Tag: Ubuntu

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

Ubuntu: The Open Source Apple Challenger?

Mark Shuttleworth’s vision I know I’m not the only Ubuntu user blogging about Mark Shuttleworth saying he wants to make Ubuntu better-looking than OS X in the next two years. He also says I can’t say we will succeed at this, but we will make a significant attempt to elevate the Linux desktop to the… Continue reading Ubuntu: The Open Source Apple Challenger?

Sometimes Linux users crack me up

Hey, I’m a Linux user and have been for over three years. I love the community. They’re helpful and giving. They’re often idealistic. Sometimes, though, they’re a little bit crazy. Recently, Best Buy has started stocking boxed versions of Ubuntu in many of their stores. When news of this hit the Ubuntu Forums, there were… Continue reading Sometimes Linux users crack me up

Does Ubuntu need antivirus?

This is a very common question that comes up on the Ubuntu Forums from new users migrating from Windows. The answer, of course, is “No, Ubuntu doesn’t need antivirus.” Linux (and sometimes Mac) users often get accused of being smug or complacent for saying they don’t need antivirus, so I think I have to clarify… Continue reading Does Ubuntu need antivirus?