Explore Exciting Linux DIY Projects: Automate Your World with Raspberry Pi and Arduino

Linux Journal
4 weeks 2 days ago
by George Whittaker Introduction: The Rise of the Maker Revolution

Over the last decade, the open-source movement has not only transformed the world of software, but also catalyzed a sweeping revolution in hardware tinkering. At the heart of this shift lies a convergence of accessible microcomputers like the Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers like Arduino—each supercharged by the robust ecosystem of Linux. This combination offers hobbyists, engineers, and creators a versatile, low-cost, and endlessly customizable toolkit for automating their homes, collecting environmental data, and even experimenting with artificial intelligence at the edge.

This article serves as your dive into the world of Linux-based DIY automation. Whether you're looking to build a smart garden, a weather station, or simply learn how to use Bash scripts to control physical components, you're in for a journey that fuses digital logic with real-world interaction.

Understanding the Core Platforms Raspberry Pi: The Linux Microcomputer Powerhouse

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer capable of running full-fledged Linux distributions such as Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, or even lightweight server OSes like DietPi. It features a Broadcom SoC, USB ports, HDMI output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a 40-pin GPIO header for interfacing with sensors, relays, and other peripherals.

Key Features:

  • Runs full Linux OSes.

  • Offers Python, C/C++, and shell scripting environments.

  • Suitable for tasks requiring networking, databases, file systems, and multimedia.

Use Cases:

  • Home automation hub.

  • Data logging and processing.

  • Media streaming and game emulation.

Arduino: The Precise Microcontroller

Arduino, by contrast, is not a full computer but a microcontroller. Devices like the Arduino Uno or Nano excel at reading analog sensors, controlling motors, and maintaining precise timing. They are programmed using the Arduino IDE, which runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Key Features:

  • Real-time control of electronic components.

  • Lightweight and low-power.

  • Supports C/C++ with a vast array of libraries.

Use Cases:

  • Reading temperature, humidity, motion sensors.

  • Driving LEDs, motors, and servos.

  • Reliable execution of small, repeatable tasks.

Setting Up a DIY Linux Development Environment Preparing the Raspberry Pi

  1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager from raspberrypi.com.

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George Whittaker

Fortifying Debian With SELinux by Enforcing Mandatory Access Control for Ultimate System Security

Linux Journal
1 month ago
by George Whittaker

In an era where cyber threats are evolving rapidly, securing Linux systems goes far beyond basic user permissions. Traditional security mechanisms like Discretionary Access Control (DAC) offer limited safeguards against privilege escalation, compromised applications, and insider threats. To address these limitations, Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) offers a powerful, fine-grained framework for Mandatory Access Control (MAC) — and it's not just for Red Hat-based distributions anymore.

In this article, we'll explore how to integrate SELinux into Debian, one of the most widely used and respected GNU/Linux distributions. We'll break down its architecture, setup procedures, policy management, and troubleshooting techniques. Whether you're running a mission-critical server or seeking to harden your desktop environment, this guide will show you how SELinux can elevate your system security to enterprise-grade standards.

Understanding the Foundations of SELinux What Is SELinux?

SELinux is a kernel security module initially developed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) in collaboration with the open-source community. It introduces the concept of mandatory access controls by enforcing policy-based rules that strictly define how processes and users can interact with files, directories, sockets, and devices.

Unlike DAC, where file owners control access, MAC policies are imposed by the system administrator and enforced by the kernel, regardless of user ownership or permissions.

Core Components of SELinux

  • Subjects: Active entities (usually processes).

  • Objects: Passive entities (like files, directories, devices).

  • Contexts: Security labels assigned to subjects and objects.

  • Types/Domains: Used to define access rules and behavior.

  • Policies: Written rulesets that determine access control logic.

Enforcement Modes

  • Enforcing: SELinux policies are applied and violations are blocked.

  • Permissive: Policies are not enforced, but violations are logged.

  • Disabled: SELinux is turned off entirely.

SELinux on Debian: A Reality Check

Debian has traditionally favored AppArmor for its simplicity and ease of integration. However, SELinux support is fully present in Debian’s repositories. As of Debian 12 (Bookworm) and later, integrating SELinux is more streamlined and better documented than ever.

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George Whittaker