz
gedit /usr/share/applications/dcpp.desktop
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=LinuxDC++
Exec=linuxdcpp
Terminal=false
Type=Application
StartupNotify=true
Icon=/opt/linuxdcpp/pixmaps/linuxdcpp.png
Categories=Application;Network;
  • Applications -> Internet -> DC++

How to install P2P BitTorrent Client (Azureus)

wget -c http://heanet.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/azureus/Azureus_2.3.0.6_linux.tar.bz2
tar jxvf Azureus_2.3.0.6_linux.tar.bz2 -C /opt
gedit /usr/share/applications/azureus.desktop
  • Add the following to the new file:
[Desktop Entry] 
Name=Azureus
Comment=A Bittorrent client
Exec=/opt/azureus/azureus
Icon=/opt/azureus/Azureus.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
  • Applications -> Internet -> Azureus

How to install P2P eMule Client (aMule)

yum -y install amule
  • Applications -> Internet -> aMule

How to install P2P Gnutella Client (LimeWire)

wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/LimeWireOther.zip
unzip -u LimeWireOther.zip -d /opt/
rm -f LimeWireOther.zip
gedit /usr/bin/runLime.sh
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
cd /opt/LimeWire/
./runLime.sh
  • Save the edited file 
chmod +x /usr/bin/runLime.sh
gedit /usr/share/applications/LimeWire.desktop
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=LimeWire
Comment=LimeWire
Exec=runLime.sh
Icon=/opt/LimeWire/LimeWire.ico
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
  • Save the edited file
  • Applications -> Internet -> LimeWire

How to install Messenger (Skype)

wget -c http://download.skype.com/linux/skype_staticQT-1.2.0.18.tar.bz2
tar jxvf skype_staticQT-1.2.0.18.tar.bz2 -C /opt/
ln -s /opt/skype-1.2.0.18/skype /usr/bin/skype
cp /opt/skype-1.2.0.18/skype.desktop /usr/share/applications/skype.desktop
cp /opt/skype-1.2.0.18/icons/skype_32_32.png /usr/share/pixmaps/skype.png
rm -f skype_staticQT-1.2.0.18.tar.bz2
  • Applications -> Internet -> Skype

How to install Multimedia Codecs

yum -y install gstreamer-plugins*
yum -y install lame
yum -y install ffmpeg
yum -y install mjpegtools
yum --enablerepo=atrpms install w32codec
gst-register-0.8

How to install DVD playback capability

wget -c http://download.videolan.org/pub/libdvdcss/1.2.9/rpm/libdvdcss2-1.2.9-1.i386.rpm
rpm -i libdvdcss2-1.2.9-1.i386.rpm

How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

rpm -ivh http://rpm.livna.org/livna-release-6.rpm
yum -y install mplayer-gui
yum -y install mplayerplug-in
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> MPlayer
  • Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install Multimedia Player (VLC)

yum -y install videolan-client
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> VLC

How to install Multimedia Player (XMMS)

yum -y install xmms
yum -y install xmms-mp3
yum -y install xmms-skins
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> XMMS

How to install Multimedia Player (amaroK)

yum -y install amarok
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> amaroK

How to install Multimedia Player (RealPlayer 10)

yum -y install compat-libstdc++-33
  • Download RealPlayer Gold from here.
  • Install it.
Assumed that .rpm file has been downloaded to your Desktop, because Firefox by default downloads everything to your Desktop
rpm -ivh Desktop/RealPlayer10GOLD.rpm
yum remove HelixPlayer
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> RealPlayer 10

How to install Stream Directory Browser (streamtuner)

wget -c

ftp://ftp.freshrpms.net/pub/dag/dries/packages/streamtuner/fc5-i386/streamtuner-0.99.99-1.fc5.rf.i386.rpm 

rpm -ivh streamtuner-0.99.99-1.fc5.rf.i386.rpm
rm -f streamtuner-0.99.99-1.fc5.rf.i386.rpm
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> streamtuner

How to install ID3 Tag Editor (EasyTAG)

yum --enablerepo=freshrpms install easytag
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> EasyTAG

How to install Video Editor (Kino)

yum -y install kino
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> Kino

How to install Audio Editor (Audacity)

yum -y install audacity
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> Audacity

How to install K9copy

K9copy is the linux version of DVDshrink for windows. Since K9copy is a KDE application there may not be a menu opton for it in Gnome. See the above link for menu editing 

wget http://www.fedoraserver.org/files/k9/K9copy-1.0.4_LP-2-1.i386.rpm
yum -y --enablerepo=freshrpms install libdvdread libdvdread-devel
rpm -ivh K9copy-1.0.4_LP-2-1.i386.rpm


How to install DVD Ripper (dvd::rip)

yum -y install perl-Video-DVDRip
yum --enablerepo=freshrpms install vcdimager
yum -y install cdrdao
yum --enablerepo=freshrpms install subtitleripper
ln -fs /usr/bin/rar /usr/bin/rar-2.80
gedit /usr/share/applications/dvdrip.desktop
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=dvd::rip 
Comment=dvd::rip
Exec=dvdrip
Icon=/usr/share/perl5/Video/DVDRip/icon.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;AudioVideo;
  • Save the edited file
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> dvd::rip

How to install Image Viewer (Gwenview)

yum -y install gwenview
yum -y install kipi-plugins
yum -y install ImageMagick
  • Applications -> Graphics -> Gwenview

How to install Email Client (Mozilla Thunderbird)

yum -y install thunderbird
  • Applications -> Internet -> Thunderbird Mail Client

How to install Newsreader (Pan)

yum -y install pan
  • Applications -> Internet -> Pan Newsreader

How to install RSS/RDF/Atom Newsreader (RSSOwl)

wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin.tar.gz
tar zxvf rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin.tar.gz -C /opt/
chown -R root:root /opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/
gedit /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
export MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME=/usr/lib/mozilla-firefox
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:${MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME}:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}
cd /opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/
./run.sh
  • Save the edited file 
chmod +x /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh
gedit /usr/share/applications/RSSOwl.desktop
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=RSSOwl
Comment=RSSOwl
Exec=runRSSOwl.sh
Icon=/opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/rssowl.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
  • Save the edited file
  • Applications -> Internet -> RSSOwl

