Ubuntu 11.10 - Managing your Ubuntu Server from terminal (as opposed to gui)

So recently I decided to upgrade my server from ubuntu 11.04 to 11.10 and as usual there were issues. This time around I was unable to install a gui (graphical user interface) without corrupting the operating system software. So I've had to learn how to do things from terminal.
So based on research online (and trial and error, to see what worked and what did not), I've come up with the following, which I plan to put all in one place (here) for future information. They are not complete, so information will be forthcoming as soon as I can find it:

1. Logout, shutdown and reboot commands
2. Detect your hardware
3. Detect drivers / check device is switched on
4. Software programs / packages:
1. Load sudo aptitude interface
2. Find out what programs are already installed
3. Update / upgrade packages
1. From terminal
2. Via aptitude interface
4. Install packages
5. Remove packages
5. Networking:
1. Find out your servers ip address
2. Download and install drivers for hardware / networking
3. Edit network configuration file
4. How to scan for wireless networks

1. to Logout / Shutdown / reboot:

to logout:

sudo exit

to shutdown:

sudo shutdown -h now

to reboot:

sudo reboot

2. to detect hardware:

sudo lspci

3. to detect drivers and check the device is switched on:

sudo lshw or sudo lshw -C network

4. Software Programs and Packages:

there are two ways within terminal to detect, update, install and remove software packages and programs. One way is to do so directly via terminal commands and the other is to open the aptitude interface and do so from there:

1. To open the aptitude interface:

sudo aptitude

2. To find out what programs / packages are installed already:

This can only be done from the aptitude interface (as far as I know), just use the arrow keys to select the "installed packages" option, then the "enter" key to open the list.

3. To update / upgrade packages:

first you need to update the package updates list, then you need to download and install the updates:

1. from terminal: sudo apt-get update or sudo apt-get upgrade

2. from aptitude interface: common "u" updates your package index in the "packages to be updated" group. Use arrow keys to highlight the specific group from the list, press the "enter" button to open up the list of packages, then for each package you want to update, press the capital U (shift+"u") to select the package and use arrow keys to highlight packages on the list (for each package you want to update, press capital "U" to select it). After you have selected all the packages you would like to update, press common "g". Then press common "g" a second time. Once all the packages are updated, the server may ask you to press the "enter" button to be taken back to the aptitude interface. To logout from aptitude, press common "q".

4. To install packages

There are two ways to install packages:

1. from terminal - sudo apt-get install [packagename] or sudo aptitude install [packagename] (where [packagename] is replaced by the package / file name you wish to install). for example, to make sure your server can zip & unzip files, you would enter sudo apt-get install zip unzip.

2. from the aptitude interface:

Coming Soon

5. to remove packages:

sudo apt-get purge remove [packagename]

sudo aptitude purge remove [packagename] where "[packagename]" is replaced by the package / file name you wish to remove.

5. Networking:

1. Find out your computer's/server's ip address:

1. for wired / cable / land line connection: sudo ifconfig - and where it says "inet addr:" the numbers immediately following are your ip address. This would look something like 123.456.7.89

2. for wireless devices: sudo iwconfig - and where it says "inet addr:" the numbers immediately following are your ip address. This would look something like 123.456.7.89

3. how to scan for wireless networks:

sudo iwlist wlan0 scan

Changes! New Products and Services Launched!

Dear Readers,
So it has been awhile since I last blogged. I apologize for that, I have been pretty busy trying to get some new products and services on track.

Some of you may or may not know that besides website design, recently I have partnered with a couple companies to provide my customers with the whole website package, from webdesign to webhosting and domain name registration and secure sockets layer (ssl) certificates. Some of these services were advertised on my website over the past few months, but I have only just been able to add the ssl certificates option / service.

For those who may not be aware, I currently offer shared windows and unix hosting, as well as linux virtual private servers and managed private servers. The webhosting and domain name registration both have 30 day money back guarantee's on them, while the ssl certificates have 15 days money back guarantee (you may read more about these services HERE).

Services that I expect to launch early in the new year include:
microsoft exchange
microsoft sharepoint
windows virtual private server
windows managed private server
as well as some more ssl certificates

In addition, I have also been busy designing some new products most of which are for sale at My Zazzle Online Store. These include such things as plates, laptop cases, jugs, mugs, shoes, mousepads, etc.

There are also a few new items at my CafePress Online Stores: Here and Here.

So please feel free to go ahead and check them all out!

I have several more posts in the process of being written, so please come back soon for more information.

Also feel free to ask questions in the comments below!