Digital Issues

Tuning MySQL: build a smarter and faster database

10th Anniversary Issue Celebration! Complete Linux Magazine Archive DVD included! (Please note, this is only included in the print edition. You can order the print issue if you want the DVD. The DVD in jewel case will be available to buy separately soon.)

Tuning MySQL: Database performance depends on a number of factors you must identify, analyze, and fine-tune in a systematic way. Learn how to test, measure, and optimize your MySQL installation from the bottom up by looking at your hardware, operating system, and database. 

Detection

If you want to keep the intruders off your network, you have to learn to think as they think. This month, we show you some tricks of the trade. We look at the Metasploit framework, which helps you attack your own network and look for the gaps. You'll learn about some techniques the attackers use to fly under the radar, and we'll show you how to set up your own security camera system. 

Interoperability

Why can't we all just get along? With the tools and methods we feature in this issue, you can make sure everybody plays nice. Learn how to find intrusions with Caine, the Ubuntu-based forensic distro. We'll take a look at the license-free video codec VP8 and the supporting WebM container. We will explore the Java-based open source tool Data Crow and teach you how to manage all of your collections. You'll also learn how to manage your digital images with imgSeek.

Sys Admin

This month we look at tools, technologies, and techniques for the next generation of system administrators. We will show you why a little bait is all you need to turn up spammers with project Honey Pot. We look into professional 3D modeling for everyone with Blender 2.5. In addition, Gnome and KDE developers team up on a cross-desktop keyring tool.

Mobility

Smart, mobile devices are hot and getting hotter. We look at some Linux tools for the mobile revolution. Learn how to keep all your devices on the same page with Funambol, an open source syncing solution. If iTunes isn't for you, you can still manage your music with the GPL'd gtkpod toolkit. And if those bulky default desktop tools are weighing down your netbook, try some lightweight and agile apps.

Locked Down: Shut out network intruders

This month, we examine some Snort helper apps, explore the Prelude IDS, and study an open source methodology for security compliance:

• OSSTMM 3: Open source tools let you test security compliance according to the Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual.
• Intrusion Detection: Prelude displays host- and network-based IDS messages in an easy web interface.
• Snort Helpers: Snorby, OpenFPC, and Pulled Pork extend the performance of this venerable porcine intrusion detection engine.

We take a practical look at cloud computing, including real-world configurations based on several popular platforms:

• OpenNebula: Create a private or hybrid cloud with this laaS open source toolbox.
• UEC Services: Construct and destroy VMs with Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud Services.
• Amazon Web Services: We show you a real-world custom solution built around the Amazon cloud.
• OpenStack: The OpenStack cloud framework is finally ready for real networks.
• CSA: The Cloud Security Alliance addresses security in the cloud.
• Interview: Jim Reavis talks about the CSA mission.

New Tech

This month, we open the door to some promising new technologies, including facial recognition and the semantic web. We show you how to create, process and analyze semantic data with the Apache Jena platform. You'll learn how the innovative ZFS filesystem integrates RAID and volume management. And see how digiKam and libface bring facial recognition to your desktop. 



Device Tricks

This month, learn how to customize your hardware configuration through the powerful udev system. We also help you optimize your code for the processor topology, and we show you how to use your smartphone as a remote.