How to install CHM viewer (GnoCHM)

yum -y --enablerepo=dries install gnochm
  • Applications -> Accessories -> CHM Viewer

How to install Web Authoring System (Nvu)

yum -y install xorg-x11-deprecated-libs
wget -c http://www.nvu.com/download/linux/1.0/nvu-1.0-RedHat_and_Fedora/nvu-1.0-1.rhel4.fs.i386.rpm
rpm -ivh nvu-1.0-1.rhel4.fs.i386.rpm
  • Applications -> Programming -> Nvu

How to install Web Authoring System (bluefish)

yum -y install bluefish

Applications --> Programming --> Bluefish Editor

How to install KDE Web Development Environment (quanta plus)

yum -y install kdewebdev
  • Applications -> Programming -> Quanta Plus

How to install Accounting Application (GnuCash)

yum -y install gnucash
rm -fr /usr/share/gnome/apps/Applications/
gedit /usr/share/applications/GnuCash.desktop
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=GnuCash
Comment=GnuCash Personal Finance
Exec=gnucash
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/gnucash/gnucash-icon.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Office;
  • Save the edited file
  • Applications -> Office -> GnuCash

How to install Desktop Publishing Application (Scribus)

yum -y install scribus
  • Applications -> Office -> Scribus

How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (GnomeBaker)

yum -y install gnomebaker
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> GnomeBaker

How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (k3b)

yum -y install k3b
  • Applications -> Sound & Video -> K3b

How to install Partition Editor (GParted)

yum -y install gparted
  • Applications -> System Tools -> GParted

How to install Firewall (Firestarter)

yum -y install firestarter
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Firestarter

How to install network traffic analyzer (Ethereal)

yum -y install ethereal ethereal-gnome
  • Applications -> Internet -> Ethereal

How to install RAR Archiver (rar)

yum --enablerepo=freshrpms install rar unrar
  • Applications -> Accessories -> Archive Manager

How to install Extra Fonts

yum -y install xfonts-arabic
yum -y install xfonts-chinese
yum -y install xfonts-gujarati
yum -y install xfonts-hebrew
yum -y install xfonts-hindi
yum -y install xfonts-japanese
yum -y install xfonts-xorg-truetype
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/msttcorefonts-1.3-4.noarch.rpm
rpm -ivh msttcorefonts-1.3-4.noarch.rpm
/etc/init.d/xfs restart

How to install Desktop Applets (gDesklets)

yum -y install gdesklets

How to install Basic Compilers

yum -y install gcc
yum -y install gcc-c++

How to set up Development environment

  • Add development repo
gedit /etc/yum.repos.d/fedora-devel.repo
  • Add the following lines to the new file
[development]
name=Fedora Core $releasever - Development Tree
#baseurl=http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/development/$basearch/
mirrorlist=http://fedora.redhat.com/download/mirrors/fedora-core-rawhide
enabled=1
gpgcheck=0
  • Save the edited file
yum groupinstall "Development Tools"

How to install Integrated Development Environment (Anjuta)

rpm --import /usr/share/rhn/RPM-GPG-KEY
yum -y install anjuta
  • Applications -> Programming -> Anjuta IDE

How to install 3D modeling tool (Blender 3d)

yum -y install blender
  • Applications -> Graphics -> Blender 3D modeller

How to install game Frozen-Bubble

yum -y install frozen-bubble

How to install virtual planetarium (Stellarium)

yum -y install stellarium
  • Applications -> Graphics -> Stellarium nightsky renderer

How to install KDE Edutainment applications

yum -y install kdeedu
  • Applications -> Edutainment -> ...

Other Desktop Environments

How to install KDE

or
yum -y install htdig
yum -y install kdebase
yum -y install arts
yum -y install desktop-printing
yum -y install kdegraphics
yum -y install kdenetwork
yum -y install kdemultimedia
yum -y install kdeaddons
yum -y install kdeutils
yum -y install kdeartwork
yum -y install autorun
  • Log out
  • In Sessions chose KDE
  • Log in

Commercial Applications

How to install Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP (Win4Lin)

How to install Windows Applications (CrossOver Office)

How to install Windows Games (Cedega)

Users Administration

How to set/change/enable root user password

passwd root

How to disable root user account

passwd -l root

How to add/edit/delete system users

  • Read #General Notes
  • Desktop -> System Settings -> Users and Groups
  • Users and Groups
Users Tab -> Add User.../Properties/Delete

How to add/edit/delete system groups

  • Read #General Notes
  • Desktop -> System Settings -> Users and Groups
  • Users and Groups
Groups Tab -> Add Group.../Properties/Delete

How to automatic login into GNOME (not secure)

  • Read #General Notes
  • Desktop -> System Settings -> Login Screen
  • Login Screen Setup
General Tab -> Automatic Login ->
Login a user automatically on first bootup (Checked)
Automatic login username: Select "system_username"

How to change files/folders permissions

Right click on files/folders -> Properties

Permissions Tab -> Read/Write/Execute (Checked the permissions for Owner/Group/Others)

How to change files/folders ownership

chown system_username /location_of_files_or_folders

How to change files/folders group ownership

chgrp system_groupname /location_of_files_or_folders

Hardware

Activate side-mouse-buttons in FireFox

Just add two lines to xorg.conf will activate side-mouse-buttons in FireFox. This should work with most 5-button mouse. Here is a list of mice that worked with this instruction.

