Articles by Bill Toulas

Bill Toulas

About Bill Toulas

Over five years of experience writing about Linux and open source software on blogs and news websites. As part of the community, this is my way to give back as well as to promote what I perceive as the most amazing development in the area of software and operation systems.

  • How to record your terminal session on Linux

    linux Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , , Comments: 5

    Recording a terminal session may be important in helping someone learn a process, sharing information in an understandable way, and also presenting a series of commands in a proper manner. Whatever the purpose, there are many times when copy-pasting text from the terminal won't be very helpful while capturing a video of the process is quite far-fetched and may not be always possible. In this quick guide, we will take a look at the easiest way to record and share a terminal session in .gif format.

  • An introduction to basic motion detection on Linux

    linux Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , Comments: 13

    Setting up a motion detection system on Linux is fairly easy and simple. All that we need is a webcam (or laptop), the “motion” package, and a few minutes to set everything up. The purpose for doing this may be private space surveillance, enhancement of personal security, or simply a fun project. Whatever the case, this quick guide is not intended to promote illegal activities such as unauthorized video recording of people and their activities. That said, please use the knowledge offered here with ethical conduct.

  • How to maintain a “clean” Ubuntu

    ubuntu Author: Bill ToulasTags: , Comments: 13

    Ubuntu is the most popular GNU/Linux distribution, as it has been the easiest to use for many years now, making it an obvious choice for every newcomer. As most new users don't know if and how they are supposed to maintain they distribution, and since Ubuntu doesn't offer any tools for this job by default, I will provide an overview on the matter through this quick guide.

  • How to Test Mir and Unity 8 on Ubuntu 16.04

    ubuntu Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , Comments: 8

    So, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS is finally here and many of us are already getting our hands dirty with the final version of the most popular distribution that is using the X window system. While this long-term support release does look good, the upcoming major changes planned for Ubuntu 16.10 have generated great excitement.

  • How to practically use your Linux terminal (four examples)

    linux Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , , , , Comments: 6

    While modern GNU/Linux distributions don't require any use of the terminal, or any knowledge of the bash to offer 100% of their functionality and usability, it is often the case that doing things from the terminal is preferred for a set of reasons.This post is aimed at the people who just want to perform practically useful tasks right from their terminal without having to learn much about command lines.

  • How to install and run Android Apps (APKs) on Linux with Shashlik

    ubuntu Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , , , Comments: 59

    Shashlik is basically a set of software components that allow Linux users to install and run Android APKs right on their GNU/Linux distribution. Shashlik achieves that by using a stripped down version of Android instead of emulating one, which is nested inside the user session upon the launching of an installed Android application.

  • Docker: How to use it in a practical way - Part 3

    ubuntu Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , Comments: 10

    In this part, we will start using Docker images and create containers in a practical way. In other words, we will create a web-based, advanced personal notepad that runs on top of DokuWiki or WordPress. You can choose whichever you are comfortable with.

  • An introduction to video editing in Openshot 2.0

    linux Author: Bill ToulasTags: , Comments: 11

    Openshot is one of the most important and widely-used open source video editing software tools out there. Being very simple to use, powerful enough, and free of charge, this video editor has managed to build a large community of enthusiastic users around it who waited for the release of the second major version of their favorite software with anticipation for years. Now that the release was made available.

  • Linux: How to share files on a local network with woof

    linux Author: Bill ToulasTags: , , Comments: 7

    We've all been in this situation were we want to exchange files with other users connected to the same network as we are, and while there are tons of ways to do this, almost none of them is easy, quick, or simple enough. Thankfully, though, Linux users can utilize a small tool called “woof” that simplifies the process and makes the exchanging of files a walk in the park. What I am about to present in this short tutorial is suitable for home networks where convenience is the primary concern, and security isn't an issue.

  • Docker Tutorial Part 2: How to use it in a practical way

    ubuntu Author: Bill ToulasTags: Comments: 2

    In the first part, I presented the fundamental ideas behind Docker containers and how exactly they work. In this second part, we will proceed with the installation of Docker and its management as a service in our system. We will prepare our system so that in the next part we can create a personal notepad using the WordPress content management system (CMS) or the Dokuwiki which is a wiki software that doesn't require a database.