Tool tests on the fast track
TrackFS 0.1.0
File System Overview
Source:http://freecode.com/projects/trackfs
License: GPLv2
Alternatives: Installwatch
With eagle eyes, TrackFS watches over filesystems and logs the changes made to them. The tool notices when new files and directories are added, as well as when users or programs update or remove files.
Contrary to the well-known Installwatch tool, TrackFS does not rely on the LD_PRELOAD
function. Instead, the program uses the ptrace
system call, executing all child processes of the monitored program with tracing enabled, and thus monitors system calls.
Thanks to ptrace
, TrackFS can cope with statically linked libraries – but at the expense of execution speed. The tool is not suitable for daily filesystem monitoring; its strengths lie in monitoring installation processes or looking for system errors. By default, TrackFS logs the changes it identifies in the logfile specified by -l
. To keep the log readable, the tool combines multiple changes to an object in a single entry.
The tool also offers to create backup copies of manipulated files and folders (call option -b
). The parameter -I
expects a list of patterns to exclude objects from monitoring. TrackFS ignores these objects, does not save them, and does not write them to the log.
TrackFS is well suited for monitoring the filesystem during an installation or cleanup. The tool is useful for finding bugs, as well.
HTPDate 1.0.5
Synchronizing the Time via HTTP
Source: http://www.vervest.org/fiki/bin/view/HTP
License: GPLv2
Alternatives: Ntpdate, Rdate
The correct system time is a must-have. If users can't synchronize the date and time with an external or internal time server using ntp
or time
(e.g., because the firewall blocks the appropriate port), they can use htpdate
. The tool sends requests to an arbitrary web server via the HTTP port and synchronizes the settings of the local computer with the remote source.
To do this, HTPDate interprets the timestamp in the HTTP header. By default, the tool uses HTTP version 1.1; alternatively, you can specify the parameter -0
to force it to use HTTP 1.0. HTPDate can handle both IPv4 and IPv6. Optionally, the tool runs as a daemon and queries the web server at regular intervals. It can define the optimum interval between the requests itself, or alternatively, the user can do this manually using -m
and -M
for custom limits.
The -b
option launches htpdate
in burst mode, which asks for the time several times on each run, thus providing more accurate results. To query one or more web servers for the time, simply call the program along with the server addresses. You can specify up to 16 web servers, but usually three will suffice. The -q
option ensures that HTPDate only displays the time vector but does not change the system time.
HTPDate steps into the breach and offers time synchronization when NTP is not available. The tool runs in the background as a daemon, if so desired.
MKAT 0.5
Burning and Cataloging CDs and DVDs
Source: https://github.com/ledestin/mkat
License: GPLv2
Alternatives: PHP CD Archive, phpMyCatalog
The MKAT tool suite helps users create and catalog audio and data CDs and DVDs. The collection contains four command-line tools: burn
, burna
, mkat
, and mkata
. The first two create the images or burn disks, whereas the last two take care of cataloging. All of the programs are shell scripts that rely on proven tools such as genisoimage
, wodim
, and growisofs
in the background.
The setup for the individual MKAT components is found in the /etc/mkatrc
file. Also, you can use this file as a template for a personal configuration file in ~/.mkatrc
. The files essentially contain parameters for generating the images and starting the burn software, as well as paths to the catalog directories. By default, these are below ~/.mkat
. The settings in ~/.mkatrc
take precedence over those in /etc/mkatrc
.
For each disk, you will see a file with a label and the .list
file extension. All of the files for the disk reside here, including their sizes and corresponding MD5 checksums. Tags are also included, as specified by the user when cataloging the disk. Later, you can search by filename as well as by these tags.
With just a few simple steps, the MKAT tool suite not only creates data CDs and DVDs but also records them in a catalog. The shell scripts rely on familiar tools and do not require a database connection.
« Previous 1 2
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.