  • Logitech MX510
  • Logitech MX518
  • Logitech MX700
  • Intellimouse Explorer (first edition)

Backup Gnome configuration file 

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak

Modify the Gnome configuration file 

gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Find the Input Device section for your mouse and add two lines as shown below. You may also increase the number of buttons if your mouse has more than 7, just fix the rest of the section based upon the number of buttons (remember back/forward, wheel click & tilt left/right all count as buttons)

Change: 

Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier "Configured Mouse"
	Driver "mouse"
	Option "CorePointer"
	...
	Option "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
	...
	Option "Emulate3Buttons"       "true"
EndSection

to: 

Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier "Configured Mouse"
	Driver "mouse"
	Option "CorePointer"
	...
	Option "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
	...
	Option "Emulate3Buttons"       "true"
	Option "Buttons" "7"
 	Option "ButtonMapping" "1 2 3 6 7"
EndSection

At this point you can reboot your computer or reboot Gnome (Ctrl-Alt-BackSpace) to see if your forward/back buttons work in FireFox. They still won't work in Nautilus yet until you install the imwheel dameon.

how to get wireless working Intel IPW2200 b,g

download [1] Agree to the licence and save the file to your desktop then open the terminal and copy & paste each line. 

mkdir tmp
mv ~/Desktop/*-2.4.tgz ~/tmp 
cd tmp
tar -zxvf ipw2200-fw-2.4.tgz
cp * /lib/firmware
rmmod ipw2200
modprobe ipw2200
iwconfig

you should now see a access point You can use NetworkManager to control your wireless actvity 

#NetworkManager_for_Gnome

How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)

yum -y install nvidia-glx kernel-module-nvidia-$(uname -r)
or

How to install Graphics Driver (ATI)

yum -y install ati-fglrx kernel-module-fglrx-$(uname -r)
  • If you have an Intel motherboard, you will have to modify your xorg.conf file after installing the drivers:
gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
  • Find the following line
Driver "fglrx"
  • Add the following line below it
Option "UseInternalAGPGART" "no"
  • Some users may experience problems with certain FIREGL cards (in my case an ibm t43p laptop with a v3200 ati firegl) whereby projects such as cedega and wine refuse to work with 3d graphics, but native binaries work fine. A possible workaround is to add the following line after those mentioned above
Option "UseFastTLS" "2"
  • This option used to be configured with the older ati drivers when you ran "fglrxconfig". I have not yet found a way to get it to appear with "aticonfig", hence the manual insertion. This option is good for several linux distros I have tried, fedora core 5, ubuntu dapper and suse 10.1

How to identify Modem chipset

wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/scanModem.gz
gunzip -c scanModem.gz > scanModem
chmod +x scanModem
cp scanModem /usr/bin/
  • To identify Modem chipset
scanModem
gedit Modem/ModemData.txt

How to list partition tables

fdisk -l

How to list filesystem disk space usage

df -T -h

How to list mounted devices

mount

How to list PCI devices

lspci

How to list USB devices

lsusb

How to speed up CD/DVD-ROM

e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
/sbin/hdparm -d1 /dev/cdrom
gedit /etc/hdparm.conf
  • Insert the following lines in the new file
/dev/cdrom {
    dma = on
}
  • Save the edited file

How to mount/unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually, and show all hidden and associated files/folders

e.g. Assumed that /media/cdrom0/ is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
  • To mount CD/DVD-ROM
mount /media/cdrom0/ -o unhide
  • To unmount CD/DVD-ROM
umount /media/cdrom0/

How to forcefully unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually

e.g. Assumed that /media/cdrom0/ is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
umount /media/cdrom0/ -l

How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting

mount -a

CD/DVD Burning

How to blank CD-RW/DVD-RW

e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
umount /dev/cdrom
cdrecord dev=/dev/cdrom blank=fast

How to burn files/folders into CD/DVD

nautilus burn:///
  • File Browser: CD/DVD Creator
  • Drag files/folders into window
File Menu -> Write to Disc... -> Write

How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD

Right click on Image (ISO) file -> Write to Disc... -> Write

How to duplicate CD/DVD

How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD

e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
umount /dev/cdrom
dd if=/dev/cdrom of=file.iso bs=1024

How to create Image (ISO) files from folders

mkisofs -o file.iso /location_of_folder/

How to generate MD5 checksum files

md5sum file.iso > file.iso.md5

How to check MD5 checksum of files

e.g. Assumed that file.iso and file.iso.md5 are in the same folder
md5sum -c file.iso.md5

How to mount/unmount Image (ISO) files without burning

mkdir /media/iso
modprobe loop
mount file.iso /media/iso/ -t iso9660 -o loop
  • To unmount Image (ISO) file
umount /media/iso/

How to set/change the burn speed for CD/DVD Burner

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
  • Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> default_speed (set/change the burn speed)

How to enable burnproof for CD/DVD Burner

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
  • Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> burnproof (Checked)

How to enable overburn for CD/DVD Burner

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
  • Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> overburn (Checked)

Networking

How to configure VPN client (PPTP)

Install PPTP Config 

rpm -Uvh http://pptpclient.sourceforge.net/yum/stable/fc5/pptp-release-current.noarch.rpm
yum --enablerepo=pptp-stable install pptpconfig
Configure PPTP Config

Launch it beneath Internet, then input the following fields as described:

Server Tab:

  • Name - short description of this connection
  • Server - dns server name or ip address of the target PPTP server
  • Domain - domain name if using Windows or Active Directory authentication
  • Username - simply your username to login with
  • Password - the password to use with the username above

Routing Tab: For Routing Style select 'Client to LAN'. Then click Edit Network Routes then add the target network in the following format "192.168.0.0/24' for all IP Addresses in the block 192.168.0.*. Next type a short name for this network route and click Add.


DNS Tab: Checking Automatic is recommended, if this doesn't work however you can specify DNS Servers in the Server box. Also input something like "search mycompany.com" in the Options field which will make host name resolution simpler.

Encryption & Misc Tab: Defaults here should be good, but if you are troubleshooting you can uncheck everything.

Finally click Add then Start

How to configure Google Talk

How to activate/deactivate network connections

  • Read #General Notes
  • Desktop -> System Settings -> Network
  • Devices Tab
  • Activate/Deactivate

How to configure network connections

How to change computer name

hostname your_desired_computer_name

How to change computer descriptions

cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
  server string = Samba Server
...
  • Replace with the following line
  server string = new_computer_descriptions
  • Save the edited file 
testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to change computer Domain/Workgroup

cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
  workgroup = MSHOME
...
  • Replace with the following line
  workgroup = new_domain_or_workgroup
  • Save the edited file 
testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to assign Hostname to local machine with dynamic IP using free DynDNS service

e.g. Assumed that internet connections have been configured properly
Register free Dynamic DNS at https://www.dyndns.org
Automatically refresh IP in DynDNS Database/DNS every hour
* * * * * means minute hour date month year
yum -y install ipcheck
gedit /root/dyndns_update.sh
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
USERNAME=myusername
PASSWORD=mypassword
HOSTNAME=myhostname.dyndns.org

cd /root/
if [ -f /root/ipcheck.dat ]; then
 ipcheck -r checkip.dyndns.org:8245 $USERNAME $PASSWORD $HOSTNAME
else
 ipcheck --makedat -r checkip.dyndns.org:8245 $USERNAME $PASSWORD $HOSTNAME
fi
  • Save the edited file 
chmod 700 /root/dyndns_update.sh
sh /root/dyndns_update.sh
export EDITOR=gedit && crontab -e
  • Append the following line at the end of file
00 * * * * sh /root/dyndns_update.sh
  • Save the edited file

