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Lists/linux_general.adoc

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= An Open Source collection of common problems and solutions for *nix users
Alessandro Mauri <alemauri001@gmail.com>
v1.0, 2019-12-02
:doctype: manpage
== Arch Linux
=== Links useful during an arch install
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Installation_guide[1],
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/GRUB[2],
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/General_recommendations#Users_and_groups[3],
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/EFI_system_partition[4],
https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Handbook:AMD64/Installation/Disks[5],
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/List_of_applications[6],
=== Pacman commands
* `pacman -Syy`: update repositories
* `pacman -Su`: update packages
* `pacman -Qdtq`: list unused/orphan packages
* `pacman -R`: remove a package
* `pacman -S`: install a package
* `pacman -R $(pacman -Qdtq)`: remove orphaned packages recursively
* `pacman -Rns`: remove packages and its dependencies recursively
* `pacman -Rcs`: remove packages and its dependents recursively
* `pacman -Ql`: list all package's files and locations
* `pacman -Qqe`: list all installed packages
* `pacman -Qc`: view package changelog
* `pacman -Qm`: list packages not present in official repositories
If there are update related errors that you do not understand, do not panic
issue a full update with the following commands:
`sudo pacman -Syy` and then `sudo pacman -Su`
If you get an error similar to `could not unlock database` when trying to
issue a command that means that another program is using the package manager.
If you feel like taking the risk of breaking your system try manually (and forcefully)
removing the transaction lock file by issuing `rm -rf /var/lib/pacman/db.lck`
In the unfortunate event that all of a sudden everything fucked up bad
(like no xorg or wayland or login session ...),
check the pacman log at `/var/log/pacman.log` to see what went wrong and what got removed
=== AUR pacman wrappers
* https://github.com/actionless/pikaur#installation[pikaur]
* https://github.com/Jguer/yay[yay]
Pacman GUI frontends (I advice you to not use them)::
* `pamac`: based on gtk and it is the same GUI frontend in the gnome and KDE releases
of manjaro, install `pamac-aur` or `pamac-aur-git` from the AUR.
* `octopi`: is a lightweight GUI frontend for pacman and it is one of the most used ones
although it isn't as visually appealing as pamac and requires a gtk permission manager.
=== Network management
Sources::
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Netctl[1]
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54080[2]
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Dhcpcd#Static_profile[3]
Arch uses netctl to manage connections, all the config files and examples are under
`/etc/netctl/` `and /etc/netctl/examples` +
*NOTE*: This is valid for every system that uses systemd(ick)
== Void Linux
Hold package updates::
* Hold: `xbps-pkgdb -m hold <pkg>`
* Unhold: `xbps-pkgdb -m unhold <pkg>`
* List packages on hold: `xbps-query --list-hold-pkgs`
== Sysadmin stuff
=== Fixing mandoc.db permission denied
*Source*: https://old.reddit.com/r/voidlinux/comments/dsdn5a/did_sudo_behaviour_change_recently/[link]
If you ran `sudo makewatis ...` then it is possible that the file permissions
of `/usr/share/man/mandoc.db` and `/usr/local/share/man/mandoc.db` were changed from
644 (rw-r--r--) to 600 (rw-------), giving the error when viewing man pages
`... mandoc.db permission denied` or `data changed but could not update mandoc.db` etc.
To fix this simply do:
sudo chmod 644 /usr/share/man/mandoc.db
sudo chmod 644 /usr/local/share/man/mandoc.db
=== Important packages
* `acpi` gives information and control on battery and power status, it can also handle
power related events (lid open/close, power button press, etc.)
* `thinkpad_acpi` acpi addon specific to thinkpads
=== Qt in wayland
To run QT prigrams in wayland install `qt5-wayland` and add the followind line somewhere
in your profile (.profile .zprofile .bash_profile etc.)
