Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Run a full local audit with sudo lynis audit system. Lynis examines the VPS operating system, services, permissions, logging, authentication and other host controls, then records warnings, suggestions and discovered data for review. Run it with sudo or as root for the broadest coverage; the unprivileged --pentest mode is useful when you cannot obtain elevated access but skips root-only tests.
Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with full root access, unlimited traffic on a 1 Gbps port and a 14-day free trial.
An audit is a decision aid, not an automatic hardening button. Check each finding against the VPS’s role, make one controlled change at a time, retain the report, and rerun the audit to verify the result.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat Lynis audits on a Linux VPS
Lynis is a local UNIX-like-system auditing and hardening tool. It inspects configuration and software on the machine where it runs and writes its findings to a log and report. Typical checks cover the areas an administrator must secure on a VPS:
- Operating-system and kernel status, including whether the host is supported and patched.
- SSH authentication, root-login policy and other access controls.
- Listening ports, exposed services and firewall configuration.
- File and directory permissions, boot-loader settings and service accounts.
- Logging, auditing, time synchronization and software-package state.
The result is not a vulnerability scan of every application or a guarantee of compliance. It is a host-hardening assessment that helps you find configuration weaknesses and decide which ones are appropriate to fix.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
Prerequisites and installation
You need shell access to the VPS, a supported Linux distribution, permission to install packages, and a way to preserve the output. Schedule a maintenance window if you expect to change SSH, firewall or service settings after the audit. Before changing anything, make sure you have a tested console or out-of-band recovery path in case a network change cuts off SSH.
Install from a Debian or Ubuntu package
On Debian- and Ubuntu-family systems, update package metadata, install Lynis, confirm the installed version, and then run the audit:
sudo apt updatesudo apt install lynislynis show version- Run the full audit command shown in the introduction.
The Kali tool page accessed on 2026-10-15 displayed package version 3.1.6. Your distribution may ship a different version, and distribution packages can lag behind current releases. Always check the version rather than assuming that the repository contains the newest tests.
When the distribution package is stale or unavailable
The Lynis project documents RPM and DEB packages, a tarball, and a Git checkout. A Git checkout runs directly from its directory; compilation and a system-wide installation are not required. After extracting or cloning the project, run ./lynis audit system from that directory.
If you execute a Git checkout as root, set ownership to root so Lynis does not warn about files owned by an unprivileged account:
sudo chown -R 0:0 /path/to/lynisUse the project’s current installation instructions when selecting a repository, tarball or release. Keep the installation source and version documented with the audit record so a later comparison is meaningful.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Run the full audit
Privileged audit (recommended)
Run the standard local audit with sudo. Root is not strictly required, but elevated access lets Lynis inspect more files, services and kernel-related settings:
sudo lynis audit systemThe program is interactive by default and prints progress and findings in the terminal. Read the final warnings and suggestions before closing the session. Do not assume that a clean-looking terminal means the host is secure; the persistent log and report contain the details you need to investigate.
Non-privileged penetration-testing view
When you cannot obtain sudo access, use:
lynis audit system --pentestThis mode is designed for a non-privileged view and skips tests that require root. Treat its output as partial coverage, not an equivalent replacement for the privileged audit. If you later gain administrative access, rerun the normal audit and use that report as the baseline.
Useful command options
| Purpose | Command or option | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Unattended output | sudo lynis audit system --cronjob --no-colors |
Cron, a system timer or another job that cannot answer interactive prompts. |
| Short non-interactive run | --quick or -Q |
A faster review when you need a concise run; do not treat it as a substitute for your normal complete baseline without documenting the difference. |
| Limit tests by group | --tests-from-group <group> |
Focused work on one area after checking valid group names with lynis show groups. |
| Run selected test IDs | --tests <test-id> |
Rechecking a known control after a change. |
| Emit only warnings | --warnings-only |
Monitoring jobs that should alert on warnings rather than print the entire run. |
| Write to a controlled report path | --report-file <file> |
Centralized collection, restricted directories or explicit retention policies. |
| Scan another host | audit system remote <host> |
Remote auditing where the access method and trust relationship are already configured; a local scan remains the normal VPS workflow. |
Check the command reference for the exact syntax supported by your installed version. Record options in the job definition because a report produced with a restricted test set is not directly comparable with a full baseline.
Find the log and report
The Ubuntu Lynis manpage documents /var/log/lynis.log as the default log. It also describes a report file for findings and discovered data; common Linux packaging uses /var/log/lynis-report.dat. Paths can differ with packaging or explicit options, so check the terminal output and your configuration when a file is not present.
Use --report-file <file> when you need a predictable destination. Restrict permissions on both files: reports can reveal hostnames, installed software, service settings, paths and other configuration details that should not be public.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Review the raw output
sudo less /var/log/lynis.log
sudo less /var/log/lynis-report.dat
grep -E '^(warning|suggestion)' /var/log/lynis-report.datThe report keys are not guaranteed to be identical across Lynis versions. Inspect a sample from your installed release before building a parser or alert rule around a particular key name. Preserve the original report even if you also convert selected fields into a dashboard.
Interpret warnings and suggestions without breaking the VPS
Start with impact and exposure
Begin with warnings and suggestions that affect an exposed service, authentication boundary or privileged component. A finding about SSH on an internet-facing administration host deserves a different priority from a recommendation for a feature that the VPS does not use. Read the test ID and the surrounding explanation, identify the affected component, and verify the current state yourself.
Do not apply every suggestion mechanically. Lynis cannot know whether your machine is a web server, mail server, database, container host or single-purpose application VPS. Disabling an unused service may be sensible; changing a setting required by an application can create an outage or lock you out.