How to share folders the easy way

Right click on folder -> Share folder

Shared folder -> Share with: Select "SMB"
Share properties -> Name: Specify the share name

How to browse network computers

e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
If computers or network folders could not be found, try access them directly
Read #How to access network folders without mounting
  • Places -> Network Servers

How to access network folders without mounting

e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Shared folder's name: linux
  • Applications -> Run Application...
  • Run Application
smb://192.168.0.1/linux

How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read

e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
  • To mount network folder
mkdir /media/sharename
mount //192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename/ -o username=myusername,password=mypassword
  • To unmount network folder
umount /media/sharename/

How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read/write

e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
  • To mount network folder
mkdir /media/sharename
mount //192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename/ -o username=myusername,password=mypassword,dmask=777,fmask=777
  • To unmount network folder
umount /media/sharename/

How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read

e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
mkdir /media/sharename
gedit /root/.smbcredentials
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
username=myusername
password=mypassword
  • Save the edited file 
chmod 700 /root/.smbcredentials
cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
gedit /etc/fstab
  • Append the following line at the end of file
//192.168.0.1/linux    /media/sharename cifs  credentials=/root/.smbcredentials    0    0

How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write

e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
mkdir /media/sharename
gedit /root/.smbcredentials
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
username=myusername
password=mypassword
  • Save the edited file 
chmod 700 /root/.smbcredentials
cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
gedit /etc/fstab
  • Append the following line at the end of file
//192.168.0.1/linux    /media/sharename cifs  credentials=/root/.smbcredentials,dmask=0777,fmask=0777  0    0

Remote Desktop

How to configure remote desktop (not secure)

Warning! Remote Desktop will only work if there's a GNOME login session
Leaving computer with an unattended GNOME login session is not secure
Use (System -> Lock Screen) and off the monitor when computer is left unattended
  • Desktop -> Preferences -> Remote Desktop
  • Remote Desktop Preferences
Sharing ->
Allow other users to view your desktop (Checked)
Allow other users to control your desktop (Checked)

Security ->
Ask you for confirmation (Un-Checked)
Require the user to enter this password: (Checked)
Password: Specify the password

How to connect into remote Fedora desktop

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have configured Remote Desktop
Read #How to configure remote desktop (not secure)
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
vncviewer -fullscreen 192.168.0.1:0
  • To quit vncviewer
Press 'F8' -> Quit viewer

Remote conection Script by fedorajim

Open a teminal window and switch to root. 

gedit /usr/local/bin/remote2someone

Add the following text to the text editor 

#!/bin/bash 
# Written by fedorajim 
# enter the IP address ofthe remote PC 
IPADDRESS="$(zenity --entry --title "Enter IP Address" --text "Enter the IP Address of the remore PC:")"
echo $IPADDRESS
#Enter the username you aregoing to login with 
UserName="$(zenity --entry --title "Enter User  Name" --text "Enter the User Name to connect with:")"
echo $UserName
# opens a new terminal window and connects to remote PC
function ssh_Remote_PC
{
gnome-terminal -x ssh -L 5911:$IPADDRESS:5901 $UserName@$IPADDRESS
}
function View_Remote_PC
{
gnome-terminal -x vncviewer localhost:11
}
#################################################
selection=
until [ "$selection" = "0" ]; do
echo ""
echo "######################"
echo "1 - Make Remote Connection"
echo "2 - display Remote Desktop"
echo "0 - exit program"
echo ""
echo -n "Enter selection: "
read selection
echo ""
#####################
# Commands executed #
#####################
case $selection in
1 ) $(ssh_Remote_PC) ;;
2 ) $(View_Remote_PC) ;;
0 ) exit ;;
* ) echo "Please enter 1, 2  or 0"
esac
done

Click save and close the text editor. Right click the desktop an choose create launcher add the following to the Create Launcher dialog

  • Name: remote2someone
  • Comment: ssh remote connection
  • Command: /usr/local/bin/remote2someone
  • Type: application
  • Run in Terminal: Checked
  • Icon: click the Icon button and choose a icon


Click save.

How to connect into remote Fedora desktop via Windows machine

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have configured Remote Desktop
Read #How to configure remote desktop (not secure)
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
  • Download VNC Viewer: Here

Windows

How to install support for NTFS

yum -y install kernel-module-ntfs-$(uname -r)

How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (NTFS) manually, and allow all users to read only


e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (NTFS)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
  • To mount Windows partition
mkdir /media/windows
mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows/ -t ntfs -o nls=utf8,umask=0222
  • To unmount Windows partition
umount /media/windows/

How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (FAT) manually, and allow all users to read/write

e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (FAT)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
  • To mount Windows partition
mkdir /media/windows
mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows/ -t vfat -o iocharset=utf8,umask=000
  • To unmount Windows partition
umount /media/windows/

How to mount Windows partitions (NTFS) on boot-up, and allow all users to read only

e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (NTFS)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
mkdir /media/windows
cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
gedit /etc/fstab
  • Append the following line at the end of file
/dev/hda1    /media/windows ntfs  nls=utf8,umask=0222 0    0

How to mount Windows partitions (FAT) on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write

e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (FAT)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
mkdir /media/windows
cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
gedit /etc/fstab
  • Append the following line at the end of file
/dev/hda1    /media/windows vfat  iocharset=utf8,umask=000  0    0

