by George Whittaker Introduction

In today's digital world, cybersecurity threats are ever-growing, making ethical hacking and penetration testing crucial components of modern security practices. Ethical hacking involves legally testing systems, networks, and applications for vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Among the various operating systems available, Linux has established itself as the preferred choice for ethical hackers due to its flexibility, security, and extensive toolkit.

This article explores the most powerful ethical hacking tools and penetration testing frameworks available for Linux users, providing a guide to help ethical hackers and penetration testers enhance their skills and secure systems effectively.

Understanding Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, is the practice of assessing computer systems for security vulnerabilities. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers follow legal and ethical guidelines to identify weaknesses before cybercriminals can exploit them.

Difference Between Ethical Hacking and Malicious Hacking Ethical Hacking Malicious Hacking Authorized and legal Unauthorized and illegal Aims to improve security Aims to exploit security flaws Conducted with consent Conducted without permission Reports vulnerabilities to system owners Exploits vulnerabilities for personal gain The Five Phases of Penetration Testing

1. Reconnaissance – Gathering information about the target system.

2. Scanning – Identifying active hosts, open ports, and vulnerabilities.

3. Exploitation – Attempting to breach the system using known vulnerabilities.

4. Privilege Escalation & Post-Exploitation – Gaining higher privileges and maintaining access.

5. Reporting & Remediation – Documenting findings and suggesting fixes.

Now, let's explore the essential tools used by ethical hackers and penetration testers.

Essential Ethical Hacking Tools for Linux Reconnaissance & Information Gathering

These tools help gather information about a target before launching an attack.

• Nmap (Network Mapper) – A powerful tool for network scanning, host discovery, and port scanning.

Go to Full Article

A big Vivaldi web browser update is rolling out with a set of appreciable improvements long-time users will like, and would-be users may be tempted to try. Vivaldi 7.2 amps up its address bar logic to proffer more relevant results, faster. Search suggestions and search accuracy have been tweaked so that “finding what you need feels seamless”, according to Vivaldi Technologies’ CEO Jon von Tetzchner. Sticking with the speed theme, Vivaldi 7.2 is said to load pages faster—up to 2x as fast for some—thanks to some nifty optimised connection handling work on the backend that reduces latency on domain lookup. […]

You're reading Vivaldi 7.2 Released with Speed Improvements + More, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

GIMP 3.0 has finally arrived after 7 years of development. Discover the best new features including non-destructive editing, a GTK 3 UI, and more.

You're reading GIMP 3.0 Finally Released with a HUGE Set of Changes, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

A few months back Firefox announced it was finally adding support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) after years of ignoring its own user’s requests to do so. If you’re running a recent Firefox Nightly build, you can now flicking the switch on an experimental hidden flag — browser.taskbarTabs.enabled — in the about:config page to enable the feature (which Mozilla is calling Taskbar Tabs). Right now, enabling that flag won’t do anything (on any platform). But the fact the flag has been added ought to mean the feature itself isn’t too far behind. In anticipation, here’s a look at what we might […]

You're reading Firefox is Finally (Re)Adding Support for Web Apps, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

With Ubuntu 25.04 feature freeze now in effect the final licks of polish and paint have begun landing — including an update to Ubuntu’s Yaru theme. The Yaru theme is composed of a modified GTK4/libadwaita stylesheet, GNOME Shell theme, icon pack, and set of system sounds. With visual change and new features in GNOME 48 to account for, the design team working on Yaru have dutifully update the theme to accommodate. Most of the changes are subtle, but Yaru’s oversized icon bug I reported on last month? Fixes to address that issue have—hurrah—made it in. Thus, in 25.04 you might […]

You're reading Ubuntu 25.04 Yaru Theme Update Brings New Icons, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

A ‘fresh new look’ is heading to Bodhi Linux, the Ubuntu-based Linux distribution built around the Moksha desktop, a fork of Enlightenment 17. Noting that the look of recent releases has leaned towards the dark side—no, not that one, Darth—the team has decide to give the next release a lighter visual revamp by making a new theme, called Zenithal, default. “Zenithal, developed by Štefan Uram and based on the Ice theme by Simotek, introduces a polished light aesthetic that brings a fresh energy to Moksha. It also marks a first for Bodhi: windows and dialogs with rounded edges,” they say. Bodhi Linux’s […]

You're reading Bodhi Linux Shows Off New Theme, Revived Modules, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

by George Whittaker Introduction

Home automation has transformed the way we interact with our living spaces, bringing convenience, security, and energy efficiency to our daily lives. From controlling lights and appliances remotely to monitoring security cameras and automating climate control, smart home technology has become increasingly accessible.

However, many commercial home automation systems come with limitations: high costs, privacy concerns, and restricted compatibility. Fortunately, open source software solutions, combined with the power of Ubuntu, offer an alternative—allowing users to create a customizable, cost-effective, and secure smart home ecosystem.

In this guide, we will explore how to set up a home automation system using Ubuntu and open source tools. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking to build a DIY smart home or simply want more control over your automation setup, this article will provide a step-by-step approach to achieving a fully functional, open source smart living space.

Understanding Home Automation and Open Source What is Home Automation?

Home automation refers to the integration of various smart devices, sensors, and appliances that can be remotely controlled or automated based on predefined conditions. The primary benefits of home automation include:

• Convenience: Control lights, temperature, and appliances remotely.
• Energy Efficiency: Optimize power usage with smart thermostats and automation schedules.
• Security: Use smart locks, cameras, and motion detectors for enhanced safety.
• Customization: Tailor automation workflows to match your lifestyle.

Why Choose Open Source Solutions?

While commercial smart home platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit provide convenience, they often come with drawbacks:

• Privacy concerns: Many proprietary systems collect and store user data.
• Device lock-in: Some platforms limit device compatibility.
• Subscription costs: Premium features often require ongoing payments.

With open source home automation, users can enjoy full control over their smart home environment while leveraging the flexibility, security, and community-driven innovation of open source software.

Essential Hardware for Ubuntu-Based Home Automation

Before diving into software, let’s discuss the necessary hardware components:

Go to Full Article

The default wallpaper for Ubuntu 25.04 ‘Plucky Puffin’ has been unveiled. Each new Ubuntu release bears a bespoke desktop background and animal mascot, and the upcoming release of the Plucky Puffin proves no exception. Ubuntu 25.04’s default wallpaper makes heavy use of the nautical motifs proffered by its codename animal (a puffin). Avian art is, as per, placed atop a purple gradient background1 with trademark polygonal edge detailing: The “colour” version above is the stock default, but there are 4 variants in total: colour, light, dimmed, and dark (used in dark mode). Users can set any of those as their […]

You're reading Ubuntu 25.04 Default Wallpaper & Mascot Unveiled, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.