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

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

The hb_report Command for SLES Clusters

Introduction In SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) clusters, the hb_report command is an essential tool for gathering detailed diagnostic information about a High-Availability (HA) cluster. This tool is crucial for troubleshooting cluster issues, identifying failures, and analyzing the health of the cluster environment. Whether you’re an administrator working on an HA cluster or a support engineer diagnosing issues, hb_report simplifies the process by … Read more

The nl Command in Linux: Adding Line Numbers to Text Files

Linux provides various commands for text formatting and editing, and one particularly useful command is the nl command. This tool allows you to add line numbers to each line of a text file or input, making it easier to read and organize content. What Does the nl Command Do? The nl command displays the contents of a text file with line numbers added … Read more

Keywords When Browsing Linux Logs

Troubleshooting Linux systems often requires browsing logs to identify issues effectively. Knowing the right keywords to search for can help narrow down problems quickly. This guide categorizes common issues and provides relevant keywords and log file suggestions for Linux systems, whether in cloud environments or on-premises. 1. Authentication and Access Issues Keywords: Logs to Check: … Read more

10 Handy Linux Command Tricks to Save You Time

Mastering Linux commands can significantly improve your efficiency in the terminal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these handy tips will help you navigate, manage files, and optimize your workflow. 1. Switch Back to the Last Directory If you need to quickly return to the last directory you were in, use: This command … Read more

Linux Tip: Stop the /bin/cat Abuse!

When it comes to searching for specific strings in files on Linux, many users unnecessarily use cat in combination with grep. This practice—commonly referred to as /bin/cat abuse—is inefficient and can negatively impact system performance. Instead, you can directly use grep to simplify your workflow and improve efficiency. Let’s explore why this matters and how to implement the correct approach. Why Avoid cat … Read more

Linux Tip: 10 Essential find Command Examples for File and Directory Management

The find command is a powerful tool for Linux system administrators and users alike. It allows you to search for files and directories within a directory hierarchy based on specific criteria. Whether you’re managing on-premises systems or cloud-based environments, mastering the find command can significantly improve your efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the most common scenarios for using … Read more