Security

What are the basic things I need to know about securing my Fedora

  • Read #General Notes
  • Ensure hard drive is first in BIOS boot-up sequence
    • To prevent trespassers from using Linux Installation CD which allows them to gain root user access
    • To prevent trespassers from using Linux Live CD (e.g. Fedora/KNOPPIX/MEPIS) which allows them to destroy/browse/share the entire hard drive
    • To prevent trespassers from installing another Operating System
  • Ensure a password is set for BIOS
    • To prevent trespassers from changing the BIOS boot-up sequence
  • Ensure computer is located at a secured place
    • To prevent trespassers from removing computer's hard drive which allows them to destroy/browse/share the entire hard drive from a different computer
    • To prevent trespassers from removing computer's on-board battery which resets the BIOS password
  • Ensure passwords used on the system cannot be easily guessed
    • To prevent trespassers from cracking password file using brute force attacks (e.g. John the Ripper)
    • Create password with minimum length of 8 characters
    • Create password with mixture of characters/numbers, and upper/lower case
  • Ensure interactive editing control for GRUB menu is disabled
  • Ensure history listing is disabled in Console mode
  • Ensure Ctrl+Alt+Del is disabled in Console mode
  • Ensure interactive option is set for remove, copy and move of files/folders in Console mode
  • For day to day usage, login as a normal user
  • Disable root user account, use "sudo" instead
    • To reduce the amount of time spent with root privileges, and thus the risk of inadvertently executing a command as root
    • "sudo" provides a more useful audit trail (/var/log/auth.log)
    • Read #How to disable root user account
  • Install a Firewall
  • Perform vulnerability test

How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu

grub

grub> md5crypt
Password: ****** (Fedora)
Encrypted: $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password)
grub> quit

cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Find this section
...
## password ['--md5'] passwd
# If used in the first section of a menu file, disable all interactive editing
# control (menu entry editor and command-line) and entries protected by the
# command 'lock'
# e.g. password topsecret
#   password --md5 $1$gLhU0/$aW78kHK1QfV3P2b2znUoe/
# password topsecret
...
  • Add the following line below it
password --md5 $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password above)
  • Find this section
...
title		Fedora, kernel 2.6.10-5-386 (recovery mode)
root		(hd0,1)
kernel		/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-5-386 root=/dev/hda2 ro single
initrd		/boot/initrd.img-2.6.10-5-386
savedefault
boot
...
  • Replace with the following lines
#title		Fedora, kernel 2.6.10-5-386 (recovery mode)
#root		(hd0,1)
#kernel		/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-5-386 root=/dev/hda2 ro single
#initrd		/boot/initrd.img-2.6.10-5-386
#savedefault
#boot
  • Save the edited file

How to disable history listing in Console mode

rm -f $HOME/.bash_history
touch $HOME/.bash_history
chmod 000 $HOME/.bash_history

How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Del from restarting computer in Console mode

cp /etc/inittab /etc/inittab_backup
gedit /etc/inittab
  • Find this line
...
ca:12345:ctrlaltdel:/sbin/shutdown -t1 -a -r now
...
  • Replace with the following line
#ca:12345:ctrlaltdel:/sbin/shutdown -t1 -a -r now
  • Save the edited file 
telinit q

How to enable prompt before removal/overwritten of files/folders in Console mode

gedit /someuser/.bashrc
  • Find this line
#User specific aliases and functions
  • Add the following line below it
alias rm='rm -i'
alias cp='cp -i'
alias mv='mv -i'
  • Save the edited file

Rescue Mode

How to use Fedora Installation CD, to gain root user access

  • Read #General Notes
  • Insert Fedora CD #1 into your CD-ROM and boot from it
linux rescue

How to change root user/main user password if forgotten

# passwd root
  • To change main user password
# passwd system_main_username

How to change GRUB menu password if forgotten

grub

grub> md5crypt
Password: ****** (Fedora)
Encrypted: $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password)
grub> quit

cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Find this line
...
password --md5 $1$gLhU0/$aW78kHK1QfV3P2b2znUoe/
...
  • Replace with the following line
password --md5 $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password above)
  • Save the edited file

How to restore GRUB menu after Windows installation

e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda is the location of /boot partition
# grub-install /dev/hda

How to add Windows entry into GRUB menu

e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition
cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
title		Microsoft Windows
root		(hd0,0)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader	+1
  • Save the edited file

How to read Linux partitions (ext2, ext3) in Windows machine

OR

Tips & Tricks

How to add extra Wallpapers, Icons and Themes

wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/backgrounds.tar.gz
tar zxvf backgrounds.tar.gz -C /usr/share
rm -f backgrounds.tar.gz
  • Check weather you have file backgrounds.xml n your .gnome/ directory
ls $HOME/.gnome2/ | grep "backgrounds.xml"
  • If this line printed out "backgrounds.xml" then run
cp --preserve=ownership $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml_backup
sed -n -e '1,3p' $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml_backup > $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml
cat /usr/share/backgrounds/frog.xml >> $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml
sed -n -e '4,$p' $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml_backup >> $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml
  • ELSE run
cp /usr/share/backgrounds/backgrounds.xml $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml
chmod 777 $USER_HOME/.gnome2/backgrounds.xml


  • To add extra Icons and Themes run 
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/icons.tar.gz
tar zxvf icons.tar.gz -C $USER_HOME
rm -f icons.tar.gz
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/themes.tar.gz
tar zxvf themes.tar.gz -C $USER_HOME
rm -f themes.tar.gz


  • Try changing your background, and look in Applications -> Preferences -> Themes (Theme details)

How to add the Open Terminal to the R-Click

yum -y install nautilus-open-terminal
  • Right Click the Desktop -> Open Terminal

How to get a shortcut to Root Terminal

yum -y --enablerepo=dries install gksu
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Root Terminal

How to enable the "Switch User" button on the GNOME screensaver

  • To do this to just for one user
gconftool-2 --type bool --set /apps/gnome-screensaver/user_switch_enabled true
  • To do this for every user
gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --type bool --set /apps/gnome-screensaver/user_switch_enabled true

How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

Press 'Ctrl + Alt + Backspace'
or
/usr/sbin/gdm-restart

How to turn on Num Lock on GNOME startup

yum -y install numlockx
cp /etc/X11/gdm/Init/Default /etc/X11/gdm/Init/Default_backup
gedit /etc/X11/gdm/Init/Default
  • Find this line (the last line)
...
exit 0
  • Add the following lines above it
if [ -x /usr/bin/numlockx ]; then
 /usr/bin/numlockx on
fi

