Top 10 Linux articles, top 5 tutorials

1. Next-generation Linux file systems: NiLFS(2) and exofs

   Linux® is the ongoing innovation champion when it comes to file systems. Discover the advantages of two new file systems that are becoming part of the Linux reach: the NiLFS(2) log-structured file system and the exofs object-based storage system.

2. Bash by example, Part 2

   Make the most of your existing UNIX® experience with these top-notch bash programming-fundamentals skills: looping constructs, shell arithmetics, and the often-used conditional (if-then) statements—and discover why, sometimes, it's helpful to refer to all command-line arguments at once. (See more in the Bash series.)

3. Common threads: Awk by example, Part 1

   This perennially popular series shows you how awk handles multiple logical fields, what to do with C-like conditional/if statements, how to use regular expressions with code blocks, how to manipulate numeric and string variables, and how to pass external scripts to awk.

4. Bash by example, Part 1

   More bash for you. Part 1 sets the scene for Part 2 by introducing bash and its environment variables and string handling. There's a great mini-seminar on the if statement, and the article demystifies using quotes in the language. (See more in the Bash series.)

5. Visualize your data with gnuplot

   When you need the most exquisite charts and graphs and plots you can get to compete in today's environment, use the freely distributed plotting tool Gnuplot 4.0 to outshine your rivals.

6. Lazy Linux: 10 essential tricks for admins

   By using these 10 Linux systems administration tricks, you can dismount the stubborn DVD, snatch back your thoroughly hosed screen from the jaws of blue death, and dig up troubleshooting information—all designed to amaze your tech friends (and all accompanied by top-notch examples).

7. Common threads: Sed by example, Part 2

   Ideal for batch-editing files or for creating shell scripts to modify existing files in powerful ways, learn how to use sed to perform string substitution and to create larger sed scripts. Also, discover how to use sed's append, insert, and change line commands.

8. Inside the Linux boot process

   You start with the initial bootstrap and learn all the way to the beginning of your first user-space application. Unveil other Linux boot process topics such as boot loaders, kernel decompression, and the initial RAM disk. Come see why the flow of booting a Linux system is remarkably similar whether you're booting a standard x86 desktop or a deeply embedded PowerPC® target.

9. Linux tip: Bash test and comparison functions

   More on bash. Fly through the maze of testing and comparison options in the bash shell and you demystify the various types of file, arithmetic, and string tests, gaining the knowledge to know when to use test, [ ], [[ ]], (( )), or if-then-else constructs. (See more in the bash series; see all Linux tips on developerWorks.)

10. Linux initial RAM disk (initrd) overview

    The Linux initial RAM disk is a temporary root file system mounted during system boot to support the two-state boot process. Uncover initrd's anatomy, learn how it's created, and see how it's best used in the Linux boot process. (See more in the "Anatomy of ..." series.)

1. LPI exam 101 prep, Topic 101: Hardware and architecture

   Learn to configure your system hardware with Linux. By the end of this tutorial, you will know how Linux configures the hardware found on a modern PC and where to look if you have problems. (See more LPI exam prep tutorials.)

2. Build an embedded Linux distro from scratch

   Learn to build a custom Linux distribution for use in an embedded environment. Plumb the depths of cross-compiling, the boot loader, file systems, the root file system, disk images, and the boot process. The associated commentary helps you tie general information about these components to the decisions you'll make as you build the system and create the distribution.

3. LPI exam 101 prep, Topic 102: Linux installation and package management

   Learn how Linux uses disk partitions, how Linux boots, and how to install and manage software packages. (See more LPI exam prep tutorials.)

4. LPI exam 101 prep, Topic 103: GNU and UNIX commands

   Get an introduction to common GNU and UNIX commands. By the end of this tutorial, you will know how to use commands in the bash shell, including how to use text processing commands and filters, how to search files and directories, and how to manage processes. (See more LPI exam prep tutorials.)

5. LPI exam 201 prep, Topic 201: Linux kernel

   This tutorial will prepare you to tackle the Linux Professional Institute Intermediate Level Administration (LPIC-2) exams by teaching you to understand, compile, and customize a Linux kernel. This is the first of eight level-two preparation tutorials. (See more LPI exam prep tutorials.)

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