Up Your Coding Game, VI Guide - Hacker 's Text Editor

We live in a time when time is the most precious resource, when everyone is in a hurry somewhere, when even developers look for shortcuts, when even some Linux users avoid using the Terminal emulator, except when they have to; surrendering to a more modern and attractive desktop graphical environment. And then we wonder why younger generations are not interested in some outdated text editor that is used directly in the Terminal emulator, where you even have to learn convoluted commands to type the most trivial text. After all, why not use the nano text editor, or even better, some modern graphical one if we really must?

Who has the time today to learn and practice using the most trivial text editor? The first reason is, believe it or not, so that you wouldn’t be a ‘Goddamn crybaby’ in the world of Linux users. Not to mention hackers, for them, it is unacceptable! Knowing how to use the VI text editor is a real art, and that is not the only reason why it is favored among the greatest hackers in the world, but because it is primarily a tradition, because it is encountered even in the oldest Unix variants, it is simply available. It is also useful because the POSIX - a standard for program compatibility on Unix systems requires that VI be present, despite the fact that its use requires learning and experience.

Otherwise, VI can save you when you find yourself in a situation where you are working on systems that do not have graphical environments, such as some remote servers or local systems. It can also be used as an IDE – integrated development environment for programmers. In today’s Linux distributions, VI is increasingly rarely installed in the basic package, but it can always be downloaded and installed from its official web page. See here. For example, the Kali Linux distribution Linux-ax has VI installed as VIM, an enhanced derivative of the original VI text editor, but not gVim, a text editor that has all the functionalities of the VIM text editor with its own graphical environment.

VI, Vim - Hacker's Text Editor

VIM can also be installed on all other platforms. On the Windows operating system, it can run in a graphical Windows window or be used in the Command Prompt. The first version of the VI program was written by Bill Joy in 1976 while he was a student at the University of California, Berkeley. VI is an abbreviation derived from the word ‘visual’ because the program was supposed to enable text modification on a video terminal using a movable cursor. However, its significant improvement was created by Bram Moolenaar.

Considering that you cannot just start the VI text editor and immediately type text as you want, because you must constantly switch between different modes of operation and use certain commands with text work; compared to other simpler text editors, you need more habit than less training to use it with ease. VI was created to be light and fast, designed for quick typing because you do not have to lift your hands from the keyboard while working with it.

Currently, as we write this text; most Linux distributions instead of VI mostly use the VIM derivative, its enhanced modern version 9.1.16 runs on both VI and VIM commands in the Terminal emulator. Unlike the VI text editor, its derivative VIM is free and open-source software, which is also issued under a license that contains some clauses that encourage users who enjoy the software to consider donating to children in Uganda. The license is compatible with the GNU General Public License through a special clause that allows the distribution of modified copies under GNU GPL version 2 or any later version.

VIM for Beginners: How to Get Started and What Commands You Need to Know

Learn Basic Linux Commands, Your First Steps in Terminal

Let’s assume you’re a Windows user who has decided to get acquainted with the Linux operating system, constantly hearing about Linux distributions while never having used them yourself. You’re tired of not knowing, wanting to learn new things and progress regardless of your age or the job you’re in. You have an older computer where you could install the Linux operating system, or you have a fast and powerful computer with plenty of hard disk space to install a virtual machine and one of the Linux distributions on it.

The first step is to do some research, question yourself about what kind of Linux distribution you would like to use. There are many Linux distributions for different purposes, some may be more appealing to you while others are not, tastes differ; maybe you would want to limit yourself to your own criteria or simply see what’s on offer and what other Linux users are using. Therefore, before you make your decision, we recommend that you look at the list of the Top 50 Linux distributions; take a look here; before you make a decision.

And then, once you’ve made the right decision, read some text about your distribution or watched a video on the YouTube channel on how to install it, and if you’ve gathered enough courage and installed the Linux distribution you like and have chosen yourself, then you’re ready to sail into the world of Linux and become one of the significant users of the Linux operating system and its huge community on the Internet. We won’t hold it against you as a beginner if someone else helped you install your Linux distribution or if you simply got it pre-installed with your new laptop.