`export QT_QPA_PLATFORM=wayland`
=== Monitor Tor network usage
install the `arm` package and run it
=== Basic commands
* `grep`: find the lines which contain the input string: +
`ps ax | grep <query>` and it will output the line containing the query +
`grep <query> file.txt` search matches in file +
`grep -i <query> file.txt` case insensitive search
* `ps`: Ps is a UNIX tool used to get information about the current status of the system. +
The most basic and or useful usage is to view all the running processes and the corresponding
UUIDs, that is done by appending `ax` to ps: +
`ps ax`
* `kill`: kill the specified process given its UUID: +
`kill <UUID>`
* `killall`: kill all the processes which name matches the arguments: +
`killall <proc name>`
* `|` and `>`:
These are both "pipe" functions, they can pipe the output of a script or program into
something (via std i/o), but they are used differently in the sense that `|` is
used to pipe the output into another program, example: +
`ps ax | grep xorg` this outputs all the runnng processes into grep as
input, which in turn filters the result. +
On the other hand `>` is used to pipe the output into a file, example: +
`ls -la > ls.txt` this puts the output of ls into ls.txt which we can then read.
*NOTE*: `>` replaces everything that was in the file
* `<`: same thing as `>` but in "reverse"
* `>>` and `<<`: same as `<` and `>` but appends instead of replacing
* `whoami` and `groups`:
they respectively output the current user and groups +
*NOTE*: one alternative to `whoami` is `echo $USER` which can be used in scripts
* `find`: Basic syntax: +
`find <dir> [OPTIONS]` +
Some options: +
** `-user <user>`: find files owned by a particular user
** `-group <group>`: find files owned by a particular group
** `-ls`: list results in "ls" format:
** `-name <filename>`: find a specific file or pattern (*.txt)
=== Group actions
* Adding a user to a group: +
`usermod -a -G group user` then reboot
* Listing all groups: +
`cut -d: -f1 /etc/group | sort`
* Deleting a group: +
`groupdel <group name>` then reboot
=== Users actions
* Creating a new user: +
`useradd -m user-name`
* Deleting an existing user: +
`userdel user-name`
=== Generating locales
. Add locales by uncommenting them in `/etc/locale.gen`
. generate locales by running `locale-gen`
. Reboot
*NOTE*: some languages (russian, chinese, japanese) require specific fonts to be installed
refer to: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Localization[link] for an incomplete list of specific fonts
=== Getting the graphics drivers
For Intel graphics cards::
*Source*: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/intel_graphics[link] +
Install `mesa` on arch or `mesa-intel-dri` on void and `xf86-video-intel`
For nvidia graphics cards::
Follow the steps in: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/NVIDIA#Installation[link]
For AMD graphics cards::
Install: `mesa` on arch or `mesa-ati-dri` on void and `xf86-video-ati` for Xorg hardware acceleration support
=== Adding entropy to your system (faster boot times)
*Source*: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Random_number_generation[link] +
This is useful as the kernel's built-in random number generator is very slow, as such
it makes tasks like loading the login manager a pain.
To solve this problem you can install some pseudo-random number generators such as:
* `rng-tools` secure but uses more CPU
* `haveged` fast and lightweight but less secure
*NOTE*: Keep in mind that these are not for secure systems and remember to start and enable the service
rngd.service
=== NTFS partitions support
*Source*: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/NTFS-3G[link] +
Install `ntfs-3g`
=== Listing all installed packages
With apt/apt-get: `apt list --installed` +
With pacman: `pacman -Qqe` +
With xbps: `xbps-query -m` +
=== Changing the default shell
* `chsh -l` list all installed shells and respective path
* `chsh -s <path-to-shell>` set the shell for the current user
=== Changing keyboard layout
*Source*: https://superuser.com/questions/1147320/how-to-change-keyboard-layout-in-i3[link] +
In a tty (no graphical envirnment line ssh) type: `layout <layout>` +
In a graphical environment (or terminal emulator) type: `setxkbmap <layout>`
-To run .jar files in cli you must use "java -jar"
=== Disk and volume info
Graphical::
* `gparted` graphical tool for managing disks and partitions
Terminal::
Partitioning tools:::
* `fdisk`
* `parted`
Listing drives and mount points:::
* `fdisk -l` more info
* `lsblk`
Listing drive UUIDs:::
* `blkid`
=== Automatically mount volumes
Install `udevil` and start `devmon` at login/boot
=== Check disk health (if available)
Install `smartmontools`, then check the drive's compatibility with
....
smartctl -c /dev/sdX
....
Then either run a short test
....
smartctl -t short /dev/sdX
....
