Quick Links Iptables is an extremely flexible firewall utility built for Linux operating systems. Read on as we show you how to configure the most versatile Linux firewall. About iptables iptables is a command-line firewall utility that uses policy chains to allow or block traffic. If it doesn’t find one, it resorts to the default action. iptables almost always comes pre-installed on any Linux distribution. And don’t forget tolock down your SSH serverif you fire up the port....

What is ZFS and Why Should I Use it? No matter how much hard drive space you have, ZFS will be suitable for managing it. Maximum integrity Everything you do inside of ZFS uses a checksum to ensure file integrity. When you need more memory in your box, you put in another stick and you’re done. Here are the commands for installing ZFS on some of the most popular Linux distributions....

Unchecky prevents these unnecessary programs from installing themselves by unchecking the appropriate boxes. What is Unchecky? Unchecky is a lightweight software that aims to keep your checkboxes clear. For the casual computer user, Unchecky is something of a godsend. For a competent computer geek, Unchecky is probably not really necessary. Installing Unchecky This is probably the easiest program in the world to install. Head over tounchecky.comand tap on the big button that says download....

Quick Links The caller said “I’m calling you from Windows tech support.” Here’s what happened. Today, we received one of these calls and decided to play along just for fun. Here’s our story. “Our servers have detected viruses on your PC. Are you aware of this?”. “No, I didn’t know about that. What does that mean?” “Can you write down this number?” he asked, before rattling off an alpha-numeric code for me to jot down....

This guide will show you how to configure automated emails on Linux and Windows. Check your email to ensure you received it. smack the link above to download the latest copy, and see to it you grab the TLS-supported version. Open a command prompt by typing cmd into the Start or Run (Ctrl+R) menu. Here’s what the command above actually does: executes the program. To get the most out of our script, we’re going to write it for PowerShell....

They bring up the task manager and look at the running processes. If nothing else, you could always right-tap the taskbar and select Start Task Manager. Simply highlight the problematic system, and hit End Task. There are a couple of ways to go a step further in trying to get these nuisances to close. In the Processes tab, try highlighting the suspect app/process and hitting End task. Even easier, you’re free to right-hit it and hit End task....

Here’s how to exclude files when using rsync. It’ll just check “cache/” against the list. So you’ll need to put “cache” into the list, not the full path. It’s pretty simple beyond that. The syntax is very similar: The same relative path should apply here as above.

You probably already use DHCP a lot more than you realize. DHCP reservations work by binding an IP address to your system’s MAC address. Even if it never sees that MAC address again, it will continue to reserve that IP address. The only problem is, not all routers support the configuration of DHCP reservations. Bring up a command prompt (key in cmd into the Start menu) and key in ipconfig....

Why Do I Want to Do This? This less than ideal situation is, however, thankfully mended by the release of the Steam Family Options. We’ve had the opportunity to beta-test Family Options and have been quite pleased with it. Turning Family Options On Launch your Steam client. Once it has finished loading, navigate via the menu bar to Steam - >configs. Within the configs menu, select Family. At the top of the screen you’ll see Family Options, as seen in the screenshot above....

Quick Links Valve’s SteamOS is a living-room gaming operating system based on desktop Linux. Before doing this, ensure you have back ups. You do this at your own risk – you could run into problems. Ye Olde SteamOSe’s developer, directhex, has done this tweaking work for us and packaged it up. As SteamOS is freely redistributable, this is entirely legal. Burn the ISO image file to a DVDandboot your box from the disc....

Update:This should also work on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and probably 8.2. It’ll also work on Windows 10. Note: Disabling UAC will lead to a less secure system, so be warned. you’re free to also enable or disable thisfrom the Control Panelif you choose.

Fortunately there are a wide variety of metal/ruggedized flash drives on the market now. For such situations, something like theAnker Astro($30) is a better fit. We know, we know. There’s no shortage of cool magnetic toys either. Speaking of magnets, let’s not neglect the magnet mecca in the home: the refrigerator. Have a LEGO fanatic? Know they have a favorite LEGO series? Your avenues for indulging your friends' and family members' geek streaks is effectively unlimited....

Why SFTP? Not to mention the security concerns with cloud services. But wait, there’s more! Click that link to download and set up the program. When installation finishes, open freeFTPd via the new shortcut icon on your desktop. To get started with the configuration, select Users to the left. Now that the user is setup, punch the SFTP tab. The only thing really worth changing on this tab is the SFTP root directory....