Dave McKay-Author

Dave McKay

Author

Contributor Since March, 2019
Expertise
Linux, Cybersecurity
  • 459
    articles
  • 417
    Features
  • 5
    Lists
  • 39
    Guides
How-To Geek logo Profile

About Dave McKay

Dave McKay first used computers when punched paper tape was in vogue, and he has been programming ever since. After over 30 years in the IT industry, he became a full-time technology journalist. His first published article, describing macros in 6502 assembly language, was published in the December 1985 edition of the UK magazine Personal Computer World. His work has appeared on How-To Geek since March 2019. Despite graduating from Sheffield University as an archaeologist, during his career he's worked as a freelance programmer, manager of an international software development team, project manager for IT installations, and a Data Protection Officer. Dave is a Linux evangelist and open source advocate. Since 1997, all of Dave's computers have run Linux. He is a frequent guest speaker at national conferences, usually talking about topics such as artificial intelligence, data protection legislation, and cybersecurity. Expect detailed how-to's, distribution reviews, and Linux-centric editorials. 

Latest

The Plex web app opened on a laptop.
Movies without drama: Easily use Linux USB drives with Plex
Streaming Platforms

Don't judge me by my box sets.

A Linux laptop with the terminal open, several penguins looking at the screen, and a performance graph in the background.
How to find resource-hogging processes using the Linux command line
Linux & macOS Terminal

Tame those greedy processes.

Toolbar on the Kubuntu Focus Ir14 with the mouse hovering over the Konsole Terminal.
5 reasons to start using the Linux command line
Linux

Gain new superpowers!

4
A laptop on a wooden table with the BSD logo on the screen and a blurred devil in the foreground looking to the laptop.
BSD: What is it, and how is it different from Linux?
Linux

Learn the ABCs of BSD.

KDE Konsole Terminal open on the Kubuntu Focus Ir14.
How to pipe and redirect like a pro in the Linux command line
Linux

Many hands make light work.

KDE Konsole Terminal open on the Kubuntu Focus Ir14.
How to Mount and Unmount Storage Devices from the Linux Terminal
Linux & macOS Terminal

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about file systems and the Linux terminal.

2
Notepad++ logo
How to Install Notepad++ on Linux (and 6 Alternatives to Try)
Notepad++

Yes, you can run the real Notepad++ on Linux.

11
A linux terminal with a GPU and the Linux mascot beside it.
How to Check Which GPU Is Installed on Linux
Linux & macOS Terminal

If you're troubleshooting a Linux computer and need to identify the graphics card, you've come to the right place!

Ping running in a Linux terminal.
How to See All Devices on Your Network With nmap on Linux
Linux & macOS Terminal

It isn't as intuitive as a user interface, but it is more powerful.

2
A Linux terminal open in Ubuntu with the vim editor editing the .bashrc file.
How to Exit the Vi or Vim Editor
Linux & macOS Terminal

We'll show you how to make a graceful exit, rather than just unplugging your PC.

7
A keyboard on a Linux PC showing some of the special characters.
15 Special Characters You Need to Know for Bash
Linux & macOS Terminal

That sequence of strange symbols on the Bash command line must mean something, right? We're breaking down special characters and how to use them.

1
The Linux terminal open on a laptop screen running Ubuntu 20.04.
How to List Linux Services With systemctl
Linux & macOS Terminal

Get the inside scoop on services and daemons.

A Linux Terminal
How to Use the chmod Command on Linux
Linux & macOS Terminal

Learn how Linux file permissions work and how to use the chmod command.

A laptop with Ubuntu with Windows running inside it.
What Are Virtual Machines, and How Do They Work?
Linux

Virtually the same as hardware.

1
Illustration of a laptop running Arch Linux with the Arch Linux logo beside it.
What Is Arch Linux, and How Is It Different From Other Versions of Linux?
Linux & macOS Terminal

If you're thinking of using Arch, btw.

20
A Linux laptop with the RClone logo encircling the image
What Is rclone on Linux and What Can You Do With It?
Linux & macOS Terminal

It's not pie in the sky.

4
Notion showing a note containing meeting notes.
Why I Ditched Multiple Note-Taking Subscriptions for Notion
Web

I've found my new home.

8
A linux terminal open on a laptop running Ubuntu
Remember These 5 apt Clean Up Utilities for Your Next Spring Cleaning
Linux & macOS Terminal

Get right into the corners.

1
Linux mascot with several half-open doors around it and a closed door in the center labeled '2025'.
2025 Won't Be the Year of the Linux Desktop Either. So What?
Linux & macOS Terminal

You're measuring it wrong.

34
Linux mascot on a desk next to a laptop.
These 12 systemctl Commands Will Let You Take Control of Linux systemd Services
Linux & macOS Terminal

At your service.

2
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