Linux Terminal Commands

When you start your already installed Linux distribution and enter the correct password, the graphical desktop of your Linux distribution will appear. Of course, this is provided that you are not using a Linux distribution that does not use any graphical environment. Such a Linux distribution is definitely not for beginners. But since you probably have one of the most common graphical environments like Xfce, KDE, GNOME, and others, customized with themes, colors, and the appearance of your Linux distribution, it is obvious that after starting and logging into your Linux distribution, you will see the desktop of your Linux distribution. Take a good look at the desktop of your Linux distribution and look for a button on the navigation menu, which has an icon with a black window drawn on it, similar to the Command Prompt in the Windows operating system.

This button is usually visible on the navigation bar because it is frequently used. If this is not the case with your Linux distribution, look for Terminal or Console in the menu or search bar. Then start the mentioned application and expand its window so that you can comfortably type Linux Terminal commands. This application is generally called Terminal although a terminal itself is a smaller computer, i.e., an embedded system. A terminal emulator is software that runs on general-purpose machines that implements the behavior of a real terminal. You won’t be wrong if you call the Terminal emulator Terminal, because most Linux users have such a habit and because it is a shorthand that covers all types of Terminal emulators.

The most commonly used Terminal emulator in more popular Linux distributions is Bash Shell, but you also have Zsh, Ksh, Fish, etc. Zsh, for example, offers numerous advantages and improvements over Bash Shell, due to better autocompletion, support for multilingual characters, more advanced configurations and personalizations, integration with plugins, and more options for managing command history. In recent years, it has been increasingly used although Bash Shell is spread across many more Linux distributions.

From Windows Explorer to Terminal: Navigating Linux Like a Pro

Kali Linux Decrypted, A Beginner's Journey into Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking

Kali Linux is not Ubuntu, nor is it a Linux distribution for developers, designers, or animators; it is said to be not for beginners, but one has to start somewhere. Kali Linux is a Linux distribution that is specially designed for network security testing, penetration testing, and digital forensics. Unlike standard operating systems, Kali Linux is equipped with a suite of tools and resources that are essential for investigating and analyzing the security of computer systems. For beginners in the world of cybersecurity, Kali Linux represents an ideal tool for entering this exciting field. With its simple interface and rich set of tools, even complete beginners can start their journey in understanding the basics of cybersecurity.

Its slogan goes "The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear". One of the key features of Kali Linux is its ability to simulate hacker attacks on network systems, allowing users to test and identify weaknesses in their own infrastructure. Through the process of penetration testing, users can gain a deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities of their systems and take steps to strengthen and protect them from real hacker attacks. However, it is important to emphasize that ethical hacking is an essential part of using Kali Linux. Instead of being used for illegal or malicious purposes, Kali Linux is used for education, testing, and improving the security of computer systems. Ethical hackers, also known as White Hats, use Linux distributions like Kali Linux to identify weaknesses in systems and help organizations fix them before they are exploited by real attackers.

Kali Linux is a tool that can change the way you view computer security. Through its use, you can learn how to protect your systems from attacks, develop skills that are in demand in the cybersecurity industry, and contribute to the global effort to preserve digital security. Therefore, embarking on a beginner’s journey into the world of cybersecurity and ethical hacking with Kali Linux is not just a 
step towards learning new skills, it is also a step towards understanding the power and responsibility that come with knowledge of computer security. Are you ready to start your risky journey?

A girl uses Kali Linux 

We say risky because times are changing. Younger users often use Kali Linux for various reasons, even if they may not be involved in hacking in the traditional sense. One of the reasons is curiosity and the desire to explore the possibilities of this toolkit. Kali Linux users often like to explore new technologies and experiment with different software tools, while Kali Linux provides a fascinating world for exploration. The exceptional popularity of the Kali Linux distribution is undoubtedly also due to the famous American series Mr. Robot. Through the story of Elliout Alderson and his activities in the world of hacking, Mr. Robot emphasized the use of tools like Kali Linux in the world of cybersecurity.

