Linux Tip: Listing Files by Their Age

Introduction Ever wondered how to find files in a directory that haven’t been touched in ages? Whether you’re cleaning up old files, archiving data, or checking for stale files, Linux’s find command is your go-to solution. In this tip, we’ll show you how to list files by their age in Linux using a simple yet powerful command. … Read more

How Windows and Linux Handle Daylight Savings Time (DST) Changes

Daylight Savings Time (DST) is a system designed to adjust clocks forward by one hour during warmer months to maximize daylight usage and then revert back to standard time during colder months. While most modern operating systems handle DST transitions automatically, the way these adjustments are managed differs between Windows and Linux. This article explores … Read more

How to Make Scripts Executable from Any Path in Linux

Running scripts without specifying their full path can save time and streamline workflows in Linux. This is achieved by adding the script’s directory to the system’s PATH variable, allowing execution from any location. Here’s how you can set it up. Step 1: Verify Your Current PATH Variable The PATH variable contains directories where the system … Read more

Why Can’t I cd Into a Directory in Linux? Troubleshooting Tips

Navigating directories in Linux using the cd command is usually straightforward, but sometimes you might run into issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve common problems when you can’t cd into a directory. 1. Check for Typos The first step is to ensure the directory name is spelled correctly. A typo can prevent you from accessing the … Read more

How to Check Your Bash Version in Linux

Introduction Knowing your Bash version (the Bourne Again Shell) is essential for maintaining compatibility, debugging scripts, and ensuring system security. Different versions of Bash introduce new features, fix vulnerabilities, and improve performance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your Bash version, why it matters, and what to do with that information. Why Check Your Bash … Read more

Understanding Load Average in Linux: A Guide to System Performance Metrics

Introduction The load average is a key metric for evaluating the performance and utilization of your Linux system. It provides insights into the system’s workload over time and helps identify potential bottlenecks. This guide explains how to interpret load averages using the uptime command, their significance, and best practices for maintaining system health. What Is Load Average? The load average represents … Read more

Mastering the sadf Command in Linux: Export and Analyze sar Data

Introduction The sadf command in Linux is a powerful tool for working with system performance data collected by sar. It allows you to display and export this data in multiple formats, making it easier to analyze, share, and integrate with modern tools. Additionally, it can convert older sar files into newer, more accessible formats. In this guide, we’ll cover how to … Read more

Mastering the rsync Command in Linux: A Complete Guide

Introduction The rsync command is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in Linux for synchronizing and transferring files and directories. Whether you need to back up data, mirror files, or transfer data across systems (locally or remotely), rsync is an essential utility for efficient file management. This guide explores the basics of rsync, its syntax, … Read more

Understanding the Linux OOM Killer: A Fun Illustration

Introduction The OOM Killer (Out-of-Memory Killer) is a critical mechanism in Linux that steps in when the system runs out of memory. It terminates processes to free up memory and keep the system running. While it’s a lifesaver in low-memory situations, its behavior can sometimes seem arbitrary or confusing. To help you understand the concept behind the … Read more

Understanding .d Folders in Linux

Introduction If you’ve worked with Linux systems, you may have noticed directories with names like /etc/logrotate.d/ or /etc/cron.d/. These .d folders follow a convention used by many services, from MariaDB to SSH, and from the kernel to PAM. Once you understand their purpose, you’ll start seeing them everywhere—such as mariadb.conf.d, sshd_config.d, modprobe.d, and pam.d. But why does a system need directories like /etc/logrotate.d/ for placing configuration files … Read more