Or a long test
....
smartctl -t long /dev/sdX
....
lastly run `smartctl -H /dev/sdX` to get the results
=== Change default file openers
*Source*: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/XDG_MIME_Applications[link]
. Create a file (if not present) in `$HOME/.config` called `mimeapps.list`
. Search your file extension in https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Basics_of_HTTP/MIME_types/Complete_list_of_MIME_types[link]
. Add or modify the entry to that mimetype to be opened with the desired `<applications>.desktop`
*IF* `<application>.desktop` *IS NOT PRESENT*:
. Look again in `/usr/share/applications`
. If it is not present make one and put it into: `~/.local/share/applications/` +
with the format:
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Xpdf
Comment=Views Adobe PDF (acrobat) files
Exec=xpdf %f
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Icon=xpdf
Categories=Office;
MimeType=application/pdf;
*NOTE*: `Exec=` are the execution parameters (-b, -l, etc.)
=== Recompiling compilers for zerynth
If you are facing compiling errors in zerynth, one option is to manually
recompile the compiler for the board/platform. Compilers are locarted at
`~/.zerynth2/sys` +
For example to replace the `xtensa-lx106` compiler: (esp8266)
. Move the old compiler folder (located at `~/.zerynth2/sys/xtensa-lx106`) somewhere safe
. Clone and compile (as standalone) new compiler in a temporary folder, guide here
http://domoticx.com/sdk-esp8266-xtensa-architecture-toolchain/[link]
. Move the fresh compiler folder (xtensa-lx106-elf) in `~/.zerynth2/sys` and rename it as the original one (xtensa-lx106/)
. Copy the old package.json in the new compiler folder
*NOTE*: Better yet is to wait for an official fix and report the bug on the troubleshooting section +
Link for the `xtensa-lx6` compiler: (esp32)
https://dl.espressif.com/doc/esp-idf/latest/get-started/linux-setup.html[link]
=== Various permission errors
Arduino permissions::
*Source*: https://www.howtogeek.com/50787/add-a-user-to-a-group-or-second-group-on-linux/[link] +
`ls -la /dev/tty*` and see which group TTYs are in, then add yourself to that group: +
`usermod -a -G <group> <user>` or just use `$USER` to add current user, then reboot.
Wireshark permissions::
....
usermod -a -G wireshark $USER
....
Pen drive in read only::
*Source*: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4lAlb74mGs[link] +
. Unmount the pen drive (`/dev/sdXx`)
. Run `dosfsck -a /dev/sdXx`
. Remount
=== Cannot scroll down in VIM on st
Add `set ttymouse=sgr` to your .vimrc
=== DEL key not working in st
*source*: https://www.reddit.com/r/archlinux/comments/8w4unu/setting_up_the_delete_key_in_st/[link] +
Add `tput smkx` in your zshrc/bashrc or equivalent
=== Theming gnome
download the themes packages https://www.gnome-look.org/[here] and unzip them
then depending if it is an icon theme or an normal theme place them in
`/usr/share/icons` or `/usr/share/themes` accordingly
=== Printing documents
*Source*: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/CUPS#Installation[link] +
Install `cups` then start and enable the cupsd service/daemon or socket if you want
on-demand activation. +
To add and configure a printer either do it in your print manager or trough the cups web interface
at the address: `localhost:631` +
*NOTE*: adding and modifying printers requires administator (root) permissions, so
in the web interface, when asked, insert the root credentials
=== Adding executables and shortcuts
*Sources*::
* https://askubuntu.com/questions/322772/how-do-i-add-an-executable-to-my-search-path[1]
* https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/3809/how-can-i-make-a-program-executable-from-everywhere[2]
You have to add them to your $PATH, example: "export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/esp/xtensa-esp32-elf/bin"
Quote "If you just type export PATH=$PATH:</path/to/file> at the command line it will only last for the length of the session.
If you want to change it permanently add export PATH=$PATH:</path/to/file> to your ~/.bashrc file (just at the end is fine)."
