FOSSPicks
PeaZip
There are so many different archiving tools for Linux including the venerable tar
, gzip
, and xz
, and the plucky upstart, zip
. Each typically has its own syntax for compressing files and folders into a single file, and conversely, its own syntax for decompressing that single file into one or more of its constituent original parts. Some even separate these functions into separate commands entirely. Of course, it's common to find graphical tools such as Xarchiver that encapsulate all these functions into a single executable. What isn't so common is finding a tool that does this across operating systems like PeaZip promises. PeaZip is a graphical desktop archive tool that can extract the contents of over 200 archive types, including all of the above, and many more, on both Linux and Windows.
The Linux version is built using the GTK2 engine, and it's functionally identical to the Microsoft Windows version, which is itself compatible with Microsoft Windows 10/8/7/Vista, XP, Wine, and even ReactOS. The application functions much like a file explorer, with filesystem navigation in the pane on the left and files on the right. Double-clicking on any supported archive will present its contents after a few moments delay, where you can continue to navigate through the archive as you might a directory. Single files and directories can be extracted either manually or with drag and drop. There are some nicely integrated functions, such as a web search, password decryption, and advanced filters, and the breadcrumb path management and history views will help new users. But the best thing about the application is still that it works the same across platforms, which is especially important on Windows where the operating system is littered with commercial proprietary equivalents offering fewer features.
Project Website
Peer-to-peer web browser
Beaker
There's no denying that the World Wide Web is a wonderful thing. Anyone can set up their own website and make it available online to anyone else. However, there's no doubt that the process is now more convoluted, and risky, than it was in the early days where you could serve pages from httpd running on your own system. This is maybe why corporations like Facebook have been so effective at becoming the (closed) World Wide Web for local community groups and institutions, and it's something that this new browser could potentially help. Beaker is a web browser with a unique, and currently experimental, emphasis on peer-to-peer hosting of personal sites that could offer an alternative to a hosted community. The application has just hit its 1.0 milestone.
When first launched, there's very little to distinguish Beaker from any other Electron app. Thanks to its embedded Chromium engine, you can immediately start browsing the HTTPS web just as you can with Chromium. The menus are a little sparse, but there is support for bookmarks, tabs, and adblock filter lists. There's also a developer menu with a terminal, and even more mystically, a protocol called Hypercore (hyper://). This is where the peer-to-peer part comes in: Beaker lets you create your own web pages and turn them into something called "Drives." These can be immediately hosted to other browsers capable of using the Hypercore Protocol – no servers required. Beaker's functionality is already mature, including the editor and testing tools, as well as the API for integrating the publishing mechanism to your own workflow, good documentation, and a decent range of templates for getting started. The drive component lets you only share a link with specific people, making it perfect for personal photo albums, for example. It's an interesting idea that could easily develop into an alternative web platform if just a few more people were using it.
Project Website
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.