How to switch to Console mode in GNOME

Press 'Ctrl + Alt + F1' (F2 - F6)
  • To switch between consles in Console mode
Press 'Alt + F1' (F2 - F6)
  • To switch back to GNOME mode
Press 'Alt + F7'

How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Backspace from restarting X in GNOME

cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup
gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
Section "ServerFlags"
	Option		"DontZap"		"yes"
EndSection

How to enable Ctrl+Alt+Del to open System Monitor in GNOME

gconftool-2 -t str --set /apps/metacity/global_keybindings/run_command_9 "<Control><Alt>Delete"
gconftool-2 -t str --set /apps/metacity/keybinding_commands/command_9 "gnome-system-monitor"

How to refresh GNOME desktop

killall nautilus

How to refresh GNOME panel

killall gnome-panel

How to open each folder in the same window in Nautilus

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
  • Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus -> preferences -> always_use_browser (Checked)

How to enable autosave in Gedit and disable creation of some_file~ files

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
  • Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> gedit-2 -> preferences -> editor -> save -> create_backup_copy (Unchecked)
/ -> apps -> gedit-2 -> preferences -> editor -> save -> auto_save (Checked)

How to show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus

  • Read #General Notes
  • Places -> Home Folder
  • To temporary show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus
Press 'Ctrl + H'
  • To permanently show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus
Edit Menu -> Preferences

Views Tab -> Default View -> Show hidden and backup files (Checked)

How to browse files/folders as root user in Nautilus

yum -y install gksu
  • To install File Browser (Root)
gedit /usr/share/applications/Nautilus-root.desktop
    • Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=File Browser (Root)
Comment=Browse the filesystem with the file manager
Exec=gksu "nautilus --browser ."
Icon=file-manager
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;System;
    • Save the edited file
  • To browse files/folders as root user in Nautilus
    • Applications -> System Tools -> File Browser (Root)

How to show Desktop Icons (Computer, Home, Trash)

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
  • Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus -> desktop ->
computer_icon_visible (Checked)
home_icon_visible (Checked)
trash_icon_visible (Checked)

How to change default file type "Open with" program

Right click on file -> Properties

Open With Tab -> Add
Select "Open with" program

Select "Open with" program (Checked)

How to change preferred email client to Mozilla Thunderbird

Mail Reader Tab -> Default Mail Reader -> Command: mozilla-thunderbird %s

How to open files as root user via right click

gedit $HOME/.gnome2/nautilus-scripts/Open\ as\ root
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
for uri in $NAUTILUS_SCRIPT_SELECTED_URIS; do
	gnome-"gnome-open $uri" &
done
  • Save the edited file 
chmod +x $HOME/.gnome2/nautilus-scripts/Open\ as\ root

Right click on file -> Scripts -> Open as root

How to disable beep sound in Terminal mode

Edit Menu -> Current Profile...

General Tab -> General -> Terminal bell (Un-Checked)

How to load Web site faster in Mozilla Firefox

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> Internet -> Firefox Web Browser
  • Mozilla Firefox
Address Bar -> about:config

Filter: ->
network.dns.disableIPv6 -> true
network.http.pipelining -> true
network.http.pipelining.maxrequests -> 8
network.http.proxy.pipelining -> true
  • Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to disable beep sound for link find function in Mozilla Firefox

  • Read #General Notes
  • Applications -> Internet -> Firefox Web Browser
  • Mozilla Firefox
Address Bar -> about:config

Filter: -> accessibility.typeaheadfind.enablesound -> false
  • Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install/uninstall .rpm files

rpm -i package_file.rpm
  • To uninstall .rpm file
rpm -e package_name

How to rename all files in directory at once

wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/mvb_1.6.tgz
tar zxvf mvb_1.6.tgz -C /usr/share/
chown -R root:root /usr/share/mvb_1.6/
ln -fs /usr/share/mvb_1.6/mvb /usr/bin/mvb
  • To rename all files in directory at once
mvb NEW_NAME

How to manipulate all image files in directory at once

yum -y install ImageMagick
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/bbips.0.3.2.sh
cp bbips.0.3.2.sh /usr/bin/bbips
chmod 755 /usr/bin/bbips
  • To manipulate all image files in directory at once
bbips

How to set System-wide Environment Variables

cp /etc/bash.bashrc /etc/bash.bashrc_backup
gedit /etc/bash.bashrc
  • Append the System-wide Environment Variables at the end of file
  • Save the edited file

How to save "man" outputs into files

man command | col -b > file.txt

How to show GRUB menu on boot-up

cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Find this line
...
hiddenmenu
...
  • Replace with the following line
#hiddenmenu
  • Save the edited file

How to change the timeout seconds for GRUB menu on boot-up

cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Find this line
...
timeout     3
...
  • Replace with the following line
timeout     X_seconds
  • Save the edited file

How to change default Operating System boot-up for GRUB menu

cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Find this line
...
default     0
...
  • Replace with the following line
default     X_sequence
  • Save the edited file

How to display Splash Image for GRUB menu on boot-up

e.g. Assumed that hd0,1 is the location of Fedora boot partition
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/fedora.xpm.gz
chmod 644 fedora.xpm.gz
mkdir /boot/grub/images
cp fedora.xpm.gz /boot/grub/images/
cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
  • Find this section
# menu.lst - See: grub(8), info grub, update-grub(8)
#      grub-install(8), grub-floppy(8),
#      grub-md5-crypt, /usr/share/doc/grub
#      and /usr/share/doc/grub-doc/.
...
  • Add the following line below it
splashimage (hd0,1)/boot/grub/images/fedora.xpm.gz
  • Save the edited file

How to convert Wallpaper to Splash Image for GRUB menu

e.g. Assumed that wallpaper.png is the Wallpaper to be converted to Splash Image
splashimage.xpm.gz is the Splash Image for GRUB menu
convert -resize 640x480 -colors 14 wallpaper.png splashimage.xpm && gzip splashimage.xpm

How to temporary skip boot-up services

Press 'Ctrl + C'

How to permanently disable/enable boot-up services

How to clean /tmp/ folder contents on shutdown

cp /etc/init.d/sysklogd /etc/init.d/sysklogd_backup
gedit /etc/init.d/sysklogd
  • Find this section
...
 stop)
  log_begin_msg "Stopping system log daemon..."
  start-stop-daemon --stop --quiet --oknodo --exec $binpath --pidfile $pidfile
  log_end_msg $?
...
  • Add the following line below it
  rm -fr /tmp/* /tmp/.??*
  • Save the edited file

