The final issue of Linux Format, the UK's best selling monthly Linux magazine, has gone on sale. The first issue launched in May 2000.
You're reading After 25 Years, Linux Format Magazine is No More, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
Linux is a treasure trove of powerful tools, many of which remain undiscovered by casual users. While staples like grep, awk, sed, and top dominate tutorials and guides, there's a second layer of utilities—lesser-known yet immensely powerful—that can dramatically improve your daily efficiency and control over your system.
In this article, we dive into 10 underrated Linux tools that can help you streamline your workflow, improve productivity, and unlock new levels of system mastery. Whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or Linux hobbyist, these tools deserve a place in your arsenal.
1. fd: Find Files Fast with SimplicityThe traditional find command is incredibly powerful but notoriously verbose and complex. Enter fd, a modern, user-friendly alternative.
Why It Stands OutCleaner syntax (fd pattern instead of find . -name pattern)
Recursive by default
Colorized output
Ignores .gitignore files for cleaner results
fd ".conf"
Finds all files containing .conf in the name, starting from the current directory.
Use CaseQuickly locate configuration files, scripts, or assets without navigating nested directories or crafting complex expressions.
2. bat: cat on Steroidsbat is a drop-in replacement for cat with superpowers. It adds syntax highlighting, Git integration, and line numbers to your file viewing experience.
Why It Stands OutSyntax highlighting for dozens of languages
Git blame annotations
Works as a pager with automatic line wrapping
bat /etc/ssh/sshd_config
You’ll get a beautifully highlighted and numbered output, much easier to parse than with cat.
Use CasePerfect for reading scripts, configs, and logs with visual clarity—especially helpful during debugging or code reviews.
3. ripgrep: Blazing-Fast Text SearchAlso known as rg, ripgrep is a command-line search tool that recursively searches your current directory for a regex pattern, similar to grep—but much faster and more intuitive.
Go to Full ArticleUbuntu's announced new monthly snapshot releases. The development builds use new automated release processes, but won't replace stable releases.
You're reading New Ubuntu ‘Monthly Snapshot’ Available to Download, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
A fix to Ubuntu's Software Updater tool is rolling out, resolving an issue where the 'install' button would disappear (and not return) until closed.
You're reading Ubuntu Fixes Vanishing Install Button in Software Updater, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users can make use of the Intel Graphics Preview to unlock support for newer Intel GPU features, like faster ray tracing and ML.
You're reading Newer Intel GPU Support Now Available on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
SuperTuxKart developers announce the first release candidate of SuperTuxKart 1.5, the next major version of the popular, open-source racing game.
You're reading SuperTuxKart 1.5 Release Candidate Now Available, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
Ubuntu Summit 2025 will be hosted in London, UK as Canonical makes big changes to the nature of the event, focusing more on remote participation.
You're reading Canonical Announce Big Changes to Ubuntu Summit, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
Over the last decade, the open-source movement has not only transformed the world of software, but also catalyzed a sweeping revolution in hardware tinkering. At the heart of this shift lies a convergence of accessible microcomputers like the Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers like Arduino—each supercharged by the robust ecosystem of Linux. This combination offers hobbyists, engineers, and creators a versatile, low-cost, and endlessly customizable toolkit for automating their homes, collecting environmental data, and even experimenting with artificial intelligence at the edge.
This article serves as your dive into the world of Linux-based DIY automation. Whether you're looking to build a smart garden, a weather station, or simply learn how to use Bash scripts to control physical components, you're in for a journey that fuses digital logic with real-world interaction.
Understanding the Core Platforms Raspberry Pi: The Linux Microcomputer PowerhouseThe Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer capable of running full-fledged Linux distributions such as Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, or even lightweight server OSes like DietPi. It features a Broadcom SoC, USB ports, HDMI output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a 40-pin GPIO header for interfacing with sensors, relays, and other peripherals.
Key Features:
Runs full Linux OSes.
Offers Python, C/C++, and shell scripting environments.
Suitable for tasks requiring networking, databases, file systems, and multimedia.
Use Cases:
Home automation hub.
Data logging and processing.
Media streaming and game emulation.
Arduino, by contrast, is not a full computer but a microcontroller. Devices like the Arduino Uno or Nano excel at reading analog sensors, controlling motors, and maintaining precise timing. They are programmed using the Arduino IDE, which runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Key Features:
Real-time control of electronic components.
Lightweight and low-power.
Supports C/C++ with a vast array of libraries.
Use Cases:
Reading temperature, humidity, motion sensors.
Driving LEDs, motors, and servos.
Reliable execution of small, repeatable tasks.
Download Raspberry Pi Imager from raspberrypi.com.
Firefox 139 adds custom New Tab wallpapers, improved HTTP/3 performance, and AI-powered link previews, but nothing flashy - for the first time in a while.
You're reading Firefox 139 Brings Custom New Tab Wallpapers, Better Upload Speeds, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
Flexbar, a crowdfunded Touch Bar clone, has begun shipping to backers. Better yet: the team has added Linux support too, which is great to see.
You're reading Flexbar (USB Apple Touch Bar Clone) Now Supports Linux, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
When you build a server according to your plan and requirements, you want it to run quickly and efficiently, right?
The post How to Stop and Disable Unwanted Services from Linux System first appeared on Tecmint: Linux Howtos, Tutorials & Guides.FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is one of the most widely used and standard protocols over the Internet,
The post Top 15 VsFTP Server Interview Questions with Detailed Answers first appeared on Tecmint: Linux Howtos, Tutorials & Guides.Linux 6.15 kernel released with new NVIDIA Rust driver, major exFAT performance gains, controversial fwctl subsystem, and more hardware support.
You're reading Linux 6.15 Kernel Released, This is What’s New, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
No need to hunt through GNOME Settings to adjust Night Light temperature intensity as this nifty extension adds an intensity slider control in the Quick Settings menu.
You're reading This Extension Adds Night Light Intensity Slider to Quick Settings, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
Copyright © 2025 WNCLUG-Asheville - All rights reserved
Developed & Designed by Alaa Haddad