Linux Admin Zone

How about having a linux bootable USB stick? You can insert that in to any PC, do the do without affecting settings of that PC at all. This is even more helpful for linux admins who find it hard to work on friend’s Windows PC instead of taking delicious dinner, after receiving an unrgent call from NOC Deptt.

Here are quick steps on CentOS 5.2 box (should be identical on any RH based distro):

1. Check whether required tools are already installed or not:

# rpm -q livecd
<no output>

2. Install tools:

In the era of daily brute force attacks, it is advisable to change your ssh port from default 22 to something higher, to lower your chances of being a victim.

I’m using CentOS 5.2 box here but the process should be identical in other RH based distros.

Step 1. Update /etc/ssh/sshd_config file, line 13 (it might be different in your file):

old line:
Port 22
Change it to:
Port 54545 # any port number you wish

if you rush and try to restart your ssh service, you may end with getting error:

# /etc/init.d/sshd restart
 Stopping sshd:                                             [  OK  ]
Starting sshd: /etc/ssh/sshd_config line 13: Badly formatted port number. [FAILED]