VSHN.timer #246: Exploring Linux & UNIX Systems

Welcome to another VSHN.timer! Every Monday, 5 links related to Kubernetes, OpenShift, CI / CD, and DevOps; all stuff coming out of our own chat system, making us think, laugh, or simply work better.

Linux and UNIX systems continue to be the backbone of many servers, infrastructures, and enterprise technologies. With their flexibility, robustness, and open-source nature, they offer developers and system administrators an extensive toolkit for performance optimization, security, and innovation. This post explores a few recent developments in the Linux and UNIX ecosystem, from security exploits to performance monitoring and hardware innovations.

1. Attacking UNIX via CUPS – Part I
   The Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS) is widely used across UNIX and Linux systems. This article highlights vulnerabilities found in CUPS, showcasing how attackers can exploit these flaws to compromise UNIX systems. It’s a deep dive into the intricacies of UNIX security and provides insights into safeguarding against such vulnerabilities:
   https://www.evilsocket.net/2024/09/26/Attacking-UNIX-systems-via-CUPS-Part-I
   
2. How to See GPU Usage on Linux
   Monitoring GPU usage on Linux can be challenging, but it’s essential for performance optimization, especially in environments utilizing hardware acceleration or graphics-intensive applications. This guide outlines tools and techniques for keeping track of your system’s GPU usage, making it easier to ensure that resources are being utilized efficiently:
   https://www.geekersdigest.com/how-to-see-gpu-usage-on-linux
   
3. Running Linux on Intel 4004
   The Intel 4004, the first commercially available microprocessor, holds a special place in tech history. A developer has taken on the challenge of running Linux on this piece of hardware, showcasing the adaptability and scalability of Linux even on legacy processors. This project highlights Linux’s lightweight nature and versatility:
   https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=35.%20Linux4004
   
4. OpenSSH 9.9 Released
   OpenSSH 9.9 is here, offering cutting-edge security enhancements and preparing for a quantum-resistant future. This release introduces hybrid post-quantum key exchange along with improved controls for managing connections and faster NTRUPrime code. With a range of bug fixes and performance optimizations, OpenSSH 9.9 sets the stage for enhanced security in a post-quantum world:
   https://linuxiac.com/openssh-9-9-released
   
5. Valkey 8.0 – In-Memory Database for Linux
   Valkey 8.0 introduces new functionalities for this in-memory database solution, designed for high performance and low-latency operations. Perfect for applications requiring real-time data processing, this release demonstrates the continual innovation within Linux’s database systems, providing greater speed and flexibility:
   https://linuxiac.com/valkey-8-0-in-memory-database

Linux and UNIX systems continue to evolve, with advancements in security, performance, and adaptability. Whether it’s optimizing hardware usage, addressing vulnerabilities, or pushing the limits of hardware compatibility, these systems remain indispensable in the tech landscape.

Have you faced any challenges monitoring or optimizing hardware usage on Linux or UNIX systems? How do you prioritize security patches like those in OpenSSH 9.9 in your infrastructure? What unique projects have you worked on that push the limits of Linux or UNIX in unconventional ways? Get in touch with us, and see you next week for another edition of VSHN.timer.

PS: check out our previous VSHN.timer editions about Linux here: #45, #55, #72, #96, #105, #125, #161, #184, #206, #229

PS²: do you prefer reading VSHN.timer in your favorite RSS reader? Subscribe to this feed.

PS³: would you like to receive VSHN.timer every Monday in your inbox? Sign up for our weekly VSHN.timer newsletter.