AhTim.com » Linux http://www.ahtim.com Tech, Web 2.0,How To,Reviews,Downloads for Tech Guys Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:29:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Linux File Server supported by Microsoft http://www.ahtim.com/linux-file-server-supported-by-microsoft/ http://www.ahtim.com/linux-file-server-supported-by-microsoft/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:55 +0000 AhTim http://www.ahtim.com/?p=3179 What happen when enemies meet together? Enemy should not forever enemy. The miracle happen when Microsoft contributes open source code to Samba, a Linux file server system!

Samba, is a Windows interoperability programs that simulate Windows domain and file server feature in Linux File Server. It provide secure, stable and fast file service for windows client. In fact, it even faster than Windows server when I transfer large file to Samba!

This is not first time Microsoft support Open Source Software. It has supported some open source projects such as CodePlex, Phython, PHP languages and Drupal CMS.

I’m happy to see enemies become friend. Yes, make more friends than enemy. :)

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/linux-file-server-supported-by-microsoft/feed/ 0 100% Clone Windows XP OS http://www.ahtim.com/100-clone-windows-xp-os/ http://www.ahtim.com/100-clone-windows-xp-os/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:20:55 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2331

Image by maxsailor

We can’t deny China has A LOT of talented copy cats. They can copy huge Website, and now Windows XP Operating System!

You’re right. This is 100% look-alike clone Windows XP build on Ubuntu Linux 9.10. It is a free, fast, stable, safe, customizable yet user-friendly OS. Suitable for Windows user who want to give a try on Linux.

The Ylmf Linux OS

The Windows XP alike OS was created by an independent developer team – YLMF Computer Technologies. They named the OS as Ylmf OS! What a great product from open source community, you’ll never get it from other place.

What so great about Ylmf OS? It more than an ordinary OS. The OS has been designed and compiled with all popular tools, applications and plugins you need to use for daily work.

If you think it is hard to install and use Linux, then you’re wrong. Ylmf comes with SMPlayer, Open Office, CompizConfig (cool interface effects), Wine (to run Windows apps), Firefox (with plugins), aMule (P2P downloader), Pidgin (instant messenger) and many more.

It it almost Plug and Play without further download/setup. Want to try out yourself? Download a free copy of Ylmf OS here, and you’re ready to go. The Website only in Chinese version, refer to your friend who knows Chinese or use Google Translate.

My Two Cents

I believe there will be more Linux users after Ylmf OS released. I’ll use this OS too, if I own a company myself. It really save a lot of software license fee. Yeah! I like free things ;)

But the question is, will it be involved in lawsuit from Microsoft? Tell me what do you think?

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/100-clone-windows-xp-os/feed/ 2 3 Easy Ways to Try Out Linux OS http://www.ahtim.com/3-easy-ways-to-try-out-linux-os/ http://www.ahtim.com/3-easy-ways-to-try-out-linux-os/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:07:13 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2125 Do you want to try out Linux OS but worry on the risk? Yes, me too. That’s why we come out these 3 easy ways to test drive your machine on Linux.

1. Live CD/ DVD/USB Stick

This is the safest way to test drive Linux. You download image file (.iso) of the Linux, burn into CD or DVD. Then reboot your computer and boot from optical drive (CD or DVD).  If it is not set yet, press setup key (F2/ F8/DEL) once Power On. Look for Boot Device Priority, set the first device to your CD/DVD drive.

Don’t want to burn CD? Ok, you can “burn” into USB thumb drive too. Use UnetBootIn to create bootable Live USB drive. Of course your motherboard must be able to support boot from USB drive.

2. Virtual Machine

Virtual machine is an Emulator. It creates virtual computer environment inside your computer. Means you can have two, three or more computers in a physical computer. VirtualBox is a FREE yet good emulator.

Setup virtual machine and install Linux from the image. To run smoother, I recommend at least 1GB memory. You can delete it anytime if you don’t want anymore, without changes on current OS.

