nixCraft Linux Sys Admin Blog

Recently Noticed UNIX Command Enhancements

Posted: 02 Feb 2008 01:16 PM CST

FreeBSD portmanager command gives out more information about package progress and names on the title bar:

(Fig. 01: FreeBSD port collection management just got better)
Sun introduced rm -rf / protection (the worst mistake you can make on any UNIX box) in to Solaris 10. Upon executing the command, the system now reports that the removal of / is not allowed.

rm of / is not allowed

Sweet Have you noticed any new UNIX command enhancements lately?

Linux / UNIX Command ~ Toolbox ( PDF Version )

Posted: 02 Feb 2008 12:58 PM CST

A must have reference for all admin / UNIX users.

This document is a collection of Unix/Linux/BSD commands which are useful for IT work or for advanced users. The reader is supposed to know what s/he is doing.

=> UNIX Toolbox ( PDF Version [337K] )

There is also nice Linux command line cheat sheet here.

Windows Vista: No HyperTerminal to Configure Cisco Routers Connected Via a Local COM Port

Posted: 02 Feb 2008 05:45 AM CST

Recently I was hired to work on a Government project. They are 100% Microsoft shop expect for few Redhat boxes and Cisco gear.

They also have lots of customized VPN and cisco routers supplied by local company. Apart from securing those RHEL boxes, I had to connect routers / vpn devices via a local com port to upgrade BIOS and other configurations. They have Windows vista on all desktops and my Laptop has no serial port. So I decided to use old good HyperTerminal. I thought HyperTerminal is still under the Programs > Accessories > Communications menu. I failed to locate hypertrm.exe. From Microsoft support website:

HyperTerminal is no longer part of Windows. There are several options you can use to replace its functionality. If you previously used HyperTerminal to control serial devices, you can usually find a downloadable version of HyperTerminal on the Internet that is free for personal use.

So what was the purpose of removing Hyper terminal from vista ? How do you use the equivalent of Hyperterminal in XP, with Windows Vista to configure Cisco routers?
(more…)

Ubuntu Linux Install Sun Java Development Kit ( JDK ) and Java Runtime Environment ( JRE )

Posted: 02 Feb 2008 11:53 AM CST

Q. How do I install Sun Java Development Kit (JDK) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) under Ubuntu Linux? It appears that there are multiple JRE installed by default under Ubuntu. How do I select and use Sun JRE only? Can you explain steps required to set the environment to run java programs or apps?

Answer to "Ubuntu Linux Install Sun Java Development Kit ( JDK ) and Java Runtime Environment ( JRE )"