Ubuntu uses a graphical interface called Gnome (sometimes you may hear it referred to as a desktop environment), which allows you to easily define keyboard shortcuts for some common commands by going to System > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts. Sometimes, though, you may want to define keyboard shortcuts for custom commands that aren’t available through… Continue reading Making a custom keyboard shortcut in Ubuntu
Tag: Linux
Using the Windows key as a modifier key in Ubuntu
In my experience, by default Ubuntu seems to make the Windows key on keyboards a single key for the purposes of keyboard shortcuts. In other words, if you want to set a keyboard shortcut for an action to be Windows+D (for example, to have the desktop shown and all windows minimized when you hold down… Continue reading Using the Windows key as a modifier key in Ubuntu
Should I trade my Eee PC 701 for a Dell Inspiron 901
I saw Leaked: Dell Inspiron 910 (Mini Note) Specs and Release Date today and I’m intrigued, but I’m not excited yet. I tend to be pretty cautious about computer purchases. I’ve heard rumors that the base model is supposed to be US$299, but I’m not sure what specs that’ll be. By the time you jack… Continue reading Should I trade my Eee PC 701 for a Dell Inspiron 901
Freedom for the short-term or the long-term?
As a Ubuntu Forums veteran, I’ve seen many disgruntled potential migrants return to Windows from Ubuntu because they wanted things to “just work.” They would say things like “I don’t really care about software freedom. I just want to be able to play video files and do what I need to do. The computer is… Continue reading Freedom for the short-term or the long-term?
Do comparisons have to be fair?
If you’ve spent any time on a Linux forum, you know people there love to debate about Linux v. Windows v. Mac OS X. Throw in the term user-friendly or easier, and you’ll likely fan the flames so they can be put out only by a discussion thread closure. One type of objection Linux defenders… Continue reading Do comparisons have to be fair?
Recovering deleted files with a Ubuntu CD
Continued from Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD II: getting your files Introduction Usually when you delete a file from your computer, the file is still there—its space, however, is marked as available for use. Even if you reformat your hard drive and reinstall Windows (I had a friend who did this by accident,… Continue reading Recovering deleted files with a Ubuntu CD
Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD II: getting your files
Continued from Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD I: the backstory Booting up the live CD Once you have your Ubuntu CD (or DVD), place it in your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and boot your computer (yes, even if Windows won’t boot—Ubuntu’s functionality doesn’t depend on Windows, so don’t worry). If the CD doesn’t… Continue reading Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD II: getting your files
Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD I: the backstory
The problem What if your Windows installation is suddenly unbootable, you accidentally delete all your files, or the Geek Squad “accidentally” formats your hard drive without asking your permission or backing up your files first? Well, people who have learned from these kinds of experiences will tell you to learn to back up everything. Invest… Continue reading Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD I: the backstory
The effectiveness of “security through obscurity”
I don’t believe that security through obscurity is ideal or ultimately effective. I don’t believe it’s a generally good security approach. Nevertheless, it is not often the same as no security at all. Security through obscurity can have its place. A few years ago, when it was brought to light that the newest (at the… Continue reading The effectiveness of “security through obscurity”
The Linux community’s mixed messages
I’m a long-term (three-year) forum member at the Ubuntu Forums. I’m also a moderator there. I realize that in any online community, even one built around a common interest, there will be a diversity of members and a diversity of opinions. Nevertheless, there is a problem with mixed messages in the Linux community. I’ve seen… Continue reading The Linux community’s mixed messages