Use packages from other Linux distributions easily with Alien

Use packages from other Linux distributions easily with Alien

Sometimes you come across a Linux application you've just got to have, but unfortunately, the developer only builds for a different Linux platform than you use. Well don't give up, or worse switch platforms, over one application. Just use Alien to morph that package into one your Linux distro can use.
A common situation would be applications developed for Ubuntu and derivatives. If you are using an RPM based Linux, like Fedora, RedHat, or SUSE, then you'll need to find the .deb version of the package and use Alien to make an RPM. 
Here's how.

#Linux   #Sysadmin  
http://www.tecmint.com/convert-from-rpm-to-deb-and-deb-to-rpm-package-using-alien/

How-to: Using Google two factor authentication with ssh on your Linux box

How-to: Using Google two factor authentication with ssh on your Linux box

Two factor authentication is a great way to increase the security of your accounts. Google offers it for your Google accounts and now you can use it to secure your Linux box. How cool is that?

Note that while this tutorial is based around CentOS, it should be simple to apply to most Linux distributions with little modification.

For more info, here is a video on using two factor authentication with your Google account.
https://youtu.be/zMabEyrtPRg

I suggest installing the Google Authenticator app.

#Linux   #Security   #Google   #SSH  
https://www.howtoforge.com/tutorial/secure-ssh-with-google-authenticator-on-centos-7/

Real Talk - Not even Linux is invulnerable. This was a bad year for security.

Real Talk - Not even Linux is invulnerable. This was a bad year for security.

Like Quinn Norton says, Everything is broken. Sad but true.
https://medium.com/message/everything-is-broken-81e5f33a24e1

#Linux   #security  
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2859122/your-linux-pc-isnt-as-secure-as-you-think-it-is.html

Does Qubes demonstrate the future of desktop computing?

Does Qubes demonstrate the future of desktop computing?

Every SysAdmin knows that users do stupid things and that the all the training and policies in the world can't replace good idiot-proofing.
One common example happens when users browse questionable websites in one window while browsing their locally stored corporate financial info in another window. The security breaches they open can allow serious data leaks. Qubes takes the approach of isolating tasks instead of trying to modify user behaviour. By virtualizing each task from the other, these types of security issues are drastically reduced.

#Linux   #Security   #Windows   #SysAdmin  
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/Security-Minded-Qubes-OS-Will-Satisfy-Your-Yen-for-Xen-81282.html