If You're Running OSX or Linux, Check for Shellshock but DON'T Panic

A while ago, I took the wife's old laptop that had been running Windows XP and installed Linux Mint. I thought it was a great move at the time, and I still do. One of the up sides to Linux is that you have less to worry about in the way of virus, etc. But, that doesn't mean it is invulnerable. Just like OSX is not invulnerable.

If you made a similar switch to me or you're running OSX, then you need to check to see if your system has what is being called the Shellshock vulnerability. Let me make one thing clear: there is no need to panic over this. The world isn't ending. And for most, the test is easy and the fix is simple.

PCWorld has all the information on how to check for the vulnerability.

Sure enough, my Linux box which I hadn't used in a couple of days was vulnerable. Fortunately, the patch had already been released. To install it, all I had to do in the terminal was:

sudo apt-get update

and then:

sudo apt-get upgrade

And with that, the vulnerability appears to have been resolved based upon the PCWorld test.

So, if you've got a machine that could be subject to this type of vulnerability, check it out and get it fixed. But, please, please, please, whatever you do, take the advice on the cover of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

NEED AN ULTRA LIGHT BROWSER? TRY MIDORI

Previously, I mentioned that I had a 10 year old laptop that shipped with Windows XP but had no hope of running Windows 7 or 8. So, instead of sending it out to pasture, I installed Linux.

It runs Linux without any problem, but its relatively small amount of RAM struggles with browsers like Chrome (it's actually Chromium) and Firefox. These browsers are great and offer a lot a really useful features. But, they are memory intensive for an older laptop like my Linux box.

So I began searching for a stripped down browser that would let me navigate the web but without all of the bells and whistles. Midori is a true unitasker as opposed to the Chromes and Firefoxes, which want you to stay in them to do everything.

Don't get me wrong. There isn't anything wrong with Chrome or Firefox wanting to do everything for me. I still use them on my newer machines. They just aren't as helpful on older machines.

So, if you find your internet experience to be too sluggish or you just want a browser that is a browser and nothing more, give Midori a try.

To get Midori for windows, go to their website and click download.

If you're running Debian Linux, from the terminal, just type: sudo apt-get install midori

FREE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THE BASICS OF LINUX

I've mentioned in previous posts that I have a 10 year old laptop that I have kept running using Linux and other open source options. You can get versions of Linux that look a lot like Windows, but Linux allows you to do much more than Windows or a Mac could ever come close to allowing. Moreover, Linux is everywhere. Most supercomputers use it, most servers, all Android phones, and countless other devices. So knowing at least a little bit about it would be useful.

For those interested in learning, edX is offering a free course that is an introduction to Linux. The only prerequisite is that you have at least some computer experience.

So sign up and learn something new. I know I can't wait for it to start.

BRIEF FOLLOW-UP ON LINUX

In the last post, I drummed up the idea of switching to Linux to keep your older XP machine in service if it can't run Windows 8. I mentioned the command line as a downside.

Shortly after drafting that post, I stumbled across this resource that that outlines some of the basic commands as well as this resource that goes into more detail on them.

REPLACING WINDOWS XP ON OLDER MACHINES WITH LINUX

In case you still haven't heard, the death of Windows XP is just around the corner. As of April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer being providing any support for XP. What does this mean? It means if someone discovers a gaping security flaw after April 8, 2014, Microsoft is not going to fix it. As a practical matter, running XP may be like opening your front door and inviting the burglars in. If you haven't done so, you should upgrade your XP machines.

But what about those older machines that have XP on them, are still plugging away, but don't meet the minimum requirements for Windows 8? You could simply give them up as a loss, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that.

However, you can still breathe fresh life into those old machines. As an example, I had a ten year old Dell Laptop that my wife had when she was in college. It had XP on it and was a bit sluggish. But it was a good machine in its day and still had some life it. Yet, Windows 7 would not have been an option, let alone Windows 8.

Instead of consigning it to the trash heap, I changed operating systems entirely and started looking at Linux. More precisely, I installed Linux Mint 13 with the Mate desktop and completely erased the old XP system. This distribution of Linux is 100% free and its authors are providing long term support until April 2017.

It has a feel that is not completely foreign to XP, though there is some amount of learning necessary. There are numerous resources out there to help people make the switch from Windows to Linux, and even resources on how to make Mint look like Windows.

Additionally, some of the software you need for practicing law can be had for free in linux. For example, LibreOffice is a free office suite comprable to Microsoft Office's products. A little use of Google can help you find what you're looking for.

There are, of course, some downsides. Windows specific applications may not be able to run on a linux machine. Additionally, you might have to spend some more time in the command line than you would like.

However, if you are looking to get a little extra life from your older machines currently running XP and are willing to try something new, then you should give Linux a look.