3. WUBI Installer

No more partitioning. If you don’t burn CD, don’t want setup virtual machine, then use WUBI to install Linux in your Windows directly. WUBI or Windows Ubuntu Installer install Ubuntu as a program. You may remove it later by using Add/Remove programs. You need Ubuntu live CD ready or else it takes time to download. Don’t expect it run as fast as real Linux!

Hope you enjoy Linux and do let me know if you have more ways to test drive. Nobody should have excuse to not try out Linux. :)

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/3-easy-ways-to-try-out-linux-os/feed/ 2 Setup Free Firewall, Proxy Server http://www.ahtim.com/setup-free-firewall-proxy-server/ http://www.ahtim.com/setup-free-firewall-proxy-server/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:29:40 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=1007 I’ve step the whole morning to setup firewall and proxy server with my colleague.

Well, due to budget constrain and experience, a linux box can easily fulfill our needs.

Remember my requested free original Ubuntu Linux? We configure Ubuntu as our free firewall and proxy server!!

The latest version 8.10 doesn’t seem too much different with my old version 7.04.

Setup Free Firewall

My colleague downloaded the latest Ubuntu and install on a normal computer. The Ubuntu was updated with all necessary patches and firewall tool — Firestarter. No hassle on firestarter installation, just select from Synoptic packager and wait until finish.

Firestarter is easier than iptables. Its GUI let you setup policy with few clicks away. Just open up standard port that need to use by your applications. Add authorized IP into Outbound policy.

Setup Free Proxy Server

The whole purpose of this linux box to control internet access. Proxy server make webpage loading faster. Also can control the usage, eg: restrict access to porn, violence website.

The free and easiest way is via Squid. Squid is free proxy server tool in linux. I use “apt-get” command to install Squid within few seconds.

After the installation, configure basic parameter in /etc/squid/squid.conf. Allow local LAN IP range and http_access. Once done, restart Squid service > /etc/init.d/squid restart

Now the Squid is running well. To make transparent proxy (for lazy administrator like me), add two lines iptables rules.

iptables -t nat -A PREROUTING -i eth0 -s ! squid-box -p tcp –dport 80 -j DNAT –to squid-box:3128

iptables -A PREROUTING -t nat -i eth0 -p tcp –dport 80 -j REDIRECT –to-port 3128

All HTTP request via proxy server automatic redirect to its Proxy port 3128 with rules applied. No configuration need on client PC.

My two cents

The setup was so smooth, out of my expectation. That means my Linux skill has improved. Wish to get more hands on to polish up my Linux knowledge. I worry will forget if not using for too long time.

Are you using Linux box? Which Linux is it? Ubuntu, SUSE, Fedora or …?

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/setup-free-firewall-proxy-server/feed/ 4 8 Biggest Differences between Linux and Windows http://www.ahtim.com/8-biggest-differences-between-linux-and-windows/ http://www.ahtim.com/8-biggest-differences-between-linux-and-windows/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:07:47 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=466 Until today, still got friends ask me what is the differences between Linux and Windows? This is an interesting question. Some of you may already know the answer. But could you list them out?

I’m not Linux expert. I won’t give Linux course here. Just share some good points that I found on Internet. Might be more than 8 points here. I think I just list out the important ones.

