Simplifying and improving standard commands
rsync
rsync
(Figure 7) was originally written for transferring files remotely over SSH. However, for many users, its speed and versatility makes rsync
well-suited for local file copying as well, functioning as a replacement for scp
and cp
. Part of its appeal is its wide breadth of options, but much of its appeal is its delta transfer – that is, its ability to simplify a transfer by copying only files whose attributes or sizes have changed. This feature makes rsync
useful for updating backups as well.
rsync
is powerful by itself, but it becomes even more powerful when used via Unison
, a front end that makes its options easier to navigate.
Tilix
The terminals used to enter these commands and others like them have changed little over the history of Linux. Recently, though, the virtual terminal has also been updated. The most comprehensive of these efforts is Tilix, which is written in GTK3+.
Tilix (Figure 8) is especially ideal for those who run several virtual terminals at the same time. It not only provides an index pane or tabs for easy navigation, but also the horizontal or vertical splitting of the current window.
Once multiple terminals are started, they can be synced, set to read-only, password-protected, and given bookmarks and hyperlinks. Notifications can be set to signal the end of a process, and triggers to start a process. One especially useful feature is a paste dialog to streamline copying.
None of these features is unique in itself, but their combination transforms the terminal and makes standard terminals seem stodgy and old-fashioned. Like the commands listed above, Tilix can make you feel that you are using a thoroughly modern tool and wonder how you ever got along without it.
« Previous 1 2 3
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.