Inside the Action: Highlights from UPLUG's Exciting Second Meetup!

Last Wednesday, 20th November 2024, the Linux User Group (UPLUG) hosted an electrifying second meetup, packed with hands-on learning and expert-led sessions that left attendees inspired and eager for more!

The evening began with Ram Pravin Sivaraman, a seasoned Network Administrator, introducing attendees to the fascinating world of virtualization. Using popular hypervisors like VMware Player and VirtualBox, Ram guided participants step-by-step through the installation of Ubuntu Linux and Kali Linux. For those unfamiliar, hypervisors are tools that allow you to run virtual machines—essentially creating a computer within your computer. 

This approach is perfect for experimenting with operating systems without affecting your main setup, and Ram made sure everyone could follow along, no matter their level of experience.

Next, we dove into the power of Linux terminals with Simal Mustafa, a Bug Bounty Hunter for Google a Cybersecurity student at the University of Portsmouth. Simal began by introducing participants to the terminal, often called the “heart” of Linux, where users interact with the system through commands instead of a graphical interface. He explained key commands for navigation, file management, and process control before ramping up to advanced techniques.

Things got even more exciting as attendees explored Kali Linux, a Linux distribution built for ethical hacking and cybersecurity testing. Simal led participants through practical pen-testing exercises, showcasing techniques used to identify vulnerabilities in systems. He also introduced privilege escalation, a process used to gain higher levels of access within a system, which is crucial for understanding how attackers exploit weaknesses. The hands-on approach made complex concepts tangible and engaging, leaving everyone eager to learn more.

The session wrapped up with lively discussions and idea-sharing, as attendees reflected on what they’d learned and how to apply these skills in their own projects. The energy, curiosity, and collaborative spirit in the room were truly inspiring.

If you’ve ever been curious about Linux, Cyber security, or the limitless potential of open-source technology, UPLUG is the perfect place to start. With practical sessions led by industry experts, our meetings are designed to educate, excite, and inspire. Don’t miss out—join us at our next meetup on Wednesdays or Thursdays at the University of Portsmouth A2.NET Lab- Angelsea and 6pm. and take the next step on your open-source journey!