Issue 21: Shell Shock: Command Line Tips and Tricks

Jono shares what's inside Ubuntu's latest Long-Term Support release.

The shell may look like an old-fashioned bit of technology, only useful for the Linux hardcore programmers and system administrators, but knowing a few commands and how to link them together goes long way.

Bash and PowerShell are related, but as in all large families, the branches of the tree often take on different forms.]

Does the ingenious script your wrote last month look like confusing spaghetti code today? We show some proven style guidelines that can provide order and readability.

From simple queries to complex menus: Using dialog, you can create a graphical interface for shell scripts with only a few extra lines of code.

The Shell Script Compiler converts scripts into binaries, which protects against accidental changes but also carries some pitfalls.

Anyone doing off-road navigation needs special maps. You can create these maps in no time at all.

Many programs communicate over the network, and when a bottleneck occurs, these tools can help you determine the cause.

Some Linux followers see systemd as the best thing since sliced bread – for others, it's the work of the devil. However, it also has the stuff to clear out old trenches and form a unified base for Linux.

Calibre lets you bring some order to your digital library. You not only can restore reading material lost on your hard drive, but you can also convert digital books into a format of your choice.

"Where does all my money go?" A good personal finance management application like Buddi or HomeBank can help you to answer this question.

Nitro is an application with a modern design created for managing task lists. This free program even synchronizes with different systems.

With the current version 1.7, Minecraft developers have dared to take a step away from the popular blocks look. However, the real thrill of the game is hardly its visual effects.

QupZilla is a new Linux web browser that enters in an already crowded arena. But, QupZilla holds its own when it comes to speed and ergonomics.

The Inkscape vector graphics program not only lets you work with pencil and ink lines, it can help you mimic the elegant brushstrokes of an oil painting. Our three easy-to-follow examples show you how.

Ubuntu 14.04 offers some changes to the installation process. We'll walk you through upgrading or installing the latest release.

With NetworkManager, you can access the Internet during the Ubuntu installation process. The first step is to download updates to make your system more secure.

Ubuntu's Software Center lets you install just about anything, including free software, purchased apps, and games.

Movies, music, and Internet telephony are easy to use in Ubuntu. You just have to load the right software packages onto the computer. We present some favorite multimedia apps.

How do you approach an open hardware project? We look at Aaron Seigo's projects Vivaldi and Improv as examples and discover how hard it really is to manage a truly free hardware project.