-Eagle CAD dark theme fix (KDE):
Refers to:
https://forum.kde.org/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=136316
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/eagle-forum/kubuntu-18-04-kde-dark-theme/td-p/8188466
To fix this behavior you first have to apply the default light theme of KDE (breeze), then copy the kdeglobals
file located under ~/.kde4/share/ create a folder named ~/.config_light/ and paste the kdeglobals in it,
rename kdeglobals to config_light, then finally add to the eagle start command:
"export XDG_CONFIG_HOME=/home/ale/.config_light/ ;" (where ale is your username)
or add an alias to the eagle command where it becomes: "export XDG_CONFIG_HOME=/home/ale/.config_light/ ; eagle"
NOTE: this will change the default settings folder to ~/.config_light, all previous setting will be lost but not
the libraries or projects
-Use "clamav" as antivirus: "https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/ClamAV", to update use "freshclam" as sudo
and to scan "clamscan --recursive --infected /path/to/something"
-Some git stuff:
Creating a repo and pushing the first commit: "https://help.github.com/articles/adding-an-existing-project-to-github-using-the-command-line/"
first init the repo with "git init"
then if you want to sync with a remote repo basically it's a matter of defining the remote (origin) repo "git remote add origin <repo URL>"
before committing add staged changes with "git add /roba" or everything with "git add ."
committing the changes in local repo "git commit -m "message" "
pushing before first pull "git pull origin master --allow-unrelated-histories" the last part is just to merge the repos (if needed)
and finally pushing the changes "git push origin master", or in atom just publish
Using 2 factor auth. in command line and atom: "https://help.github.com/articles/creating-a-personal-access-token-for-the-command-line/"
basically you have to use a access token instead of the password, these are unique and you can only
see them once, so be careful with them!
Downloading other branches:
In your folder repo open a git bash or a terminal (for linux masterrace) then, admitted that you have already downloaded and synced the master
branch, and type "git checkout -t origin/branchname" this will download and sync the branch
-Powertop usage:
Arch page: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/powertop
To start powertop use "sudo powertop"
For the first calibration use "sudo powertop --calibrate", NOTE: it takes a few minutes and during
that time the screen may go (it does) black for a few minutes too, just let it run.
To set everything to "good" do "sudo powertop --auto-tune",
to make the auto-tune start at boot refer to the Arch wiki or "how to create a sysemd service"
NOTE: in order to apply changes and stuff you have to leave it running for some time to let it
take its measures and stuff
-Power management:
Arch page: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Power_management#Power_management_with_systemd
To change the actions to take when power button or lid switch events occur:
modify the conf. file at /etc/systemd/logind.conf or /etc/systemd/logind.conf.d/*.conf
-Adding executables not located in /bin/ (downloaded from internet):
Refers to:
https://askubuntu.com/questions/322772/how-do-i-add-an-executable-to-my-search-path
https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/3809/how-can-i-make-a-program-executable-from-everywhere
Adding them momentarily:
Add them to your $PATH, example: "export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/esp/xtensa-esp32-elf/bin"
Adding them at the start of the session:
Using bashrc:
Add export PATH=$PATH:</path/to/file> (the bin/ folder) to your ~/.bashrc file (just at the end is fine)
Using cron:
Add export PATH=$PATH:</path/to/file> to your crontab file:
Open your crontab file using "crontab -e" for current user or "crontab -e -u username" fo others
At the end of the file add "@reboot export PATH=$PATH:</path/to/file>"
NOTE: probably it is best do to add the command in the "su" cron file
-Checking system errors:
Refers to:
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Systemd#Journal
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-use-journalctl-to-view-and-manipulate-systemd-logs
If your distro users systemctl the easiest way to check errors is to look up the recent
events in the system logs to do that type "journalctl"
-Getting the right dpi: (only applies to xorg)
Resources: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Xorg#Display_size_and_DPI
First of all get the optimal dpi for your screen:
http://dpi.lv/
Then get the current dpi that the server is set on: (requires dpyinfo)
xdpyinfo | grep -B2 resolution
if it si already set to the right dpi you are good to go, else add to your
xinitrc or xprofile (if using a display manager):
xradr --dpi <your dpi>
-Using android devices:
Source: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Media_Transfer_Protocol
Android devices use the MTP interface, to be able to access them in your file manager it is usually required
to install the packages: "libmtp" "gvfs-mtp" and "gvfs-gphoto2"
If running a KDE installation with dolphin mtp support is integrated into
kio-extras (dolphin dependency)
NOTE: running multiple mtp tools can cause errors (gvfs-mtp and kio-extras)
NOTE: Apple devices require the "gvfs-afc" package, and the "gamin" package is also recommended
-File previews on KDE (Dolphin):