How to scroll up and down to view previous outputs in Console mode

Press 'Shift + Page Up'
  • To scroll down to view previously outputs
Press 'Shift + Page Down'

How to forcefully empty Trash in GNOME

rm -fr $HOME/.Trash/

How to remove duplicate menu/menu items in GNOME

rm -f $HOME/.config/menus/applications.menu


Open Terminal Here in Nautilus

gedit ~/.gnome2/nautilus-scripts/"Open Terminal Here"

add the following text 

#!/usr/bin/perl -w
use strict;
$_ = $ENV{'NAUTILUS_SCRIPT_CURRENT_URI'};
if ($_ and m#^file:///#) {
s/%([0-9A-Fa-f]{2})/chr(hex($1))/eg;
s#^file://##;
exec "gnome-terminal --working-directory='$_'";
}
# Added 2003-12-08 Dexter Ang
if ($_ == "x-nautilus-desktop:///") {
$_ = $ENV{'HOME'};
$_ = $_.'/Desktop';
exec "gnome-terminal --working-directory='$_'";
}

Save and close Gedit

Right click the desktop choose Scripts then "Open Terminal Here"


Open Root Terminal Here in Naultilus

gedit ~/.gnome2/nautilus-scripts/"Open Root Terminal Here"

Add the following 

#!/bin/sh
cd $NAUTILUS_SCRIPT_CURRENT_URI
sudo gnome-terminal


Save and close Gedit

Right click the desktop choose Scripts then "Open Terminal Here"

Samba Server

How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service

or
yum -y install samba
yum -y install samba-client
yum -y install system-config-samba
  • Desktop -> System Settings -> Server Settings -> Samba

How to add/edit/delete network users

  • Read #General Notes
  • Use *Desktop -> System Settings -> Server Settings -> Samba
or
smbpasswd -a system_username
gedit /etc/samba/smbusers
    • Insert the following line into the new file
system_username = "network username"
    • Save the edited file
  • To edit network user
smbpasswd -a system_username
  • To delete network user
smbpasswd -x system_username

How to share home folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)

cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following lines
  security = user
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers

testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share home folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)

cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following lines
  security = user
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
  • Find this line
[homes]
	comment = Home Directories
	browseable = no
	writeable = yes
  • Replace with the following lines
[homes]
	comment = Home Directories
	browseable = yes
	writeable = no
  • Save the edited file 
testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share group folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)

mkdir /home/group
chmod 777 /home/group/
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following lines
 security = user
 username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
[Group]
  comment = Group Folder
  path = /home/group
  public = yes
  writable = no
  valid users = system_username1 system_username2
  create mask = 0700
  directory mask = 0700
  force user = nobody
  force group = nogroup


testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share group folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)


mkdir /home/group
chmod 777 /home/group/
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following lines
  security = user
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
[Group]
  comment = Group Folder
  path = /home/group
  public = yes
  writable = yes
  valid users = system_username1 system_username2
  create mask = 0700
  directory mask = 0700
  force user = nobody
  force group = nogroup

testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share public folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)

mkdir /home/public
chmod 777 /home/public/
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following lines
  security = user 
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
[public]
  comment = Public Folder
  path = /home/public
  public = yes
  writable = no
  create mask = 0777
  directory mask = 0777
  force user = nobody
  force group = nogroup

testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share public folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)

mkdir /home/public
chmod 777 /home/public/
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following lines
  security = user
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
[public]
  comment = Public Folder
  path = /home/public
  public = yes
  writable = yes
  create mask = 0777
  directory mask = 0777
  force user = nobody 
  force group = nogroup

testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share public folders with read only permission (Authentication=No)

mkdir /home/public
chmod 777 /home/public/
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following line
  security = share
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
[public]
  comment = Public Folder
  path = /home/public
  public = yes
  writable = no
  create mask = 0777
  directory mask = 0777
  force user = nobody
  force group = nogroup
  • Save the edited file 
testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

How to share public folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=No)

mkdir /home/public
chmod 777 /home/public/
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
  • Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
  • Replace with the following line
  security = share
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
[public]
  comment = Public Folder
  path = /home/public
  public = yes
  writable = yes
  create mask = 0777
  directory mask = 0777
  force user = nobody
  force group = nogroup
  • Save the edited file 
testparm
/etc/init.d/smb restart

SSH

How to SSH into remote Fedora machine

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
ssh username@192.168.0.1

How to copy files/folders from remote Fedora machine into local machine (scp)

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
Remote files/folders location: /home/username/remotefile.txt
Local machine save location: . (current directory)
scp -r username@192.168.0.1:/home/username/remotefile.txt .

How to copy files/folders from local machine into remote Fedora machine (scp)

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
Local files/folders location: localfile.txt
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
Remote Fedora machine save location: /home/username/
scp -r localfile.txt username@192.168.0.1:/home/username/

How to copy files/folders from remote Fedora machine into local machine (rsync)

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
Remote files/folders location: /home/username/remotefile.txt
Local machine save location: . (current directory)
rsync -v -u -a --delete --rsh=ssh --stats username@192.168.0.1:/home/username/remotefile.txt .

