A Guide to Using Cron Jobs for Task Automation in Linux

Automation is a key element in managing and optimizing systems, particularly in the Linux environment. One of the most powerful tools for task automation in Linux is the cron job. Cron jobs are scheduled tasks that run automatically at specified intervals, making them perfect for routine maintenance, backups, system monitoring, and much more. This guide will walk you through the basics of setting up and managing cron jobs, as well as monitoring their performance to ensure they run smoothly.

What is a Cron Job?

A cron job is a scheduled task that runs at regular intervals on Unix-like operating systems. The cron daemon (crond) is the background service that enables this functionality. Users can specify the timing and frequency of tasks using a syntax called a “cron expression”.

Continue reading

How to Set Up SSH for Remote Access in Linux

Secure Shell (SSH) is a powerful tool that allows you to access and manage your Linux system remotely over a secure network. Whether you’re managing a server or just want to access your home computer while you’re away, SSH is an essential skill to have in your toolkit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up Secure Shell for remote access in Linux.

What is SSH?

SSH, or Secure Shell, is a protocol that provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by using encryption. It allows you to log into another computer over a network, execute commands, and transfer files. Secure Shell is commonly used for remote server management.

Continue reading

How can I clear (flush) my DNS cache in Linux?

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates user-friendly domain names into the numerical IP addresses that computers understand. This translation process is expedited by the DNS cache, a local repository storing recent domain name lookups. While this cache enhances online efficiency, there are instances when its clearance becomes necessary. So, today, we will explain what it is and how to flush it in Linux systems and guide you through the process.

What is DNS Cache?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental component of the internet, responsible for translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to locate and communicate with each other. To expedite this process and reduce the time it takes to access websites or other online resources, operating systems and web browsers often maintain a local DNS cache.

In simple terms, a DNS cache stores recent DNS lookups, including the corresponding IP addresses. This means that when you visit a website, your computer doesn’t need to perform a full DNS lookup every time, which can improve page loading times. Instead, it can quickly retrieve the IP address from the cache. However, there are times when you might want to clear or flush it.

Continue reading

​Linux, the object of the DNS cache poisoning attack

In 2020, researchers from the University of California and Tsinghua University found a new method to execute DNS cache poisoning attacks. Unfortunately, Linux, a very reliable OS, was the object of the DNS cache poisoning attack.

What is DNS cache poisoning?

A DNS cache poisoning (DNS spoofing) is a cyberattack that pollutes the cache on DNS resolver servers. This can cause the user to be redirected to the attacker’s server instead of the right one.

Continue reading

An Introduction to Linux Basics

A brief history of Linux Basics

A sizable group of enthusiasts worked on the Linux Basics Operating System online. A Finnish university student named Linus Torvalds began work on the project in 1990, initially seeing the development of an Operating System as a homework assignment. Since then, it has significantly expanded and evolved into the most feature-rich Unix clone that can execute applications, much like the avalanche of Linux.

Linux is a potent, quick, and free piece of software that is becoming more and more well-liked online.

Continue reading