My Blog

Basics of Linux Shell and Shell Scripts

This post covers the basics of using the shell in Linux, how to write shell scripts, as well as some information about processes in general. I use the Bash shell so the syntax represented here reflects that. If you use another shell, the syntax might be slightly different, so consult the documentation. I should also point out that while I refer to a system as Linux for simplicity, I am of course talking about GNU/Linux. And this is relevant for BSD users as well!

The Suckless Stack

linux software-engineering

In this post I am going to talk about the Suckless software tools and how I have integrated them into my workflow and daily use. Suckless tools are interesting because they are a little different from the mainstream in terms of how their software is built, configured, packaged and delivered. Their websites summarizes their mission statement as quality software with a focus on simplicity, clarity, and frugality. Lets dig a little deeper into what makes Suckless software unique.

Securing Linux: Closing Open Ports

linux

One important aspect in securing a Linux system is closing any open TCP ports which don't need to be publicly accessible. This reduces the attack surface that the system exposes for malicious actors. In case a service needs to be accessed only locally, a good practice is to bind it on the local loopback IP address (127.0.0.1).