The series often showed Elliot using various software tools, including Kali Linux, to carry out his hacking actions. Many were inspired by the character of Elliot and his abilities, so they began to explore and use tools like Kali Linux in their research and projects, and many still do so today. What you need to know in today’s times, the Kali Linux distribution gives you power in the world of local networks and the Internet; but it also requires responsibility from you. The greater your power, the greater your responsibility towards the individual, society, the community, and the whole world. Therefore, limit your education to using only your own devices, systems, networks so that you do not violate any laws and end up in prison.

Do not play with illegal activities! Today, there are institutions and specializations where you can be trained as an ethical hacker. There are companies that are ready to employ you and pay you more than any programmer. However, this is not achieved with a bad reputation. Learn everything you can, learn to have knowledge, preserve your own dignity, and be careful with whom you associate and what you do. I will reveal a big secret to you. For some institutions, you are never invisible on the Internet, no matter what you use!

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Kali Linux

Ubuntu, the best Linux distribution, why does it stand out from the rest?

Definitely, you won’t go wrong if we tell you that Ubuntu is the best choice for a Linux distribution, especially if you’re a beginner in the Linux world, a programmer, or simply intend to install a variety of software and database systems and have them all work seamlessly. Despite the fact that distributions like Arch Linux follow the philosophy of KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid – emphasizing simplicity – and may be more aligned with personal preferences, they require a deeper understanding of Linux and are better suited for experienced users. On the other hand, Ubuntu holds a special place in the world of operating systems due to its exceptional combination of reliability, user-friendliness, a rich Ubuntu Linux community, and a wide range of features it offers to users.

For instance, if you get employed by a company that uses a Linux operating system, there’s a high probability that you’ll be working with Ubuntu. The name Ubuntu, which translates to “Humanity towards others,” originates from South Africa. Although the creator and developer of the Ubuntu operating system, Canonical Ltd., is based in London, UK, with over 500 employees, Ubuntu consistently ranks at the top of many distribution lists and is even considered one of the best operating systems worldwide. Since its initial release on October 20, 2004, Ubuntu has become synonymous with stability, security, and innovation in the world of free software.

However, like many other distributions, Ubuntu has occasionally faced issues such as freezing during updates or power outages, requiring reinstallation and potentially resulting in data loss. From our personal experience in recent years, we don’t recall any major complications with Ubuntu that it didn’t resolve on its own, preserving my projects. Undoubtedly, Ubuntu has evolved significantly over these 20 years, maintaining its distinctive purple-orange aesthetics while providing an intuitive user interface

Ubuntu, the best Linux distro

In terms of desktop environments, the Ubuntu distribution switched from its specific Unity desktop environment to GNOME after Ubuntu version 17.10. However, this can be changed by installing a different desktop environment using simple commands in the terminal. If you’d prefer to use another desktop environment, consider Ubuntu derivatives – Linux distributions based on Ubuntu. Some examples include Linux Mint, elementaryOS, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, and Ubuntu Budgie. You can explore the Top 50 Linux distributions for 2024 here.

Ubuntu Linux is also a derivative itself. It is based on the Debian distribution and prioritizes ease of use, freedom from restrictions, regular release cycles, and straightforward installation. Ubuntu can be used in more than 55 languages. Its primary license is the GNU GPL - General Public License, but it also utilizes other licenses. The Ubuntu kernel, the core of the operating system; is monolithic, meaning the entire OS runs within the kernel space.

What further contributes to Ubuntu’s popularity among Linux users is its package manager, dpkg (APT), which it inherited from Debian. Many other distributions also use dpkg. However, it’s essential to note that Debian and Ubuntu dpkg packages are not always directly compatible with each other. Sometimes, *.deb packages created by Debian need to be rebuilt to work correctly in Ubuntu. For comparison, the Arch Linux distribution uses the renowned pacman package manager, which is quite different and is primarily used in Arch-based Linux distributions. Ubuntu also employs other tools like GNOME Software, Snap, Snap Store, and Ubuntu Software, making application installation easier, especially for Linux beginners.