Use a change record for every accepted item
For each warning or suggestion that you plan to address, record:
- The Lynis test ID and the date of the audit.
- The component, file or service affected.
- The current value and the proposed value.
- The business or operational reason for the change.
- The person responsible and the maintenance window.
- A backup or rollback procedure, including how to restore access if SSH or firewall rules are involved.
- Whether the item is accepted, deferred, not applicable or a false positive.
Validate the proposed change against the operating system documentation and the application’s requirements. For authentication and network changes, keep an existing session open while testing a second session, and confirm that your recovery console works before ending the maintenance window.
Rerun and compare
After a change, rerun the same audit with the same privilege level and relevant options. Compare the new report with the baseline rather than relying only on a displayed hardening index. The Lynis manpage documents report comparison as a way to identify differences between audits. A finding disappearing confirms that the observed state changed; it does not by itself prove that the new setting is appropriate or that another control was not weakened.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
VPS-focused review checklist
Use the following sequence while examining the report and the host:
- Patch and support status: confirm that the distribution, kernel and installed packages are supported and fully updated. Plan reboots where a kernel update requires one.
- SSH: review key-based authentication, password policy, root-login policy, allowed users, administrative groups and any unusual listening address. Test a second administrative session before tightening access.
- Exposed services: list listening sockets and map each one to a required service. Remove or disable software that is not needed, then verify that firewall rules expose only intended ports.
- Firewall: check both the active host firewall and any provider or network-level controls. Make sure the rule set permits your management path and required application traffic while denying unnecessary exposure.
- Permissions: inspect sensitive files and directories, service-owned data and writable locations. Check that application accounts cannot modify system files or secrets outside their intended scope.
- Boot and privilege controls: review boot-loader protection, privileged binaries, service account privileges and scheduled tasks. Changes here can affect recovery and automated deployments, so test them on a replica when possible.
- Logging and auditing: verify that authentication, privilege and service events are recorded, retained for a useful period and forwarded or alerted on outside the VPS if the host is lost.
- Time: confirm reliable time synchronization. Inconsistent timestamps make incident investigation and report comparison harder.
- Backups: verify that backups are recent, encrypted where appropriate, isolated from the VPS and restorable. Lynis findings do not replace a restore test.
- Application context: document accepted findings that are required by the workload. A documented exception is safer than silently ignoring a recurring warning.
Schedule recurring audits safely
A single VPS benefits from a periodic audit after patch cycles and configuration changes. For unattended execution, use cron-safe output so control characters and interactive prompts do not pollute the job:
sudo lynis audit system --cronjob --no-colorsRun the job with an account that can read the necessary configuration and write the log or report destination. Store dated reports with restricted permissions and define a retention period. Alert on newly introduced warnings or material changes rather than treating every recurring suggestion as an incident.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Use --warnings-only for a lightweight monitoring job, but retain a complete periodic report for investigation and trend analysis. If you use --quick, a test group or explicit test IDs, label those reports clearly so they are not mistaken for full audits.
Design a repeatable baseline
Record the Lynis version, operating-system release, hostname or asset identifier, privilege level, command-line options and audit date with every report. Keep a change log that links remediation work to the relevant test ID. This context prevents a package upgrade, hostname change or reduced test set from being misread as a security regression.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Using Lynis across several VPSs
For a fleet, centralize host identity, report retention and alert thresholds. Standardize the command and privilege model, but allow documented exceptions for different roles. A web server, mail server and container host will not have the same acceptable service or permission profile.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
The Lynis project also documents an enterprise reporting tier with a web interface, dashboard and reporting, hardening snippets, risk-based improvement plans and commercial support. Treat licensing, deployment requirements and partner terms as current commercial details to verify directly with the project before committing. Central reporting can improve evidence collection, but it does not turn a hardening index into a complete risk metric.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What Lynis cannot replace
Lynis is not a vulnerability scanner for every application layer. It does not replace timely patch management, secure application configuration, network segmentation and controls, backups, centralized monitoring, incident response or an independent compliance assessment. The published command references and project documentation do not establish a universal accuracy percentage, guaranteed compliance result or score threshold. Do not invent one or use an arbitrary score as your security acceptance criterion.
Use the audit to find host-level work, then combine it with application testing, dependency review, external exposure checks and recovery exercises appropriate to the VPS’s role. Keep accepted findings visible so a later administrator understands why a recommendation remains open.
Troubleshooting common problems
“lynis: command not found”
Confirm that the package installation completed and that the executable is on the current user’s PATH. If you are using a Git checkout, change to its directory and run ./lynis rather than the system command. Check the version before running a scheduled job so it does not silently invoke a different installation.
The audit has very few results
Check whether it was run without sudo or with --pentest, a restricted test group, explicit test IDs or --quick. Those modes intentionally reduce coverage. Rerun the normal privileged command for a complete baseline.
The expected report file is missing
Review the terminal output, inspect the configured log location and check whether a package or wrapper selected a different path. Use --report-file to choose a known writable destination, then verify ownership and permissions. A read-only filesystem, an unwritable directory or an interrupted run can prevent report creation.
A recommendation conflicts with the application
Identify the service and dependency that require the current setting, test an alternative in a staging environment, and document the accepted exception if the change is not safe. Do not disable a required service merely to remove a suggestion.
A scheduled job produces unusable output
Use --cronjob --no-colors, supply absolute paths where your scheduler needs them, capture the exit status and write to a protected report directory. Keep a complete periodic run in addition to any warning-only alert job.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