How to copy files/folders from local machine into remote Fedora machine (rsync)

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
Local files/folders location: localfile.txt
Remote Fedora machine: 192.168.0.1
Remote Fedora machine save location: /home/username/
rsync -v -u -a --delete --rsh=ssh --stats localfile.txt username@192.168.0.1:/home/username/

How to SSH into remote Fedora machine via Windows machine

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
  • Download PuTTY: Here

How to copy files/folders from/into remote Fedora machine via Windows machine

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed SSH Server service and firewall allows to connect to it
  • Download WinSCP: Here

Database Server

How to install MYSQL Database Server

or
yum -y install mysql
yum -y install mysql-server
yum -y install php-mysql
yum -y install MySQL-python
yum -y install libdbi-dbd-mysql
yum -y install mysql-devel

/etc/init.d/mysqld start
mysqladmin -u root password new_db_user_password

How to install MYSQL Control Center

yum -y install mysql-administrator
  • Applications -> System Tools -> MySQL Administrator

Web Server

How to install Web Server

yum -y install httpd
yum -y install mod_ssl
yum -y install httpd-manual
yum -y install mod_perl
yum -y install mod_auth_mysql
yum -y install crypto-utils
yum -y install mod_python
/etc/init.d/httpd start

How to install PHP Web Server

yum -y install php
yum -y install php-mysql

/etc/init.d/httpd restart
gedit /var/www/html/testphp.php
  • Insert the following line into the new file
<?php phpinfo(); ?>

How to install MYSQL

/etc/init.d/httpd restart

Apache tips

Remove your server's signature 

gedit /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf

find the line "ServerSignature"

Change "ServerSignature on" to 

 ServerSignature off
  1. Underneath add this line:
ServerTokens ProductOnly

Save and close the text editer

restart apache 

/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd restart

How to map URLs to folders outside /var/www/

gedit /etc/httpd/conf.d/alias
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
Alias /URL-path /location_of_folder/

<Directory /location_of_folder/>
  Options Indexes FollowSymLinks
  AllowOverride All
  Order allow,deny
  Allow from all
</Directory>
  • Save the edited file 
/etc/init.d/httpd restart

How to change the default port number for Apache HTTP Server

e.g. Assumed that new port number is 78
cp /etc/httpd/ports.conf /etc/httpd/ports.conf_backup
gedit /etc/httpd/ports.conf
  • Find this line
Listen 80
  • Replace with the following line
Listen 78
  • Save the edited file 
/etc/init.d/httpd restart

How to parse RSS into PHP for Apache HTTP Server

e.g. Assumed that RSS is DistroWatch.com - News
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/magpierss-0.71.1.tar.gz
mkdir /var/www/feeds
tar zxvf magpierss-0.71.1.tar.gz -C /var/www/feeds/
mv /var/www/feeds/magpierss-0.71.1/* /var/www/feeds/
rm -fr /var/www/feeds/magpierss-0.71.1/
chown -R www-data:root /var/www/feeds/
gedit /var/www/feeds/index.php
  • Insert the following lines into the new file
 <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
 
 <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en">
 
 <head>
 
 <title>DistroWatch.com - News</title>
 
 <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"/>
 
 <style type="text/css">
 /*<![CDATA[*/
 /* 
 DEFAULT TAG STYLES
 */
 
 body {
  background: #ffffff;
  margin-left: 20px;
  font-family: bitstream vera sans,sans-serif;
  font-size: 9pt;
 }
 
 h1 {
  font-family: luxi sans,sans-serif;
  font-size: 15pt;
 }
 
 /*]]>*/
 </style>
 
 </head>
  
 <body>
 
 <?php

 require_once 'rss_fetch.inc';
 error_reporting(E_ERROR);
 
 $url = 'http://distrowatch.com/news/dw.xml';
 $rss = fetch_rss($url);
 
 if ($rss) {
 
  echo "<h1>";
  echo "<a href=$url>", $rss->channel[title], "</a><br/>";
  echo "</h1>";
 
  foreach ($rss->items as $item ) {
   $url = $item[link];
   $title = $item[title];
   $description = $item[description];
   echo "<li>";
   echo "<b>Topic:</b> <a href=$url><b><u>$title</u></b></a><br/><br/>";
   echo "$description<br/><br/>";
   echo "</li>";
  }
 
 }
 else {
  echo "<a href=$url>", $url, "</a> - Server Down!<br/>";
 }
 
 ?>
 
 </body>
 
 </html>

FTP Server

How to install FTP Server for File Transfer service

yum -y install proftpd
/etc/init.d/proftpd start

How to configure FTP Server to allow anonymous FTP user to read only

cp /etc/proftpd.conf /etc/proftpd.conf_backup
gedit /etc/proftpd.conf



  • Append the following lines at the end of file
<Anonymous ~ftp>
 User            ftp
 Group            nogroup
 UserAlias          anonymous ftp
 DirFakeUser on ftp
 DirFakeGroup on ftp
 RequireValidShell      off
 MaxClients         10
 DisplayLogin        welcome.msg
 DisplayFirstChdir      .message
 <Directory *>
  <Limit WRITE>
   DenyAll
  </Limit>
 </Directory>
</Anonymous>
  • Save the edited file 
/etc/init.d/proftpd restart

How to configure FTP Server to allow anonymous FTP user to read/write

cp /etc/proftpd.conf /etc/proftpd.conf_backup
gedit /etc/proftpd.conf
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
<Anonymous ~ftp>
 User            ftp
 Group            nogroup
 UserAlias          anonymous ftp
 DirFakeUser on ftp
 DirFakeGroup on ftp
 RequireValidShell      off
 MaxClients         10
 DisplayLogin        welcome.msg
 DisplayFirstChdir      .message
</Anonymous>
  • Save the edited file 
/etc/init.d/proftpd restart

How to map anonymous FTP user to folders outside /home/ftp/

cp /etc/proftpd.conf /etc/proftpd.conf_backup
gedit /etc/proftpd.conf
  • Append the following lines at the end of file
<Anonymous /location_of_folder/>
 User            ftp
 Group            nogroup
 UserAlias          anonymous ftp
 DirFakeUser on ftp
 DirFakeGroup on ftp
 RequireValidShell      off
 MaxClients         10
 DisplayLogin        welcome.msg
 DisplayFirstChdir      .message
 <Directory *>
  <Limit WRITE>
   DenyAll
  </Limit>
 </Directory>
</Anonymous>
  • Save the edited file 
/etc/init.d/proftpd restart

How to change the default port number for FTP Server

e.g. Assumed that new port number is 77
cp /etc/proftpd.conf /etc/proftpd.conf_backup
gedit /etc/proftpd.conf
  • Find this line
Port              21
  • Replace with the following line
Port              77
  • Save the edited file 
/etc/init.d/proftpd restart

How to ftp into remote Fedora machine via Windows machine

e.g. Assumed that remote Fedora machine have installed FTP Server service
Read #How to install FTP Server for File Transfer service
  • Download FileZilla: Here
Retrieved from "http://www.hypersecuresolutions.com/wiki/index.php?title=FC6_User_Guide&oldid=1434"