We have all done it before. You accidentally type in the wrong argument to rm or select the wrong file for deletion. As you hit enter, you notice your mistake and your stomach drops. You reach for the backup of the system and realize that there isn't one.

Doing business in today's intensely competitive world is increasingly stressful. Management demands improvements in efficiency, responsiveness, analytics, performance and a host of other criteria. The pressure to improve margins and shareholder value, while it doesn't damage the effectiveness and reliability of critical systems, is never ending.

Over the last five years, the level of interest in Linux and open source software has risen dramatically. Not coincidentally, the number of books on Linux and open source have also risen. The number of titles available leaves the would-be buyer in shelf-shock.

This article shows you how to develop a straightforward, multiplatform application for ripping CDs into the Ogg Vorbis format. Follow along to see how elegant and quick it is to develop using PyQt.

I only started using Linux in November of last year and quickly became a huge fan. I generally learn by running into an issue and then finding an answer - which can often be a slow way to learn. Sometimes you just need a push to get the ball rolling. Sometimes you need a little structured learning, too. After learning of the Linux+ exam, I thought it might be a good way to learn more about my new fascination. So my journey began...

This article describes the HA-OSCAR architecture and features, and demonstrates how to set up a highly available Linux cluster using the first beta release of HA-OSCAR version 1.0.

Q: How can I integrate or replace my current Microsoft Exchange setup when adding Linux to my network?

For several hours each day, Rob Malda has the power to send tens of thousands of Web surfers hurtling toward sometimes unprepared Web sites. No, he's not some shady Eastern European extortionist; he's one of the founders and current editors of Slashdot, the blog of choice for the geek community.

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that sends network configuration information to computers (and other devices) on a network. It allows a system administrator to manage an IP address range from a central location and to maintain network parameters for all systems from that same central point.

After setting up a LAN for your company, the next step is to build a secure Internet gateway for sharing your Internet connection. Fortunately, you don't have to be a geek to set up a gateway and build firewall rules, as it involves minimal open-source software and minor kernel configurations. By setting up a gateway, you allow all the nodes in the subnet to access the Internet through a single secure point. And the gateway takes care of packet masquerading and filtering based on the Iptables rules you build.

Microsoft's Web site was recently urging users to purchase additional hardware or software - or keep computers using the Windows OS off of the Internet altogether. Steve Suehring makes no claim that Linux has all of the answers for security. 'However, attacks can be prevented much easier with Linux,' he writes.

Need to patch your MS computer to fight the MSBlaster worm? Why not just migrate to Linux? Here are some new and updated Linux versions and applications that will make the transition easy.

This column is dedicated to helping IT managers understand and investigate Linux as an alternative to commercial server and desktop solutions. As a Windows refugee I'll share my experience, providing both strategic and tactical advice on how to take advantage of the Linux operating system. I hope this column will be a resource for understanding the business case and technical pathways to migration.

In the last year or so, unsolicited bulk e-mail, more affectionately known as 'spam,' has made headlines and angered, irritated, and frustrated millions of e-mail users. It's even having a significant impact on the infrastructure of the Internet; AOL reports it blocks approximately 1 billion spam e-mails per day. Such a high volume consumes considerable resources.

Joe Barr walks us through his experience with GnuCash personal-accounting software. His conclusion? GnuCash is good enough to trust with his miniature donkey farm’s bookkeeping.

In a previous article I wrote entitled: 'Trial & Error: Mandrake Installation' I described the various events I encountered during my attempt to load Mandrake Linux 8.1 on my Main Box, which had Windows 2000 Professional loaded previously. Everything was fine with the exception of Mandrake Linux recognizing my Modem and Sound Card. Several Mandrake users had written me to explain to me where I can find the resolve to the particular problems I had encountered in my installation. I thanked them and yes, the resolves were stated by the Mandrake installation procedure as well. What I was trying to illustrate was how a first time or even an intermediate user of any operating system would fare in loading Mandrake Linux right from the box. How would Mandrake Linux fare compared to an automated install that MS gives home/small office business users? It is true, seasoned veterans of Linux could have handled the installation work-arounds with no problem. When you're trying to determine if Linux (or any distribution) would work for a staff of former MS users or first time users of any computer operating system, what results could be expected?

