Many large companies have jumped on the Linux band-wagon because of the overall cost. Most of these companies underestimate what actually goes into the every day usage of a Unix Based free Operating System. In reality, These operating systems are Lacking in a number of areas. There are very important things that Linux needs in order to truly compete with other modern Operating Systems.

The first big problem is Ease of Usability of the OS. In all Linux Based OSes, at least a fair amount of Command Line in any moderate or advanced usage. Further more, You have to use command line to troubleshoot almost any problem, no matter what the problem is. Other OSes have minimized the need for Command Line usage to the point that it is the option of the user. They include wizard and menus to assist the user in what he or she might be doing. Most Linux Distributions do not take this much time, Thinking the user can figure it out or learn it on his own. This takes away from the companies time and resources, costing the company more money than they saved.

Not only is the OS hard to troubleshoot, so is the software. Generally the software is painfully hard to configure. Usually consisting of finding a configuration file, editing it, and correcting the problem with very little documentation. If it is not edited correctly the incorrect configuration could degrade functionality to the point of not usable. This is a huge risk for server installations that can not be taken down for any circumstances.

The last issue is the security of the entire OS. No operating system is 100% secure. Although, anyone who has hardened a Unix server can tell you it is a chore in itself. All software (including the OS) configurations have to be checked, again with very little documentation to go by. Which again is a major headache and takes up a good bit of resources. The kicker is that new vulnerabilities go unnoticed on a regular basis, that have been hiding for years, some close to decades or more.

Linux is still a tinker toy for most of the community that maintains the code for the operating system. They volunteer their time and to these people it is a hobby. That is not to bash this group of highly intelligent programmers and computer enthusiast that enjoy Linux. But that does not mean that it is ready for main stream computer users out there. This will only happen when the Linux operating system is looked at as a business and business product as its predecessor (Unix) was.
 
Changing the password of a Linux box... without a password.
 
Deleted everything with out a password.... Not good
 
Ever worried about viruses in Ubuntu / Debian, I have. This will show you how to install real AV in Ubuntu / Debian. This install is for Ubuntu / Debian, but avast! has installation file for other distros too. The other options are RPM (Red Hat), and a generic TarBall for most other Unix Distros (Tar.Gz)

                                                                    Some Command Line required... :-)

Step 1: Download and Install avast Home

Step 1a: Run this command to download the .deb file (installer)
wget http://files.avast.com/files/linux/avast4workstation_1.0.6-2_i386.deb
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Step 1b: Start the installation using this command
sudo dpkg -i avast4workstation_1.0.6-2_i386.deb
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Step 2: Register with avast!

Step 2a: Fill out this form to get a key
http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php

Step 2b: Wait for the eMail


Step 3: Setup and Register Software

Step3a: Run this command to get to the script:
cd /usr/lib/avast4workstation/share/avast/desktop
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Step3b: Now run this to setup a shortcut to the program:
sudo ./install-desktop-entries.sh install
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Step 3c: Start the program, got to: Applications > Accessories > avast! Antivirus
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Step 4: Enter The Key

Step 4a: When the program starts you should get this prompt:
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Here enter the key that is in your e Mail Inbox

Done! Now you you have real Antivirus on your Ubuntu Box. This will help, but is not bullet proof. You still need to harden the machine more... More To Follow
 
 Ubuntu Server is a easy Server OS to install. This guide will show you how to install Ubuntu Server with a GUI. This will show you how do a basic installation, You will have to install the modules that you want based on its role.


Step 1: Boot the ISO

1a You will have to download the ISO from http://www.ubuntu.com/server. and burn it to a CD.
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1b After it is Burnt, Insert the disc and reboot your computer. ( Adjustment of your BIOS Boot Order may be in order)


1c Select your language and press enter
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2d Next select Install Ubuntu Server 
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Step 3: Start installing the OS


3a Select your Language
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3b Choose your Territory
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3c Keyboard Setup
     Select No
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      Next Select keyboard 
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     Next select USA
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3d  Wait a Minute, after a second you will get a asked to enter a Host Name.
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Step 4: Partitions

4a After the Clock setup, You will get this screen. Press Enter.
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4b Select your Partion and press enter.
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4c Select Yes and continue
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4d Next hit Enter
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4e Select Yes to write changes to the Disk


Step 5: Wait for the OS to install

5a Wait

5b Enter your Username 
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5c Press Enter
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5d Enter your Password or Passphrase
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5e Verify password

5f Press Yes to the Encrypt Home prompt
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5g Leave the Proxy Info prompt blank and press Enter 
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Step 6:

6a Let APT configure

6b Select Install Security Updates Automatically
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6c Select Software for server (More can be installed)
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6e Wait for Software to Install and thank the Ubuntu Gods that you do not have to do it manually

6f Select Yes to install GRUB
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6g More Waiting

6h Remove the CD and Press Enter Here
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Step 7: Install GUI


7a After Reboot and enter username and password


7b Install GUI with these following command:
                     sudo apt-get update
                     sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
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This will take some time to download and install. All and all very easy, especially for a Linux Distro.
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This is a complete installation of Ubuntu Server 10.04 with a GUI. Have Fun... More Ubuntu to come!
 
Ever wanted Compiz or your favorite FPS in VirtualBox... Now you can. This tutorial will show you how to configure 3d Acceleration for Ubuntu 10.04 (Ultimate Edition 2.7). The only catch is your hardware will have to support VirtualBox AND 3D effects.

Step1: Setup 3D Acceleration

1a Select your Virtual Machine and Click Setting

1b Click on Display, then set your Video Memory to 12b MB, and then enable 2d and 3d acceleration
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1c Click OK

Step 2: Installing Guest Additions

2a Start and let the Virtual Box boot up

2b Click on Devices and select Install guest Additions
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2c In the Ubuntu Virtual Machine, Click on Places and select VBOXADDITIONS
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2d Click on Open AutoRun Promt and Click Run
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2e Enter your Password
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2f  Let Guest Additions Install and Restart
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Step 3: Start Compiz

3a Goto System > Preferences > Appearence > Visual Effects

3c Click on Extras and install and configure Compiz the way you want it.

Done. Now you can run 3d acceleration running Ubuntu in VirtualBox. My favorite effect... Water. This will allow you to do the Cube and most 3D effect. The last clip is my to-the-point video on the subject.
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    Richard Carpenter

    A Young Computer Guy in a Old Computer World

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