Please refer to: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Dolphin#File_previews
for the list of packages suitable for different file types
-Windows:
Adding programs to PATH:
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/118594/how-to-edit-your-system-path-for-easy-command-line-access/
Open: Control panel -> system -> advanced system settings -> environment variables
On windows 7 or 8:
Set the variable name to "Path"
Add the path to the program preceded by ";" ex. "...;C:\path\to\something"
On windows 10:
Click on "New"
Enter the path to the program
Retrieving the windows product key:
Open a console with admin privileges
Type "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey"
-Creating a systemd (systemctl) service (aka how to make a program start at boot):
Guides and references:
https://askubuntu.com/questions/112705/how-do-i-make-powertop-changes-permanent
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/powertop
https://askubuntu.com/questions/919054/how-do-i-run-a-single-command-at-startup-using-systemd
Create a file under /etc/systemd/system/ and call it <whatever>.service
Then follow the formatting {
[Unit]
Description=PowerTOP auto tune
[Service]
Type=idle # Not necessary
Environment="TERM=dumb" # Not necessary
ExecStart=PATHTOEXECUTABLE --OPTIONS
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
}
And then enable it using "systemctl whatever.service enable"
Other method: using crontab
Reference: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/cron#Crontab_format
Install cronie then put your command into the crontab file using
"crontab -e"
Then follow the formatting according to the reference to specify when the command
is executed
# LAPTOP OPTIMIZATION
-Undervolting the CPU:
Refers to:
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Undervolting_CPU
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Stress_testing
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/benchmarking
WARNING: Overvolting and overheating can result in permanent damage
On arch install the package "intel-undervolt" from AUR and edit it's configuration file
located in /etc/intel-undervolt.conf, changing the values from 0 to -number results in that
number of millivolts taken from the CPU voltage.
NOTE: on voidlinux use the pip3 package undervolt follow: https://wiki.voidlinux.org/Undervolting
for more info.
The following are the parts affected:
"CPU" changes the CPU core voltage
"GPU" changes the integrated GPU voltage
"Cache" changes the cache voltage
"System agent" changes the controller, RAM and PCI voltages
"Analog IO" changes the various sensors voltage
NOTE: changing the System Agent and Analog IO can lead to various errors such as inaccurate readings
from sensors crashes and possibly corruption, so it is greatly discouraged
One method to undervolt your CPU or GPU is to gradually step down the voltage in 5 or 10 millivolt
steps stress testing the system in between for several minutes to ensure the system's stability
Some tools used to stress test your system are:
"stress" tool written in C used for memory, CPU and disk IO tests
"mprime" AUR, tool for stress testing RAM and CPU
"unigine-heaven" and the unigine series, although benchmarks they are a great way to stress test
the integrated GPUs of laptops
-i915 (graphics) tweaks:
Refers to: https://gist.github.com/Brainiarc7/aa43570f512906e882ad6cdd835efe57
There are a number of tweaks that can save some watts regarding the integrated graphics card
to enable them you can create a file called "/etc/modprobe.d/i915.conf" containing all of them,
you can get the complete list of available parameters and their description by running
"modinfo -p i915".
The file must be filled following the format:
options i915 "parameter"
Some safe-to-use parameters are:
"enable_fbc=1" enables frame buffer compression
"enable_dc=1" enables power saving
"disable_power_well=0" enables power well
Other parameters may include "enable_psr=1" but that doesn't always work on pre-skylake hardware and on newer
is straight up broken, it also depends on whether or not the display supports it, for further information refer to:
https://hansdegoede.livejournal.com/18653.html
NOTE: as every parameter has the potential to cause weird issues it is recommended to test them first by appending them
to the boot command (either in GRUB, rEFInd or systemd-boot) using the syntax: i915.enable_dc=1
After having enabled the options you can check if they were correctly applied by running "systool -m i915 -av" as root
(systool is part of sysfsutils)
NOTE:on voidlinux the modprobe .conf files must go inside /lib/modprobe.d/ and instead of using mkinitcpio to regenerate
the initramfs use "dracut --force"
-Screen tearing:
Refers to: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Intel_graphics#Tearing
Enable the option "TearFree" of the driver:
File: /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-intel.conf
Content:
Section "Device"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
Driver "intel"
Option "TearFree" "true"
EndSection
-General tweaks:
Use "haveged" instead of "rng-tools"
Under KDE uninstall everything PIM or akonadi related
Minimize the number of needed applications and daemons
-Better battery management:
Refers to: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/TLP
TLP is a tool daemon which manages the power consumption of your laptop and
automatically enables or disables power saving features.
