Non-Geeky Girl Converts To Linux

I just ran across this post from the Linux Forums and I had to post a link here. Absolutely some of the best advice I have ever read on how to convert a Windows user to Linux easily. Read her short story in the Linux Forums and I'm sure you will enjoy it too. I realize this was posted in July 2009 but I just found it and it really does show how far the Linux desktop is moving into new demographics.

JBuds J2 Premium Hi-Fi Earbuds From JVC

Hey this is an incredible price on some pretty good earbuds. Get them here at Amazon for $60 off or a bit more depending on the shipping method chosen.

Listen to your tunes or podcasts in Hi-Fi noise canceling style on your Linux machine or portable device (even works in Windows).   :)

Using The Command Line To Solve Problems

I ran across this neat set of commands that when run as root will show the output of /var/log/messages in real time. This could be very helpful for an issue that pops up only under certain conditions. Yes the same errors will be in the logs, but now you don't have to dig it out. Here is the command and it must be run as root:

tail -f /var/log/messages &

Try this in a terminal window and leave it open while you do what ever and come back to it to see what is in there. I certainly don't ever claim to know the command line well but I'm not afraid to learn. I want to thank BillWho in the Craigslist Linux forum for sharing this command.

Ubuntu 9.10 Computer Janitor

I have been running Karmic Koala since it was beta 3. I was really interested in the Computer Janitor application located in the System|Administration menu. Since I have not yet developed a full knowledge of the Linux file system and how everything works, tools like this can be very helpful. I have questions such as, just what files can I get rid of and when is it safe to do so? But when I run the tool this is what I get.

I have been running Karmic since October and I did re-install once in December after I ruined my video trying to improve the drivers. So now I ask the question will Computer Janitor ever show items I can delete? I posted the same question in a Craigslist Linux forum and really didn't get the answers I wanted. I was however told of another program Bleach, that is in the Karmic Koala repositories and is more robust. I have installed Bleach and I used it once. There are several options that have deletable items and the program sports a preview option. I will have to try out more options and report the results later.

Does anyone else have any experience with  Computer Janitor, Bleach or other programs that do the same things? I would like to hear about them in the comments.