Upgrading our LAMP application, Nola, proves little more difficult than changing a light bulb. Also: things our author did that you'll want to avoid! (3,200 words)

Installing a full-function, multi-user, open-source business accounting package for Linux requires Apache, MySQL, Nola, and precious little hardware. Part 15 in our 'Linux for Peanuts' series. (4,900 words)

Have you ever daydreamed about being a movie producer? Or sitting in the director's chair and bringing it all together? With Linux and the right video card you can. (1,660 words)

A minimalist Red Hat 7.2 server installation provides a standardized platform to build Nola and the rationale behind our selection of this free accounting software revealed. Part 14 in our 'Linux for Peanuts' series. (6,300 words)

In part 13 of the Cheap and Easy Linux Network for Peanuts, we discuss the required components needed to install Nola, the GPL licensed, open-source, Linux-based accounting system. (4,050 words)

The 802.11 wireless standard allows computers near each other to communicate using high bandwidth at an attractive price. Products based on the standard are very popular. Unfortunately, the networks these devices create are not secure. Ride along with our wardriving columnist. (1,500 words)

This snake is quick, but it doesn't bite! The Boa Web server teams up with cgiemail as we apply the final additions to our text-messaging gateway. (1,900 words)

Attitude makes a world of difference. Xine installs easily, offers clear documentation, and is supported by development community that encourages newbies. Oh, and as a streaming media player for Linux, Xine performs fabulously. (1,200 words)

I somehow backed up the wrong partition when I attempted to backup the /var partition. When it came time to restore it, I discovered there was nothing there. As luck would have it, I had no other backups. This is how I restored my system and had it back to normal in less than an hour. (1,800 words)

You don't need to spend $1,000 to get a quick, reliable, easy-to-use system that sends text messages to pagers and PCS cell phones. All you need is an old PC, Linux, free software, and a dusty old modem. (3,200 words)

Details on configuring XFree86 with xf86config. Also, how to create a Web server that handles text communications from desktop machines to digital cell phones, PCS phones, and alpha pagers. (3,000 words)

Debian has a reputation for being difficult to install. Relax, it just takes a little time to reveal Debian's true nature: It's a good, solid, easy-to-use distribution that doesn't break down under the weight of automation. (4,200 words)

Nitty-gritty detail on installing the newest versions of Slackware and Red Hat remotely. Plus, how to configure the firewall in the latest Red Hat distribution & handling humongous software suites. (5,000 words)

Network installation of Linux doesn't differ greatly from a standard installation that uses a local CD-ROM, and you will find that it meets our twin criteria of Cheap and Easy. Cheap, because it eliminates redundant hardware. As for Easy, well, keep reading and find out for yourself. (3,700 words)

In this series, we show how little you need to spend to outfit your organization -- big or small -- with hardware some might consider worthless, while giving away nothing in utility, speed, reliability, ease of administration or use. Sound impossible? It's not! (3,100 words)

In this series, we show how little you need to spend to outfit your organization -- big or small -- with hardware some might consider worthless, while giving away nothing in utility, speed, reliability, ease of administration or use. Sound impossible? It's not! (2,400 words)

In this series, we show how little you need to spend to outfit your organization -- big or small -- with hardware some might consider worthless, while giving away nothing in utility, speed, reliability, ease of administration or use. Sound impossible? It's not! (1,500 words)

In this series, I'll show how little you need to spend to outfit your organization -- big or small -- with hardware some might consider worthless, while giving away nothing in utility, speed, reliability, ease of administration or use. Sound impossible? It's not! (1,400 words)

From denial, to diagnosis, to rebuilding and hardening the system, Joe walks us through the life cycle of a hack. (1,700 words)

In the next several installments of the Penguin Brief, Nick will share the tricks he learned in setting up a new Website for VarLinux.org, a nonprofit portal, after he got through to his ISP. (1,200 words)

Unwanted email is the downside to our networked lives. Joshua Drake shows how to use procmail to filter the wheat from the chaff.