To use it install: "tlp", "tlp-rdw" (for radio devices), "acpi_call" (for
thinkpads), "tlpui-git" (AUR, GUI frontend)
After installing all of the beforementioned packeges be sure to start and
enable tlp using systemctl: "sysytemctl start tlp.service" "systemctl
enable tlp.service" "systemctl start tlp-sleep.service" systemctl enable
tlp-sleep.service"
and finally if you installed the radio davice wizard (tlp-rdw) run:
"systemctl enable NetworkManager-dispatcher.service" "systemctl mask
systemd-rfkill.service" "systemctl mask systemd-rfkill.socket"
Reboot and you're all set
# NETWORK SECTION
-Network managers:
NetworkManager: default in many distros pretty good but resorce heavy (also depends on systemd?)
void: https://docs.voidlinux.org/config/network/networkmanager.html
arch: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/NetworkManager
Connman: small and fast, does all you need and doesn't hog on resources and has vpn support
void: https://wiki.voidlinux.org/Connman
arch: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/ConnMan
Wicd: outdated by now and written in python 2.7, still pretty good for simple configurations
-Gathering information on network cards ie IP, MAC, status, etc.
With ifconfig, just type "ifconfig" and it will give:
ether: the MAC address
inet: the network ip address
netmatsk: the netmask duh
inet6: the network ipv6
With iwconfig (specifically for wireless cards), just type "iwconfig" and it will give:
Mode: monitor or managed
ESSID: the ESSID (name) of the connected network
Frequency
Access Point: the MAC address of the AP
Signal level: the power/quality of the signal
Among other informations
Sites for public IP discovery and information gathering:
https://www.iplocation.net/
http://www.whatsmyip.org/
With ip (standard)
ip link show
-Changing the MAC address:
Using macchanger:
The general usage is "macchanger [OPTIONS] interface", the most common options being
-A for a random MAC,
-r to reset to the original one,
-a to change it to a random MAC of some type (same vendor),
-b to set the "locally administered" bit set to false or
-m XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX to manually set the MAC address.
Using ifconfig:
First disable the interface using "ifconfig <interface> down"
Then change the MAC address using "ifconfig <interface> hw ether 00:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX"
it has to begin with 00:*
Then finally re-enable the interface with "ifconfig <interface> up"
To prevent the MAC address from reverting to its original state you can configure the network manager
to not scan for other networks using a random MAC address (that is done for security by many OSs and
also by phones), to achieve this you have to change the conf. file for your network manager:
For GNOME (kali) add {
[device]
wifi.scan-rand-mac-address=preserve
[connection]
ethernet.cloned-mac-address=preserve
wifi.cloned-mac-address=preserve
}
to /etc/NetworkManager/NetworkManager.conf
-Changing interfaces to monitor mode:
Not mandatory but best use is to first use "airmon-ng check kill", this kills all processes
that could interfere with the process and later with the attacks
Using airmon-ng:
Simply use "airmon-ng start <interface>" to put it in monitor mode
And "airmon-ng stop <interface>" to revert it to managed
NOTE: when using airmon-ng it will change the interface name by adding *mon to its name
for example wlan0 becomes wlan0mon
Using iwconfig (useful since first method is not always reliable):
Disable interface using "ifconfig <interface> down" or "ifdown <interface>"
Change to monitor mode with "iwconfig <interface> mode monitor"
Re-enable interface with "ifconfig <interface> up" or "ifup <interface>"
To revert it back to managed disable the interface then do "iwconfig <interface> mode managed"
then re-enable the interface
-Restarting network interfaces:
Without ssh:
Disable and re-enable the interface with "ifdown <interface>" and then "ifup <interface>"
or "ifconfig <interface> down" and then "ifconfig <interface> up"
On ssh:
Non systemd "/etc/init.d/networking restart"
Systemd (Arch) "systemctl restart NetworkManager"
-Enabling IP forwarding:
Arch page: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Internet_sharing
"echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward"
To revert it back:
"echo 0 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward"
-Manually changing ip address of a given network card:
run:
"ip addr add <ip>/<mask> dev <interface>"
where ip is the desired ip and mask is the desired network mask in 2 digit format,
ex: "192.168.1.2/24" where 24 expands to 255.255.255.0