  • Open source vs Close Source – The most significant difference is Linux is open source and Windows don’t. This mean you know what the program run, while Windows not allow that even if it store in “malicious” software to spy you.
  • GPL License vs Ms Licensing – In fact, Linux belongs to the GNU Public License that allow user to access or alter the kernel as long using back the name “Linux”.Also, you can download a ginsle copy and install as many machines as you like. For Windows, no such thing as “Free”. You pay for server license, client license, client access license, terminal server client license and many more.
  • Online Peer Support vs Paid Helpdesk Support – You can have the support of huge community via forums, online search, and plenty Web sites. If not, you also can subscribe to the paid service for Linux. While for Windows, you have to subscribe their service contract or solve it yourself.
  • Partial vs Full Hardware Support -Although Linux has more items in HAL (Hardware Compatibility List), still consider a main issue why people don’t use Linux. I encounter lack of wireless adapter driver for mine. Check for Linux compatibility before buy new hardware. No such problem on Windows, I think.
  • Command line vs No Command line – Command line is always in Linux. Perfect for administrative purpose. The command line in Windows is too limited. Less power for administrator.
  • Centralized and Non-Centralized Application source – Linux has centralized application source such as Apple “App Store”. The concept has been implemented long time ago such as Synaptic, apt-get, etc. Linux users can get latest softwares from same trustable source. While for Windows, search for yourself and hopefully it is not a Trojan. :)
  • Flexible vs Fixed – Linux is flexible for customize to meet individual requirements. Windows is in standard package and you only can customize its wallpaper without an extra software.
  • Multi Layer Run Level vs Single Layer Run Level – Almost same with “command line” above. Linux has multi layer run level, run level 3 (command line) and run level 5 (GUI). I know Windows also has “safe mode command line”. But can Windows install application in command line mode? No. Linux works as normal without a GUI.

I doesn’t mean Linux is always better than Windows. I use both. Depends on usage. Which oerating system you like more? Linux or Windows? ;)

[tips: TechRepublic]

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/8-biggest-differences-between-linux-and-windows/feed/ 2 11 Funniest Tux iCons http://www.ahtim.com/11-funniest-tux-icons/ http://www.ahtim.com/11-funniest-tux-icons/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:04:14 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=501 Tux is a software mascot that represent Linux. The little penguin was first created at year 1996. Over years, the little penguin (Tux) has become famous due to well known of Linux kernal. Let’s see the 12 funniest Tux icons.

Recent original tux icon

1. Naruto tux

2. Batman tux

3. Ninja Turtle tux

4. Spiderman tux

5. Bruce Lee tux

6. Shrek tux

7. Super Mario tux

8. Mickey tux

9. Elvis tux

10. iPod tux

11. Charlie Chaplin tux

[source: coolest and funniest tux icons]

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/11-funniest-tux-icons/feed/ 8 LTSP on Hard Drive http://www.ahtim.com/ltsp-on-hard-drive/ http://www.ahtim.com/ltsp-on-hard-drive/#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:53:59 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=439 LTSP or Linux Terminal Server Project is one of the good method to save your Microsoft Windows OS license cost.Basically, LTSP client can boot on various way: a diskette, CDROM, Network Card (NIC) or Hard Drive. In this way, of course it save your hardware cost too!

I’ve implemented LTSP client in production workstation 2 years ago. All LTSP client boot with configuration set on SUSE Linux server (SLES 9). Less admin work, easier to maintain such huge workstation pool. Most of my LTSP client have no hard drive. They run on just NIC or a diskette for older motherboard that don’t have PXE.

LTSP Boot Device Problem

Recently I faced a problem to overcome LTSP boot device error. As you know, we seldom use acient floppy drive nowadays. Some old LTSP computer have to boot from floppy diskette and the floppy drive spoilt. How to resolve this problem once for all? It is tedious job to buy floppy drive and replace. Floppy drive and diskette is high consumable item. It can just spoilt easily without notice.

So, I’ve do some reseach and found a way to install LTSP client on hard drive (HDD). Since the old computer has small and unuse hard drive, I can utilise that. Now we don’t scrap those 2GB, 4GB, 10GB hard drive. What a waste. They are more than enough to store 5MB LTSP boot image!

Install LTSP Boot from Hard Drive

I surpise nobody post about this method on internet. Actually, it is quite easy if you know the tricks. You will need to download 2 files:

After download the files, unzip the RAWRITE.zip and “burn” the eb_on_hd.ima image into a blank floppy diskette. In Windows Command Prompt:

>  rawriteb eb_on_hd.ima a:

Wait for the floppy disk to be written in all 80 circles. Boot up the old computer from the floppy diskette. Follow the instruction on screen and install etherboot on hard drive ( for all NIC drivers). Done!

Now my old LTSP client has been resurrect and running even smoother. ;)

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