Installing Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

A look into the future, Top 50 Linux distributions that will mark the year 2024

A Linux distribution or distro is a variant of the Linux operating system that includes the Linux kernel and additional software packages such as libraries, system management tools, applications, and user interfaces. The primary purpose of a distribution is to enable users to easily install and use Linux, tailoring it to their needs and preferences. A Linux distribution generally consists of the kernel, system tools, libraries, user interfaces, and applications. Many Linux distributions have their standard similarities; most use the same graphical environments, applications, package managers, while they can also be completely different from everything you are used to and what you expect from a Linux distribution.

Regardless of how long you have been a Linux operating system user and how high a level of knowledge you possess, you can always encounter a Linux distribution you have never heard of. In addition to some extremely popular ones, there are so many others, so choosing the perfect Linux distribution for you can be an extremely complicated decision. There are even experts in the field of Linux distributions who are capable of creating their own Linux distribution totally according to their own needs. While different Linux users have their different needs. Likewise, if you like a Linux distribution, it does not mean that the same will appeal to another Linux user.

That’s why every year, top Linux lists are made, discussed, suggested, and surveyed according to numerous values, which in some way help you narrow down the huge choice of Linux distributions. It also often happens that even the Linux operating system user does not have a clear idea of which Linux distribution would suit them. Even when you choose a Linux distribution for yourself, your choice of graphical environment or totally without it is also your choice. Then the choice of applications may also require you to make additional installations.

Top 50 Linux Distributions, Choose Yours! 

Customizing certain things in your Linux distribution according to your desire often starts with the graphical environment until you start digging much deeper. You can completely change the appearance of folders, icons, mouse pointers, the terminal, and even make your Linux distribution look identical to, for example, macOS. You can even automate some processes and tasks. What you will make of your Linux distribution and what it will ultimately look like, how unique it will be, depends on your decisions, research, learning, and effort. This is the greatest success, beauty, self-motivation, and endless game that users limited to only the Windows operating system can hardly understand. However, it all starts with your choice of Linux distribution. Today there are various categories of top Linux distributions according to different needs. Just look at some:

• Top list of Linux distributions for beginners

• Top list of Linux distributions for experienced users

• Top list of Linux distributions for daily use

• Top list of the most popular Linux distributions

• Top list of Linux distributions for developers

• Top list of Linux distributions for gamers

• Top list of Linux distributions for hackers

• Top list of Linux distributions for designers

• Top list of Linux distributions for business

• Top list of Linux distributions for old computers

• Top list of Linux distributions for laptops

• Etc.

The top list of Linux distributions that we present in this blog post is the result of research by Google company based on average weekly search numbers in Google search engine for the period from January 2023 to 2024. We have singled out the top 50 ranked Linux distributions for you and you probably haven’t heard of some Linux distributions. This top list is not a definitive list and ranking as you would expect it to be and can be the subject of great discussions. Just keep in mind that this is statistics and not anyone’s suggestion. Sometimes it’s good to explore more lists on the Internet.

Linux for Everyone: Overview of the Top 50 Distributions in 2024

Exploring endless possibilities, what is Linux and how is it used?

Believe it or not, there are people in Serbia whose first computer was a laptop with a pre-installed Linux operating system. And it wasn’t even the Ubuntu distribution. Hard to believe, right? Some of them later complained, but that’s another story. Let’s focus on those who haven’t changed their Linux distribution that came pre-installed with their laptop to this day. But let’s start from the beginning. What is Linux?

Linux is the kernel of a free operating system developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 while he was a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. If the entire Internet was built on Unix systems that weren’t cheap, then Linux is simply a free Unix-like system. Essentially, it’s similar to Unix, assembled and developed according to the principles of free software. Developed as an open-source project, Linux is distributed under a free license that allows users to view, modify, and distribute the source code as they wish.

At its core, Linux is the operating system kernel that facilitates communication between a computer’s hardware components and software applications. What makes Linux special is its openness and flexibility, which means users have complete control over their computers and can customize the operating system to their needs. Linux supports a wide range of devices, from desktop computers to servers, embedded systems, supercomputers, and even smartphones. With over a thousand different versions that stand out for their features, aesthetics and specific user groups, Linux offers extraordinary adaptability and personalization.

