Tool tests on the fast track
F3 6.0
Function: Testing the size of flash media
Source: http://oss.digirati.com.br/f3
License: GPLv3
Alternatives: none
Plenty of users are familiar with this phenomenon: The cheap 128GB USB stick is already full after using 64GB. This is because of a hardware manufacturer gimmick that makes the operating system think there is more space than is actually available. Windows users can test new storage media using the proven program H2testw. Linux users test flash media using the F3 test suite.
F3 contains the command-line tools f3read
, f3write
, f3fix
, f3brew
, and f3probe
. The f3write
tool writes random data onto a flash device and f3read
reads it again. Users can access the two tools together with a USB memory mount point. Depending on the size of the data medium, you may want to allow for some waiting time. If the data volumes don't match in the end, this might be an indication of a "fake flash."
Anyone who doesn't want to start the read and write cycles manually can use f3brew
. The tool writes 1GB blocks on the drive, performs a reset, and reads the data again. The f3probe
tool checks the blocks of a medium and requires root privileges; parameters control thoroughness and storage needs. f3fix
is a tool for repairing the partition table of flash media. It requires the Parted libraries.
(4 Stars) F3 determines the actual size of flash memories and includes fake information. The tools f3probe
, f3brew
, and f3fix
are still marked as experimental, but didn't cause problems when tested.
Sauvegarde 0.0.7
Function: Client-server backup solution
Source: https://github.com/dupgit/sauvegarde
License: GPLv3
Alternatives: Urbackup, Bareos, Bacula
Sauvegarde is a new project. The backup solution includes three tools: cdpfglserver
, cdpfglclient
, and cdpfglrestore
. The former is a central server component that cdpfglclient
sends its data to and cdpfglrestore
helps with restoring. The server listens on all interfaces on port 5468 by default. The incoming data ends up in a two-stage directory structure under /var/tmp/cdpfgl/server
. Sauvegarde supports deduplication.
You can start the cdpfglclient
tool on the systems you want to back up. In the configuration file, you can specify the directories that the client should keep an eye on, and you can exclude certain files or file patterns from the backup. The client backs up the data as soon as it detects a change. During the transfer to the server, it breaks the data down into 16KB blocks and computes checksums for checking. Information about the backups ends up under /var/tmp/cdpfgl
in a SQLite database.
There currently is no proper documentation – just an installation manual and some configuration files in the GitHub repository. Users need to search for all other information themselves, although compilation from the sources can be done quickly. Users should also note the list of dependencies on GitHub.
(3 Stars) Sauvegarde is already a reliable client-server backup solution. However, because of the meager documentation, it may take a while before users manage to get a meaningful configuration.
WackoWiki 5.4.3
Function: Resource-saving wiki
Source: http://wackowiki.sourceforge.net
License: BSD
Alternatives: DokuWiki, Moin Moin
Several wiki solutions are vying for the attention of Linux users. WackoWiki is located somewhere between top dogs like DokuWiki or MediaWiki and the minor alternatives such as Wiki on a Stick and LionWiki. The rather speedy engine provides a wytiwyg editor, a multilingual interface, access management, data uploads, mail alerts, and more. WackoWiki requires PHP and MySQL.
Once you've unpacked the archive in the web server's document root directory, you can set up WackoWiki either using a text editor or via the web interface. The latter only makes sense if the server is isolated in a local environment or supports HTTPS. The SMTP server setup via the web front end wasn't successful in the test. Mail delivery is required for automatically registering new users. You can also set up the feature manually in the config.php
file.
Working with the editor is convenient – a preview function helps users with composing their posts. The wiki administrator gives users different rights and restricts access to individual pages, as required. WackoWiki pages keeps an eye on sites and sends notifications via email if changes are detected. Registered users can determine the appearance of the wiki and the language in their own settings.
(3 Stars) WackoWiki is a compact, resource-saving wiki engine. Thanks to the user management system, it is suitable for semi-professional use, although the web-based configuration does have weaknesses.
« 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
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
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.