Tool Tips
Tool Tips
Tool tests on the fast track
DevicesInLAN 0.4
Network scanner
Source: http://turulomio.users.sourceforge.net/en/devicesinlan.html
License: GPLv3
Alternatives: Nmap
DevicesInLAN 0.4 checks which computers are online on the local network. Root privileges are required for access, and the Python tool writes the results to standard output. The list displays the MAC addresses, the current IPs, and the network card manufacturer. DevicesInLAN sorts the entries by IP address by default. If you use the tool on a gateway computer with several interfaces, you can specify the -i
parameter to define which NICs to use for the search. Otherwise, the tool uses all that are available.
You can assign computers an alias name with the --add
option to help better identify known computers in the output. This mapping is based on the MAC address and is unique. In the next scan, the tool highlights the systems selected in this way in green and thus differentiates them from the unknown computers. The -l
parameter gives you an overview of all the aliases; users can remove the names again using --remove
.
3 Stars DevicesInLAN quickly gives users an overview of computers on the network. The tool is ready for use immediately after unpacking and requires no configuration. The documentation is currently quite sparse because the project is at an early stage.
gxmessage 3.4.3
Graphical output for console tools
Source: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~trmusson/programs.html#gxmessage
License: GPLv3
Alternatives: Xmessage, Zenity
The Gtk xmessage clone gxmessage presents information or messages from your own scripts in a pop-up window on the desktop, accepts user input, and returns it to the program as exit code.
The dialogs are configured when called. Gxmessage supports most xmessage parameters. Users can, for example, customize the foreground and background colors and set the font, the font size, the title, the size, and the position of the window. Further parameters keep the window in the foreground or place it centrally, near the mouse pointer, or even across all virtual desktops. Users can define one or more buttons for interaction. Each button has a unique identifier and a return value.
Anyone wanting to use the same properties in all of their gxmessage dialogs can set the parameters in the configuration file, ~/.gtkrc
. The man page provides sample applications and detailed explanations.
5 Stars Gxmessage is a practical tool for integrating the output of your own scripts in Gtk interfaces. Because the tool is familiar with common xmessage parameters, users can customize existing scripts in just a few steps.
Site Monitoring 2.1.6
Web page monitor
Source: http://sitemonitoring.sourceforge.net
License: BSD
Alternatives: Monit, RelMon
Site Monitoring monitors web pages. The Java program checks general availability, HTTP codes, and the content based on samples provided by the user. It will detect all broken links at this point. The tool summarizes the results in visually appealing statistics.
Configuration and access to the evaluation occur through a web interface, where users can define new checks and edit or remove existing ones. You can determine what Site Monitoring looks for and when during each check. The tool will notify you about problems by email, if desired. User management is missing; unfortunately, there is only an admin account.
The developer Jirka Pinkas offers two commercial versions as well as the free version. The Professional version for around EUR140 per year integrates MySQL, PostgreSQL, Tomcat, and Jetty; the Enterprise issue also provides support for MS SQL, Oracle, and JBoss, as well as GlassFish, WebLogic, and WebSphere for around EUR285 per year.
4 Stars Site Monitoring is a useful Java tool that monitors websites and their content. Points were deducted for the lack of user accounts.
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
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.
-
Fedora 41 Beta Available with Some Interesting Additions
If you're a Fedora fan, you'll be excited to hear the beta version of the latest release is now available for testing and includes plenty of updates.
-
AlmaLinux Unveils New Hardware Certification Process
The AlmaLinux Hardware Certification Program run by the Certification Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to ensure seamless compatibility between AlmaLinux and a wide range of hardware configurations.
-
Wind River Introduces eLxr Pro Linux Solution
eLxr Pro offers an end-to-end Linux solution backed by expert commercial support.