In many companies, a developer is expected to know how to use the Linux operating system

Furthermore, Linux is known for its stability and security. However, due to its openness, a large number of developers worldwide continuously work on improvements and bug fixes, making the Linux operating system exceptionally reliable. What you first need to know about the Linux operating system is that it significantly differs from the Windows operating system. These are two completely distinct operating systems with different characteristics, philosophies, and approaches.

Linux is renowned for its adaptability and flexibility. Users can customize the system according to their needs, choose different desktop environments, kernel versions, and software packages. Linux is free, although it also has commercial distributions. On the other hand, the Windows operating system is not free, which can be a significant cost, especially for large organizations. Windows offers less customization and greater homogeneity in the user experience. It imposes a single graphical environment where you have limited room for changes and definitely lack access to many features.

Linux is often considered more stable and secure than Windows. Thanks to its open-source nature and development model, the Linux community promptly responds to discovered vulnerabilities and errors, contributing to enhanced security. Conversely, Windows faces a higher number of viruses, malware, and security issues due to its different security approach. Most Linux users do not rely on antivirus programs for Linux operating systems, given the negligible number of viruses that target Linux. 

The Linux Conundrum: Why Isn’t Everyone Switching Over?

Revolution in web design, CSS styling of the website

There are few who remember in the mid-90s, what web sites based on tables and crowded with content looked like. Then, exactly on September 17, 1996, CSS - Cascading Style Sheets appeared, a formatting language that defines the appearance of page elements. But more importantly, CSS was presented as a way to separate web design from content. However, web designers did not take this genius change lightly and it took years for CSS to be accepted until they saw what it could achieve in terms of the visuals of a website. It wasn't until CSS version 3 that CSS was fully accepted. As for older browsers, when they come across CSS3 parameters they can't handle, they simply skip them.

Despite the fact that you cannot learn CSS3 through one post or even through a whole book because CSS3 is learned through practice and years, you can understand this lesson as an introduction to CSS3 and we will also continue learning it through the following HTML5 & CSS3 tutorial posts. For now, you should remember that using the CSS language - Cascading Style Sheets is one of the basic ways to style and format web pages. CSS makes it possible to separate the design and appearance of a web page from its content and structure, making it easier to maintain and providing more flexibility in customizing the appearance.

From Idea to Code, The Process of Creating CSS Styles

 

First, we'll introduce you to a few key aspects of using CSS to style your site. That are:

• Selectors - CSS uses selectors to identify the HTML elements you want to style. Selectors can be based on element names, classes, IDs, or other element attributes.

• Rules - CSS rules define how selected elements should look. Rules consist of properties, such as color, font, margin, and values assigned to those properties.

• Cascading - the basic feature of CSS is cascading, which means that multiple rules can be applied to the same element, and the final appearance is determined by the specificity of the selector and the order of the rules.

• Box model - CSS defines a box model for each HTML element, which includes margin, padding, border and the content of the element itself. This enables precise management of space and positioning of elements.

• Responsiveness - CSS enables the creation of responsive web design, adaptable to different screen sizes, devices and orientations.

• Pseudo-elements and pseudo-classes - CSS allows styling special states of elements, such as hover, which is an event when the user moves the mouse over the element, or active, which is an event when the user presses the element.

• Classes and IDs – these allow targeting specific groups of elements or individual elements, allowing for precise styling.

• External and Embedded Styles - CSS rules can be defined within the HTML files themselves, in the headers of <style> sections, or they can be kept in external CSS files that link to HTML documents.

• CSS transitions - this is a technique that allows a gradual transition between different styles, e.g. for animations or transitions.

• Flexibility and modularity - CSS allows designers to create different style layers and apply them to different parts of the site, making it easier to maintain and scale.

Essentially, CSS is a key tool for designing and styling web pages so that they look visually appealing and functional. And step by step, you will master the best styling through years of practice.

Creating Styles at the Web Page Level