Welcome to the April 2022 edition of the latest web development technologies. This month on hot new web dev features a security vulnerability with 7-Zip software. We will get a low down on what to expect from the latest version of Ubuntu. As usual, we have our recommended web design and development resources for April. Dare I say Twitter!
Table of contents
Security Flaw in 7-Zip Software
I am a big fan of Open Source Software. Collaboration to create wonderful software that we, as consumers, take for granted. There have been reports of a 0-day vulnerability in the latest version of 7-Zip. Currently, there is no patch to fix the software on Windows Operating Systems.
The flaw executes when you drag a file with the .7z extension into the help section in the app. This gives you elevated privileges, which allows you to execute other commands. If you restrict access to child accounts, they may use this exploit to bypass. Until a patch becomes available you can either delete the 7zip.chm file. If you are more advanced you can change the permissions to only read and run for all users.
Web Design Resources
Whilst on the theme of security it is beneficial to prevent unauthorised access to your accounts. The strongest way of course is having a strong password, particular one that you haven’t used before. Another notable method to secure your system is to perform regular updates. This includes the machine you work on and any software installed on it. Don’t forget home servers, routers or IoT technology, for example, wireless doorbells. To protect your web-based software, for example, self-hosted WordPress installations and its plugins. Keep them updated. Unless you are never connected to the internet you are never safe.
Coding Resources
One thing that isn’t clear sometimes is the difference between a software engineer and a software developer. These terms are often used interchangeably. This article from Noupe has you covered if you want to get into either.
GitHub is amazing, even after Microsoft purchased it. There are so many resources on there that can take a while to find what you are looking for. Here are 50 such resources that every developer should follow. There will be something for everyone.
If you write code there will be times when you get stuck or you come across a bug. This can cost both time and money. There are many ways to overcome these times, particularly if you are stuck in a cycle of trying to fix things. One such way is to take a break and go back to it. It allows you to clear your mind and approach the subject from a different angle.
Linux
As a Linux enthusiast, I do like to try distros and update my readers on the latest releases. I am currently running Garuda on an old Lenovo Yoga.
Ubuntu was one of the first distros I ever tried back in 2007. This holds a place in my heart. This month saw the release of Ubuntu 22.04. Codenamed “Jammy Jellyfish”. This Long Term Support (LTS) version comes with the new features from Gnome 41 & 42.
10 new colours have become integrated into both the dark and light versions of the Yaru theme. There are new settings in the dock which allow you to make changes. Integration between the file manager and the dock has also many improvements.
The biggest change of all is that Firefox is only available as a Snap app. The positive side to this is that you will get the latest official release sooner, from Mozilla.
Other notable security updates are disabling SSH-RSA in OpenSSL by default. The firewall has a new backend.
The Best of the Rest in April 2022
- 20+ Console Methods That Will Revolutionize Debugging For You
- Exciting New Tools for Designers, April 2022
- 5 Handy Tips For Website Localization
- Great Free CSS Course by Google
- Flexbox or CSS Grid? How to Make Layout Decisions that Make Sense