Tool tests on the fast track
Tool Tips
We tested Mtools 2.3, PasDoc 0.14.0, SMTube 15.8.0, Jq 1.5, Pen 0.30.0, and PingChecker 15.8.16.
Mtools 2.3
Testing multicast connections
Source: https://github.com/troglobit/mtools
License: Public Domain
Alternatives: Mz, Netsniff-ng
Multicast connections are used to send data from a single sender to a group of receivers at the same time. This technology is mainly used in multimedia applications – for example, distributing live streams. Two tools, msend
and mreceive
, allow users to perform simple tests.
To check the sender, call msend
. The tool then uses the default network interface in the IPv4 224.1.1.1 address range to send UDP packets on port 4444 at intervals of one second. At the receiving end, you need to call mreceive
– again without any options – to listen to packets in the same IPv4 range on port 4444. To send or receive the data on a specific interface, you need to define this at the command line using -i
; mreceive
will also take multiple interfaces if needed.
By default, msend
sets the TTL of the packets to 1
, thus causing the first router to drop them and keeping them on the local network. Admins who need to test multiple routers on large networks can increase this value using -t
.
(3 Stars) Mtools provides two practical helpers for testing multicast connections. It loses points for a lack of IPv6 support.
PasDoc 0.14.0
Pascal source code documentation
Source: http://pasdoc.sipsolutions.net
License: GPLv2
Alternatives: None
Documenting their own source code is a pesky task for many developers. PasDoc relieves part of this burden for Pascal and Delphi programmers. It works its way through the units and uses the comments, functions, and object classes to generate clear-cut API documentation.
The project website has versions of the tool, which is written in Pascal, for Windows, OS X, and Linux. The tarball with the Linux version includes both a command-line tool and a graphical variant. You can use the partitions on the left-hand side to decide which directories and files PasDoc should include in the documentation. Optionally, the tool adds headers and footers to the documentation and even checks the spelling.
PasDoc generates documents in LaTeX and HTML format. To modify the layout of the HTML files, the program uses CSS files, which the user can define. The roadmap includes XML support for future versions.
(5 Stars) The command-line variant is excellent for larger projects, giving programmers the ability to update program manuals automatically.
SMTube 15.8.0
YouTube browser and client
Source: http://www.smtube.org
License: GPLv2
Alternatives: Minitube, Gtk YouTube Viewer
The SMTube video browser and player is part of the SMPlayer front end. It comes with a clear-cut user interface for finding YouTube movies, filtering the list of results, and playing movies.
When first launched, SMTube lists movies that are popular with other users; later, the tool will show you the category you most recently selected. The client supports 13 additional categories (e.g., animation, news, sports, science, and technology). To play movies, SMTube relies on SMPlayer by default. You can use the configuration dialog to set up an alternative player, such as MPlayer or VLC.
In contrast to earlier SMTube versions, you no longer download movies directly in the client, but via a detour. You need to specify a tool such as uGet or Youtube-dl in the configuration. The reason for these changes is that the video platform itself changes frequently.
(4 Stars) The YouTube client for the Linux desktop leaves nothing to be desired. Because YouTube regularly changes its interfaces, readers should choose the latest SMTube version to ensure full viewing pleasure.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.