Linux and networking go hand in hand. The Linux kernel has support for all common and most uncommon network protocols. The standard UNIX networking tools are provided in each distribution. Next to those, most distributions offer tools for easy network installation and management.
Linux is well known as a stable platform for running various Internet services, the amount of Internet software is endless. Like UNIX, Linux can be just as well used and administered from a remote location, using one of several solutions for remote execution of programs.
We briefly touched the subject of security. Linux is an ideal firewall system, light and cheap, but can be used in several other network functions such as routers and proxy servers.
Increasing network security is mainly done by applying frequent updates and common sense.
Here is an overview of network related commands:
Table 10.2. New commands in chapter 10: Networking
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ftp | Transfer files to another host (insecure). |
| host | Get information about networked hosts. |
| ifconfig | Display IP address information. |
| ip | Display IP address information. |
| netstat | Display routing information and network statistics. |
| ping | Send answer requests to other hosts. |
| rdesktop | Display and MS Windows desktop on your Linux system. |
| route | Show routing information. |
| scp | Secure copy files to and from other hosts. |
| sftp | Secure FTP files to and from other hosts. |
| ssh | Make an encrypted connection to another host. |
| ssh-keygen | Generate authentication keys for Secure SHell. |
| telnet | Make an insecure connection to another hosts. |
| tracepath/traceroute | Print the route that packets follow to another host. |
| whois | Get information abotu a domain name. |
| xclock | X Window clock application, handy for testing remote display. |
| xhost | X Window access control tool. |